Los Angeles Fall Activities Guide: Things to Do This Season
While fall in Los Angeles isn’t as noticeable as in other parts of the country, we Angelinos still find ways to celebrate with various Los Angeles fall activities. Autumn in Los Angeles is subtle—sometimes you don’t even realize it’s fall until you see people wearing sweaters and boots on a 70-degree day, clutching iced pumpkin spice lattes.
We may love spring and summer, but there’s something special about fall in Los Angeles. Apple cider donuts, Thanksgiving dinners, and hot chocolate come to mind. Halloween in Los Angeles is also fun, from navigating Universal Horror Night’s mazes to enjoying the festive decor at Disneyland.
One of our fall traditions is apple picking in Oak Glen, followed by a stop at SnowLine Orchards for their mini apple cider donuts. It’s a perfect way to experience the season and one of the best things to do in the fall in Los Angeles.
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So, how do you celebrate autumn in Los Angeles? What’s one of your favorite Los Angeles fall activities?
Take a Day Trip or Weekend Trip to Experience Fall in Los Angeles
If you’re a Los Angeles local or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard the familiar refrain: “Let’s drive to the snow.” That’s what we do in the winter when we crave a taste of real winter weather, and the same goes for autumn.
To truly experience the magic of fall, it’s worth venturing beyond the city limits. Imagine vibrant fall foliage, the crisp air chill, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the cozy comfort of a warm scarf paired with a steaming cup of cocoa. Fortunately, just an hour or two outside of the city, you’ll find destinations that capture the essence of fall and satisfy your seasonal cravings.
Here are a few fall day trips and weekend getaways from Los Angeles to inspire your next autumn adventure.
Oak Glen, CA
For a fun autumn experience, add a day trip to Oak Glen, California, to your itinerary. This charming town embodies the spirit of fall, offering a variety of activities and attractions that will delight any fall enthusiast. From admiring the stunning colors of the changing leaves to indulging in apple picking and savoring homemade pies and jams, Oak Glen has everything your fall-loving heart desires.
- Apple Picking at Los Rios Rancho: Enjoy the quintessential fall activity of apple picking in the orchards of Los Rios Rancho.
- Mom’s Country Orchards: Indulge in the delicious treats from Mom’s Country Orchards, including mouth-watering homemade pies, jams, and the must-try pumpkin pie butter – our favorite spread. It’s perfect for spreading over graham crackers with whipped cream to satisfy an instant pumpkin pie craving.
- Snow-Line Orchard: Treat yourself to freshly made, just-out-of-the-fryer mini cider donuts from Snow-Line Orchard – a must-try for anyone visiting Oak Glen.
- Apple Annie’s: Take home one of Apple Annie’s famous 5-lb high-mile apple pies and savor every bite. It’s the ultimate way to bring a piece of Oak Glen home.
- The Village of Oak Glen (Oak Mountain): Explore 14-acres filled with family-friendly activities, including charming shops, a petting zoo, pony rides, bakeries, and more.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake is another fantastic day trip or overnight stay option. Be sure to visit before the area is blanketed in snow.
Just a two-hour drive from Downtown Los Angeles, the journey treats you to stunning views of mountains, evergreen trees, and winding roads, with plenty of opportunities to stop and capture amazing photos. As you reach Big Bear Lake, the vibrant fall colors will welcome you, making the drive even more worthwhile. The peak of the fall season in Big Bear is in October, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Explore The Village of Big Bear Lake: Enjoy the fall foliage as colorful leaves adorn the town’s charming streets.
- Experience Oktoberfest 2024: Join the lively celebration from September to November, filled with festive activities and traditional German fare.
- Scenic Hike Along Town Trail: Embark on a picturesque hike that offers beautiful views of the fall landscape. Of course, the later in the season you go, the better the colors.
- Stay in a Cozy Cabin: Warm up with your special someone in a charming cabin or vacation rental, available through Airbnb or Vrbo. These rentals feature a cozy fireplace to enhance the autumn experience.
- Picnic by the Lake: Indulge in a picnic by the lake, surrounded by lovely scenery and crisp autumn air.
