WE KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN IN SAN DIEGO
Fall has arrived and we are ready to pull out our cute boots and cozy sweaters! It’s also the perfect time to craft a bucket list of fun activities and outings for all ages to enjoy. One of the best things about forming a family bucket list is experiencing new things and creating family memories…from the little everyday treats, like filling your cart with the best pumpkin spice goodies of the season, to bigger adventures like the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. We’ve curated an amazing list of activities for you that will make this an extra-awesome autumn.
Make sure to tell us which one was your favorite event – Enjoy!
Sunset Scripps Pier Walk
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 September 15th through Dec. 10th 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.
Peltzer Ice Rink
As an extension of Peltzer Winery and Peltzer Pumpkin Farm, Peltzer is now inviting families from all over Southern California to create family traditions with them during the holidays! Their ice rink features 8,400 square feet of skating space, complimentary gliders, picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, local food truck eats, and a bar serving Peltzer Wine (21+ only).
SAN DIEGO FLEET WEEK
November 3-12th 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.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in San Diego. Tribute concerts featuring songs by Adele, Taylor Swift, Abba and more at CHAPEL under the gentle glow of candlelight.
NADIA’S FESTIVE HOLI-TREE’S
Stop by any time from through the new year to check out Nadia’s signature festive & fun holi-trees on display.
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BATES NUT FARM
Bates Nut Farm has welcomed families to the farm for over 50 years. You can visit year round, bring a picnic, feed the animals or attend one of their many special events. Bates Pumpkin Patch is a favorite memory maker for generations.
SAN DIEGO BEER WEEK
A 10-Day Celebration honoring America’s finest independent craft brewers. San Diego Beer Week is taking place November 3-12 with events being held throughout San Diego County at participating breweries, bars, restaurants and more!
BIKE THE COAST
An experience for everyone. November 4th, join riders of all levels and ages while experiencing the best of Southern California beaches and surf towns as you ride routes of 100, 50, 25 on historic Highway 101, or enjoy our family ride on the San Luis Rey River Trail (15 or 7 miles).
CARLSBAD VILLAGE FAIRE
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire brings over 100,000 visitors to town twice a year for the largest one-day street faire in the nation. Catch all of the excitement November 5th from 8am-4pm.
More Than Pink Walk
Sunday, November 5, 2023 in San Diego. 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:
MAMA MIA AT CIVIC THEATER
Nov 7-12th only. A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads… and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show. Now is your opportunity to see if firsthand in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL
November 8-12th enjoy some of the world’s best wine and culinary creations at the annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, where sailboats and sandy beaches serve as the backdrop for one of the country’s most talked about weeks in food. This is one of the biggest yearly festivals in San Diego, and visitors will enjoy cooking classes, tasting panels, celebrity chef dinners, and tons more. The festival was named the winner of 2019 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contests for Best General Food Festival.
DEL MAR BING CROSBY SEASON
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. Friday, November 10 – December 3, 2022.
Botanic Garden Lightscape
November 17 – 19, 22, 24 – 26, and 29 – 30; December 1 – 3, 6 – 10, 13 – 23, and 26 – 31, and January 1 from 5 to 10 PM at San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanic Gardens) in Encinitas. The magical Botanic Garden Lightscape is back for the second year following many sold out nights in 2022. 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.
Ice Skating by the Sea
November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024 at The Del, Hotel del Coronado. Where the ice meets the surf, enjoy the iconic outdoor ice skating rink at The Del. Take a spin on the rink while overlooking the Pacific Ocean and enjoy all of the holiday tradition that the historic venue offers. Be sure to reserve your tickets up front to avoid the crowds.
ENCINITAS HOLIDAY STREET FAIR
November 19th – 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.
O’SIDE TURKEY TROT
Come “move your feet before you eat” this Thanksgiving at Oceanside’s 18th Annual Turkey Trot 5-mile or 5K run/walk. Register & join one of the fastest-growing holiday traditions. Be sure to bring the entire family, as there will be races for everyone. The event offers a costume contest, the largest teams competition, fabulous live entertainment on the course, and finisher medals for all participants. The event has raised over $470,000 for non-profits that serve O’side residents.
