As an East Coast native, experiencing fall in Los Angeles has been a unique experience with my California boyfriend … but an adventure all the same! I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find how LA offers its own brand of seasonal fun, blending the best of the West Coast lifestyle with a touch of autumn charm. Here are ten must-do activities to make the most of fall over here:
Visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for Día de los Muertos
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a vibrant, cultural experience. This iconic cemetery comes alive with colorful altars, traditional music, and stunning art, celebrating life and memory in the most beautiful way. As you wander through the illuminated grounds, you’ll discover a mix of culture, history, and festive energy that makes for a truly special night out. With face painting (why not?), delicious food, and an electric atmosphere, it’s a date that’s both meaningful and fun.
Date: October 26, 2024
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Don’t Miss Oktoberfest
Imagine sipping on cold German beer, munching on bratwurst, and cheering on your favorite horse, all with the stunning San Gabriel Mountains as your backdrop? Then Santa Anita Park's Oktoberfest Trackside is the perfect date spot for you. With live music, stein-holding contests, and an electric atmosphere, it's the ultimate blend of Oktoberfest vibes and trackside excitement—guaranteeing a day full of laughs, great food, and unforgettable memories for you and your partner. Prost to that!
Date(s): October 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2024
Price: Tickets are $26 before Sept 22. Normal fare is $38.
Location: 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Have a Picnic!
For the perfect fall picnic date, head to Malibu Creek State Park, where golden leaves and crisp air set the scene for a cozy afternoon. Spread out your blanket near the creek, surrounded by scenic trails and stunning mountain views, and enjoy a relaxed, intimate vibe that's just right for two. Pack some seasonal snacks, maybe even a thermos of hot cider (maybe spiked with a splash of fun), and take it all in.
Parking fees:
All day: $12 per car
3 hours: $9 per car
2 hours: $6 per car
1 hour: $3 per car
Location: The main entrance is located on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road, four miles south of Highway 101. The most common parking location is the Main Trailhead Parking Lot, also known as the Lower Parking Lot. The park's gates are open from 8 AM–10 PM.
Pumpkin Patch Hop
While you might miss a good New England pumpkin patch, LA has its own charming spots, like Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City. They offer everything from hayrides to petting zoos, giving you a taste of traditional fall activities. But if you REALLY want to send it, check out Tanaka Farms. It’s the perfect fall date spot for couples looking to escape the city and dive into some farm-fresh fun. Wander through pumpkin fields, hop on a wagon ride, and get lost in a corn maze (only my biggest nightmare)—all while soaking up that cozy autumn vibe. With a petting zoo, tasty seasonal treats, and even a pumpkin cannon for some weekend thrills, Tanaka Farms offers a fun day out, ideal for snapping cute pics and making unforgettable fall memories.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Date(s): October 5, 2024 - October 30, 2024
Price of admission: Ticket prices change varying on day/time
Location: 10100 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Tanaka Farms
Date(s): September 14 2024 - October 31, 2024
Price of admission: $10 parking pass for the day
Location: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Stroll hand-in-hand down this trendy street, stylish boutiques, or enjoy some seasonal treats from hip eateries. With its vibrant art scene, quirky shops, and inviting cafes, it's the perfect place to sip on a pumpkin spice latte, discover hidden gems, and enjoy a fun, relaxed day out in Venice.
Location: Venice!
Party at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
West Hollywood goes all out for Halloween with its legendary Halloween Carnival. With its massive street party atmosphere, you'll find everything from wild costumes and live music to carnival games and delicious food vendors. It's a lively, high-energy scene where you and your partner can let loose, people-watch, and join in the festive Halloween spirit. Whether you're showing off your own creative costumes or simply soaking up the electrifying vibe, it's a date night that’s guaranteed to be full of thrills.
Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Location: One-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard
Head to Malibu Wines & Beer Garden
Nestled in the Malibu hills, Malibu Wines & Beer Gardens is the perfect setting to unwind with a glass of local wine or craft beer while taking in stunning views of the autumn-kissed landscape. Whether you’re relaxing on a cozy blanket, listening to live music, or exploring the picturesque grounds, it’s a laid-back yet romantic escape from the city.
Location: 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA 91307
Enjoy a Cozy Date Night!
These LA bars offer the perfect mix of warmth and charm. The Wellsbourne, with its vintage library vibe, is ideal for snuggling up with craft cocktails in a classy, old-world setting. If you’re into something more laid-back, Old Man Bar has that hidden gem feel, with its wood-paneled walls and intimate booths perfect for sipping whiskey and getting lost in conversation. Sassafras adds a dash of Southern charm with its live jazz, dim lighting, and old-fashioned decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. Each spot offers a unique, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for couples looking to relax and enjoy some cozy fall vibes together.
The Wellsbourne
Price range: $$$
Location: 10929 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Old Man Bar
Price range: $$
Location: 12517 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Catch a Spooky Movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club
Picture this: you and your partner lounging in comfy deck chairs with cozy blankets, enjoying a spooky classic film under the stars. With breathtaking skyline views and some crisp fall air, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a film night with a unique, romantic flair.
Prices vary per film
Location: 888 S Olive St 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Road Trip to Big Bear!
If you’re looking for the perfect fall foliage, you can’t go wrong with the mountains, and Big Bear is one of the best—and easiest—spots to catch those vibrant colors. The trees surrounding the lake put on quite the show, but timing is everything. Big Bear’s tourism site says the peak season for fall leaves runs from mid-October to early November. During that time, you’ll see the evergreens, aspens, cottonwoods, and oaks transform into stunning shades of gold, crimson, amber, and yellow. Top spots to take it all in? Mill Creek Road, Pine Knot Trail, and Castle Rock Trail.
From cozy picnics and vibrant Halloween festivities to scenic hikes and fun bar nights, LA has a way of turning fall into an adventure of its own. Whether you’re an East Coaster or a local, these spots offer a unique blend of autumn charm and SoCal style, perfect for making the most of the season with your special someone. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, put on your favorite fall sweater, and dive in.
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