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Katie Sagal

Things to Do in San Diego in Fall 2019 - Attractions, Activities & More

San Diego offers mild, sunny weather in the fall and hosts lots of annual fall festivals and seasonal events. Planning a trip and looking for things to do in San Diego in the Fall? Take a look at our suggestions for the top attractions and activities to check out this year. Our favorite fall 2019 activities in San Diego include...

  • Special Events at the Fleet Science Center
  • Infinity Cube at Birch Aquarium
  • Knott's Scary Farm
  • LEGOLAND California Brick-or-Treat
  • Local fall festivals
  • San Diego Beer Festival
  • and more!

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these San Diego area activities is included on the Go San Diego® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all San Diego tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of the Fall events listed below may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Diego® pass.

Special Events at The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Image of Accessories, Goggles, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Teen, Glasses, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center aims to engage young ones in scientific topics with hands-on experiences. There will be a series of exciting visiting exhibits that will be ongoing throughout the fall, included daily science shows, a hands-on myth-busting activity, and an exhibit about the powers of simple household tape. Weekends and select weeknights are popular times for the science center to host ongoing workshop programs, like "3D Printing & CAD" and "Science Club for Girls," among other themes (including some for adults!). Check their event site in advance to see what's going on. Getting In: General admission Fleet Science Center plus IMAX tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.

Knott's Scary Farm

Select Dates, September 19 - November 2, 2019 Knott's Berry Farm

Evil rises at Knott's Scary Farm this Halloween season for the 45th annual world-renowned event featuring 24 horrifying nights. Guests will enjoy bloodcurdling mazes, spooky live shows, and more can't-miss attractions. You'll also be terrified at every turn with the 1000 costumed actors and staff members wandering the poorly-lit part grounds... 2019 will be featuring more than a few new scares, including spooky mazes, hair-raising shows, haunted houses, and more... This event is not recommended for children. However, they also offer Knott's Spooky Farm during the day for the younger crowd. Getting In: Admission to Knott's Scary Farm is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website. However, Regular admission to Knott's Berry Farm is included with the Go San Diego® pass.

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND® California

October 17 - November 2, 2019 LEGOLAND® California

Image of Costume, Person, Baby, Boy, Child, Male, Head to LEGOLAND® California for Brick-or-Treat Party Nights on select days this October for Halloween-themed fun. There will be music, costume contests, the Brick-or-Treat Trail, and more. Experience the expanded Brick-or-Treat Trail, including 2 stations at SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Halloween adventures at Heartlake City and Fun Town. Catch tons of fun, live entertainment, and shows while getting into the Halloween spirit. Getting In: Admission to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND California is separately ticketed. It is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website. However, Regular admission to LEGOLAND California is included with the Go San Diego® pass.

San Diego Festival of Beer

September 21, 2019 Broadway Pier

Image of People, Person, Hat, Adult, Male, Man, Child, Female, Girl, Woman, Crowd, Box, Airport, Cafeteria, Indoors, Restaurant, Photo credit: San Diego Festival of Beer's Official Facebook Page
Head to the Broadway Pier to see what's on tap this year from more than 50 participating breweries. The San Diego Festival of Beer features live music, entertainment, food, and sample craft beers from different breweries. Tickets to the event include admission and unlimited 2 oz beer tastes. This is a great event for couples or groups of friends. Getting In: Admission to the San Diego Festival of Beer is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

Haunted San Diego

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Festival, Enter the Haunted Hotel (if you dare) and try to find your way back out for a spine-tingling experience. Named by Haunt World Magazine as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America, it's sure to give you the spooks. Or, enter the mile-long Haunted Trail in Balboa Park for a scary stroll through a haunted old Plantation. Walk along Bourbon Street in New Orleans for a night you'll never forget. Getting In: Admission to Halloween attractions in San Diego is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about each attraction or to purchase admission, please visit the individual attraction websites.

Fleet Week's Big Bay Bash

November 4-12, 2019 Various locations throughout San Diego

Image of Cruiser, Military, Navy, Ship, Vehicle, Boat, City, Watercraft, Celebrate the iconic Fleet Week this year with various scheduled events. There will be a family tailgate, gold tournament, ship tours, a Navy vs. Notre Dame watch party, and more. Events are open to the public to honor and celebrate all the people who have served in the US Navy and military. Getting In: Admission to Fleet Week events is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about these events and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

Día de Los Muertos

Select dates, November 2, 2019 Old Town San Diego

Image of Carnival, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Face, Head, Head to picturesque Old Town San Diego for a Día de Los Muertos celebration. It will showcase the traditions and cultural activities that celebrate the returned spirits of lost loved ones. There will be lots of family-friendly fun activities, crafts, food, and more. Getting In: Admission to the Día de Los Muertos celebrations in San Diego is free.

Gaslamp Quarter Fallback Festival

November 3, 2019, 11 AM-4 PM 410 Island Avenue

Image of People, Person, Hat, Shoe, Handbag, Boy, Child, Male, Adult, Man, Female, Girl, Celebrate the history and culture of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Go on an old-fashioned hayride, pan for gold, ride a pony, and more. This festival will feature lots of fall-themed family-friendly fun. There will be live entertainment and educational content with a focus the Gaslamp Quarter's Wild West history. Getting In: Admission to the Fall Back Festival is free.

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival

November 10-17, 2019 Embarcadero Marina Park North

Image of Accessories, Glasses, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Beverage, Cup, Alcohol, Male, Man, Enjoy some of the world's best wine and culinary creations at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Visitors will enjoy cooking classes, tasting panels, celebrity chef dinners, and more. 2019 will be the 16th annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival event – and the biggest yet. It's now the biggest culinary event to take place on the entire West Coast! Getting In: Admission to the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is separately ticketed. It is not included with the Go San Diego® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

Let's Recap

Who knew autumn could be this much fun? We hope you enjoyed these suggestions for a few popular things to do in San Diego in the Fall. And remember, you can save on combined admission on many of these popular attractions, tours, and more with the Go San Diego® pass. Please note, some of the Fall events taking place mentioned in this post may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego® pass.

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