13 Best Los Angeles Fall Activities (2024)
While we might not get the most spectacular fall foliage in LA, there are still a ton of fun seasonal activities. Below, I’ve created a guide to the best Los Angeles fall activities to get you in the spirit of autumn. From apple picking to Oktoberfest celebrations, you’ll find things to do in the county, as well as easy day trips and weekend getaways to nearby towns!
The Top Los Angeles Fall Activities
Here’s the ultimate list of the top things to do to celebrate fall in Los Angeles in 2024!
1. Watch an Outdoor Movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Cinespia hosts outdoor movie screenings at various sites across Los Angeles – but the cemetery feels particularly appropriate as spooky season approaches! During the fall, they offer plenty of Halloween classics and horror favorites. Some previous screenings include Ghostbusters, Harry Potter, Pulp Fiction, The Addams Family, The Shining, and so much more.
They offer food for sale, and have really cool on-theme photo booths where you can snap a few shots. There’s also always a DJ playing music before and after the movie! You can view the upcoming screenings and buy tickets on the Cinespia website.
For the Hollywood Forever Cemetery events, I highly recommend just paying the extra to park at the parking garage near the entrance. It’ll save you the headache of trying to find street parking in Hollywood!
2. Go Apple Picking in Oak Glen
Nothing says fall like apple picking. One of the best spots for apple picking near Los Angeles is Oak Glen, which is about an hour and 20 minute drive from LA. There are a few orchards that offer apple picking, but I particularly like Stone Soup. Check out my guide on everything you need to know about apple picking at Stone Soup Farm!
3. Pick Pumpkins & Enjoy Fall Activities at Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is truly one of the best spots in LA to enjoy some classic family-friendly fall activities. They have different themed weekends throughout October, including Farm Country Weekend (October 5th and 6th), Antique Tractor Weekend (October 12th and 13th), and All About Pumpkins Weekend (October 26th and 27th).
No matter when you choose to visit, you’ll be able to pick pumpkins (they have some seriously cool varieties), go through the corn maze, enjoy a tractor-drawn wagon ride, see the giant pumpkin house, and more. During the weekends, they also have pig races and live musical performances. When you’re visiting, be sure to head over to the pick your own section if you want to go home with freshly picked veggies!
Heads up: during the fall festivities, online tickets are required if you’re planning on visiting on the weekend!
4. Visit Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Another one of the top things to do in LA in the fall is pumpkin picking at the Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, located in Culver City. In addition to the pumpkin patch, the family-owned and operated business offers a straw maze, a petting zoo, fall-focused photo opportunities, food and drinks, and live entertainment.
Heads up: this pumpkin patch is popular, and tickets do sell out! Be sure to reserve your spot in advance online.
5. Head to Solvang for Danish Days
If you’re up for a day trip, I recommend heading up to Solvang for Danish Days, which is happening September 20th through 22nd, 2024. Solvang (which is about a two hour drive from LA) is known as the Danish Capital of the US, and is worth a visit anytime of the year (take a look at my Solvang day trip guide!). However, a visit to the town during the Danish Heritage Festival is an extra special treat.
During Danish Days, there are multiple parades, musical performances, and Danish folk dancers. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and drinks. Head to the beer and wine garden, or check out the ebelskiver breakfast (or go to the ebelskiver eating contest!). You can check out the full schedule of events online. Good news: admission is free!
6. Celebrate Oktoberfest
If you want to celebrate Oktoberfest in Los Angeles, I recommend checking out Wurstküche in Venice! The restaurant’s Oktoberfest event includes yodeling, a live band, and (of course) plenty of beer. You’ll also get a souvenir liter mug. This year, the event takes place over five consecutive weekends from September 28th to October 26th, and you can buy tickets on the Wurstküche website.
7. Enjoy the Halloween Decorations at Toluca Lake
I absolutely love a good Halloween decoration display, and Toluca Lake does it right. The residents in this neighborhood go all out – many even have Instagram accounts for the occasion (check out @sayscream)!
One of the spots you’ll definitely need to check out is Lilley Hall, located at 10104 Moorpark Street. This 1927 Tudor revival home is named after Joseph J. Lilley, a composer who lived there in the mid-20th century.
