A pumpkin patch in October in San Diego

San Diego in October

By Stuart Bak

Clear blue skies, sultry Santa Ana breezes and relatively low hotel rates make fall one of the best times to visit San Diego. Days remain warm and sunny well into October and, with kids back in school, beaches and major attractions become far less crowded. This is also the season for major events such as the Ocean beach Oktoberfest and La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. Not to mention those spook-tacular San Diego Halloween celebrations. Here’s what you can expect on a trip to San Diego in October.

Things to do in San Diego in October

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October temperatures in San Diego have been known to hit highs of around 75°F, meaning that perfect SoCal tan you’ve been dreaming of is still well within reach. You’ll still find plenty of sunseekers lounging on golden sands from Ocean Beach to La Jolla at this time of year. And, with the summer throngs gone, even the notoriously crowded Pacific Beach suddenly becomes way more appealing, with its picturesque long wooden pier and reassuring lifeguard presence to complete the Baywatch vibe.

It’s a great time to explore the many attractions of the three-mile oceanfront boardwalk that stretches from Pacific to Mission Beach and beyond. Strap on some rollerblades and join locals as they whiz to and fro clutching takeaway iced lattes. Ride Belmont Park’s hair-raising Giant Dipper, a charming century-old wooden rollercoaster that’s much safer than it sounds. Weather taken a surprise turn for the worse? Retreat to the trendy taprooms around palm-lined Garnet and Grand avenues to sample some of San Diego’s famous craft ales. Or make for the huge indoor pool at Plunge San Diego; this water-based fun-fest has a floating obstacle course and retractable roof.

Kids Go Free in San Diego in October!

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October in San Diego is when kids go free at major attractions, as well as eating for free at some restaurants, in this month-long citywide extravaganza. The roster of attractions is impressive and includes many of the biggest hitters in (and out of) town, such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and several Balboa Park museums.

SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay is a thrill-a-minute with high-octane theme park rides and awesome wildlife shows. Kids love to scare themselves silly on the utterly terrifying Electric Eel, the city’s highest and fastest rollercoaster, while toddlers are catered for by the rather more sedate experiences in the Sesame Street Bay of Play, where soft play, spinning teacups and storytime with beloved characters including Big Bird and Elmo are the order of the day. And then there’s the main event: 19 aquariums teeming with sealife from reef sharks to hawksbill turtles. The touch pools at Explorer's Reef are a kid-friendly highlight with (harmless) bamboo sharks and rays, plus shoals of tiny cleaner fish eager to nibble your fingers. You only need to pay for the adults so why not take the chance while kids can get in for free in October?

As the days start to cool in the second half of October, so the Autumn Festival at San Diego Zoo Safari Park kicks off. Seasonal weekend activities at this vast wildlife reserve in the San Pasqual Valley include live bluegrass music, a haystack maze and a floating lantern ceremony in the lagoon. There’s even pumpkin-flavored beer for grown-ups!

Surf’s Up!

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While San Diego’s waters remain just about balmy enough for a quick dip in October, you’ll probably want to don a wetsuit to stop your teeth chattering if you plan to spend any significant time in the big briny. Intrepid divers and snorkelers will find much to enjoy in the huge underwater kelp forests off La Jolla Cove and Point Loma, where a smorgasbord of sea critters awaits. Expect to see California spiny lobsters, moray eels, blue sharks and inquisitive native harbor seals.

October also promises some of San Diego’s best surfing conditions, with swells and barrels off the La Jolla coast and beneath Sunset Cliffs luring surfers to town in their droves. Novices can rent boards and practice their moves at Tourmaline Surfing Park, a sheltered cove beneath La Jolla’s bluffs that’s accessed down a palm-lined track through the canyon. As well as novice surfers, the slow-rolling waves also attract keen windsurfers and kiteboarders when the wind’s up.

Events in San Diego in October

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Revelers are in for the absolute time of their lives in October, as San Diego’s party season gets into full swing. Head to the historic Gaslamp Quarter to take advantage of bar patios and rooftop cocktails while evenings are still warm enough for sitting outside (but bring a jumper or light jacket, just in case). And don your dirndls and lederhosen for the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest where, for a couple of glorious days, you can gorge yourself on German beers, San Diego craft brews and some of the best wurst in town.

The somewhat more refined La Jolla Art & Wine Festival also hits town in October, bringing fine art, even finer wines, music, entertainment and fab family fun to the colorful streets of this pretty seaside village. You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy this one: the mix variety of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and more means there’s something for everyone. Those who favor grain over grape won’t go thirsty either, with plenty of alternative tipples available from local craft breweries and distilleries.

Last but by no means least, San Diego’s Halloween celebrations rate right up there with the spookiest in California. Kiddie rides, corn mazes, pumpkin carving and perfectly Instagrammable pumpkin patches are the order of the day at ranches across the county, while attractions including Whaley House (America’s most haunted, no less) and Balboa Park offer bone-chilling ghost tours for fright-loving grown-ups. Even the Birch Aquarium at Scripps gets involved, with a kelp maze, slimy sea creatures and opportunities for kids to dress up.

