A SoCal Season: Enjoying Autumn in Southern California

Autumn Activities, SoCal Style

There is no “sweater weather” in LA. Autumn in Southern California enjoys warm, pleasant days and cooler nights. With average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s,you can relish the fun of the fall season without bundling up. This good weather carries all the laid-back vibes of the region into the fall season. Here are some ways to take advantage of SoCal’s temperate climate this season.

Pick Your Pumpkin

If you don’t have a pumpkin somewhere in your home from September - November, is it even autumn? Somewhere along the line, this gourd has become synonymous with the season. Luckily, Southern California is home to numerous charming spots where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating. 

The fun doesn’t stop at pumpkin picking. Popular patches like Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City and Tanaka Farms in Irvine also have fun activities like hayrides and corn mazes. Thanks to the moderate temperatures, you can play in the patch all day, and well into the night without catching a chill.

View Fall Foliage

California is known for its palm trees and sandy beaches, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fall foliage. There are still beautiful spots to witness fall colors in Southern California. Places like Griffith Park and Oak Glen showcase a stunning array of gold and crimson leaves. A drive through the San Bernardino Mountains and the Angeles National Forest can also reveal breathtaking views of fall foliage, creating the perfect autumn backdrop.

The best part? You are almost guaranteed to have clear skies and cool temperatures perfect for hiking, biking, picnics, and photography. What more could you want for an autumn adventure?

Enjoy Tasty Treats

From August through November, you can’t go anywhere without seeing Pumpkin Spice something – You can blame the infamous pumpkin spice latte for that. Luckily, there are plenty of places to get your pumpkin spice fix. Autumn brings a delightful array of seasonal flavors. 

Local eateries overflow with delicious fall recipes. Try amazing autumn dishes from all around the world! From pumpkin spice lattes to moon cakes, badmaash to ice cream, Los Angeles serves all kinds of tempting treats.

Get Spooked

Okay, maybe you can catch a chill in Southern California, but it won’t be from the weather! California has been home to many famous people, living and dead, for many years. For those seeking thrills, Southern California has several ghost tours that explore the spooky side of the region. 

From haunted Hollywood mansions to creepy gold rush cabins, you can explore places like Old Town San Diego and Hollywood. Listen to stories that fright and delight, and visit spooky locations that will leave you with goosebumps.

Only in LA

There is only one City of Angels. No matter the time of year, LA attracts people from around the world with its endless excitement and entertainment. Every city has its charms, but there are some things that can’t happen anywhere else. Here’s some of our favorite fall events that are only in LA.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

If you can’t decide between a haunted house or a hayride, why not do both? Experience Halloween like never before at the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. This unique event combines a traditional hayride with terrifying scenes and actors that will send shivers down your spine. Located in Griffith Park, it's a must-visit for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in spooky festivities in LA Style.

Dia De Los Muertos

Los Angeles has a rich history filled with traditions. One of the most important to the area is the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. In Southern California, the celebration of life and death takes on a vibrant twist. Though there are many festivals held in and around the city, one of the biggest is the Día de los Muertos Festival held at Olvera Street. This colorful event features elaborate altars, traditional music, and delicious food, honoring loved ones who have passed. It's a beautiful way to experience culture while embracing the autumn spirit.

LA on Display

The movie industry is ingrained in almost every aspect of LA’s culture. That’s why it should be no surprise that the city puts its set design experience into full use during the spooky season. As Halloween approaches, neighborhoods across Los Angeles get into the spirit with spectacular decorations. From haunted houses to extravagant light displays, the creativity of Angelenos shines brightly. Areas like Burbank and Hollywood Hills are known for their over-the-top Halloween displays, making evening drives a thrilling experience.

Stay at Arroyo Vista Inn

Plan the perfect fall vacation with us at Arroyo Vista Inn. 

Our beautiful inn offers all the best of Southern California from our quiet neighborhood in Pasadena. Our location, close to downtown LA and Downtown Pasadena, gives you easy access to all the fun fall events of the city as well as the mountains. Spend the day enjoying autumn activities. Refresh yourself with some afternoon tea before you go out for the evening. Then sleep tight in your cozy, ghost-free room at night!

Whether you are a local looking for a weekend getaway, or a tourist looking for an autumn adventure, our inn offers all our guests an unforgettable stay. Come see what fall in California is all about when you book today!