Are you looking for a place to book a fall stay? Then we have the perfect spot just for you, San Diego, California. There is just something about San Diego in the Fall. Sure, we might not get the true colors of fall here, but we have so many other things to come and enjoy. After summer, the fall season in San Diego is my second-favorite time to visit. The cooler weather, fun activities, and fewer crowds, plus kids get into all the top attractions for free in October.
Ready to learn more about visiting San Diego in the Fall? Then let’s go over some of my favorite things to do, places to visit, and of course, the best RV resorts to book a stay at. Ready?
Oktoberfest Like You’ve Never Seen It
Okay, so I wasn’t expecting to find amazing German festivals in Southern California, but San Diego totally surprised me! They have not one, but five incredible Oktoberfest celebrations that rival anything I’ve seen.
My personal favorite? The La Mesa Oktoberfest (October 4th-6th). It’s the biggest one in the county, and the energy is just incredible. You’ve got live bands, amazing craft beer from local breweries, and bratwurst that’ll make you forget you’re not in Bavaria. This is by far the best Oktoberfest in San Diego. Make sure you visit their website here for all the details and to purchase your tickets.
However, if you’re looking for something a little different, consider attending the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest (October 11th-12th). Beer plus ocean views? Yes, please! It’s only $10 to get in, and sipping a cold one while watching the waves is my idea of paradise.
For families, the Encinitas celebration (September 29th) is perfect. They’ve got carnival rides for the kids and artisan booths for the adults. It’s like a fall festival and Oktoberfest had a baby.
Hiking That Doesn’t Leave You Melting
Let’s be real: San Diego hiking in summer can be brutal. But fall? It’s a completely different story. I finally tackled some trails I’d been putting off because of the heat, and wow, what a difference!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve became my new obsession. The coastal views are stunning, and with the cooler weather, I could actually enjoy them instead of just trying to survive the hike.
If you want to see some actual fall colors (yes, they exist in San Diego!), head to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in mid-to-late November. The changing leaves aren’t as dramatic as New England, but they’re beautiful in their own California way.
And here’s a pro tip I learned: start your hikes early. The morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll often have the trails mostly to yourself before the crowds show up. You can visit our top five hiking trails in San Diego here for our complete list.
Pumpkin Patches That Actually Feel Like Fall
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about pumpkin patches in San Diego. But Bates Nut Farm completely won me over. This place is huge! They’ve got pumpkins of every size, corn mazes that had me completely lost (in the best way), and activities that kept my friend’s kids happy for hours. Pro tip: Escondido RV Resort is not that far from the farm, so book a stay now and visit the pumpkin patch.
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is another gem. Pumpkins AND strawberries AND a petting zoo? It’s as if they designed it specifically for Instagram, yet in the most genuine way possible. It does get busy on the weekends, so I suggest you visit early in the day or during the weekdays. Be sure to check their website for the full schedule.
Julian: San Diego’s Hidden Fall Gem
If you only do one fall activity in San Diego, make it a trip to Julian. This little mountain town, about an hour from the city, transforms into an autumn paradise. I spent a morning at Volcan Valley Apple Farm picking apples straight from the trees for just $15 per bag.
But here’s the real reason you go to Julian: Julian Pie Company. Friends, I’ve had apple pie all over the country, and this place is special. The apples are so fresh and the crust so flaky that I may have eaten an entire pie by myself. No regrets.
You will also find many local shops and businesses along Main Street. My favorite is The Warm Hearth, located at 2125 Main Street in downtown Julian. They offer a variety of eclectic home decor, women’s fashions, and more. During the holiday season, the store transforms into a Christmas wonderland with decorations and holiday treats. Don’t miss a day in Julian when you stay in San Diego.
Day of the Dead in Old Town
This was easily one of my most meaningful experiences in San Diego. The DÃa de los Muertos celebration in Old Town (first weekend in November) is absolutely beautiful.
The candlelight procession through the historic streets gave me actual chills – in the best way. Seeing families create these gorgeous altars called ofrendas, decorated with photos and flowers to honor loved ones, was deeply moving.
The entire celebration balances remembrance with joy in a truly special way. Plus, the food vendors serve up some incredible, authentic Mexican dishes that you won’t find at your typical tourist spots.
Halloween Fun for Every Scare Level
San Diego does Halloween right, whether you’re a horror fanatic or prefer your scares on the gentle side.
For thrill seekers, the Haunted Drive Through in Del Mar is wild. Zombies and clowns literally come right up to your car windows – it’s terrifying and hilarious at the same time. Tickets cost $45-$ 70, depending on the size of your car.
If you prefer your scares with a historical twist, the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour is perfect. Rolling through San Diego’s most haunted spots on a trolley, including the famous Whaley House, was equal parts educational and spooky.
For families, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular and the San Diego Zoo’s HallGLOWeen are fantastic. Kids get in free with paying adults, which is always a win in my book.
October = Kids Free Month!
Speaking of kids getting in free, October is officially Kids Free Month at numerous San Diego attractions. This saved me a significant amount of money when I was traveling with my nephew! The San Diego Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center are must-visit during this promotion.
Even hotels and restaurants get in on the action with family discounts. It’s like the whole city decides to make fall extra affordable for families.
Beach Days That Don’t Require Sunstroke Survival
Here’s something most people don’t realize: San Diego beaches in fall are better than summer beaches. The water is still warm from the summer heat, but the air temperature is perfect. No more feeling like you’re melting on the sand!
I spent entire afternoons at the beach in October, and it was blissful. Volleyball games, swimming, and reading a book on the sand, all without the intense heat or massive summer crowds.
Why San Diego in the Fall Became My Favorite Season
After experiencing all of this, I’m convinced that fall is San Diego’s best-kept secret. You get amazing weather, fewer crowds, unique seasonal events, and everything just feels more relaxed and authentic.
The combination of perfect beach weather, comfortable hiking conditions, cultural celebrations, and seasonal festivities creates this magical window where San Diego shows you its best side. Plus, with promotions like Kids Free October and the general lack of summer crowds, it’s easier on both your wallet and your sanity.
Your Perfect Fall San Diego Base
If you’re traveling by RV, you’re in for a treat! Sunland RV Resorts has five incredible RV resorts perfectly positioned throughout San Diego County, making it super easy to explore all these amazing fall activities. Whether you want to be close to the beaches, near the hiking trails, or centrally located for the Oktoberfest celebrations, they’ve got you covered with the perfect spot to call home base.
The best part? You can book an extended stay and truly savor the entire fall season. Imagine waking up in your RV to perfect 75-degree mornings, spending your days exploring pumpkin patches and hiking trails, then returning to your comfortable resort each evening. It’s the ideal way to experience everything San Diego’s fall has to offer. Don’t forget to check out their Fall Season Promotion on monthly & weekly stays.
So here’s my advice: don’t wait until everyone else discovers this secret. Book your fall San Diego adventure now – whether it’s a long weekend or an entire season. Pack some light layers (mornings can be a bit cool), bring your appetite for German food and apple pie, and get ready to fall in love with San Diego all over again.
Trust me – once you experience San Diego in fall, you’ll wonder why anyone visits any other time of year!
