Fall in Orange County brings pumpkin patches, Halloween events, apple-picking day trips, festivals and plenty of reasons to get outdoors. From family activities and date ideas to seasonal food, hikes and weekend getaways, use this bucket list to make the most of fall in Southern California.
For fall events in Orange County check out our Fall event page.
The first day of fall is Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:05 pm PDT and fall ends on Monday, December 21, 2026 at 12:50 pm PST, according to the astronomical calendar. The start of fall is known as the Autumnal Equinox.
According to the meteorological calendar, the first day of fall is Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and fall ends on Monday, November 30, 2026.
Fall Activities & Fun Things to Do
Take in Fall at a Family Farm
Family farms have something for everyone including u-pick fall produce, corn mazes, petting zoos, hayrides, farmers markets, fall festivals, farm tours and much more.
Journey through a Corn Maze
Fall is the perfect time to have fun exploring a corn maze.
Visit a Zoo or Petting Zoo
Fall can bring milder weather for a trip to the zoo or petting zoo, making it a good season to spend more time outdoors with the animals.
Spend a Day Apple Picking
Apple orchards are perfect for apple picking and they also offer many fun activities such as hayrides, farm animals, cider pressing, and even axe throwing at some.
Play Fantasy Football
It’s football season and Fantasy Football is easy, brings people together, and makes watching NFL games even more exciting.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
A pumpkin patch is the best place to go on a hunt for the perfect pumpkin while exploring the many fun attractions that are also there.
Celebrate at a Fall Festival
Celebrate the season with a fall festival with a variety of autumn-inspired food and beverages, games, rides and much more.
Go on a Hayride
A hayride is a classic way to enjoy a pumpkin patch, farm or fall festival with family and friends.
Have Fun at an Amusement Park
Everything is extra special at an amusement park in the fall with festive treats and amazing decorations.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the fullest flavors of the season at a Farmers’ Market including apples, pears, pumpkins, winter squash, ginger, potatoes and turnips.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Take a front-row seat on the train and journey through the beautiful fall colors.
Create an Autumn Wreath
DIY your own autumn wreath with autumnal shades and seasonal elements.
Run a Fall 5k or Turkey Trot
Challenge your fitness level or just have fun with friends and family while getting a little exercise in at one of these holiday fun runs.
Tell Scary Stories in a Tent in the Backyard
Freak out your family and friends with scary stories in a tent or around a campfire.
Get Spooked at a Haunted House
Every city has a dark and dastardly past with a spooky tale, seek out your city’s dark secrets.
Observe Veterans Day at a Parade or Ceremony
Take a moment to give thanks to the men and women who have served or do serve in the military at a local Veterans Day event.
Attend an el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Event
Commemorate Day of the Dead and participate in a Día de Muertos celebration at a museum, amusement park, restaurant, or even a cemetery.
Break Out Your Lederhosen at an Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest celebrations go beyond beer tents, with Bavarian-inspired food, music, dancing and activities at events throughout Southern California.
Go Horseback Riding
Take advantage of milder fall days with horseback riding, or make it a coastal outing with horseback riding near the beach.
Plan a Touch Football Game
Rustle up a game of one-hand touch football for an active, action-packed afternoon.
Make Fall Cocktails
Pair a drink with your favorite fall ingredient like pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, apple, vanilla, and, of course, pumpkin pie spice.
Attend a Scary Halloween Event
Celebrate Halloween in style at the many Halloween events held each year.
Go Line Dancing
Line dancing is a fun and non-stressful way to get everyone onto the dance floor and a chance to dust off those boots.
Make Your Own Fall Candle
With the weather cooling down and the sun setting earlier each day, it’s time to make your own fall-scented candle.
Book a Weekend Getaway
Celebrate the fall season with a weekend getaway in the countryside, mountains, or wine country.
Go Wine Tasting
See the vineyards take on golden hues during grape harvest crush season and taste some incredible wine.
Have a Fall Movie Marathon
Grab your pumpkin spice latte and settle down for the night and watch classic fall movies.
Stay at a Haunted Hotel
Book a night at a historic hotel, B&B or boutique property with local ghost stories and legends, or look for a historic walking or ghost tour that explores the area’s past.
Try a Hot-Air Balloon Ride
A hot-air balloon is perfect in the fall for a bird’s-eye view of the whole autumnal picture.
Plant a Fall Garden
Take advantage of an additional growing season and start a fall garden.
