Fall is a favorite season for many – especially those of us who live in Southern California. Along with cooler weather and fewer tourists, there are many great activities, events, and day trip options, which gives none of us an excuse for being bored. Below, are some ideas to add to your Fall ’21 bucket list.
Go Apple Picking
From September to November, Oak Glen (approximately 90 miles from Torrance) offers several orchards and u-pick farms, fresh cider, hayrides, a petting zoo, shops, bakeries and restaurants, and even dinners shows at Riley’s Farm. Weekends can get very busy, so if you’re able, I recommend a weekday visit.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
There are many great pumpkin patch options. Some of them even include corn mazes, hayrides, and more! Here are a few of my favorites:
• Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch (Sep 18th – Oct 31st in Irvine, CA): Train rides, gold panning, carnival games, and much more!
• Santa Anita Park’s Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fest (Oct 23/24 and Oct 30/31 in Arcadia, CA): Pumpkin painting, hay maze, and a full card of LIVE Thoroughbred racing.
• Pa’s Pumpkin Patch (Oct 1st – Oct 31st in Long Beach, CA): Pony rides, petting zoo, games, and rides.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
You don’t have to travel to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest.
• Old World German Village (Sep 19th – Oct 31st in Huntington Beach, CA): One of the oldest running Oktoberfest events in California is held in a real Bavarian village in Huntington Beach. Opened Wednesdays through Sundays.
• Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (weekends from Sep 11th – Nov 6th in Big Bear Lake, CA): German entertainment; feast on Brats and Knockwursts and enjoy the very same beers poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest for more than 150 years.
Haunted Theme Parks
Many of Southern California’s theme parks convert themselves to haunted attractions at night.
• Knott’s Scary Farm (Sep 13th – Oct 31st at Knott’s Berry Farm)
• Halloween Horror Nights (Sep 9th – Oct 31st at Universal Studios)
• Fright Fest - (Sep 18th – Nov 1st at Magic Mountain)