Fall in San Diego is pure magic. Mild weather, uncrowded beaches, and breathtaking sunsets create the perfect backdrop for seasonal adventures. Whether you’re craving cozy autumn vibes, family-friendly fun, or cultural celebrations, San Diego has something for everyone. From pumpkin patches and apple pie to Oktoberfest steins and spooky trails, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of fall in San Diego.
1. Visit a San Diego Pumpkin Patch:
1. Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
A North County favorite with daytime fun and festive nighttime hours on weekends.
Location: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Date: Sept 1 – Nov 1, 2025
Time: Sunday – Thursday: 9 am-6 pm, Friday and Saturdays: 9 am – 10 pm
Price: $15/person admission (activities extra):
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- Jurassic Fright: $10
- Corn Maze: $10
- Sheep & Goats: $5
- Rabbits: $5
- Tractor Ride: $10
- Haunted Corn Maze (Fridays & Saturdays in October): $25
2. Goff Family Pumpkin Patch (Liberty Station)
Enjoy pumpkins and seasonal cheer by the water! You can also reserve a private event or party through their website. Conveniently located next to the Loma Club putting green at the north entrance, directly across from SparkCycle.
Location: 2830 Perry Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Date: Sept 19 – Oct 31, 2025
Time: Sunday – Thursday: 9am – 8pm. Friday – Saturday: 9am – 9pm.
Price: Free admission
3. Bates Nut Farm
A San Diego tradition with hayrides, farm animals, and autumn charm. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Location: 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082
Date: Sept 18 – Oct 31, 2025
Time: October Weekdays: 9:00am – 5:30pm. October Fridays, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24: 9:00am – 6:30pm. October Weekends: 8:30am – 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission (activities $5, pumpkins ~$15, weekend parking $10)
4. Pumpkin Station (Multiple Locations)
A county-wide favorite with inflatables, rides, and activities for kids.
Location: Mission Valley, Del Mar, National City, and Rancho Bernardo
Price: Free admission, activities $5 each
Date: Sept 26 – Oct 31, 2025
Time: Depends on the location
5. Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch (at a Winery)
Family-owned patch on a winery property with lawn games, kids’ area, and pick-your-own pumpkins.
Location: 10390 Live Oak Park Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Date: Sept 26 – Nov 2, 2025
Time: Wed–Fri: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sun: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Closed Mon & Tue
Free admission, small kids’ activities for a few dollars
Pro Tip:
Best family tradition: Bates Nut Farm
Best night events: Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Most unique setting: Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch at a winery
2. Take a Cozy Day Trip to Julian
Head up to the mountains for a crisp autumn escape. Julian is famous for its apple orchards, fresh-baked pies, and warm cider topped with whipped cream. Add in scenic drives and small-town charm, and you’ve got the ultimate fall getaway.
3. Celebrate Día de Los Muertos
San Diego honors this meaningful Mexican tradition with vibrant festivals, colorful altars, live music, and delicious food.
- Oceanside Día de Los Muertos Festival: A family-friendly event with arts, crafts, a chalk cemetery, and a car show.
Date: Oct. 26, 2025 - Chula Vista Día de Los Muertos: Music, food, and ofrendas in a lively street festival.
Date: Nov. 1, 2025 - Old Town Día de Los Muertos: A beloved tradition featuring a Mercado del Arte and candlelit cemetery procession.
Date: Nov. 1–2, 2025 - SeaWorld Día de Los Muertos: Family-friendly celebrations inside the park.
Date: Nov. 1–2, 2025
4. Raise a Stein at Oktoberfest
Break out the lederhosen and prost to fall with San Diego’s best Oktoberfest celebrations. Enjoy Bavarian food, beer gardens, and live music at these popular events:
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest | Oct. 10–11, 2025
5. Autumn at the Zoo & Safari Park
Cooler temperatures mean more active animals, and October is Kids Free Month (ages 11 & under get free admission with a paying adult). The Safari Park hosts its Autumn Festival every weekend in October, with cultural entertainment, seasonal treats, and family fun.
Location: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Dates: Oct. 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
6. SeaWorld Spooktacular
Get into the Halloween spirit with SeaWorld’s spooktacular month-long celebration. Enjoy candy trails, pumpkin scavenger hunts, and seasonal brews, all while meeting marine life.
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Date: Oct. 2 – Nov. 2, 2025
Price: Price varies| Kids free with paying adult in October
7. HallGLOWeen at the Zoo
Weekends at the Zoo glow a little brighter in October. Dance at the bubble party, see acrobats, and enjoy live DJ sets at this family-friendly nighttime Halloween party.
Location: San Diego Zoo
Date: Fridays–Sundays in Oct. 2025 | Starts at 5 p.m.
8. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
One of America’s scariest haunted attractions, this trail features a mile of twisted woods and a creepy maze. A must for thrill seekers!
Location: Balboa Dr. & Juniper Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: Sept. 26 – Nov. 1, 2025
9. San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Voted Best Wine Festival in the Country. San Diego’s premier culinary event brings together renowned chefs, esteemed winemakers, and passionate food lovers from around the world. Expect tastings, cooking classes, and waterfront celebrations along the Embarcadero.
Location: Embarcadero Marina, Downtown San Diego
Date: Nov. 7-9, 2025
Ready to Call San Diego Home?
San Diego in the fall is bursting with activities that blend coastal charm, cultural traditions, and family fun. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, raising a glass at Oktoberfest, or honoring ancestors at Día de Los Muertos, there’s no shortage of ways to make autumn memorable.
Here at Canter Real Estate Group, we’re here to help you find the perfect home to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer. Contact us today to start your journey!
Event dates and details are subject to change. Please confirm with official event websites before attending.
