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Experiencing Fall In San Diego: Fun Activities To Do With Your Family

a person sitting at a fruit stand

San Diego is one of the most popular cities for vacations in the United States for its pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and famous attractions. Late fall and mid-spring are some of the best times to visit. Fall in San Diego can offer so much if you’re into outdoor activities focusing on harvests, pumpkins, and family togetherness.

Apple Picking in Julian

Julian is a day trip from San Diego, and you’ll find lots more than apple-picking. There are several orchards where you can pick apples and tour an orchard. It’s recommended to plan to get there in the morning so the ripe apples don’t run out. In San Diego, temperatures in the afternoon can get warm in the fall. Dress in layers to be more comfortable. You’ll get a lesson on picking apples at the orchard, or you can buy a bag they’ve already picked.

Pumpkin Patches at Bates Farm

Regardless of where you live, fun fall activities include hay rides, straw mazes, and petting zoos, all of which you can find at Bates Farm. On the weekends, you’ll also be able to ride a mechanical bull or go rock climbing and enjoy the bounce and slides set up for the fall season. Bring your appetite because they’ve got loads of good fall foods, funnel cakes, caramel apples, turkey legs, and Mexican food. They’re open all week with unique Friday entertainment. 

a group of people in a field 

Humpback Whale Watching

There’s no reason to search for fall activities near me when you’re in San Diego. The whale watching season might be in winter when the whales migrate from the northern waters to the warmer waters around San Diego, but you’ll see plenty of whales in the fall. The minke whales and dolphins are usually around as well. Most tours also spot sea lions, but getting out on the ocean is the real thrill. If you’re fortunate, you may even see a submarine.

Pacific Beachfest

Pacific Beachfest is considered the best of San Diego’s fall festivals. Kick the day off with a 5K run. Shop locally while kids play in the Action Alley. Enjoy a volleyball tournament on the beach or eat your way through the festival at a taco contest. You’ll find three music stages with live music throughout the festival. It might be fall, but don’t forget to bring your sunscreen. San Diego’s fall days are warm and sunny.

a view of a beach next to a body of water

Incredible Hikes

One of the best things to do in the fall is to enjoy the beautiful colors of nature. San Diego isn’t New England, but the mountains offer an array of fall colors. Fall hikes in San Diego are a great way to spend a day at a state park where you can see the leaves change color. Mount Laguna or Idyllwild is just a short drive from San Diego.

San Diego Has It All

In the fall, you’ll find all types of activities for adults or families, from sports to indoor entertainment. SeaWorld San Diego celebrates Halloween for almost six weeks in September and October. It’s a daytime trick-or-treat festival with all the rides, shows, and attractions. Legoland usually has special events for fall throughout the season. Balboa Park celebrates fall holidays in late October with special activities for Halloween. Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Old Town around November 1 by wearing sugar masks (not Halloween masks) and enjoying regional cuisine. Bring your memento to leave on one of the public altars. Visit San Diego in the fall to experience autumn with new activities you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Book your whale-watching tour now to ensure you get your chosen date.