Fall in Los Angeles is such a beautiful time of year.
The leaves change color, the weather gets a little cooler, and the joy of the holiday season kicks in. Well, the weather may not be getting much cooler in Los Angeles, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season. We may not be able to break out our chunky knit sweaters just yet but here’s my list of fun fall activities for you LA lovers..
1. For Halloween next year, say goodnight to the trick-or-treaters and check out Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
This is a great opportunity to celebrate the traditional roots of Halloween and participate in a truly cultural experience. Musical performances, dance rituals, art exhibitions and tons of family activities will get you in the spirit of Dia de Los Muertos. You can join in on the costume contest and come dressed as a Calaca (skeleton). Be sure to check out the event website for more information.
2. Nothing says fall like football; college football to be exact.
With USC and UCLA both calling Los Angles home, there is sure to be a game every weekend. Dressing in your team’s colors and tailgating before the game are all a part of the experience and it’s a great way to spend your Saturday with friends and family. Not into watching the big game in a stadium full of thousands of screaming fans? No problem, you can always check out the game on TV in the comfort of your own home.
3. If your favorite thing about fall is when the leaves change colors, you’re going to have to drive a little farther out of LA to see them.
But if you have a free weekend, a visit to the Glen Oak Apple Orchard is the perfect fall family activity. It’s apple-picking season at Riley’s Apple Farm! While you’re there, pick fresh apples and berries to take home or check out other goodies at the country store. Once your baskets are full you can participate in other activities like making apple cider or taking in the scenery with a hayride or just walking around the grounds. If you love the outdoors, this is definitely a fall activity for you!
4. For those of you who love to be scared and are brave of heart, there is no better place than the Haunted Hayride in Griffith Park.
The hayride is about 25 minutes where you’ll experience dark and demonic creatures that will be sure to leave you with your hair standing on end. Other haunting features include the House of the Horsemen, Seven Sins Sideshow, and the In Between Dark Maze. When you aren’t on the hayride you can walk around and take pictures with the monsters and characters, so definitely go with a good group of friends. And this way you won’t be the only one screaming.
5. LA may not have much of a fall season, but it does have the happiest place on earth!
Disney has an amazing way of bringing fall to Southern California better than anyone else can. The decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving are spectacular and will get you in the mood to dress up with your favorite characters. There are special activities and surprises throughout autumn, and of course all your favorite rides like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror to keep you entertained. With special discounted prices during the fall, there is no better time to go see Mickey and all his friends.
6. If you missed it this year, make sure to take a short ride to Torrance, CA in 2015.
Located just outside of LA, you can celebrate the largest Oktoberfest in SoCal at the Alpine Village. Make sure you have an appetite when you go because there will be a fest of traditional German food and of course, tons of bier. Check out the event website for tickets and more information. Looking for something smaller and more local? You can still celebrate the October festivities at Wirtshaus German restaurant and pub. Get your fill of pretzels, brats and beer all month long at this pub located on La Brea Ave. Every Friday and Saturday night, there will be live traditional German music, food and drink specials, and tons of fun.
