Fall 2024 Bucket List

Now – October 30 – A locally family owned business that hosts the best Family Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Lot this side of the equator. 😉 Since 2016 they have worked their pumpkins off to bring you the most fun in our favorite season of the year. Their middle name is ‘FUN’ and they are here to help you make the best fall memories.  All kinds of activities such as wagon rides, petting zoo, movie in the patch, carnival games, and more to help make the best fall memories.

Now – October 31 – The third annual Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station in October 2024! Located at the putting green just inside the North entrance and across the street from The Presley. Free admission and tons of fall family fun! You can even schedule a private party at the patch.

Now – April 2025 – Sunsets over the Pacific Ocean are the perfect time to explore the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier.  It is typically closed to the public, but during select Saturdays and Sundays  from now until April 2025 the Birch Aquarium naturalists offer guided walking tours along the pier.  You will learn  about the structure’s history and research conducted at Scripps Institution of Oceanography through this interactive experience.  For ages 9+ and minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.

September 27 – October 27 – Let the adventure begin at one of their multiple San Diego county Pumpkin Station locations. Complete with pumpkins, kiddie rides, giant slides, inflatable play centers, petting zoos, game zones, school tours and party packages.

Oct 25th & 26th – After the sun goes down, the aquarium lights up! Halloween Aglow is a family-friendly event that features live music, a costume contest, trick-or-treat stations and so much more! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about some weird and wonderful research being done at Scripps Oceanography. Advanced reservations are required as the event is expected to sell out.

October 31 – December 1 – Racing returns each fall to the seaside oval. As another first-class summer season closes, it’s all about fall tidings and the Bing Crosby Season. This nostalgic season will present superior racing Fridays – Sundays and Thanksgiving along with a lineup of engaging events during the four-week run. Thursday, October 31 – December 1, 2024.

November 1-11 – Experience San Diego Fleet Week, one of San Diego’s largest military events featuring military displays, high tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, active Navy & Coast Guard ship tours, live music, food and fun for the whole family… all while honoring and celebrating the men & women of our military.

November 3rd – Join this Susan G. Komen 5K run/walk to raise awareness and help cure breast cancer. For more information on this fun and worthwhile San Diego event:

November 15 – January 5 – Another dazzling year of Lightscape is around the corner! Now in its third year, the spectacular showcase will return from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025 at San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanic Gardens) in Encinitas. Enjoy the spectacular garden light show featuring the international Lightscape exhibition. Delight in a one-mile evening walk through the lighted garden filled with one million twinkling lights, as well as “cathedral” of lights, a laser garden, lantern trees and more. This is a special ticketed event with entry times every 15 minutes. Reservations required.

November 24th – Children’s rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments provide an attractive setting for the public and a great boon to our vendors. Remember to bring your own bag(s) to collect all your street fair shopping.

If you’re up for a little drive up the coast, The Lost Inferno located in San Clemente, OC is one of the coolest themed experiences that is being talked about! Wonder into the cave and have an adventure. You can definitely (and should) get lost here.

Mellano Farm Stand is fun for the whole family! You’ll find tractor rides, fresh flowers and produce, food trucks, live music…and even pigs!  This farm truly brings the farm-to-table vibe with its wholesome events and activities. Be sure to follow their social media for all the up-to-date events and activities – there is always something fun going on at the farm!

Go camping! What a better way to soak in fall than by a crackling campfire with smores and a lighthearted Halloween story before snuggling into your sleeping bag? Check out some of San Diego’s favorite campsites for families: