Ready to make the most of fall in Southern California? Here on the Pacific Surfliner, we’re all about those gourd vibes! A train ride is the perfect way to dive into the magic of fall, with plenty of gatherings that capture the spirit of the season to check out along the way.
From charming local pumpkin patches to grand Halloween celebrations at beloved theme parks, the Pacific Surfliner is your ticket to the following spooktacular events, activities, and seasonal sights on the California coast this fall season!
TLDR;
- Fall Festivals
- Pumpkin Patches
- Theme Park Fun
- Oktoberfest
Fall Festivals in Southern California
These fall festivals in California prove that the Golden State knows how to get down with some autumn fun.
California Harvest Festival
Ventura: September 11 - 13
San Diego/Del Mar: October 9 - 11
Harvest season deserves to be commemorated, don’t you think? That’s the idea behind California’s annual Harvest Festival, celebrating its 54th year! Held in locations throughout Southern California, including Ventura, Del Mar, and more, the Harvest Festival is the OG celebration of nature’s finest bounty and carefully crafted wares.
Browse a wide selection of handcrafted goods, artisan creations, delicious food, and other seasonal delights throughout the market, and treat yourself to one of California’s original harvest festivals!
How to Get There:
- Ventura: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Ventura Station. From there, it’s just a short stroll to the Ventura County Fairgrounds where the Harvest Festival takes place.
- Del Mar: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station. Catch a 10-minute Uber or Lyft to get to the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
SOURCE: Central Coast Railroad Festival
Central Coast Railroad Festival
San Luis Obispo & Northern Santa Barbara Counties: October 2 - 4
Calling all train lovers! The Central Coast Railroad Festival is a fun-filled weekend of railroading events at various locations throughout San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties you don’t want to miss. From model train exhibits to historical presentations, this event celebrates the rich history of railroads and train travel in the region. All aboard!
How to Get There: First, check out the festival schedule to see when and where your must-see railroad events and activities will be taking place! Many of the locations, including the SLO Railroad Museum, can be easily reached from the San Luis Obispo Station.
California Avocado Festival
Carpinteria: October 2 - 4
Fun fact: Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado producer in North America. It only makes sense that the area is also home to the best celebration of everyone’s favorite green fruit (yes, fruit)! This year’s California Avocado Festival will have 60+ bands, 50 arts & crafts and commercial vendors, and 15 tasty food vendors for you to choose from. Head to Carpinteria to join in on this 3-day festival filled to the brim with delicious food, fun entertainment, and good ol’ community spirit!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Carpinteria Station. A quick walk (less than 5 minutes!) will take you to the festival grounds.
LA Farmers Market Fall Festival
Los Angeles: October 17 - 18
LA's favorite Fall Festival returns with a weekend full of family-friendly fun, from meeting adorable animals at the petting zoo to picking the perfect pumpkin at Mr. Jack O'Lantern's Pumpkin Patch! Add in festive crafts, live music, seasonal photo ops, and plenty of autumn charm, and you've got all the ingredients for a perfect fall day.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Los Angeles Union Station, then hop on the LA Metro D Line for an approximately 40-minute trip to the Original Farmers Market.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos
Los Angeles: October 24 - November 2
Who needs pumpkins when you have papel picado! Every year, Downtown Día de los Muertos illuminates Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles with colorful community ofrendas, local art, music, events, and traditions for a week-long celebration of life, death, and everything in between.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Los Angeles Union Station, then take an LA Metro bus or the B/D Line for a quick 10-minute ride to Gloria Molina Grand Park— or stretch your legs with a 15-minute walk!
Fall Race Days at the Del Mar Racetrack
Del Mar: November 6 - 29
On your marks, get set… go! The Del Mar Fall Racing Season (aka, the “Bing Crosby Season”) saddles back up on November 6, and right now is the perfect time to get excited about going back to the races. Don your finest clothes and get ready for another season of fun spent in the beautiful Southern California sunshine.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station. From there, take the free shuttle that goes to the racetrack. It operates on race days and is free for riders who show a valid train ticket!
Pumpkin Patches in Southern California
Your search for the perfect pumpkin starts here!
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Irvine: September - October
Head over to Tanaka Farms for festive fall fun that lets you pick your pumpkin right off the vine! Roam the fields searching for the gourd of your dreams, and then check out Tanaka Farms’ other seasonal activities, including a barnyard educational exhibit, wagon rides, a corn maze, and a U-pick veggie patch.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Irvine Station. A 10-minute Uber or Lyft will take you straight to Tanaka Farms.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Brea: October
One thing about Mr. Jack O ’Lanterns: he knows how to carve out some real pumpkin fun. With multiple locations throughout California, this charming pumpkin patch sells pumpkins, squash, corn stalks, and hay, and offers activities like pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, farm animal viewing, and more.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Fullerton Station. A 10-minute Uber or Lyft will take you to the Mr. Jack O ‘Lanterns Pumpkin Patch in Brea.
Fall Fun at California Theme Parks
Looking for screams, sweets, or both? California's theme parks have you covered.
Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort
Anaheim: August 21 - October 31
It’s not a bunch of hocus pocus — it’s Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort! You already know that nowhere does spooky season quite like Disneyland® and California Adventure. Find yourself totally spellbound by themed decorations, special events like the Oogie Boogie Bash, exclusive apparel, Día de Los Muertos celebrations, and so much more! Don’t forget that the Pacific Surfliner offers some magical Disneyland® Resort savings for riders, including discounts on park admission and train travel.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Anaheim Station, then show your valid train ticket or pass to ride OCTA free toward Disneyland® Resort. Weekday travelers can take Route 553 directly to Disneyland, while Route 50 offers both weekday and weekend service to Harbor Boulevard & Katella Avenue, a short walk from the main entrance.
Brick-or-Treat Parties at LEGOLAND®
San Diego: September - October
We hear you: less talk, more LEGO! During the fall season, LEGOLAND is transformed into every kiddo’s wildest dream, filled with character meet & greets, Halloween dance parties, themed decor, exclusive spooky treats, and more! Visit during the Brick-or-Treat Party dates for even more LEGO-themed fun as monsters take over the park!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Oceanside Station. A 15-minute Uber or Lyft ride will take you to LEGOLAND.
Oktoberfest in Southern California
Don’t worry, be hoppy during Oktoberfest in Southern California!
SOURCE: SLO Oktoberfest
SLO Oktoberfest
San Luis Obispo: October 3
Enjoy SLO County’s biggest Oktoberfest during this all-day celebration of brews and brats. Enjoy all the staples of a great Oktoberfest, including food, beverages, music, contests, games, and more!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the San Luis Obispo Station. From there, catch a 10-minute Uber or Lyft to the Alex Madonna Expo Center. There are also free shuttle stops in San Luis Obispo at Campus Bottle, Luna Red, and Launch & Ladder Pub, starting at 12:30pm.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
San Diego: October 9 - 10
Touting itself as “San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest,” this is the place to go if you want to party. Dust off your Dirndls and Lederhosen, dance your clogs off with live music and DJs, and enjoy a beachfront Beer Garden with local beer, wine, and spirits.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego’s Old Town Station. From there, hop on MTS Bus Route 35 for an approximately 30-minute ride to Ocean Beach, or catch an Uber or Lyft for a 15-minute ride to the festival grounds.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pumpkin, joining a Halloween dance party, or savoring some local flavor, fall is calling, and the Pacific Surfliner is more than ready to take you there.
Click here to check out the Pacific Surfliner schedule and start penciling in your fall fun.