Fall is truly here, and so are all the cozy activities that you can enjoy in our beautiful city and around. Whether you like getting nice and warm, or prefer to go all horror and spooky, this is one of the most beautiful months of the year. Without further ado – here’s what you can’t miss this October in San Diego.
1. Visit a pumpkin patch
This iconic fall activity is the best way to make core memories. There are many spots around San Diego, offering all sorts of side activities such as hay rides, petting zoos, live music, and more. One of the most famous ones is The Bates Nut Farm, a lovely 50-year-old family farm, known to all locals as a treasured local jewel. Another option comes from Carlsbad Strawberry Company, which on weekends also offer games and delicious food.
2. Hauntfest on Main
Hauntfest on Main returns to Downtown El Cajon on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4 PM to 9 PM. This free, family-friendly Halloween celebration offers live music, costume contests, carnival rides, a haunted car show, and plenty of local vendors with food, crafts, games, and more. This is a lively community event for all ages!
3. SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream
Get ready to scream this fall at SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream! Following its bone-chilling debut, this haunting event returns to transform the peaceful park into a realm of nightmares. When night descends, sinister creatures emerge, and eerie scare zones surround you at every turn. Haunted houses await, too! Don’t miss your chance to experience SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream – get your tickets below.
4. Enjoy a cup of joe this October in San Diego
Is there anything better than enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in a cozy, beautiful coffee shop? We’re so lucky to have countless choices in San Diego, from traditional beverages to trendy lattes. Check out this article for our favorite 15 spots, with places in each neighborhood.
5. Don’t miss The Day of the Dog
North America’s largest dog festival is making its way back to San Diego on October 12! The main attractions include a series of adorable races, from speedy pups to Frenchies and the ever-popular Wiener dog race. Another fan favorite is the massive 100-foot pool party, complete with lifeguards, floaties, a live DJ, and plenty of refreshments. You can also look forward to a Halloween costume contest and tons of other exciting activities. Check out this article for all the details!
6. Sing along with ABBA under the stars this October in San Diego
Calling all Super Troupers to Take A Chance on this amazing party! Sing along with ABBA’s greatest hits, while enjoying amazing views of San Diego, right from Sunset Terrace by Layover at the Intercontinental Hotel. Sip on classic cocktails, take in the vibes, and enjoy an unforgettable fall night. Grab your tickets here!
7. Enjoy a haunted evening of Halloween classics
Ever been to a candlelight concert? They bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Get your tickets here to discover Halloween inspired music, at Star Theatre – all under the gentle glow of candlelight. The show will revisit the spookiest music across all genres, like MJ’s Thriller, Beetlejuice’s, Stranger Things’ theme songs, and many more.
8. La Mesa Oktoberfest
La Mesa’s Oktoberfest is one of Southern California’s largest free celebrations, and with a mix of cold beers, lively Bavarian entertainment, and adorable pups, it’s easy to see why. From October 3 to 5, make sure not to miss a weekend full of wiener dog races, costumed pups, and tail-wagging excitement. Over 100,000 attendees are expected – we’re in for a party!
9. La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
On October 11 and 12, this free celebration awaits on Girard Ave. It brings more than 170 artists from the U.S. and Mexico to showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more. Alongside the art, guests can enjoy tastings from over 35 wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, as well as live entertainment. There’s even pet adoption stations, making it a vibrant weekend event with something for everyone.
10. Don’t miss TwitchCon this October in San Diego
TwitchCon is returning this San Diego, and it’s about to be a party, as the event celebrates its 10th year anniversary. In case you’re not sure what to expect, their official website puts it best: “Is there any other event in the world where you can get socks, learn anime, bump into influencer celebs, and catch a DJ set all in the same weekend? No, there’s not.” Needles to say, this will be great fun. Daily tickets start at $169, and the event takes place between October 17 – 19, at the San Diego Convention Center.
11. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is back for 2025, bringing double the scares with two attractions in one: the 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze and the mile-long Haunted Trail. Ranked among CNN’s Top 5 Haunted Attractions in America, this San Diego favorite throws you into a sensory nightmare of warped illusions, viral monsters, and cult horror icons. Brave the Slenderman, dodge the deranged HELLno Kitty, the blood-soaked cathedral of the Sisters of the SAW, and more.
12. Check out this dreamy Danish town
If you’re dreaming of a Copenhagen getaway, that’s only a 4-hour drive away…Solvang is your perfect weekend destination! With its charming small streets and incredible architecture, there’s no way you can’t love this town. Hop on the Solvang trolley, check out the ‘Real Ghost Hunting Tours’, explore nearby wineries, or catch an event at the very cute Solvang Festival Theater. And if you love it…don’t forget to return for Christmas, when it’s even more magical.
13. Grab a bite at this Deli, ranked among Yelp’s top 100 best sandwich shops in America
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? It’s versatile, it’s easy, and it always hits the spot. August was National Sandwich Month, and to celebrate, Yelp has launched a list of the top 100 sandwich shops in the U.S. While San Diego didn’t make the top of the top, we’re definitely ranking high! Beyer Deli took the 12th spot in Yelp’s top, while Come On Over Cafe in Oceanside raked 15th.
14. Check out brand new Taco Bell Café this October in San Diego
In San Diego, we love our coffees, matchas, chais, and everything in between… and it looks like Taco Bell has taken notice. After a successful Chula Vista launch last year, Taco Bell continues to bring its bold concepts across SoCal. You can find San Diego’s new location on 11688 Carmel Mtn Rdm, open daily from 7 AM to 2 AM. It’s the perfect destination for your morning energy boost, and late night cravings.
15. Visit the Haunted Amusement Park
This popular scare trail is a 1-mile long Halloween-themed, haunted walk through the old amusement park. Here, actors and spooky scenes will give you a fun fright – but be aware, it’s not the faint of heart! Expect a devil’s tunnel, a freak show mase, a haunted manor, a spider cave, a zombie land, and so much more. Needless to say, it’s the ideal seasonal activity for horror lovers.
16. Enjoy a heartwarming bowl of pho-nomenal noodles
Whether you’re a pho connoisseur or a first-timer, San Diego has a bowl of pho that will leave you yearning for more. With drool-worthy broths, the freshest ingredients, and unmatched authenticity, the shops on this list will definitely deliver. Check out this article for our favorite 10 restaurants.
17. Check out this brand-new restaurant over the water
It took longer than expected, but it’s finally here: Shoebird has opened its doors at Seaport Village, featuring fresh food, brunch favorites, and unforgettable views. This spot describes itself as a ‘coastal experience rooted in culinary excellence’, and aims to exceed expectations with each bite and moment. Here, you won’t find a can, or a frozen bag in the kitchen. Shoebird’s chef is proud to prepare absolutely everything from scratch, every single day. That includes sauces and bread!
18. Take your kids to museums for free this October in San Diego
This October, San Diego transforms into a kid’s paradise with free admission for children 12 and under at over 60 attractions. The county’s top museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens, open up for fun and education. Some locations even offer free entry for the entire family! Check out this article for the full list.
19. Don’t miss Nightmare on Normal Street this October in San Diego
Nightmare on Normal Street 2025 takes over Hillcrest on Friday, October 31, from 5–11 PM with San Diego’s biggest Halloween dance party and costume competition. Expect live entertainment, outdoor bars, vendors, and nonstop people-watching as University Avenue transforms into a thrilling celebration filled with music, dancing, and spectacular costumes.