What to Do October 2023 in Encinitas
Summer may be over, but let’s be real: with our year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, it always feels like summertime here in Encinitas.
That doesn’t mean we can’t bring the autumn vibes, though.
In October, Encinitas comes alive with exciting events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. From pumpkin patches to haunted houses, fall festivals to trick or treat events, our beachside paradise offers an enticing array of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
So, grab your flip-flops and your pumpkin spice latte, and dive into our guide to unforgettable October adventure in Encinitas.
Pumpkin Patches
Anyone who’s driven down Manchester Avenue is familiar with Wayne’s World. After Thanksgiving, it turns into the place to pick up a Christmas tree. But for the month of October, it’s decked out for fall as a pumpkin patch. Come here for bounce houses, face painting, and a whole lot of pumpkins to choose from.
If you’re interested in going a little bit farther afield for your Jack O’Lantern carving needs, you can check out Pumpkin Station in Del Mar or Pumpkin Polar Palooza in Carlsbad – both of which offer petting zoos and rides for the little ones.
Haunted Houses
Is getting scared more your speed? Then Encinitas has some terrifying haunted experiences that will be sure to send shivers down your spine.
The Heritage Ranch Haunted Ghost Town is an annual tradition held at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum. This immersive experience allows visitors to get lost in an original ghost story inspired by local legends and based on the dark history of the Gold Rush era. Got little ones who are too young for such intense frights? Their family-friendly hours run from 5:00-6:30pm nightly, so no one gets left out on the Halloween fun.
Can’t get enough spooky this October? Then head to the Haunted Hotel and Trail of Terror, hosted by local Encinitas Scout Troop 2000. Every Friday and Saturday night, these Scout actors put on a show that’ll scare you silly – though the earlier in the evening you arrive, the less scary it’ll be.
Fall Festivals
Fall Festival Family Day is a beloved Encinitas tradition that’s held every October at the San Diego Botanic Garden. On Saturday, October 21st, bring the whole family to Hamilton’s Children Garden for fun fall crafts, live music, and a costume parade. Not to mention, you’ll get plenty of Halloween-themed horticultural experiences – plant a ghost succulent, dissect a pumpkin, or hold some slimy worms.
Trick or Treating
This Halloween, kids in Encinitas who want an elevated trick-or-treating experience can attend this fantastic – and safe – neighborhood event sponsored by local businesses.
South Coast Highway 101 transforms into “Pumpkin Lane” from Encinitas Boulevard to K Street. Pop into participating storefronts for Halloween treats between 5:00pm and 8:00pm, before heading over to the Lumberyard Courtyard, where there will be Halloween-themed activities, as well as live music and games.
Celebrate Spooky Season in Encinitas
Whether you’re an Encinitas local or you’re a visitor from out of town, you don’t have to go far to find fall festivities. From sun-soaked days in the pumpkin patch to moonlit haunted house adventures, our city offers an incredible range of experiences to make your autumn unforgettable.
Blog by Allison Amini of Novel World Travel
Allison is the owner of Novel World Travel, a boutique travel agency located in Encinitas. An ASTA Verified Travel Advisor and CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor, Allison helps her clients design personalized vacations – from relaxing long weekends to extended adventures across the globe. She’s been to twenty-six countries on five continents.