Read more: Tips for a Day Trip to Big Bear Lake
Tour Ideas:
Private Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch [book here]
Family-Friendly Nature Hike Around the Big Bear Valley [book here]
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead is an ideal fall day trip destination from Los Angeles, just an hour and a half away. This charming mountain town offers the perfect autumn getaway experience. As the temperatures drop, outdoor activities become a true delight, and the stunning foliage transforms, painting the landscape with vibrant fall colors.
Please note that the lake itself is on private property, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area:
- Scenic Boat Tour: Soak up the fall foliage surrounding Lake Arrowhead with a scenic boat tour. Tickets are available at LeRoy’s Boardshop.
- Hiking: Explore the trails, like the Will Abell Memorial Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest, for a refreshing outdoor adventure.
- Lake Arrowhead Village: Experience the charming European-style architecture of Lake Arrowhead Village, which transports you to the Swiss Alps.
- Weekend Getaway: Make your trip even more memorable by booking a cozy cabin or vacation rental through Airbnb or Vrbo. Finding a location with lake access is a plus.
- Oktoberfest 2023: Mark your calendar for the 2024 Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest, which will be held every Saturday and Sunday from mid-September to the end of October. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
- Pumpkins in the Pines: Keep an eye out for the SkyPark at Santa’s Village Pumpkins in the Pines 2024 event in October.
Julian, CA
Nestled in San Diego, the charming town of Julian is approximately three hours from Los Angeles. Once famous for gold mining, Julian is renowned for its delectable apples and pies.
During your visit, savor the town’s signature apple pies at the Julian Pie Company and indulge in other apple-related treats like cider, donuts, and fritters. Julian offers more than just apple-themed activities; the town has plenty of attractions to fill your weekend. Stroll through the historic district, where you’ll find quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. To dive into local history, visit the Julian Pioneer Museum, which showcases the town’s fascinating past.
- Julian Pie Company: When in town, treat yourself to Julian Pie Company’s famous apple pies, which are a must-try.
- U-Pick Apple Orchards: Visit one of the many U-pick apple orchards in Julian for a hands-on experience.
- Julian Mining Company: Enjoy a unique adventure at the Julian Mining Company, where you can pick apples and take a tractor-drawn hayride.
- Local Shops: Stop by mom-and-pop shops like Julian Candy Basket.
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: Embark on an adventure and discover stunning views of the mountains and valleys at nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
The best time to visit Julian is during September and October when the weather is mild and the apple trees are in full bloom.
Go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles
As the weather cools and the leaves transform into a vibrant array of colors, few activities say “fall” more than a day of apple picking. It’s not only a fun outing for the entire family, but it’s also a great way to bring home fresh, juicy apples. And what could be more delightful than using those apples to bake a mouthwatering apple pie or apple crisp? The combination of cinnamon and sugar, mixed with the aroma of fresh apples, will undoubtedly get you in the fall spirit.
So, why not add apple picking to your list of things to do in the fall in Los Angeles? While you won’t find apple orchards within the city limits, several top-notch options are just a short drive away. Here are a few favorites:
Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, CA
Riley’s Apple Farm, located in Oak Glen, CA, is one of the largest orchards in the area, spanning over 760 acres. With 30 varieties of apples and a variety of delicious berries, it’s a must-visit destination for apple lovers.
Starting in late August, visitors can pick apples from the orchard, and you can stay updated on the harvesting schedule by checking their website. For those with a sweet tooth, Riley’s also offers fresh apple pies, which can be ordered online to guarantee availability.
Families with children will love the variety of farm activities available, making Riley’s Farm a perfect fall outing.
Snow-Line Orchard and Winery in Oak Glen, CA
Snow-Line Orchard is our favorite, family-friendly apple farm with a winery and cidery in Oak Glen, CA. While they don’t offer u-pick apples, you can easily purchase fresh apples inside their store.
What Snow-Line lacks in apple picking, they more than makeup for with their legendary mini cider donuts. We visit them every year just for these delectable treats—they’re a must-try and worth visiting Snow-Line. Enjoy your donuts and other goodies under the shade of a massive Italian walnut tree in their picnic area.
Pair your donuts with fresh-pressed apple cider in traditional, cherry, or raspberry flavors. And if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, why not try a slice of their delicious apple pie?
Snow-Line offers live music and wine flights on weekends during the fall, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled day trip or weekend getaway. Before you leave, take home a bottle of their apple brandy as a boozy souvenir of your visit.
SLO Creek Farms in San Luis Obispo
SLO Creek Farms in San Luis Obispo offers 40 acres of organic apple trees, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely morning or afternoon of apple picking. As you pick apples, take in the breathtaking views that surround the farm.
Don’t miss the chance to taste their delicious hard cider, aptly named Liquid Gold. For those seeking something a little more substantial, their Apple Brandy will hit the spot.
SLO Creek Farms is open every day from September to November for u-pick apples, making it an ideal weekend getaway or day trip destination.
Explore the Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Autumn in Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. Don’t let the season pass by without checking out one of these popular spots, and be sure to see if there’s a smaller one near your neighborhood.
Pumpkin patches are a quintessential fall activity, offering a range of festive fun for all ages. Pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, or navigate a corn maze—there’s something for everyone.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family, check out Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City. This popular attraction offers much more than just a pumpkin patch, with various activities and attractions for you and your little ones. Decorate a pumpkin, explore a straw maze, visit the petting zoo, and more.
- Open from October 5 to 29. Purchase tickets in advance.
- Location: 10100 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City | Google Map It
Forneris Farms
For a fun and popular fall activity in Los Angeles, head to Forneris Farms every October for their Farm-tastic Maze of Oz. This 4-acre corn maze in the middle of Los Angeles is a great way to spend a fall day. Unlike haunted corn mazes, this one is perfect for families with kids. Plus, there’s a pumpkin patch where you can choose your Halloween pumpkin.
- This farm is cash only.
- Location: 15200 Rinaldi St, Mission Hills | Google Map It
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
Looking for one of the best pumpkin patches in Los Angeles? Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is open exclusively during the fall and offers a variety of activities, from pumpkin painting and crafts to pony rides, carnival games, tractor rides, and even a straw maze.
- Open September 30th to October 31. On weekdays, entry is free. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s $2.50 per person. Activities are an extra cost.
- Location: 11650 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles | Google Map It
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
With multiple locations in Southern California, Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of activities that differ from location to location. Their locations offer pumpkin decorating and pumpkin bowling, but each location has unique experiences. For example, the West LA and Torrance locations feature animal viewings and bouncy houses, while the Farmer’s Market location does not. To ensure you have the best experience possible, visit their website and choose the location that best suits your interests.
- Open October 1-31. Free admission. Activities and pumpkins are extra.
- Locations: LA Farmer’s Market, West LA, and Torrance
Live Oak Canyon Farm
Although Live Oak Canyon Farm is located outside Los Angeles, the hour-long trip to San Bernardino County for a day of fall fun is worth it. This farm boasts the largest pumpkin farm in Southern California, making it an ideal destination for pumpkin picking. If you only have one weekend in October to enjoy these fall activities, this should be at the top of your list.
In addition to these activities, the farm offers a train ride, corn maze, tractor pull, flower gardens, and other exciting experiences and photo opportunities.
- Open September 20 to October 31. Admission fee at the entrance. Free parking is available.
- Location: 2335 Live Oak Canyon Rd, Redlands | Google Map It
Halloween Activities in Los Angeles
Halloween is a huge part of the fall season, and Los Angeles celebrates in style using its Hollywood magic.
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Step into a world of wonder at Descanso Gardens’ spectacular Halloween and autumn event, CARVED. Over 200 intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins are scattered throughout the gardens, featuring illustrations of well-known faces, movies, and more.
Carved is one of our favorite fall events in Los Angeles. Gather your loved ones and plan a magical night out at these gardens, where you’ll be mesmerized by the glowing pumpkins and art installations that adorn the park.
- Open from October 4 to 30. Tickets are on sale now.
- Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge | Google Map It
Read more: Year-Round Things to Do in the Descanso Gardens
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles in the fall. The hayride takes place in Griffith Park and immerses you in a frightening world of Halloween fun. With spooky scenes and creepy characters, it’s sure to get you into the Halloween spirit.
