Fall is officially here in Southern California....even if it still feels like summer!
I personally love having warm weather all year round, but it is nice to wake up in the mornings and smell that little hint of Fall...we do get that from time to time. However, we aren't lucky enough to get the beautiful Fall colors that rest of the country gets when the leaves turn shades of red, yellow and orange. Because of our warm and beautiful weather, it can be hard to get in the Fall spirit here in the OC. So, I thought I would put together a Orange County Fall Bucket List to get you in the spirit of the season.
Here's my list of the top 10 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Orange County.
Orange County Fall Bucket List: This to do in OC this Fall
1. Knott's Spooky Farm
At Knott's Spooky Farm, enjoy the spooktacular Halloween season at an event full of Halloween activities for kids ages 3-11. Little ghouls can trick-or-treat through Ghost Town to collect sweet Halloween treats. Fun Halloween-themed shows are in store. Guests of all ages can learn about the creepy crawly critters occupying Ghost Town”s Livery Stable.
Guests of all ages can dress up in their most festive costumes* to experience one-of-a-kind themed food and treats, exclusive event merchandise including specialty items from local crafters, and a fun “Into the Fog” art show, and so much more.
2. Get a Pumpkin Milkshake from Crystal Cove Shake Shake in Newport.
Right now it's Pumpkin Spice season at Ruby's Diner, and they are serving up Pumpkin milkshakes topped with whipped cream and candy corns. Head down to the Shake Shack for this yummy shack with a view of Crystal Cove, and hike down the beach and enjoy a stroll on the sand. It may be Fall...but it's never out of season to enjoy the fresh ocean air and some crashing waves. Crystal Cove Beach is one of our faves!
3. Visit Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Farm
The Tanaka Farm's Pumpkin Patch has become one of the favorite pumpkin patches here in Orange County. Have you ever picked your own pumpkin right out of the pumpkin patch?At Tanaka Farm's Pumpkin Patch, you can ride a tractor, visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit, pick some veggies, and enjoy this beautiful 30-acre farm!!
The U-pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride is led by a friendly tour guide around Tanaka's beautiful 30 acre farm! You get to watch them launch the pumpkin cannon, take a ride through the barnyard educational exhibit with farm animals, lots of fun stuff to look at, a scarecrow contest, sunflowers, U-Pick veggies, and a pumpkin you pick yourself! Please note you will not exit the wagon until it is time to pick your vegetables and pumpkin. This activity lasts about one hour.
3. Try some of the cutest Fall Treats at the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe at the Irvine Spectrum
It's always a treat to go to the Hello City Grand Cafe at the Irvine Spectrum. And now we are falling in love with these super cute Fall treats! During the Fall you can try Hello Kitty's Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider, Pumpkin Tart, and Maple Doughnuts! Head over to their Facebook Page to see the Fall offerings.
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4. Get a dozen piping hot Duck Donuts in their seasonal flavors of Fall.
Who’s ready to enjoy the ducklightful flavors of fall?! Duck Donuts are made fresh-to-order and served nice and warm. You can now get their amazing FALL flavors...they are very excited to officially welcome back their popular pumpkin icing, apple and streusel toppings!
5. Check out the 'Cabinet of Curiosities' Halloween Boutique at Roger's Gardens.
Every year, Roger's Gardens has an AMAZING Halloween themed boutique. This year it's the 'Cabinet of Curiosities'...This is a Halloween must see! Experience the thrill of classic horror as you explore the rooms of our eerie and unusual house. Haunted walls hide unseen activity, and otherworldly creatures lurk at every corner. The sinister styled rooms are decorated with a beautiful, eclectic collection of antiquities and curios. Discover cabinets overflowing with unusual artifacts, and decadent décor with a twist. Bring your camera!
6. Apple Fritter Fridays at Sidecar Donuts in Costa Mesa
Apples mean Fall...and what goes great with apples? Apple Fritters. Sidecar Donuts is serving them up this Fall. you can get the yummiest Apple Fritters on Fritter Fridays ONLY at Sidecar Donuts' Costa Mesa location. their take on a classic – made with fresh Granny Smith Apples and topped with house made apple cider glaze. yum yum! (Photo credit: Sidecar Donuts)
7. Visit the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch.
Even though the Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch will be much different than in years past, it can still be part of your family tradition. Since there aren't many events happening in Orange County, this is a fun choice. There will be several options to buy a pumpkin. You will not be able to walk around and pick out a pumpkin like in previous years. In addition to the train and hay wagon ride, there will be a couple game booths that will be sanitized after every use and a few photo opportunity areas for you to take photos with your family or group.
8. Buy ALL the Pumpkin stuff at Trader Joe's!
Trader Joe's is known for their yummy seasonal treats. The Fall means pumpkin everything! pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin cereal, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin candy....an more! Eeverything is super yummy...you won't want to miss it. Get there earlier in month for the best selections as the favorites run out quickly. you can also get regular orange pumpkins for under $3, fun gourds and Cinderella pumpkins or Fall flowers.
9. Get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte Served inside a Pumpkin at Honey Drip Coffee.
Did you know that at Honey Drip Coffee you can request for our pumpkin spice latte in a PUMPKIN!!! 🎃✨ Who will be the first to try it? Honey Drip Coffee is located in Anaheim! And while you are at it, why not try one of their yummy FALL THEMED items – Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Mini Pies, Pumpkin Scones or a Pumpkin Foam Cold Brew.
10. Go apple picking in Oak Glen.
One of the best family outing is heading up to Oak Glen to go apple picking. you can stop at one of the 30+ farms on a 5-mile loop, and pick apples, raspberries, or pumpkins, run through a corn maze, petting zoo or hay ride. You can get yummy tri-tip or a mile high apple pie, taste apple cider or different kinds of apples.
Don't forget to press your own apple cider....that is an exciting experience for the kids. it cost around $20 and is a great learning experience. Head up to Oak Glen Village and check out the mountain stores, go to the zoo or eat at one of the restaurants. Everyone finds their favorites and visit them every year as a tradition.
Now, make sure to check out our Oak Glen Apple Picking Guide so you know all of the details.
11. (Bonus) Get the cutest Pumpkin Gelato Cones at Eiswelt Gelato in Westminster.
Hope you’re ready for autumn because Eiswelt Gelato is! Their adorable PUMPKIN characters are available again for a limited time. You can either get PUMPKIN as a single scoop or as a stack 🎃.
Eiswelt Gelato is a dessert shop located on Bolsa Ave in the heart of Little Saigon, that customizes your delicious in-store made gelato into fun characters such as a teddy or even a unicorn. All their animals are handcrafted by our employees in front of your eyes each time you order one. They also serve housemade Jasmine Milk Tea or for cold days a nice Hot Chocolate.
These are our top choices of Fall fun activities in Orange County. But if you are looking for even more fun family Halloween Events, make sure to check out this post 2021 Halloween Events in Orange County.
Nikhil
I had no idea Ruby's Diner served anything seasonal! Sounds delicious! Thank you for all the other ideas, I didn't know about half of these.
Nikhil
I had no idea Ruby's Diner served anything seasonal! Sounds delicious!
Tracy
Please provide the link for honey drip coffee. No city listed and I can only find “hunny drip” in Anaheim with no mention of pumpkin spice latte.
Jill
My apologies, that was an oversight. Yes, it is located in Anaheim. I added the link to the post. Also, they show the pumpkin spice latte on their Instagram page.