Things to do in the fall in Los Angeles

It’s basically just confined to a pair of mountainous areas, but Oak Glen and—if you’re willing to put in the extra miles—Julian become an apple picking frenzy each fall. The season can start as early as the beginning of September and runs through late November (it varies depending on the year, though, so sometimes October is the best time to find trees blooming with these delicious fruits, just waiting to be picked). Purists can eat their apples straight from the tree, while others may choose to let the pros handle things and order some cider or a pie.

Though there are a few farms fit for plucking, most of L.A.’s pumpkin patches set up in parking lots or open fields. If you’re simply looking for a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, any old supermarket selection of pumpkins will do. But you’ll also find about a dozen places (particularly toward the Ventura County border) that supplement their squashes with activities like petting zoos and wagon rides.

We may not exactly be known for our German cuisine, but that doesn’t prevent Angelenos from grabbing a stein and swaying along to some oompah bands. Its name can be a bit misleading: The Munich originator actually starts in September, but here in L.A. most of the Oktoberfest events extend into late October with a mix of food and drink specials at local bars and ticketed events at day trip destinations.

Look, it’s not Vermont, but Los Angeles does indeed have some fall colors. Mountainous environs like Oak Glen and Big Bear are usually the go-to, but you can find some splashes of color closer to home, too; if all else fails, we typically turn to one of the region’s stunning botanical gardens for some seasonal vibes.

Just because summer comes to an end doesn’t mean the outdoor cinema experience has to. A couple of our favorite pop-ups are continuing their schedules through October, with festive favorites at series like Street Food Cinema and Rooftop Cinema Club, plus a few spooky screenings from Cinespia.

While many people stick to camping during the summer months, we prefer fall. Why? Lower (but not too low) temperatures, less crowded campgrounds and fewer bugs. Just make sure to pack a few extra layers and blankets.

October is the only month you won’t mind being told to “get lost”—in a corn maze, obviously. Los Angeles has a few in the Valleys that are a guaranteed good time, as you weave through a labyrinth of corn husks (and maybe a few dead ends) until reaching the end. Some are even designed to create particular images and messages.

Once the Santa Ana winds blow through the last of the season’s hot weather, cravings for all things warm and cozy are at an all-time high. So when the sun sets early and that cool Pacific Ocean breeze blows in, it’s time to head for the flames. The spots in our guide to fireplace bars, linked below, keep us warm with crackling flames and seasonal cocktails all fall and winter long.

Yes, we know how to read a calendar (and technically most of the month of December is fall, not winter). But with holiday events creeping ever-earlier in November, we’d argue that fall is the best time for most displays: The crowds, and sometimes prices, tend to be way more manageable, because not even Christmas lights can escape L.A. traffic.