As fall settles into Los Angeles, the city comes alive with an array of seasonal activities. From pumpkin patches and orchard visits to hay rides and more haunted activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
First, to truly embrace the fall season, you must visit a pumpkin patch. Southern California has many pumpkin patches, but a local favorite is Smith’s Pumpkin Patch in La Cañada, which offers crafts and rides. For more pumpkin-related fun, Descanso Gardens offers their Carved event, an interactive walkthrough the gardens featuring a glowing trail, pumpkin displays, and themed food and drinks. After the festivities, visitors can also eat at their new restaurant called Farmhouse. This event runs from Friday, Oct. 3 to Thursday, Oct. 30.
If you’re looking for an activity to do with friends or family, apple picking at Willowbrook Apple Farm is a festive way to have some fun and get a sweet treat. You can learn how to press apple cider—the pinnacle of fall drinks—or take home a sweet caramel apple to enjoy later. For those with a sweet tooth, Snow Line Orchard is the place for you. It offers all your favorite fall treats, such as cider donuts, apple cider slushies and apple pie.
El Día de los Muertos, a multi-day holiday to pay respects to loved ones who have passed, is also celebrated in Los Angeles with community festivals and events at locations such as Olvera Street, Gloria Molina Grand Park and the Plaza de la Raza. At these locations, you will find music, performances and beautiful ofrendas, traditional altars honoring deceased loved ones. If you want to celebrate this wonderful holiday, make sure to stop by one of these attractions on the first weekend of November!
For those who are more daring, Los Angeles offers many haunted attractions. Longtime favorites include Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, both of which require tickets for attractions. If you are truly fearless, Halloween Horror Nights’ top mazes this year are Five Nights at Freddie’s, Terrifier, Fallout and Poltergeist.
Another classic yet sometimes overlooked activity is hay rides. The best local hayride is the Griffith Haunted Hayride. This attraction runs from Friday, Sep. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 2, and has a 17-year history here in Los Angeles, keeping the spooky spirit going with a festive and quaint touch.
If you are more of a homebody, consider baking festive treats from the comfort of your home. Visit the website Sally’s Baking for delicious recipes for pumpkin bread, homemade caramel apples, pumpkin pie and many other fall treats!
Whichever way your tastes lean, I hope you found something to add to your bucket list this fall. Don’t let the season pass without grabbing your friends to make unforgettable fall memories around Southern California.
