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The Perfect Fall Bucketlist - San Diego
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items Fall in San Diego means festivals, fairs and tons of cultural entertainment. From spooky haunts to family fun, this list has something for everyone.
Sections
4
Places to Go
Food & Drinks
Pumpkin Patches
Spooky Fun
Places to Go
San Diego has so many things to do in the fall, here are a few of my favorites!
OB Oktoberfest is ALWAYS a good time! Free on October 10th-11th!
OB Oktoberfest
Legoland is always fun, but this season brings limited time themed attractions, costume parties and Halloween decor!
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND
Pick some apples at one of the local orchards. The season is short and always packed so make sure to check the website before heading out!
Orchards and Agriculture
Head to the Zoo on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October! Activities start at 5 p.m.
Halgloween
Just an hour from San Diego you can enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. Julian has it all, from farms, orchards, bakeries, cafes, hiking trails, parks to old-fashioned buildings.
Visit Julian California
La Mesa Oktoberfest is another FUN event. Free for all ages. October 3rd-5th
Entertainment La Mesa Oktoberfest
Day of the Dead in San Diego celebrates the history, culture, and heritage of the San Diego region which has a legacy and predominance of Mexican, Spanish, and Native American.
Dia de los Muertos - Gaslamp
75 musical acts on seven stages and is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2025. The largest free two-day music festival is in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood.
Adams Avenue Street Fair
Food & Drinks
From food tours to bakeries in the mountains, fall is one of the best seasons for foodies in San Diego!
I LOVE doing these self guided foodie walking tours. You get to try so many different food and drinks from local restaurants!
Taste of Gaslamp
This speakeasy in Old Town is located right next to a historic cemetery, making it perfect for a spooky night out.
Oculto 477
The most delicious bakery in Julian!
Dudley's Bakery - Julian
This September, enjoy an 8-day edible extravaganza from Sunday, September 14th through Sunday, September 21st, featuring 100+ restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offering variations of multi-course menus starting at just $30.
San Diego Restaurant Week
San Diego Beer Week is taking place November 7-16 with events being held throughout San Diego County at participating breweries, bars, restaurants and more!
SD BEER WEEK
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival Grand Weekend returns November 7-9, 2025 for an iconic coastal celebration of wine, food and culture!
San Diego Food + Wine Festival
This shop has a few different locations but their seasonal pies are the best! Definitely stop by and grab a pumpkin pie
Pop Pie Co
I love this spot!! Their seasonal fall ciders are the best as well as their core ciders. Definitely recommend bringing some food and a few friends to bring along while checking this place out.
Home - Newtopia
This plant based cookie show has seasonal fall flavored cookies. Their pumpkin chocolate chip is sooo good!
Maya's Cookies
Last year their seasonal flavors included: Calico, a pumpkin cheesecake gelato and Spooky Brocade, a chocolate gelato mixed with pieces of pumpkin blondie!
An's Dry Cleaning in San Diego, CA | Rotating Gelato & Sorbet Menu
Pumpkin Patches
Pumpkin patches are so fun, these locations are perfect for a date or a family outing.
Tons of kids activities including a petting zoo, corn maze and a hayride!
Mountain Valley Ranch - Ramona
Super family friendly with tons of activities! Get your tickets in advance online
Oma's Family Farm
Pumpkins and farm animals make for a fun time at the pumpkin patch!
Bates Nut Farm - Valley Center
Huge selection of pumpkins! This location can get pricey if you want to do extra activities, so be aware.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
A small family owned pumpkin patch located in Liberty Station. Perfect for a quick photo op!
Goffs Family Pumpkin Patch
Another family owned pumpkin patch located in Clairemont. So many family activities!
Mr. Jack-O-Lanterns
Spooky Fun
If you're into getting scared, this list is for you! From paranormal hauntings to mysterious murder and crime scenes, you can explore it all here in San Diego
Howl-O-Scream transforms the once peaceful SeaWorld San Diego into a sinister, spine-chilling playground of terror. As night falls, a carnival of horrifying creatures surrounds you.
Howl-O-Scream - SeaWorld
This trolley tour takes you around the haunted locations in San Diego
Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour
One of Americas most haunted houses! This house is historic to San Diego as it is one of the citys most haunted houses. You can tour it for a scare!
Whaley House
The Haunted Trail is so much fun! September 26th-November 1st!
The Haunted Trail Balboa Park
The tour takes you through San Diegos haunted mysterious past. The gaslamp area was once known for shady dealings like brothels, mysterious murders and tons of crime.
Gaslamp Ghost Tour
This haunted hayride in Julian is perfect for those who want a scare!
Haunted Hayride - Julian