Planning a trip to Los Angeles sometime this Fall? You’re in luck because autumn is a great time of year to visit this fantastic city. Lines are usually shorter, the weather is cooler, and there are plenty of seasonal events and things to do. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles in the Fall, take a look at our suggestions for the top attractions and activities. Check out these top things to do in LA in the Fall, including...
- Fright by Night at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Knott's Scary Farm
- Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary
- Día de Los Muertos
- and more!
Save on Attraction Admission
Regular admission to a number of these Los Angeles area activities is included on the Go Los Angeles® 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 Los Angeles tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of the Fall events listed below may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Select dates, September 14 - November 3, 2019
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain is a big event every year, offering two different styles of Halloween fun. During the day, family-friendly frights abound as kids can take advantage of in-park trick-or-treating, costume contests, and other gentle scares. But at night, all bets are off as the truly scary things come out to play. Geared towards older teens and adults, this truly terrifying atmosphere combines the mayhem of monsters, mazes, and scare zones with the excitement of all your favorite thrill rides. Getting In: Admission to Fright Fest Events (and general admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain) is included with the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Knott's Scary Farm
Select dates, September 19 - November 2, 2019 Knott's Berry Farm
One of our favorite seasonal activities is the annual Knott's Scary Farm, where the area's most historic theme park transforms into a super scary destination full of mayhem and horror. Scare yourself silly in sinister shows, haunted mazes, grotesque stage performances, and much much more. Check out Knott's Spooky Farm for a more kid-friendly version during the day. Getting In: Admission to Knott's Scary Farm is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website. General admission to Knott's Berry Farm is included with the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary
September 26 - November 2, 2019
Dark Harbor is resurrected this fall with its cast of sinister spirits ready to deliver another season of blood-curdling terror. Scream your way through 10 terrifying experiences at what TIME Magazine calls “One of the top 10 most haunted places on earth.” Dark Harbor is a unique haunted experience in Southern California and one that fans of Halloween shouldn't miss. Getting In: Admission to Dark Harbor is separately ticketed and not included with the Go Los Angeles® pass. General admission to The Queen Mary is included on the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Go on a Whale Watching Cruise
Although most people think of cruise-like activities as ideal summer fun, the fall and winter seasons for whale watches are actually often better. Catch migrating whales as they head down the California coast and enjoy your up-close-and-personal encounter with these majestic creatures. During November and later, keep an eye out in particular for the magnificent gray whales, who migrate along the Southern California coast en route from Alaska to Mexico. Getting In: Whale watch or Harbor Cruise by Harbor Breeze Cruises are included with the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Since the weather has cooled off a bit, it’s actually a really good time to be enjoying the major theme parks in L.A. There are often times fewer crowds with kids back in school, so you’ll be able to take advantage of shorter lines, emptier rides, and less risk of sunburn. One of the most popular is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers an amazing studio tour, fantastic rides, and the fun Universal CityWalk. Some of the featured areas of the park include "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," "The Walking Dead Attraction," and "Fast and Furious: Supercharged." Getting In: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood is included as an option on the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles® passes.
Enjoy some time rollerblading or biking Santa Monica
Enjoy the cooling air and the suddenly open boardwalks with a relaxing bike ride along the beach. It’s a great time of year to be out and active without getting overheated, and it’s the perfect way to scope out the (admittedly limited) fall foliage in the area. Didn’t bring a bike? It’s easy to rent one right from the boardwalk. Or, if you're looking for something fun and unique, try a roller skate rental! Getting In: Perry's Beach Cafe and rentals are included with the Go Los Angeles® pass.
Huntington Library & Gardens
Image credit: Huntington Library Facebook page.Brewery ArtWalk
October 26-27, 2019 2100 N. Main Street
Show up to support L.A.’s art scene at this popular open studio event. In addition to a wide variety of works for display and for sale (created by over 100 artists!), you’ll also be able to enjoy a meal at the Brewery’s on-site restaurant or sip a few brews at the beer garden. Getting In: Admission to the Brewery Art Walk is free.
Farmer’s Market Fall Festival
October 12-13, 2019 Original Farmer’s Market
Looking for some gentler Halloween fun for your little ones? The Original Farmer’s Market hosts a kid-friendly Fall Festival each year that provides seasonal entertainment without all the scary stuff. Enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, and peppy banjo bands to set the mood. A Getting In: Admission to the Fall Festival is free.
Día de Los Muertos
November 2, 2019 Hollywood Forever Cemetery
This iconic Californian celebration is a wonderful, authentic imagining of this important Mexican holiday. Designed to honor the dead and explore the boundaries between life and death, Día de Los Muertos is colorful, festive, and vibrant. Enjoy beautiful works of art, authentic costuming and sculpture, and, of course, some tasty food! Come in costume! Getting In: Admission to the Día de Los Muertos celebration is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.
A Few Other Fun Things to do in Los Angeles this Fall
- Pick up a pumpkin from the Farmer’s Market and get carving.
- Visit one of the many Octoberfest celebrations in the area.
- Enjoy a hockey or basketball game.
- Keep an eye out for our special Halloween posts for holiday ideas.
- Scare yourself silly on a haunted hayride.
- Enjoy special exhibits at the area’s top museums (the L.A. Natural History Museum is a must-see - included with the Go Los Angeles® pass)
- Head out of the city for some great apple-picking opportunities.
- Hiking the trails in Griffith Park is a great way to enjoy the lovely weather.
- Visit historic places like the La Brea Tar Pits.
- Buy a ticket to one of L.A.'s many (many) costume parties.
Let's Recap
So there’s our list of popular things to do in Los Angeles in the fall. From festivals to fall foliage (we promise, there is at least a little in L.A.), we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy. And remember, you can save on combined admission on many of these popular attractions, tours, and more with the Go Los Angeles® pass. Please note, some of the Fall events taking place mentioned in this post may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Los Angeles® pass. 