Fall is officially here, and no matter the season, it’s always sunny in San Diego, which means there are enough fall-themed activities to celebrate one of the best seasons of the year.

Here’s a list of places to visit and things to do throughout San Diego County this fall. 

Apple picking in Julian

Julian Farm and Orchard in Julian, CA, is open on Saturday and Sunday from September 18 to October 31. Visitors will enjoy the apple orchard, hayrides, cider press, farm animals, ax throwing, shopping, and pumpkin picking. For more information, including admission prices and hours, please visit their website here.

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch

On the weekends, Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center will have live entertainment, BBQ, Kettle corn, food trucks, rock climbing, hayrides, and more, all running from September 18 to October 31. For admission and more information, please visit their website. 

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebrations

Oceanside Dia de Los Muertos Festival
The 20th Annual Oceanside Dia de Los Muertos Festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 10 am to 5 pm in Downtown Oceanside. For more information on activities and parking, please visit their website. 

City Heights Dia de los Muertos

Celebrate the lives of friends and relatives who have passed away the City Heights Dia de Los Muertos. People of all cultures will come together for community altars, face painting, mask making, and prizes for the best Catrina and Catrin contest, plus dancing, singing, and music. For more information on this event, please head to this event page. 

Carrera de los Muertos San Diego 5k or 10k Run

Looking for a fun run? Look no further. Los Muertos San Diego is a festive and fun 5k run/walk celebrating the Day of the Dead on November 7, 2021. Enjoy a scenic run or walk along the San Diego Bay to celebrate in the park with mariachi, dancers, and comida deliciosa! Join family and friends to remember loved ones who have passed in this rich cultural tradition. You will experience a great sense of community through a bit of exercise, music, dance, face painting, and a lot of fun. Please visit the event page here to purchase tickets and get more information. 

Fall at Balboa Park

Balboa Park will feature a variety of fall activities that are perfect for the family.

• You can Take A Hike with volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Canyoneers. The Canyoneers offer a guided hike in Balboa Park and around the area.
• Trail of Fears/The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park will have two haunted theme activities to keep you on your toes. One is a mile-long outdoor trail through twisted pines and the other a 3,500 square foot maze. Both will keep you on your toes.

Hike to See Fall Colors

Looking to see fall colors around San Diego County? Here’s a list of some great hiking trails to see nature switch to over to fall:

Thunder Ridge and Chimney Flat Loop

19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA

Sunset Trail

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area 10678 Sunrise Hwy Descanso, CA

Volcan Mountain

1209 Farmer Road (at Wynola Road) Julian, CA

Lake Cuyamaca

15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA

Observatory Trail

Cleveland National Forest

35899 Canfield Road, Warner Springs, CA

For more information on the trails above, please visit this website.

Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch

Ready to pick out a pumpkin? Let’s go! Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch in Ramona is open from September 25 to October 31 from 9 am – 6 pm. The pumpkin patch features a giant corn maze, farm animals, and the ability to launch corn out of a cannon. Yes, please! For all the details, go to their website here.

Oktoberfest in San Diego (21 years and over)

Oktoberfest is a folk festival hosted initially in Munich, Germany. To view location and ticket information, visit their website here.

PB Pumpkin Patch

The PB Pumpkin Patch offers a large variety of pumpkins to choose from and has a free pumpkin carving and painting area. Also, enjoy some free hot apple cider and shaved ice for the little ones. The PB Pumpkin Patch is open from October 1 to October 31 Monday – Friday 10 am to 10 pm, and then Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 10 pm. For more information, please visit their website here.

If you do try some of these fall activities, let me know how it went by sharing your photos with me on socials @MikeStarkCA on Twitter and Instagram 
Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA