Fall in San Diego: How to Actually Feel the Season [2026]

San Diego is not usually known for the typical fall experience with crisp temperatures, colorful fall foliage, and cozy days in front of the fireplace. Fall in San Diego is not that much different than 90% of the rest of the year: 75 F and sunny.

When I moved here from Germany many years ago, this was a fun change for the first few years, but now I really miss the 4 seasons. So every year, I go on a little quest to celebrate Fall in San Diego. Take a look at my favorite fall activities in San Diego and share your favorite ways to get into the fall spirit in the comments.

Fall in San Diego, month by month

Fall here doesn’t announce itself the way it does elsewhere, so it helps to know where to look and when.

September — the apples come first. Julian’s orchards open, and this year the season is running early: several growers told me they expect to be picked out by the end of the month. → Julian Apple Picking · San Diego in September

October — pumpkin patches, Halloween, and the best weather of the year. → San Diego in October · Best Pumpkin Patches · Halloween in San Diego

Late October into November — Día de los Muertos in Old Town, and Temecula’s late harvest. → Day of the Dead in San Diego · Best Temecula Wineries

And in the mountains — Julian is the closest thing we get to a proper autumn. → Things to Do in Julian · Best Apple Pie in Julian · Where to Stay in Julian

Visit a Pumpkin Patch for the ultimate fall feeling

Nothing puts me more in the fall spirit than visiting a pumpkin patch. This is one of the ultimate fall activities, whether you have a family, bring your dog, go on a date, or have fun with your friends. Pick out some pumpkins for carving, get lost in a corn maze, and relive your childhood memories when you hop on top of that hayride. Don’t forget to put on your cute boots and fall outfit, even if you sweat your butt off, because it is 80F outside. It is worth it Take a look at the best pumpkin patches in San Diego here>>

Celebrate Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead and its equivalent festivities are an important celebration for Catholics around the world. It is an auspicious time to connect with loved ones who have passed on. Day of the Dead, or Día de Los Muertos, is a big day in Mexico, Central and South America, and is celebrated by Latinos around the world. The cemeteries are decorated, people dress up as sugar dolls, and they build altars to remember their loved ones.

Old Town has the biggest Day of the Dead celebration in San Diego, and it is definitely something worth witnessing. Read our guide on Día de los Muertos in San Diego here>>

Pick apples at an apple orchard

Apples are another way to celebrate fall in San Diego. Go out to Julian and eat some apple pie (read our guide on the best apple pie in Julian here) or go to one of the many apple orchards in East County to pick your own apples.

Most farms have other farm activities set up, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, apple pressing, and candied apple stations. Cool off afterward with a chilled apple cider and enjoy the Fall feeling in San Diego! Take a look here for the best places for apple picking in San Diego!

Go to an Oktoberfest

La Mesa Oktoberfest

October 2-4, 2026
Location: La Mesa Village
Website

Yes, it is not Munich. But La Mesa Oktoberfest is still a lot of fun. Hanging out with your friends, drinking a few beers, and dressing up in Lederhosen and Dirndl always brings me back to my home state of Bavaria.

The event is free, so you can spend more on beer and yummy sausage and schnitzel. Oh, and don’t forget to reserve an Uber to get back home safely.

El Cajon Oktoberfest

Where: German American Societies of San Diego – 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
When: September 25-27 & October 2-4, 2026
Website

This is actually my favorite Oktoberfest in San Diego. As a German, I feel this is the closest to the one in Munich. The entrance fee is $5-15 per person and the food and beer are also reasonable. They bring in several brass bands from Germany and the atmosphere is fun. Can’t wait to go back this year! I recommend taking the trolley and then taking a shared ride from there to save some money.

Get spooked at a Haunted House

Fall is obviously also Halloween season and there are plenty of things to do on Halloween in San Diego! One of my favorite Halloween things to do is go to a haunted house. Walking through the themed set and having scare actors and actresses jump out and make me scream is my kind of fun.

Spiny Lobster Season

October also means the beginning of Spiny Lobster Season in San Diego. If you love seafood, this is a season to mark in your calendar. From October to March, you can get your fill of these tasty critters all over Southern California and Baja California.

Whether you go out and fish for yourself, grab some at the Fish Market, eat them at Mitch’s Seafood, or drive down to Puerto Nuevo for a tasty meal, make sure you get your fill of tasty lobster. The season will be over before you know it!

Go for a Fall Drive or Hike

Of course, the fall colors and fall foliage in San Diego won’t be as spectacular as on the East Coast or up north. I would not travel to San Diego to go leaf-peeping, but if you live here, you can still get a bit of the red, orange, and yellow glory of fall. Here are some of the best places to see some changing fall colors in San Diego.

• Japanese Friendship Garden Balboa Park
• Palomar Mountain
• Julian
• Mount Laguna
• Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Yes, San Diego might not have the best climate to enjoy the traditional fall feeling, but even as a German, I find a number of ways to celebrate fall in San Diego.

Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Maria Haase

The post Fall in San Diego: How to Actually Feel the Season [2026] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.