13 Things To Do In San Diego This September (2024)

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Looking for things to do in San Diego in September?

San Diego has plenty to offer during the Fall and Halloween season.

Though the weather won’t really feel like the Fall, you’ll still get in the spirit with a variety of events, festivals, and seasonal offerings.

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13 Things To Do In San Diego In September

Below are the best things to do in San Diego in September.

1. Howl-O-Scream at Sea World San Diego

Sea World also hosts it’s own night time event called Howl-O-Scream, which happens on select nights from September 27th – November 2nd.

During the day time park hours there are kid friendly activities, but the evening event is not recommended for small children.

2. Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California

Since Legoland is a kid oriented park, it’s Halloween event is entirely kid-friendly as well.

There is tons of candy, shows, characters, and more.

The event takes place on September 14th, 21st, and 28th, and select Saturdays and Sundays in October.

3. Julian

Julian, California is a great place in Southern California to see Fall foliage.

It’s an old Gold Rush town just east of San Diego.

They are known for their apples, so definitely do some apple picking while you’re there and bring home some apple pies.

Check out our blog post on the Best Things To Do in Julian in the Fall.

julian california town hall

4. Halloween Movie Screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club

They show films seven nights a week at their venues in San Diego, the LA Arts District, Downtown LA, and El Segundo.

Movies include: Hocus Pocus, Friday The 13th (1980), Coraline, Halloweentown, Practical Magic, Edward Scissorhands, Scream (1996), Halloween (1978), The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family (1991), Rocky Horror Picture Show, American Psycho, and A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984).

Click for more information on Rooftop Cinema Club’s Halloween movie screenings!

Rooftop Cinema Club in San Diego
Image Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club

5. San Diego Restaurant Week

San Diego Restaurant Week takes place from September 22nd – 29th.

While there are many events throughout San Diego for this, here is one we highly recommend.

Enjoy a delicious plated dinner while gliding across the water and taking in views of San Diego’s most famous sights, including the Coronado Bay Bridge, the Star of India and more.

With menu offerings handcrafted by our chefs from local, seasonal ingredients, take part in the annual San Diego Restaurant Week dining experience.

6. Haunted Trail Of Balboa Park

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park begins on September 27th and runs through November 2nd.

In addition to the haunted trail, also check out the eXperiment Maze.

Balboa Park in San Diego

7. Bates Nut Farm

Bates Nut Farm offers a pumpkin patch and other fun Fall activities beginning on Thursday, September 19th.

The pumpkin patch will remain open through October 31st.

Parking is free during the week, but $10 per vehicle on weekends in October.

The farm is open 9 am – 5:30 pm on week days and 8:30 am – 6 pm on weekends.

8. San Diego Padres At Petco Park

There are a handful of home games at Petco Park in the month of September.

Tigers vs Padres on September 2nd, 4th, and 5th

Giants vs Padres on September 6th, 7th, and 8th

Astros vs Padres on September 16th, 17th, and 18th

White Sox vs Padres on September 20th, 21st, and 22nd

9. Del Mar Food & Wine Festival

UPDATE: This event will be taking place in October this year instead of September.

Del Mar Food & Wine Festival
Image Courtesy of Del Mar Food & Wine Festival

10. ENVZN23: Urban Art Takeover

This even takes place on September 14th this year from 2 pm – 10 pm in Logan Heights.

It’s a visual and performing arts festival with multi-sensory exhibits.

11. CRSSD Fest

CRSSD Fest takes place on September 28th and 29th this year.

It’s a 2 day electronic music festival at San Diego’s Waterfront Park.

There will be over 50 artists and DJs at the event.

12. Belmont Park Beachside Fall Festival

This event takes place at Belmont Park on weekends throughout September and October.

The festival includes live entertainment, specialty foods and drinks for the Fall season, and free trick-or-treating for kids (but only in October).

Belmont Park Fall Fest
Image Courtesy Of San Diego Tourism Authority

13. Ghosts And Gravestones Frightseeing Tour

This night time trolley tour throughout San Diego is actually available throughout the year, but Fall is obviously the best time to do it if you’re looking for spooky stuff to do.

The tour starts at $40+ depending on the day of the week and the season you’re taking the tour and it lasts for about 90 minutes.

Walking is required on portions of this tour, so be prepared for that!

Old Town Market Sign in Old Town San Diego

More Fun Things To Do In Southern California In The Fall

Below are more fun things to do throughout Southern California in the Fall.

🎃 Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In September

From seasonal foods and drinks to Fall Harvest festivals, there are a ton of great things to do in Anaheim in September.

All American Brew Works in Anaheim

🎃 Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles In September

September is one of the best times of the year to visit LA.

There are seemingly endless things to do in all areas.

Universal Studios Hollywood Main Entrance Gate

🎃 The Best Things To Do In Southern California This Fall

For even more ideas, check out our list of all the best things to do in Southern California this Fall.

We’ve got events, festivals, Oktoberfests, Fall foliage towns, and more.

Roger's Gardens Halloween Boutique - The Witching Hour

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In San Diego In September

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we see about things to do in San Diego in September.

✔️ Is September A Good Month To Visit San Diego?

Yes, September is a good month to visit San Diego.

The weather is typically pleasant with warm temperatures, lower crowds, and less expensive accommodations compared to the peak summer season.

Old Town San Diego

✔️ What Is The Weather Like In San Diego In September?

In September, the weather in San Diego is generally warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit.

Rainfall is minimal, and it’s mostly sunny with occasional coastal fog.


Conclusion: Things To Do In San Diego In September

The above things to do in San Diego in September give a little something for anyone visiting or for locals looking for something fun to do.

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