Visitors’ Guide to Fall in San Diego

It’s understandable why so many people visit “America’s Finest City” in the summertime. There’s something to be said for sun, fun and beautiful beach days. But we’re here to let you in on a little secret: summer in San Diego never really ends here thanks to our year-round “75° and sunny” weather. So if you’re looking for ways to enjoy a great fall in San Diego, we might just have a few tips on what you can look forward to once you arrive.

Theme Parks, Museums and More

(Photo: @sandiegozoo)

San Diego’s outdoor attractions are available to guests for much longer seasons than those in other areas of the country, and that’s thanks to our perfect year-round weather. Ask any local: there’s no better time than fall to visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Balboa Park (plus its collection of excellent museums). Not only is attendance lighter and lines shorter, but seasonal pricing is in effect in many cases.  

 

Take a Day Trip

(Photo: @navygraceblog)

San Diego is a spectacular vacation destination. One of the reasons why? The city’s surrounding communities offer some autumnal adventures you can’t experience anywhere else. Whether you travel over the bridge to the serene beaches of Coronado Island, take a jaunt up the coast to the historic missions of San Juan Capistrano, or enjoy apple season in Julian, our neighbors offer some genuinely inspiring fall experiences. 

 

San Diego Restaurant Week

(Photo: @sdrestaurantwk)

San Diego is renowned as a “foodie” town, and for good reason. The best time to explore the city’s culinary culture is during our Restaurant Week celebrations. This fall, 180-plus eateries will be participating in the seasonal event (held from Sept. 25 – Oct. 2), which will feature specials, discounts, and unique menu items that you simply can’t get at any other point on the calendar. There’s no better time to get out there and enjoy some great taste, so be sure to sample some of San Diego’s legendary local flavor.

 

Take Me Out To the Ball Game

(Photo: @padres)

The San Diego Padres have called “America’s Finest City” home for more than 50 major league seasons. Cooler fall days are prime baseball time, so a day spent at Petco Park (recently named the best stadium in the league by the sports experts at USA Today) is always a great way to enjoy America’s pastime. So snag a seat, grab a Barrio Dogg, and watch the hometown heroes slug it out on the diamond. There’s never a bad day here! 

 

Kids Free San Diego 

Every autumn San Diego becomes a paradise for kids. That’s because October is “Kids Free Month” around the city. You’ll find countless local attractions, businesses, restaurants, and other points of interest offering all kinds of free fun for kids. As a matter of fact, our very own Blue Wave Bar and Grill is even participating with a special “Kids Eat Free” offer all month long! So bring the whole crew, and dig into some delicious dishes.

 

Take in Some Live Music

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of an energetic concert featuring your favorite artists. One of the best places in San Diego to see them live is at our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn, just steps up the road on Shelter Island. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay is one of the best concert venues in the country, and their stage will be welcoming world-class acts (like Hanson, Chicago, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Air Supply) all season. Get your tickets here!

 

Go Nuts at Bates Nut Farm 

(Photo: @batesnutfarm)

The area’s most treasured fall family event returns once again in 2022. For more than 50 years, Bates Nut Farm has been welcoming families to its pumpkin patch for a truly “gourd” time. This year’s pumpkin patch event will welcome visitors from September 17 – October 31. Activities you can look forward to include tractor hay rides, a straw maze, a petting zoo, pony rides, and much more. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a wheelbarrow and load up on an autumn harvest of squash, pumpkins, and other seasonal produce perfect for both dining and décor.

 

Pacific BeachFest

(Photo: @dreamviewslive)

Pacific BeachFest is an all-day bash that brings a whole host of fun activities to one of the metro’s most popular beachside communities, and it’s back in a big way for 2022. When you go, you can look forward to fantastic food, athletic exhibitions, live music, a vendor alley featuring local products, and lots more. This year’s Pacific BeachFest is scheduled to happen on October 1st, so be sure to mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss this! 

 

Plan Your Autumn Adventure 

Fall is truly the perfect time to visit San Diego, and Best Western Island Palms is the ideal stay. Awesome amenities, competitive rates, on-site dining, guest-first amenities and a stunning Shelter Island location all add up to an exquisite autumn escape. Take a look at the latest Special Offers at our great getaway, and start planning your stay today!