As summer makes its exit, fall enters with a burst of orange and yellow hues. Contrary to popular belief, the season does visit Los Angeles — greeting us with cooler weather, crunchy leaves, and comfy sweaters. Get ready to opt for that warm latte and make it a season to remember with these charming fall activities in Los Angeles. From strolling through pumpkin patches to cozying up at a local bookstore — we’ve got you covered. Let this autumn adventure begin!
1. Catch a glimpse of fall at one of these beautiful local spots
Indeed, fall does happen in L.A. — if only for a brief moment. You can truly celebrate the season in Los Angeles everywhere from the local mountains to botanical gardens. Everyone deserves to witness the vivid transition into slightly colder months, so check out our guide to the best places to catch a glimpse of fall foliage around L.A. here!
2. Find the perfect fall reading at one of these incredible bookstores
As typical as it may seem, nothing beats curling up with a good book when the weather gets cooler. What makes things unique for us is that in Southern California, bookshops aren’t just about picking up a brilliant tale, they are a whole experience even beyond the story. Here are some of our favorite literary oases that make finding a book just as exciting as reading one.
3. Reserve an autumnal escape at one of these adorable A-frame cabins
There’s something about fall that calls for the great outdoors. Imagine waking up to the sound of hummingbirds and rushing water, or catching a sunset from a hot tub in the mountains — all without having to travel too far from the city. We put together a list of our favorite adorable A-frame cabins to stay in near Los Angeles.
4. Step into this beautiful Haunted Cocktail Soirée this fall
If your Halloween aesthetic is more glam than gore, then you can’t miss this decadent avant-garde cocktail soirée returning to L.A. this October! Step into the iconic Nocturne Theatre from October 4–November 2 for delicious themed craft cocktails and macabre entertainment such as burlesque dancers and singers!
Get your tickets to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée here! Four delicious cocktails are included in the ticket cost, so don’t miss out!
5. Get serenaded with spooky music at one of these Candlelight Concerts
One could say that fall is actually spooky season, and we can’t argue with that logic. This fall, the beloved Candlelight Concert series is going all out with Halloween-themed shows, set in a sea of flickering candles. Hear live, classical versions of your favorite seasonal tunes.
6. Take a magical night ride on an Echo Park swan boat
Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, especially during the autumn — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. Immerse yourself in one of the best L.A. experiences by hopping onto a swan pedal boat for a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water. Cross this off your bucket list of fall activities in Los Angeles, and grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here!
7. Pick out your perfect pumpkin at one of these patches
If you need a break from all the glowing displays and frights that you’re bound to stumble into this season, then you can make your way to the pastoral settings of one of these nearby pumpkin patches. Pick yourself a perfect gourd to carve up for the season, pet farm animals, ride around on tractors, and more. Find the full list of L.A. pumpkin patches here!
8. Plan the perfect fall picnic at one of these idyllic parks in Los Angeles
The crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and the cozy vibes are calling for a perfect fall picnic! Take in nature’s beauty at these idyllic parks in Los Angeles. Pack your favorite cozy blanket, indulge in delicious seasonal treats, and bask in the golden cool sunlight. It’s time to create unforgettable memories surrounded by nature’s own color palette. Check out the best picnicking spots in Los Angeles here!
9. Be transported to Munich at these lively Oktoberfest events and festivals
Los Angeles offers a spirited array of wide-ranging Oktoberfest celebrations, all of which feature German festivities including beer gardens, authentic Bavarian cuisine, and live music. Immerse yourself in German culture at the Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, the community celebration in Montrose, a massive beer-forward celebration courtesy of the L.A. Beer Festival, and much more.
10. Make the most of the spooky season with one of these Halloween events in Los Angeles
Would it really be fall without Halloween? Get ready to have a spook-tacular time this Halloween in the city of angels! From bone-chilling haunted experiences to thrilling live performances, Los Angeles has it all. Check out the best things to do this Halloween here.
11. Dive into some decadent hot chocolate around the city
Pumpkin spice lattes take up all the spotlight during this season — but nothing beats a classic hot chocolate. Of course, there aren’t your ordinary warm drinks. Our list of hot chocolates is decadent and rich — check out our list of the best hot chocolates in Los Angeles here!
12. Roadtrip to this quirky vintage roadside attraction
There’s something nostalgic in the air during this season, which calls for some exploring — like checking out Charlie Brown Farms. From its humble beginnings as a small fruit stand in 1929 to now being a beloved roadside gift shop, this vintage attraction will leave you in awe. Read more about Charlie Brown Farms here!
13. Check out these haunted places
If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles in the fall that will give you an adrenaline rush, then this will interest you. If Halloween parties and carved pumpkins leave you wanting more, venture out to explore some of the city’s spookiest spots. Ghost stories, visions, tragedies, and crimes give these places a terrifying aura that few dare to experience. Are you up for the challenge?
