As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, fall invites us to trade our textbooks for pumpkin spice lattes and savor the beauty of the season. Southern California is brimming with seasonal magic, from cozy small towns and charming pumpkin patches to glowing lavender fields and nostalgic strolls through iconic TV sets. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin, craving fall-inspired treats, or looking to make new memories with family and friends, these must-visit spots capture everything we love about autumn. So pack a sweater, grab a warm drink, and explore the best destinations that bring the magic of fall to life.
1. Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm-Redlands, CA
Celebrate 45 years of fall fun at Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm, voted #1 Pumpkin Patch in Southern California. Open until November 2nd, this expansive festival offers rides, carnival games, a petting zoo, family photo ops, and over 20 food vendors serving everything from pizza and ice cream to turkey legs, With its festival atmosphere, variety of activities and long staging traditions, Live Oak Canyon is the ultimate fall destination for both locals and visitors looking to make the most of the season. Admission tickets are only available at the front entrance and also vary by day.
2. 123 Farms Lavender Nights Festival-Cherry Valley, CA
Experience the magic of fall evenings at 123 Farm’s Lavender Nights Festival, open through October 28th in Cherry Valley. Known for its organic lavender fields, the farm transforms into a luminous wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, lavender-inspired food and desserts, and live music performances from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The event runs from Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and from Saturday to Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and availability.
3. Tanaka Farm Pumpkin Patch-Irvine, CA
Kick off your fall adventures at Tanaka Farms, one of Orange County’s most beloved autumn destinations. Open through November 2nd, this year’s pumpkin patch features a creative collaboration with LA-based artist Steven Harrington, known for his colorful and whimsical designs. Beyond the pumpkin fields, visitors can enjoy wagon rides, barnyard animals, photo ops, a corn maze, games, a pumpkin cannon, and seasonal treats. Admission ranges from $23 on weekdays to $27 on weekends, and pumpkins start at $1.39 per pound, making this an ideal spot for others to enjoy.
4. Julian Farm & Orchard Harvest Fest-Julian, CA
Just an hour east of San Diego, Julian Farm & Orchard transforms into a rustic autumn parade during its annual Harvest Fest, open Fridays through Sundays until October 26th. Nestled in the mountains, the festival offers a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, apple cider press, seasonal vendors, and food stands, along with new attractions such as painting stations, sandboxes, and a tractor hayride. Admission ranges from $10 to $30 and includes access to all activities, making this charming destination an excellent choice for a weekend getaway surrounded by crisp air and mountain views.
5. Stars Hollow: Gilmore Girls Experience- Burbank, CA
Step into the world of Gilmore Girls at the Stars Hollow Experience, part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. Fans can wander through the show’s iconic sets, Lorelai’s house, Luke’s Diner, the town gazebo, and Stars Hollow High School, all beautifully decorated for fall. Tickets start at $76 and include access to additional sets from other beloved films and series. This nostalgic walk through Stars Hollow captures the cozy, small-town spirit that makes fall feel so special.
Whether you’re wandering through pumpkin patches in Irvine, sipping cider in Julian, basking in the lavender-lit glow of Cherry Valley, or reliving TV nostalgia in Burbank, Southern California offers endless ways to embrace the season. So throw on your coziest flannel, grab your favorite fall drink, and make the most of these golden autumn days, because the magic of fall is waiting just around the corner.