MELLANO FARM STAND
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!
SAN DIEGO GULLS HOCKEY GAME
You’re guaranteed a night of excitement when you go and check out San Diego’s premier American Hockey League (AHL) team, affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. With hockey season running from early October through early April, you can be sure to fit a game in your schedule.
GONE CAMPING
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:
U-PICK APPLE ORCHARDS
Take the whole fam bam and have bushels of fun apple picking at one of these glorious u-pick apple orchards:
The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Fun
If you want to keep up with fun things to do in San Diego and stay up-to-date on the current real estate market, drop us your email!
PVOLVE
Workouts that break your body down are over! Sculpt, strengthen, tone, and feel amazing with a one-of-a-kind workout that mixes functional movement with proprietary equipment to make you look and feel your best – all in a brand new Carlsbad studio that’s tailor-made to get you results.
LANE FIELD PARK MARKET
Lane Field Park Street Food Market is a beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay (across from Broadway Pier) in downtown San Diego, making it a perfect spot to explore local vendors while enjoying plenty of fresh air, live music, and relaxing ocean vibes. Showcasing 20+ of San Diego’s best street food vendors, the delicious variety of food on offer includes Vietnamese bao, Thai burgers, waffles and crepes, Mexican, empanadas, smoothies, hot mini-donuts, and much more. There is live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30PM until 2:30PM.
JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDENS
Peep the fall foliage at the Japanese Friendship Gardens. Especially beautiful in autumn, it is one of the best places to see fall colors near downtown San Diego. The Japanese maple trees turn brilliant shades of red at this time of year, and you’ll see other trees and shrubs turning bright orange and yellow. Kids love the koi, too.
FAMILY BIKE RIDE
Enjoy the cool weather by going on a family bike ride. Feel the wind in your hair and relive some childhood memories while riding bikes along some of the most awesome family-friendly bike paths.
TAKE A HIKE
Take advantage of the cool weather and take a hike! San Diego has plenty of off-the-beaten path hikes for the whole family to enjoy. Take a look at our fall faves:
COIN OP ADULT ARCADE
California’s premier adult arcade bar. Come along for cocktails, food, nostalgia and good times. 21+ up only.
SAN DIEGO’S 59-MILE SCENIC DRIVE
San Diego’s 59-mile scenic drive loops its way through the city’s charming neighborhoods and reveals our unique attractions and natural wonders. Enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the coastline, the shimmering yacht-dotted bay, downtown’s skyline, Mexico and the surrounding mountains along the way. If you want to cover the entire trip in one adventure, carve out at least three hours, but we suggest doing parts of the tour on different days, so you can relax and make leisurely stops at various destinations.
SAN DIEGO GHOST TOUR
Brave a Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour. Ghosts tours via bus or walking if you are brave enough to make your reservation. Ride the coffin-on-wheels spooky style through San Diego to see the San Diego haunted houses, hotels, mansions, and graveyards. Reservations required.
STARGAZING
Bundle up and go stargazing. Look up at how the stars shine for you at one of these stargazing spots that are sure to put a twinkle in your eye:
MURDER n’MAYHEM
Join Murder n’ Mayhem for a 1-mile Historical True Crime Tour of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. You will walk through several eras in time as you explore interesting stories of history and true crime.
A couple more ideas that are fun and fall-friendly:
- Spoon up some hot cocoa or make hot chocolate kits and gift them to your neighbors or teachers. As the outdoor temperatures slightly dip, our bellies will more than welcome a warm and chocolatey treat.
- Order some fresh, seasonal produce and make a big pot of autumn-inspired soup to enjoy as a family.
- Have a picnic in the park. Grab your car keys, picnic blanket and a yummy sack lunch and go enjoy one of San Diego’s many beautiful parks.
- Indulge in everything pumpkin spice. Transition from summer to fall like a true San Diegan and pack your surf-loving crew and all of your favorite fall-inspired goodies and head to a family-friendly beach… because we know that in San Diego, we don’t stop going to the beach just because summer is over.