Fall Guide to Pacific Beach and La Jolla
As summer sunshine transitions to the vibrant colors of autumn, the Pacific Beach and La Jolla neighborhoods of San Diego beckon travelers with a delightful medley of seasonal activities, festivals, and cultural events. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, artistic exploration, or thrilling Halloween adventures, this fall travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to these coastal gems.
(Be sure to check out our Neighborhood Guide for all the best of the area!)
Kids Free October
(Photo: @missywhite82)
October in San Diego means one thing for families: Kids Free Month! Many of the city’s top attractions offer free admission to children throughout the month, making it an ideal time for family adventures. Kids (and their big people) can explore the wonders of marine life at Birch Aquarium, learn about the history of creative expression at the Museum of Contemporary Art, or even embark on a thrilling theme park journey at SeaWorld. You’ll discover countless opportunities to create lasting memories without breaking the bank all month long. We’re even getting in on the fun at Pacific Terrace thanks to our Kids Eat Free offer!
Pacific Beachfest
(Photo: @pacificbeachfest)
Experience the lively spirit of Pacific Beach at Pacific Beachfest, a vibrant celebration of community and coastal culture. This annual event features live music, surf contests, beach volleyball, and a lively craft beer garden. Younger travelers will also love the Kids Action Alley, complete with rides, games, and activities. It’s a day of sun, surf, and fun for the whole family — and you can’t experience it anywhere but here.
Scream Zone in Del Mar
(Photo: @thescreamzone)
For those seeking spine-tingling thrills and chills, the Scream Zone in Del Mar is the place to be every October As the sun sets, this eerie attraction transforms into a haunted maze, complete with terrifying creatures and immersive scare zones. Test your bravery and navigate through the darkness, but beware – the Scream Zone is not for the faint of heart…so be sure to bring your sense of spooky adventure.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
(Photo: @lajollaartandwinefestival)
Art and wine combine to create vintage memories at the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. Stroll along the picturesque streets of La Jolla while admiring stunning creations from local and national artists. Savor exquisite wines from some of California’s finest wineries and indulge in delectable cuisine from local eateries. This festival is a feast for the senses, offering a taste of the vibrant art scene and culinary delights of this stunning seaside city.
San Diego International Film Festival
(Photo: @sdfilmfestival)
Cinephiles, rejoice! The San Diego International Film Festival promises a week of cinematic magic. Immerse yourself in a world of storytelling excellence as you watch cutting-edge films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe. The festival also features celebrity appearances, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and red carpet events. It’s an opportunity to explore the art of filmmaking while rubbing shoulders with industry insiders and fellow film enthusiasts.
Halloween Aglow and Oceans at Night at Birch Aquarium
(Photo: @birchaquarium)
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers unique Halloween experiences for all ages. Halloween Aglow transforms the aquarium into a dazzling underwater wonderland with glowing sea creatures, music, and a scavenger hunt. For adults, Oceans at Night is a fascinating night dive into the ocean’s mysteries, featuring hands-on activities and a chance to witness bioluminescent organisms up close. Whenever you choose to visit, Birch Aquarium is a fantastic spot to enjoy learning about the incredible diversity of marine life.
Pacific Beach Zombie Crawl
(Photo: @nasstive)
The walking dead come alive at the Pacific Beach Zombie Crawl, where creepy corpses roam the streets, bringing creepy chills to the spookiest of seasons. Want to join in? Dress up in your most ghoulish attire and join fellow zombies on a crawl through Pacific Beach’s best bars and restaurants. Enjoy spine-tingling drink specials, music, and eerie surprises along the way. It’s a night of undead revelry you won’t soon forget.
Pacific Beach Pumpkin Patch
(Photo: @exploresandiego.ca)
Celebrate the beauty of fall at this neighborhood gourd grove. Pick the perfect pumpkin from a sea of potential plump Jack-O-Lanterns or play games perfect for the whole family. It’s a delightful autumn outing for everyone, where you can savor the season’s charm and create cherished memories.
La Clochette Bakery’s Fall Specials
(Photo: @laclochettesd)
Fall just isn’t fall until you Indulge your taste buds with the fall specials at famous La Clochette Bakery in La Jolla. This charming bakery offers a delectable array of special seasonal pastries, sandwiches, and French-inspired treats every autumn. As the season changes, don’t miss the chance to savor pumpkin-flavored delights, seasonal tarts, and warm beverages (such as their Salted Maple Latté, Stuffed Pumpkin Spice Beignet, and the back-by-popular-demand Cassoulet). It’s a cornucopia of harvest favorites that adds a touch of sweetness to your fall adventure.
Enjoy Autumn Adventures at Pacific Terrace
(Photo: @pacificterrace)
Fall in Pacific Beach and La Jolla is a time of transformation, where coastal beauty meets cultural festivities and Halloween adventures. And Pacific Terrace is just the place to call home during your fantastic fall tour! Not only are we centrally-located to every stop on this list, our fantastic fall rates, unbeatable service and plush accommodations (including private balconies overlooking the ocean) offer a cozy fall package you’ll remember for years to come. Take a look at our fall activities page to see what we’ve got brewing for you, then stop by our Special Offers Page to book your visit.