Throw on a plain white sheet with inexpertly cut eyeholes or go the whole nine yards and showcase your extravagant Exorcist-themed costume, complete with rotating head, on a bar crawl of North Park’s many taprooms, which will be festooned with cobwebs and scary decorations on the big day. And if that isn’t enough, there’s even a Great Pumpkin Beer Festival in the Gaslamp Quarter, where those with a taste for the gourd stuff will surely be in clover.

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Christmas in San Diego - Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities

A white Christmas sounds nice, but it may not necessarily be your thing. Why not opt for a temperate Christmas in a lovely city like San Diego? San Diego has plenty of wonderful activities and seasonal events to enjoy. No matter who you’re spending the holidays with, San Diego has something for everyone. Not only are many of the most popular attractions still open, but many of them will host special seasonal events throughout the holiday season! If you’re traveling to Southern California this holiday season, check out our list of the top things to do for Christmas in San Diego including... Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo LEGOLAND SeaWorld December Nights And more! Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo December, through to January each year Image Credit San Diego Zoo by Damien Lasater If you needed another reason to visit San Diego Zoo, the #1 Zoo in the World, look no further: Jungle Bells returns! The Northern Frontier’s forest will transform into a Holiday Forest, complete with exquisitely decorated trees and lights strung in all directions. Catch a showing of Jingle Brass, a caroling group that will wow you with their jazz-inspired takes on classic Christmas music. In addition to festive animal feedings and talks, you’ll also get to enjoy musicians, dance performances, and a performance of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Getting in: San Diego Zoo tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass. San Diego Model Railroad Museum Early December through early January; Exact dates TBD The San Diego Model Railroad Museum puts on an array of different holiday celebrations, from a screening of a Christmas classic to a special display about the importance of toy trains during the season. On select dates, bring the kids to the museum for a showing of The Polar Express. Bring a blanket and pillow for the kids, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. For adults, they also host a fun “Ales and Rails” event, which combines beer tasting with an ugly Christmas sweater competition. Dates for the rest of their Christmas events are announced annually, so keep checking the San Diego Model Railroad Museum website for updates. Getting in: San Diego Model Railroad Museum tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass. LEGOLAND® Holidays November - December Photo by LEGOLAND® California Come to LEGOLAND® California Resort to celebrate your favorite holiday with your favorite toys. Enjoy character meet and greets at the new LEGO® Holiday Village. Meet LEGO® Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and more. Marvel at the world's largest LEGO® Christmas tree, bedecked with over 400 LEGO ornaments and more than 11,000 LED lights. It's the perfect place to pose for your family's holiday card. There will also be holiday performances, shows, and even a Cookie Decorating Workshop. LEGOLAND Holidays will take place between November and December. Getting in: LEGOLAND California tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration Mid-November through early January; Photo by SeaWorld For something that will make your kids’ holiday experiences truly special, head to SeaWorld San Diego. Their Christmas Celebration is among the best and brightest in the region, offering seasonal food and drink, festive shopping, live performances, and much more. Visitors will also be delighted to meet Rudolph and friends, soak up the beauty of illuminated trees, and find that perfect gift for a loved one. Each year brings a new Nativity show with a unique theme and special one-off events and performances. SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration will take place from November to December. Getting in: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass. December Nights at the San Diego Museum of Art December Photo by San Diego Museum of Art Following the Balboa Park December Nights, the park's resident art museum hosts holiday-themed celebrations as well. The San Diego Museum of Art weaves the best and brightest of the holidays in with their impressive artistic offerings. For both days, the museum will close during normal operating hours and will open at 5 PM to celebrate the long-standing tradition with special galleries, concerts, and holiday treats. Hear the La Jolla Renaissance Singers, check out the intricately designed Nativity Scene, and explore the Hibben Gallery. If you're looking to make an entire day of exploring Balboa Park, be sure to check out other top local museums and attractions during Balboa Park December Nights. More on that below! Getting in: San Diego Museum of Art tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass. December Nights at Balboa Park December Photo by Balboa Park Head to the famous park for the 42nd celebration of December Nights, held every year on the first Friday & Saturday of December. It's the largest free holiday festival in San Diego. Enjoy gorgeous light displays, a decadently decorated Christmas Tree as the centerpiece, and plenty of fun-filled attractions. There will be performances, like a rendition of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, local-made crafts and gifts to choose from, and plenty more to get you into the holiday spirit. Getting in: December Nights at Balboa Park is free and open to the public. Polar Bear Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado Pre Christmas in December Photo by Hotel del Coronado This is a unique experience the kids will never forget. Hop aboard the ferry out to Coronado and enjoy a charming Polar Bear Tea at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. The Polar Bear Tea is especially for kids, with festive activities and readings with Mrs. Claus. Plus, if you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need, you’ll be able to go home with a polar bear plush! Looking to explore more of this historic little island? Check out the Coronado Museum of History and Art to learn more about the heritage and culture of this standout vacation spot in San Diego. Getting in: Polar Bear Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado is not included with the Go San Diego pass and tickets must be purchased separately. Save on Holiday Attraction Admission So there’s our brief list of the top things to do in San Diego during Christmastime and the holidays. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go San Diego® pass, which can save you up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Please note, the Christmas events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with Go San Diego. We hope you’ll consider adding an idea or two from this list to your holiday itinerary. Happy Holidays from Go City!
Katie Sagal

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