Finding fall in San Diego

 In a city that is always 70 degrees and sunny, finding fall requires a little creativity

Lizzy Jennings / A&C Editor / The USD Vista

For some, the fall season conjures up images of changing leaves and cool breezes, cozy sweaters and lit candles. However, here in San Diego, residents must try their hardest to make our perpetually-sunny and mild climate feel something like a changing season. Because it doesn’t occur naturally for Southern Californians, the fall atmosphere can be created instead through haunted houses and pumpkin patches creatively constructed in parking lots. Though this may not sound as appealing as a nice crisp fall day elsewhere, San Diego’s take on the season proves to be just as satisfying in its own unique way. 

If you’re looking to commit to the quintessential fall experience, venture out to the cozy town of Julian to really get into the mood. Though it is a bit of a trek, it seems the best way to get into the fall spirit may be to get a little further from the city. 

Surrounded by apple orchards, pumpkin fields, and rolling hills; even the drive to Julian is picturesque. Stop in town for one of the famed pie options — Julian Pie Company and Mom’s Pie to start — but even the smallest of restaurants have their own take on the fall classic in this town. Just like you’d find pie around every corner, fresh apple cider isn’t hard to come by either, with a range of flavors from classic apple to boysenberry. Top your trip off by visiting the local shops complete with fall decorations, and it’s an experience that arguably rivals a traditional autumn. Though the drive out to Julian takes around an hour and a half, little bit of planning can make this activity a fun full-day trip. 

Closer to home are pumpkin patches, which pop up all around the San Diego area. Mission Valley hosts the Pumpkin Station which provides rows of pumpkins and plenty of activities for visitors. Located right in the Mission Valley parking lot, parking is plentiful and pumpkins are affordable, with prices ranging depending on pumpkin size. Pacific Beach also has a pumpkin patch right on Garnet Avenue which makes getting out to grab a pumpkin as easy as any other errand. Though these types of attractions can feel geared toward children, the patches are open to all ages. Students, especially ones who are from places with seasonal changes, can be right at home again like little kids, searching for the perfect pumpkin in the patch. 

If you’re looking for something a little spookier than just apple and pumpkin picking, San Diego residents have not one but three different haunted experiences available to them. Closest to campus is The Disturbance, hosted by the Haunted Hotel organization. One of the organization’s newest horror locations, The Disturbance promises the same level of gore and horror found at all their other locations. With three separate terrors within one central location, guests don’t have to worry about downtown parking and hassle like they do with some of the alternate locations. 

If you’re looking to branch out from the Mission Valley area however, The Haunted Trails is another haunted horror experience located in Balboa Park. What may be scarier to some are the ticket prices, which ring in for $25 a head. Patrons of these attractions are thoroughly warned prior to attending that they are entering at their own risk, as the sights inside are “incredibly scary,” but they will definitely satisfy those looking for a scare.

Fall has become a state of being and a way of life, not just a temperature range. San Diegans don’t need to feel like they’re missing out on falling leaves and cool breezes with activities like those highlighted above abound in the city. Finding fall in San Diego just takes a little creativity. So pop some pumpkin bread muffins in the oven, light a fall-scented candle, and start planning a day full of your favorite activities.