Take a Fall Beach Stroll
Fall can mean lighter crowds at some Orange County beaches, making it a great time for a walk along the coast.
Organize a Fall Themed Photo Shoot
Fall and photoshoots go together like pumpkins and pie and autumn locations are fantastic.
Tailgate at a Football Game
Tailgating before college and professional football games is an American and fall tradition.
Go For a Fall Hike
Autumn is the perfect time to hit the trails and see the beautiful display of colors that Mother Nature puts on for us.
Rent a Cabin
From lake locations to scenic mountain spots get up close and personal with nature in a cabin. You can not only enjoy the fall foliage, but discover other outdoor activities to keep you active and having fun.
Volunteer or Join a Fall Food Drive
Give back during the season by volunteering, donating food or helping a local nonprofit. See our Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities for ways to help around Orange County.
Go Zip Lining
During the fall months ziplining really is an awesome adventure because you can take in everything that comes with fall.
Make a Pumpkin Spice Coffee
A pumpkin spice latte is a fall favorite, and you can also make your own pumpkin spice latte at home.
Visit a Brewery and Drink Pumpkin Beer
Skip the pumpkin spice lattes and slices of pumpkin pie and opt for a pumpkin beer at a local brewery.
Go Camping
Fall can bring more comfortable temperatures for camping in Southern California. Plan a night under the stars at a local campground or make a weekend of it in the mountains or desert.
Make Caramel Apples
Fall is apple season, making it a great time to make caramel apples with homemade caramel sauce.
See Fall Colors on a Day Trip
For a stronger display of autumn color, plan a Southern California day trip to mountain and orchard communities such as Julian, Oak Glen, Big Bear or Idyllwild. Timing varies by elevation and weather.
Have a Fall Picnic
Pack seasonal snacks and enjoy a fall picnic at an Orange County regional park, garden or beach. Mild autumn days can be especially good for eating outdoors.
Bake an Apple or Pumpkin Pie
Bake an apple or pumpkin pie with seasonal flavors, or try a creative twist on a classic fall dessert.
Go to a Beach Bonfire
As beach crowds ease later in the year, gather around a beach bonfire or fire pit for a classic Southern California fall evening. Check current fire-ring availability and rules before going.
Whip up a Batch of Mulled Wine
The days are shorter, autumn is in the air, and it’s a perfect time to end your day with a mug of mulled wine.
Decorate the Outside
From fall porch decorating to yard decor, there are plenty of DIY projects to explore this fall.
Visit a Garden or Nursery for Fall Displays
Explore seasonal plants, pumpkins, autumn decor and creative displays at a local garden or nursery. Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach is a popular Orange County stop for elaborate seasonal displays.
Plan an Autumn Date
We’ve given you all the things to do in the fall, now pick a place and make a date out of it.
Best Places for Fall Activities
Here are some of our favorite places to visit during the fall.
- Oak Glen apple orchards and fall activities
- Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
- Disneyland/California Adventure/Downtown Disney
- Knott’s Scary Farm/Camp Spooky
- Brick-or-Treat Nights Legoland California
- Chargers, Rams, UCLA, USC football games
- Calico Ghost Town
- Oktoberfests
- Underwood Family Farms
- Santa Ana Zoo
- Julian, California
- Roger’s Gardens
- Irvine Regional Park and Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Printable list of Fall Activities & Fun Things to Do: PDF | Image
Fall Activities FAQs
What are the best fall activities in Orange County?
Popular fall activities include pumpkin patches, Halloween events, fall festivals, farmers markets, hiking, beach bonfires, Oktoberfest celebrations and seasonal attractions at local theme parks.
Where can you see fall colors near Orange County?
For more noticeable fall color, consider a day trip to mountain and orchard communities such as Oak Glen, Julian, Big Bear or Idyllwild. Peak color varies by elevation and weather.
What are good fall activities for kids?
Kid-friendly ideas include pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, family farms, petting zoos, fall festivals, train rides, apple picking and family-friendly Halloween events.
What are some free fall activities in Orange County?
Free or low-cost ideas include hiking, visiting the beach, having a picnic, exploring a farmers market, attending select community festivals, decorating at home and taking a fall-themed photo walk.
Where are the best pumpkin patches near Orange County?
Orange County and nearby Southern California have numerous seasonal pumpkin patches. See our Orange County pumpkin patch guide for current locations, dates and activities.