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15 Must-Do Fall Activities In San Diego For 2025: Your Ultimate Guide To Festivals, Pumpkins, And Spooky Fun

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San Diego’s fall season is arguably the best time of year, offering perfect 70-degree weather, fewer crowds, and a calendar packed with unique seasonal events. Forget the overhyped pumpkin spice lattes—this October and November 2025, the city transforms with everything from world-class film festivals to terrifying haunted trails and family-friendly farm fun. This guide brings you the freshest, most up-to-date list of essential activities to make your autumn unforgettable, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the coastal fall magic.

From the urban heart of Balboa Park to the charming mountain towns of East County, San Diego provides a diverse range of seasonal destinations. Whether you’re looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, sample craft beer at a major festival, or take a scenic day trip, we’ve curated the ultimate list of experiences that define a San Diego autumn. Plan your 2025 seasonal adventures now!

The Best San Diego Fall Festivals and Cultural Events (2025 Lineup)

Fall in San Diego is synonymous with vibrant street fairs and high-profile cultural gatherings. These 2025 events are the cornerstone of the season, offering everything from international cinema to traditional German celebrations.

1. La Mesa Oktoberfest: San Diego's Premier Beer Festival

As one of Southern California's largest German-themed events, the La Mesa Oktoberfest is a must-attend. Scheduled for early October 2025, this festival brings a slice of Bavaria to the streets of La Mesa.

  • Highlights: Authentic German beer gardens, live polka music, traditional food vendors serving bratwurst and pretzels, and carnival rides.
  • Vibe: High-energy, family-friendly during the day, and a lively party atmosphere in the evening.

2. San Diego International Film Festival (SDIFF)

Experience a touch of Hollywood glamor at the 23rd annual San Diego International Film Festival. This five-day event in October 2025 showcases a diverse selection of independent films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe.

  • Highlights: Premier screenings, red carpet events, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and gala parties.
  • Vibe: Sophisticated, culturally rich, and a great opportunity for celebrity spotting.

3. La Jolla Art and Wine Festival (LJAWF)

Typically held in mid-October 2025, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival transforms the village into an open-air gallery. It features over 150 juried artists, a gourmet food court, and an impressive wine and craft beer garden.

  • Highlights: Fine art displays, live entertainment, and a dedicated family art center for kids.
  • Vibe: Upscale, artistic, and community-focused, perfect for finding unique gifts or home decor.

4. San Diego Botanic Garden Fall Festival

The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas hosts a spectacular Fall Festival, usually on a Saturday in mid-October 2025. This seasonal celebration is perfect for all ages, focusing on nature and autumn crafts.

  • Highlights: Fall plant sale, papermaking, bubble art, beer & wine garden, and live music.
  • Vibe: Relaxed, educational, and a beautiful way to enjoy the changing season in a lush setting.

5. Old Town San Diego’s Dia de Los Muertos

Dive into a rich cultural tradition by visiting Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for its annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. This event, typically around November 1st and 2nd, honors departed loved ones with colorful altars (ofrendas), traditional music, and processions.

  • Highlights: Viewing intricate public and private ofrendas, sugar skull decorating, and traditional Mexican folk dancing.
  • Vibe: Respectful, vibrant, and deeply cultural.

Spooktacular Halloween and Thrill-Seeking Experiences

San Diego ramps up the fright factor every year with world-class haunted attractions and family-friendly Halloween fun. These are the top spots to get your spooky fix for 2025.

6. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is a terrifying, mile-long outdoor experience open nightly from late September through November 1, 2025. Set deep within the park's dense foliage, this attraction is not for the faint of heart and is considered one of the region's scariest.

  • Highlights: The main trail and the shorter, intense "eXperiment" maze.
  • Entities: Balboa Park, Haunted Trail, The eXperiment, horror movie themes.

7. HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

For a family-friendly, non-scary Halloween event, HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo is the perfect choice. This glowing, weekend event in October features special performances, a spooky trail, and costumed characters.

  • Highlights: Light-up costumes, live music, and themed animal presentations.
  • Entities: San Diego Zoo, HalGLOWeen, Balboa Park, wildlife conservation.