14. Bite into warm Latin American pastries from Huicho’s Bakery
Embark on a flavorful journey through Mexico and Central America with a visit to Huricho’s Bakery in the heart of Pico-Union! Indulge in mouthwatering baked goods that showcase the rich culinary traditions of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the authentic flavors of our vibrant city. Get the full Huicho menu here!
15. Get your hands on the perfect fruit by going apple-picking at one of these local farms
As the weather transitions, that means apples are ready for some picking! Those crisp, juicy bites really make autumn oh-so-delicious. Who’s ready for some applelicious adventures? Find some of the most wonderful nearby farms to celebrate this delicious fruit.
16. Explore this twinkling night market at a century-old farm near L.A.
Step into a fairytale at Lavender Market Nights at Highland Springs Ranch. Find yourself in the captivating wonders of this century-old farm and discover a dreamlike night market nestled just outside of LA — where you can wander through a magical tree-lined avenue bathed in a symphony of enchanting lights. Read more about this twinkling night market here!
17. Celebrate Día de los Muertos at these vibrant cultural events around L.A.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but many L.A. organizations are presenting events in October, too. Some standout celebrations include the display at Gloria Molina Grand Park, the gorgeous celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and the festival at Olvera Street.
18. Take part in fall tradition by sipping on the best pumpkin-spiced latte
Okay, you got us. You really can’t have a fall bucket list without a pumpkin-spiced latte. While some may say it’s “basic” — we beg to differ. Farm Cup Coffee offers one of the best pumpkin-spiced lattes in Los Angeles. Their latte is made up of roasted kabocha, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla syrup, espresso, and your choice of milk. It’s then perfectly topped off with some toasted pumpkin seeds. One sip is guaranteed to warm your soul and indulge your taste buds! Check them out here.
19. Pick up a bounty of fresh seasonal produce at these local farmers markets
With our proximity to some of the most abundant agricultural lands in the country, we’re lucky to enjoy some spectacular farmers markets every single week. Fall is a wonderful time to visit and pick up the ultimate grocery haul of artichokes, squash, apples, carrots, broccoli, persimmons, pears, and more.
20. Race the Turkey Trot in Thanksgiving day
Nothings screams fall louder than Thanksgiving! And if you’re a workout enthusiasts or simply want to burn off those extra calories, you need to join the legendray Turkey Trot. Choose from the 5K or 10K run/walk, or let the kids enjoy the 1K “Widdle Wobble” designed for ages 10 and under. While costumes aren’t required, they’re encouraged!
21. Catch a movie at a drive-in theater
Even though summer is ending, the outdoor cinema experience doesn’t have to. Several of our favorite drive-in cinemas, offer both festive classics and latest releases. Grab your car and bucke up for some serious enterteinment in the wild, as this is one of the best fall activities in L.A.!
22. Visit a spooky cemeteries around L.A.
Whether you’re a horror fan who loves feeling your heart race or you simply enjoy the quiet, fall is the ultimate spooky season, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by visiting some of the eerie cemeteries in the city. Although they are all beautiful and peaceful, they hide creepy stories you’ll want to uncover, by yourself or with the company of friends. Certainly a perfect fall things to do in L.A… If you dare.
23. Catch some shooting stars around town
Fall is a fantastic time for stargazing around Los Angeles. The cooler temperatures and clear skies of the season create ideal conditions for viewing the night sky. As the days shorten, you’ll have more time to marvel at celestial wonders like the Orionids meteor shower and the Milky Way.
Head to locations like Griffith Observatory or Runyon Canyon for breathtaking views of the stars and planets. With fewer summer crowds, you can enjoy a more serene and immersive experience. So, grab a blanket and make the most of the crisp fall evenings to explore the beauty of the cosmos!
24. Get lost in a massive corn maze
If pumpkins and cemeteries aren’t Halloween enough for you, then this is the must-do activity for your fall bucket list. Explore these yellow mazes with family or friends, where you can enjoy treasure hunts, immerse yourself in nature, and maybe even get a little spooked!
25. Visit the graves of your favorite celebrities
As the entertainment capital, Los Angeles is the city where celebrities are born… and where they rest in peace. Autumn, with its spooky Halloween spirit, opens us up to a few more chilling experiences. While this doesn’t have to be scary, visiting the final resting places of the rich and famous is definitely a unique idea to consider.
26. Go on a ghost tour around Los Angeles
Mysterious places, urban legends, and crime scenes… Whether on foot or by car, during the day or at night, these ghost tours in Los Angeles offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s underbelly. In some cases, you might even get the chance to try and connect with the ghostly entities that haunt iconic spots in L.A.
27. Go ice skating at Pershing Square
Even though SoCal isn’t exactly known for its winter weather, that doesn’t mean we can’t create our very own winter wonderland right in the heart of the city. And that’s exactly what you can experience every year at Pershing Square. Celebrate Christmas by gliding across the ice with friends and family under the glow of sparkling holiday lights. Find out all about this spot and the other ice skating rinks in L.A.
There you have it! We hope you have an unforgettable season with our ultimate bucket list of fall activities in Los Angeles.
Edited by Jamie Ferrel and Sofía Delpueche.