- Open from September 22 to October 31. Purchase tickets in advance.
- Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles | Google Map It
Nights of the Jacks
Prepare to be mesmerized by the hauntingly beautiful Nights of the Jacks, a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience for the entire family. Immerse yourself in a world of thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack-o-Lanterns, creating a spellbinding memory.
- Open from September 27 to November 3. Tickets are on sale now.
- Location: 26800 West Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas | Google Map It
Celebrate Fall at Disneyland
Halloween time at Disneyland in Orange County is one of the best things about fall, featuring the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Now is the time to go if you’ve never visited the Happiest Place on Earth during this season. The park is adorned with enchanting autumn decorations, bringing the fall season to life.
For an extra dose of Halloween fun, don’t miss the Oogie Boogie Bash, one of Disneyland’s famous Halloween parties. Dress up in your favorite costume, mingle with Mickey and Minnie, and go trick-or-treating throughout the park. This event is perfect for kids and the young-at-heart, but grab your tickets early as they sell out quickly.
- Both parks celebrate fall and Halloween from September 1 to October 31. Advance tickets and reservations are required.
- Special event tickets for the Oogie Boogie Bash sell out quickly!
- Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim | Google Map It
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is a must-visit event for thrill-seekers who love a good scare. Each year, they promise to be even more intense than the last, with new mazes inspired by iconic films and TV shows. It is one of our favorite events, and we find it worth it (see video above).
Immerse yourself in a world of horror as you navigate through the backlot of Universal Hollywood. Experience the terror of a zombie apocalypse, Chucky, or come face-to-face with the Original Universal Monsters. And when you need a break from the frights, indulge in some of your favorite Universal Studios eats. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable, spine-chilling experience.
- Open from September 5 to November 3. This event takes place on select nights, and it’s an extra cost: Halloween Horror Nights Tickets
- Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City | Google Map It
Check Your Local Neighborhood Events
Sometimes, your local neighborhood will have fall and Halloween activities and festivities planned within the community that you won’t find widely advertised online. To stay in the loop, join your local community Facebook group or check with your local library for upcoming events.
While this is not a complete list of Los Angeles fall activities, we hope these highlights excite you for fall.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO LOS ANGELES, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
- Christmas Season in Los Angeles: What to Do
- Sightseeing in Los Angeles: Top Attractions
- Close-to-home Day Trips from Los Angeles
- Theme Parks in Los Angeles to Visit
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
You and Christine are finally making me realize it’s fall. And Awellreadtart too since she’s unpacked all her sweaters preparing for the cold weather that’s to come. Nooooo!
Your opener cracked me up- “What is Los Angeles like in the fall? Subtle.”?
But now I have to have graham crackers with pumpkin pie jam and whip cream. That sounds delicious! Did you just invent that or was that already a thing? Yum!
Lake Arrowhead sounds beautiful. I’d love to see this “Swiss Alps” one day!
And both you and Christine have made me want to get lost in a corn maze. I didn’t get to the lake or ocean this summer but maybe I can get to a corn maze this fall. We’ll see!
Great post!
I think we should all start a new type of corn maze trend: where you have spiked cider along the route… Except then at some point, you’d have to pee…and if you couldn’t get out or got very lost, you’d be screwed. But still, I want boozy corn mazes!
Hahaha!!! Omg. That would make me nervous – the lack of bathroom.? My biggest fear is having to pee without any restrooms around. That’s why I’ve broken up my In Five Years tour.?
That does sound sooo fun though! Probably get lost for days.?
I seriously try not to drink when I go out because of the bathroom situation. Now with Covid and things closed, I hate going anywhere far because I’m not sure when I’ll be able to stop and use the bathroom.
Btw, so looking forward to your Five Years tour!
I think you have your next business idea. ?
I love that you are cracking up at my honesty. ? If you don’t go searching for Fall in LA, you’ll miss it.
