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. Leave travel stress in the rearview mirror and let yourself enjoy the unbeatable vibes of the Pacific Surfliner during your journey! With onboard eats, scenic views, and no traffic to worry about, your fall adventures start here.
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!
Fall Festivals & Gatherings
Ventura Harvest Festival
Del Mar: October 3-5
Harvest season deserves to be commemorated, don’t you think? That’s the idea behind Ventura’s annual Harvest Festival, celebrating its 53rd year! Held in locations throughout Southern California, including Ventura, Del Mar, Sacramento, 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:
- 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.
Central Coast Railroad Festival
October 3-5
Venues Throughout Central and Southern California
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
October 3-5
Carpinteria
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 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.
Paak House Music Festival
October 11
Camarillo
Fall in California just got funkier! Anderson .Paak’s .Paak House Festival takes over CSU Channel Islands for a day packed with beats, eats, and impeccable backyard vibes. All proceeds benefit the Brandon Anderson Foundation, so every dance move you bust out helps support arts and community programs!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Camarillo Station. From there, CSU Channel Islands is just a 5-10-minute Uber or Lyft away.
Olvera Street Día de los Muertos Festival
October 25 - November 2
Downtown Los Angeles
Olvera Street is best known for being a colorful Mexican market in Downtown Los Angeles, but during Día de los Muertos, it transforms into a mesmerizing nine-day celebration of life and death. Immerse yourself in the nightly Novenario Procession, get your face painted by one of the festival’s talented vendors, and enjoy a theatrical performance of “La Danza de la Muerte.” ¡Salud!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Olvera Street is just across the road from the station!
Race Days at the Del Mar Racetrack
October 31 - December 1
Del Mar Racetrack
On your marks, get set… go! Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack is October 31, 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
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
September 13 - November 2
Irvine
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. Head to the farm over the weekend to enjoy an abundance of seasonal activities, games, arts & crafts, and more at their annual Fall Harvest Festival!
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
October 1 - 31
Brea - San Diego
One thing about Mr. Jack O ’Lanterns: he knows how to carve out some real pumpkin fun. With multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, and West Palm Beach, 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:
- Brea: 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.
- San Diego: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego’s Old Town Station. A 10-minute Uber or Lyft will take you to the Mr. Jack O ‘Lanterns Pumpkin Patch.
Theme Park Fun
Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort
August 22 - October 31
Anaheim
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. From there, catch a 10-minute Uber or Lyft, or present your train ticket to the #15 ARTIC Express Line or the #15 ARTIC Sports Complex Line for a free shuttle ride to Disneyland® Resort. Click here to learn more about free bus connections from the Anaheim Station to the park.
Brick-or-Treat Parties at LEGOLAND
September: 20, 27
October: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
November: 1
San Diego
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! Everyone’s favorite German-inspired celebration of brews is best celebrated in California, where a whole world of craft beer is just waiting to be discovered. Local breweries bring their A-game with creative takes on traditional German styles, which are then perfectly paired with authentic German food and entertainment. Consider catching a ride on the Pacific Surfliner to enjoy the following Oktoberfest celebrations!
SLO Oktoberfest
October 4
San Luis Obispo
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.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
October 10 - 11
San Diego
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, catch an Uber or Lyft for the 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. Skip the stress of getting to all your favorite fall events with a train ride full of sights, tasty treats, and undeniably gourd vibes.
Ready to ride? Click here to check out the Pacific Surfliner schedule and start penciling in your fall fun.