Orange County’s year-long sunny weather makes it a place of endless summer- but when fall rolls around, the secluded beaches, cozy restaurants, countless festivals, and markets make for perfect autumn days.
Tanaka Farms, with its farmers market, the Oak Glen apple picking, and Knotts Scary Farm, are just a few of Orange County’s fall gems, along with many new songs, tours, and movies to keep the ‘Ber months entertaining.
#1- Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms is the only family-run farm left in Irvine, CA. The 30-acre property is filled with endless activities. From the abundant selection of pumpkins to the corn mazes, and the butterfly sanctuary, Tanaka Farms has it all. Not only do you get to leave with the perfect pumpkin to carve or even decorate your entranceway with, but the checkout features a farmers market with endless treats. The fruit selection, with in-season fruits like apples or baked goods like pumpkin bread, have you leaving the farm with many fall goodies to keep your desserts or even snacks delicious. Tanaka Farms’ wide variety of fun makes it one of Orange County’s most prominent fall destinations.
#2- Oak Glen Apple Picking
How can you enjoy fall without a juicy, crisp apple in hand? Oak Glen apple-picking, located in the San Bernardino mountains, is where you can get yourself fresh and ripe apples. The beautiful scenery makes for a perfect apple-picking journey. Not only are there apples but also plenty of activities throughout the land. There’s a petting zoo, bakeries, berry picking (when in season), and pumpkins. Oak Glen apple picking is a fall staple with the joy of nature and delicious, traditional food; you won’t want to miss out.
#3- Knotts Scary Farm
With all the fun and joyful activities, fall is also about the jump scares from the Halloween movies and the gory costumes you see on Halloween. Why not get those jumpscares in person and from September 19th to November 2nd at Orange County’s own Knotts Scary Farm? Clown towns, mazes, and fog-filled streets make Knotts Scary Farm one of the most haunting theme parks in all of Southern California. The whole 160-acre park is turned into a set of a horror movie with constant scare zones. Some even go get the “No scare necklace” because of the constant jump scares from the gory actors throughout the park. The Halloween season in Orange County isn’t complete without a trip to Knotts Scary Farm.
#4- The movies!
What is fall without a scary movie night? Even better than curling up at home and watching those familiar favorites, is going on a solo date or getting some friends together and heading to the movies! The fall fright of movies like Terrifier 3, the third of a truly ‘terrifying’ series, has just come out earlier this month. The 2022 horror film Smile recently came out with a sequel. A number of other exciting new horror films have been released this autumn, such as House of Spoils, Outside, Caddo Lake, Apartment 7A, and others. These supernatural flicks are sure to be box-office hits!
#5- Sawdust Winter Festival
Although it has ‘winter’ in the name, a lot of us in OC think of the Sawdust’s autumnal art, hot cider, and comforting music as a late autumn staple. The Sawdust is a summer and winter festival that brings together artists of Laguna Beach. Clothing, decor, accessories, and art line the sawdust paths of local families and businesses. Walking these music and art-filled paths is a core Laguna experience, and we seriously recommend attending when the Winter Fantasy Festival opens on November 22. If you can’t catch it in autumn, don’t worry! The spectacular festivities run all the way to December 22.
#6- Concerts and Music
Fall is a time for music, and with countless upcoming concerts and new albums, this year is going to be a great one. With countless infamous venues and artists, top tour destinations, and artistic communities, Orange County and Los Angeles are two concert and live music hotspots. In Costa Mesa, Newport, and Anaheim, some performances coming up are Sixpence None the Richer, Usher, Imagine Dragons, the Lumineers, and a great number more. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for new releases from The Pixies, David Gilmour, The Cure, Soccer Mommy, Katie Gavin, Halsey, Ben Folds, Tears for Fears, Tyler, the Creator, Gwen Stefani, Father John Misty, and more this year. 2024 has already been a remarkable year for music, and clearly won’t let that be forgotten. We can be sure to see some new fall favorites this year, and in summary, Laguna music is a perfect transport to the autumnal season.
Although a summery paradise, Laguna Beach is also a beautiful and quaint town in the fall months. There are many fall activities around Laguna Beach to keep the fall spirit strong throughout autumn.