Not made up at all. Mom’s country store literally has pumpkin pie in a jar and when she gives you a taste test (I’m sure with covid that currently doesn’t exist), it’s on a graham cracker. She’ll ask if you want whip cream and I mean, why would you say no? It’s the best thing ever. She hooked me on the spot and I got a HUGE jar to go.
I love that little country store. All homemade jams. They make fresh baked loaves of all kind of breads like banana, blueberry and the such. And they have like an antique school stove/oven they make fresh apple pies in.
The corn maze I think is easy to make pandemic friendly, right? Perhaps longer lines but you should definitely find a corn maze and go. I definitely would like to try one out. I like that they aren’t haunted. Hubby wants a haunted one.
I feel like an Asheville fall is semi-subtle, too? And even this weekend, it was close to 90 but will suddenly be dropping into the 50s at night and 70s during the day next week. It’s sneaky like that.
I LOVE the fall so we might be a little different there. Summer is eh to me, haha. But yes to the fall food!! I also covet fall beer and fall cocktails. Like apple, cinnamon, pumpkin everything, please. Cider donuts?! Yup! Thanksgiving stuffing?! Yup! Pumpkin Spice coffee?! Hell yuppie yessss!!
Yes, to visiting apple orchards and apple picking, too! I’m so glad that you have them out that way. I mostly think of wineries. Hehe. And as you know, Florida had NONE. Like go pick a stupid orange.
Do you think Big Bear will still have their Oktober Fest with this dang pandemic? I’d love to find one around here, too. So much fun. I want U.S. Christmas Markets too. Europe traditions need to take over in the U.S.
OMG even your wineries have cider donuts?! Now I am jealous! *Gets on a plane with a mask and sanitizer.*
You just reminded me that we have to go get our pumpkins for the year. I love baby white and orange pumpkins for the mantle. I’m hoping the church down the road from us puts theirs out soon. It’s my favorite part of driving home – seeing those pumpkins on the hill. Too bad ZoomBa loves to eat them, too.
I love love love a good haunted house – we need to find something similar here too. In Florida, I did Halloween Horror Nights and while that was expensive as heck, I loved it.
I want to visit L.A. in the fall! It sounds like a blast.
When I mean subtle, I mean, we’d miss fall entirely if halloween and pumpkin patches were’t a thing. The nights may start cooling off but the days are too warm to wear sweaters and feel oh so cozy for fall. The best part for you is that you can look out your window during the peak of fall and see the leaves changing. Our leaves take forever to change here but you’ll spot a tree here and there as you’re driving around.
Snow-Line Orchard and Winery is the only place that has the homemade seasonal apple cider donuts. At least from what I can find. Can you believe that? I have to keep my eyes and ears open when I go eating my way through these fall Los Angeles activities.
I checked to see if Big Bear would cancel Oktoberfest and it seems like they were moving forward with it. There may be new guidelines to follow. I mentioned it for those that would love to attend, but you know, that’s not our thing.
OMG, I WISH we had Christmas markets like in Europe. WE have fake ones and they don’t give me all the feels. I also think it’s also the environment the markets are set up. We are not surrounded by beautiful European architecture and Christmas magic. I think it makes a huge difference.
I’m sure you have Haunted Houses or a good drive-thru like they are doing now here for some events. We used to go to a haunted firehouse in NY that was so much fun. They did an amazing job. Every year they’d change it up a bit. One time, I came out crawling out of it running from Satan. It was terrifying. All proceeds went to a charity which was nice.
Come visit!
Okay, I’ve never thought about going to LA during Autumn, but now I’m feeling a little more inclined to do so! I love that my fav place/area, SLO, got a little shout out there!! I’ve never been to the Creek Farms before, and I’m totally going to have to go there for sure. This post got me into the Autumnal spirit! It’s dreadful here in the central valley, so I’m just (im)patiently awaiting the cooler weather and the time when I can actually put on a nice long cardigan and not immediately burn up :’)
I’d wait for the fires to pass and the smoke to clear before coming out this way. There is a fire in Yucaipa where the Oak Glen apple orchards are. I’m hoping the fires never reach the farms. It’s so sad.
I can’t wait for cooler weather too! Going to be making some trips to these places on the list.
Share your pics if you get to enjoy any of this fall fun this year.