Fall in San Diego might not mean snowdrifts or endless leaf piles, but the season still delivers plenty of magic. From Julian apple pies and rustic pumpkin patches to spooky haunted trails and Oktoberfests, September and October are packed with events and destinations worth exploring. I curated the ultimate San Diego Fall Guide for 2025.

To make planning easy, I created an interactive map that brings together three layers: Pumpkin Patches, Haunted and Spooky Fun, and Fall Activities. Use it to plan family outings, date nights, or full weekend adventures.

👉 Click here to explore the San Diego Fall Adventure Map

San Diego Fall Guide 2025

How to Use the San Diego Fall Guide Map

Open the interactive map on your phone before you head out. Each layer can be toggled on or off so you can focus on what you want to do that day. Every pin includes the address, event notes, and seasonal details.

Pumpkin Patch Season

San Diego’s pumpkin patch scene is full of variety. Some are large destination farms and others are smaller boutique experiences. Favorites include:

• Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center with hayrides, food, and live music.
• Carlsbad Strawberry Company with a corn maze and fields of marigolds.
• Mountain Valley Ranch in Ramona with a rustic farm atmosphere.
• Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station with easy access and photo opportunities.

Haunted and Spooky Nights

When the sun goes down, the season turns from cozy to creepy. Highlights include:

• The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park with a mile long walk through dark woods filled with scares.
• SeaWorld Howl O Scream with haunted houses, scare zones, and rides after dark.
• Whaley House Museum in Old Town with extended tours during October.
• Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House with candlelight tours and haunted history.

Fall Activities and Festivals

If spooky thrills are not your style, fall in San Diego has plenty of other seasonal options:

• Julian Apple Season with orchards, cider tasting, and famous pie shops.
• Cuyamaca Rancho and Palomar Mountain State Parks with golden oaks, crisp air, and scenic hiking.
• Belmont Park Fall Fest with boardwalk rides, food, and family friendly fun.
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn Festival with animals and seasonal treats every October weekend.
• Encinitas, El Cajon, and Carlsbad Oktoberfests with food, beer, and live music.

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