Fall in San Diego brings excellent weather, smaller crowds, and many outdoor activities where social distancing is easy.
In the Mission Beach and Bay area, head to Belmont Park’s annual Beachside Fall Fest, each Friday through Sunday during October and November. It is fun for all ages as the 94-year-old seaside park transforms into a festive fall experience with shades of autumn leaves, hay bales, and freshly harvested pumpkins. Free activities include trick-or-treating, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more! The hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. with free admission, but some activities and rides require tickets.
Of course, nothing says fall like a good, old-fashioned Pumpkin Patch, and San Diego has plenty of places to pick.
Pacific Beach Pumpkin Patch has been serving up local farm-fresh fun since 1992, with a large selection of pumpkins ranging from small to large, plus Indian corn, gourds, and corn stalks. There is also a free pumpkin carving and painting area with stencils, paint kits, stickers, and candles. All while enjoying complimentary hot apple cider and shaved ice for kids. Open Oct. 1-31 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission and the cost of pumpkins vary.
Pumpkin Station has locations throughout San Diego County, including Del Mar, Bonita, Mission Valley, and National City. Children can search for the perfect pumpkin while enjoying kiddie rides, slides, inflatable play centers, and a petting zoo. At the farm in Bonita, little pumpkin carvers will find a living pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, and a tractor-pulled hay wagon ride. Free admission. Ride tickets start at $2.
Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch opens Oct. 3 in La Jolla, offering more than a dozen activities that start at $1 each (no admission fee). Enjoy pumpkin bowling, candy corn hole, the spooky maze, football toss, pumpkin decoration station, and more. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The new location at 6710 La Jolla Blvd. has free parking.
Autumn is also apple picking time, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of the season than a day-trip to Julian. Visiting an apple orchard is a favorite family activity, and Julian is home to a basket full of spots.
From Sept. 19 through Oct. 25, Julian Farm & Orchard is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can enjoy a hayride, cider presses, apple picking, the pumpkin patch and more. Calico Ranch and Volcan Valley Apple Farm are other great spots for apple picking, both expecting a good crop this year. Some farms are not allowing u-pick this season, so be sure to check with orchards before going.
Check out the Fall Foliage at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. The Garden sits on a 12-acre plot and offers a variety of exhibits and festivals. Stroll around the grounds and view stone arrangements, koi ponds, water features, sukiya-style buildings, and the unique landscape. It’s an urban oasis perfect for relaxing and escaping.
Another great way to practice social distancing is with a ride along the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway from Coronado Ferry Landing to downtown San Diego. There are 13 miles of car-free paths, and the route takes riders by the Hotel de Coronado, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Viler Strange Beach, and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Rent a bike and take a ride.