8. LEGOLAND California’s Brick-or-Treat

Head north to Carlsbad for LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat, a Halloween party designed for younger children. This event includes trick-or-treating along the park’s themed trails, costumed character meet-and-greets, and seasonal shows.

  • Highlights: LEGO-themed decorations, fireworks, and the chance to trick-or-treat with your favorite LEGO characters.
  • Entities: LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad, Brick-or-Treat, LEGO.

9. Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Festival

Enjoy a unique, ocean-view autumn celebration at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. The Beachside Fall Festival runs every weekend in September and October, combining iconic amusement park rides with seasonal fun.

  • Highlights: Pumpkin patch, hay maze, trick-or-treating, and the classic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
  • Entities: Belmont Park, Mission Beach, Giant Dipper, Beachside Fall Festival.

Essential San Diego Pumpkin Patches and Day Trips

No San Diego fall is complete without a trip to a local farm or a scenic drive to the mountains for a taste of traditional autumn flavor. These spots offer the classic pumpkin-picking and apple-cider-sipping experiences.

10. Bates Nut Farm

A true San Diego institution, Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is a massive destination for fall fun. The farm's Pumpkin Patch is open throughout October 2025 and features a variety of family-friendly activities.

  • Highlights: Hayrides, a straw maze, petting zoo, pony rides, and the famous Nut Farm store selling gourmet nuts, candies, and gift items.
  • Entities: Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Nut Farm Store.

11. Day Trip to Julian for Apple Picking

To experience the crisp, cool air and traditional fall foliage, take a scenic drive to the historic mountain town of Julian. This area is famous for its apple orchards and, most importantly, its legendary Julian Apple Pie.

  • Highlights: Visiting local apple orchards (like Volcan Mountain Winery or Apple Starr Orchards), sampling fresh-pressed cider, and enjoying a slice of warm pie.
  • Entities: Julian, Julian Apple Pie, apple picking, Volcan Mountain, cider.

12. Oma's Family Farm

Located in Lakeside, Oma's Family Farm offers a charming, authentic farm experience. Their Pumpkin Patch is a favorite for families, featuring a great selection of pumpkins and engaging farm activities.

  • Highlights: Milking demonstrations, a petting corral, hay rides, and a cotton maze.
  • Entities: Oma's Family Farm, Lakeside, Pumpkin Patch, petting corral.

13. Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company transitions from strawberries to pumpkins in the fall, offering a large patch conveniently located near the coast. This spot is known for its fun attractions and photo opportunities.

  • Highlights: Corn maze, tractor rides, and a massive selection of pumpkins and gourds.
  • Entities: Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Carlsbad, corn maze, tractor rides.

Unique Autumn Experiences and Outdoor Adventures

San Diego’s unique geography—from mountains to the coast—allows for fall activities that are impossible in most other places. Take advantage of the mild weather for these outdoor adventures.

14. Fall Foliage Hikes in East County

While San Diego isn't known for blazing fall colors, you can find beautiful seasonal changes in the higher elevations of East County. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures for invigorating hikes.

  • Recommended Trails: The trails around Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Mount Laguna offer stunning views and the best chance to see changing leaves.
  • Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, and a great escape from the city.

15. Sunset Beach Bonfires and S’mores

The fall season brings clearer air and spectacular sunsets, making it the perfect time for a classic San Diego beach bonfire. Head to one of the designated fire pits at Mission Beach or Coronado Beach.

  • Highlights: Roasting marshmallows, watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and enjoying the cooler evening air.
  • Entities: Mission Beach, Coronado Beach, beach bonfire, Pacific Ocean, s'mores.

Whether you're exploring the spooky depths of the Haunted Trail, sipping a craft beer at La Mesa Oktoberfest, or picking apples in Julian, San Diego offers a fall season that's truly one-of-a-kind. Be sure to check the official event websites for the most current 2025 dates and ticket prices before planning your trip.

15 Must-Do Fall Activities in San Diego for 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Festivals, Pumpkins, and Spooky Fun
fall activities san diego
fall activities san diego

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