Here, they take a maximalist approach to Halloween decor, with tons of pumpkins, ghosts, and festive lights! Start at Lilley Hall, and then walk around the neighborhood for an enjoyable (and spooky) evening.
8. Check Out Carved at Descanso Gardens
Another one of the best fall activities in Los Angeles is Carved at Descanso Gardens, which is happening October 4th through 30th, 2024. Walk through the trails at the gardens to see lit up jack-o’-lanterns, huge carved pumpkins, a Día de los Muertos display, and other creative installations.
Advanced tickets are required, so be sure to buy your tickets online before visiting! This event is popular, so the sooner the better.
9. Get in the Halloween Spirit at Nights of the Jack
One of my favorite Halloween events in Los Angeles is the Nights of the Jack, which is running from September 27th to November 3rd, 2024. At this family-friendly immersive event (which is held in the evening at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas), you’ll stroll down the walking trail and admire intricately hand-carved pumpkins, spectacular light displays, and other spooky Halloween decorations.
Before or after you go on the trail, you can purchase hot cider, coffee, and a snack or meal from one of the many food trucks. You can also head over to the “Spookeasy” to grab a cocktail!
10. Check Out Dia de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Another event that you won’t want to miss in Los Angeles in the fall is Dia de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This joyful, vibrant holiday event includes over 100 altars created by community members honoring loved ones, as well as live music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and more. The 25th annual event will take place on October 26th, 2024, and tickets can be purchased in advance online.
11. See the Fall Leaves in Lake Arrowhead
Craving some fall foliage? One of the best places to see fall colors near Los Angeles is Lake Arrowhead! This charming town is located just about an hour and a half east of Los Angeles. You can hike, walk around town, check out some really cool viewpoints on the drive up, and so much more. For a full itinerary, take a look at my Lake Arrowhead day trip guide!
I highly recommend keeping track of the foliage on an online fall leaves tracker, like this one. That way, you can plan to go during peak season!
12. Take a Day Trip to Los Olivos for Day in the Country
Another town worth visiting this fall is Los Olivos – specifically during Day in the Country, which is on October 12th, 2024. This free event features live musical performances, food trucks, vintage tractors and cars, a parade, a beer garden, and many vendor booths.
Adults planning on visiting can also purchase a Wine Roundup pass in advance online. This event occurs on the weekend of Day in the Country (perfect for those who want to do a fall getaway!), and the pass gets you two tastes at nine different wineries, for a total of 18 tastings over the weekend.
If you can’t make it to town for Day in the Country, it’s still worth visiting in October. All month, there is a Scarecrow Fest. Walk around town to check out all the scarecrows created by residents, and vote on your favorite!
13. Spend a Weekend in Idyllwild
One Southern California destination that’s particularly beautiful in the fall is Idyllwild. Rent a cabin for the weekend and spend some time hiking (and admiring the fall foliage!) and exploring the charming town. For more ideas on activities and trails in the area, check out my guide on the best things to do in Idyllwild, CA.
Happy fall! If you’re looking for more things to do in the Southern California area, you’ll enjoy these articles:
I’m looking forward to the fall season, although I will certainly miss the summer sun. Your post is inspiring!
I didn’t realize there were so many fun fall activities to do in LA! I would love to go apple picking and see the leaves change at Lake Arrowhead.
Apple picking looks like a fun fall activity my kids would love. Thanks for a great list!
Fall is the best time of the year with so many fun things to do. I think movies in a cemetery is the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard but it would be a great thing to do around Halloween.
We love to travel in the Fall so it was fun to read about things we can do if we head to LA. An outdoor movie is always fun. And good to find some fun Octoberfest celebrations. A great idea to visit Los Olives for a wine event in harvesting season.
I can’t wait for the cooler weather. I’d love to check out Solvang for Danish Days for something unique to see and do!
This is such a wonderful guide. I would love to visit LA in fall
Autumn is such a charming season, I would like to see the leaves near the Lake and I would totally love to visit a pumpkin farm to get in the vibes of the season, I never heard about Los Olivos, it looks like a great choice for a day trip. Not only in mid-October!