14 Best Los Angeles Fall Activities (2026)
We don’t really experience a traditional autumn in LA. The fall foliage scene is seriously lacking, and cozy sweater weather doesn’t happen until the very end of the season (if that!).
That said, what we lack in weather, we make up for in experiences! There are so many fun Los Angeles fall activities that can help you get in the spirit of autumn.
Going apple picking, watching a spooky movie at a cemetery, enjoying Oktoberfest celebrations, checking out elaborate Halloween decorations…there’s enough to keep your calendar full from September through December.
Here’s a look at my favorite local fall attractions, as well as some fun easy day trips and weekend getaways that are perfect for this time of year.
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1. Watch an Outdoor Movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Cinespia hosts movie screenings at various sites across Los Angeles…but the cemetery feels particularly appropriate as spooky season approaches! This is one of my favorite unique things to do in Los Angeles, and it’s an especially fun activity for this time of year.
During the fall, they screen 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 in the area that offer apple picking, including Willowbrook Apple Farm, Los Rios Rancho, and Riley’s Farm. I’ve personally gone apple picking at Stone Soup Farm, and highly recommend it!
While you’re in the area, I also recommend stopping by Snow-Line Orchard for mini apple cider donuts.
3. Pick Pumpkins & Enjoy Fall Activities at Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is truly one of the best spots near LA to enjoy some classic family-friendly fall activities. I’ve gone a few times over the years…it’s the perfect way to kick off the fall!
The farm has different themed weekends throughout October, including Farm Country Weekend, Antique Tractor Weekend, and All About Pumpkins Weekend.
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. Celebrate Spooky Season at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
This season, book tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood…if you’re not too scared!
During the event, you can explore the elaborate haunted houses, ride the terror tram, make your way through the sinister scare zones, indulge in themed food and drinks, and more. Select rides are also open during Horror Nights!
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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.
The event takes place on weekends from late September to the end of October, 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 top fall event in LA is Carved at Descanso Gardens, which opens in early October and closes at the end of the month.
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 runs from late September until early November.
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 seasonal event that you won’t want to miss 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 annual one-day event takes place on a Saturday around late October or early November, 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. During a fall day trip to Lake Arrowhead, you can go on an easy hike, stroll around town, and even go on a boat tour! There are also some really beautiful viewpoints on the drive up the mountain.
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. Head to Solvang for Danish Days
If you’re up for a day trip, I recommend visiting Solvang. This small town in the Santa Ynez Valley is about a two hour drive from LA, and is known as the Danish Capital of the US.
It’s worth taking a day trip to Solvang anytime of year. However, a visit during the Danish Days festival (which is hosted over a weekend in mid/late September) is an extra special treat!
During Danish Days, there are 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!
13. 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, a one-day event that happens around mid-October.
This free event features live musical performances, food trucks, vintage tractors and cars, a parade, a beer garden, a wine festival, and many vendor booths.
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!
14. Spend a Weekend in Idyllwild
One Southern California destination that I love visiting in the fall is Idyllwild. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing cabin getaway…and the fall foliage is beautiful!
Top things to do in Idyllwild include hiking, going on a stroll around Lake Fulmor, shopping in town, and exploring the food scene (there aren’t a ton of eateries, but the ones that are there are great!).
Happy fall! If you’re looking for more things to do in the Southern California area, you’ll enjoy these articles:
- The Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles (Within Driving Distance!)
- The Best Day Trips From Los Angeles
- The Top Things to do in Los Angeles (for Tourists & First-Time Visitors!)
- Unique Things to do in Los Angeles (A Local’s Guide!)
- The Best Things to Do in Idyllwild, CA (+ Itinerary, Cabins, & Food Recommendations)
- The Perfect Lake Arrowhead Day Trip Itinerary
- How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Solvang, CA
- The Perfect Ojai Day Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect Laguna Beach Day Trip Itinerary
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!