10 Things to Do in San Diego in October

October brings two colourful festivities to San Diego, Halloween and Day of the Dead, adding to the year-round cultural life of the coastal city, where you can always enjoy festivals, concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions.

In this article you'll find some of the best things to see and do in San Diego this month, which will immerse you in the unique essence of the city. From festivals that combine art and food, to whale watching cruises and tours of haunted sites, there are plenty of options to make the most of your stay in San Diego in October.

In October, a variety of Halloween-themed festivals and events take place in San Diego, with something for everyone. One of the most popular attractions is the Haunted Trail featuring dark woods and spooky passages, ideal for thrill-seekers and mystery lovers. It's located in Balboa Park.

It's also pumpkin season in San Diego, so you can pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve and decorate at Pumpkin Patches. Some notable options include Bates Nut Farm or the Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch, which is located east of the city. Admission to the pumpkin patches is free.

For those travelling with the family, Legoland California's Brick-or-Treat Inside the Park themed festival is one of the best things to do with the little ones in San Diego. During this festival, the park hosts musical performances, dance shows, movie screenings and interactions with the spookiest Lego characters.

October is one of the best months to see grey whales in San Diego, as these cetaceans migrate some 20,000km from Alaska to Baja California for breeding purposes from September to January in San Diego. Sightings also take place from February to March in the city, when they return to Alaska.

One of the best ways to see the grey whales is on board a cruise ship, but it is important that you undertake this with a specialised company that tries to get close to the whales without disturbing them.

Another option is to see these marine mammals from the shores of San Diego, but you will need binoculars to see them better. The best places to see them are the cliffs of Point Loma, also called Sunset Cliffs, or the Point Loma Lighthouse.

October is definitely a good time to take these cruises in San Diego, as temperatures are milder and the city is not as crowded as in high season.

Oktoberfest at San Diego's La Mesa Village is an annual event that has gained popularity since its inception in the region in the 1970s. During the festival, the La Mesa Village area is filled with food stalls, live music and a wide selection of craft and traditional beers.

The event is usually free admission, so you can attend the festival and enjoy the music and festive atmosphere even if you don't drink beer, or purchase as many tastings as you wish.

The festival lasts about three days in San Diego in October. Specific days and times of the event are usually announced in advance on the festival's website and in local media, so check ahead to make sure you don't miss out.

Useful facts

• Dates: usually in the first week of October.
• Location: La Mesa Village 8633, Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942.
• How to get there: The best way to get to Oktoberfest is to take the MTS Trolley. The trolley drops you off at the main entrance at La Mesa Blvd and Spring Street.
• Admission fee: it's free. You can also purchase VIP tickets, which range in price from approximately €14 to €40.

Halloween is the perfect time to take a ghost tour of San Diego and learn about the darker side of the city from an experienced guide.

Many paranormal or unexplained events have occurred in San Diego, which you can learn about on a ghost tour. Two common stops on these tours are Pioneer Park, which was built on top of an old cemetery, and the Whaley House, considered the most haunted house in the United States.

These tours usually add costumes or scenery to create an atmosphere of mystery to enhance the experience. It's definitely one of the best things to do in San Diego at night.

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is an annual festival that combines contemporary art with local and regional wine tasting. It has been held in the La Jolla district since 2008, usually in the first week of October.

During the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, you'll have the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures and photographs, created by local and national artists. And while you view the artwork, you can sample fine wines to complete the experience.

Admission to the festival is generally affordable, with excellent value for money for the type of event it is. It also offers activities for children and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

To make the most of your visit to the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, I recommend planning ahead so you can take advantage of all the live performances, talks and exhibitions that are of interest to you.

Useful information

• Dates: usually the first week of October.
• Location: Girard Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Hours: Usually held on a weekend in October from approximately 10 am to 6 pm.
• Admission: Free. Tickets are also available with tastings included, ranging from €40 to €70.

The San Diego International Film Festival is a world-renowned film event that runs from mid-October to the end of the month, promoting the best of independent cinema from the United States and around the world. For about five days, the festival attracts filmmakers and film lovers from all over, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of films.

As you immerse yourself in the eclectic mix of genres, you can interact with filmmakers and actors in talks, lectures and Q&A sessions. You can also take part in themed panels, celebrity tributes, culinary cinema and the famous outdoor rooftop screenings under the stars.

The festival's main location is usually the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where most of San Diego's food tours take place, due to the wide variety of restaurants on offer. It is also often held in the La Jolla district on the Pacific coast. Be sure to check the events calendar and book your tickets in advance.

Useful facts

• Dates: mid to late October.
• Location: The Museum of Photographics Arts (Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101); The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037).

AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC (formerly Arclight), 4425 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.

• Times: Activities start at dusk.
• Ticket prices: VIP pass packages cost around €400 per person and FEST pass packages cost around €220 per person.

From 29 October to 2 November each year, San Diego and the surrounding area come alive with Day of the Dead celebrations, a tradition that has taken root in the neighbouring country. During these days, the Old Town neighbourhood becomes the epicentre of the festivities, so it's a great time to include it in your San Diego city tour.

As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, you'll see the altars of the dead, which are offerings that pay homage to ancestors and prominent public figures. The Plaza de los Muertos is the heart of the festivities, where artists and artisans display their creations and where folkloric dance performances and traditional music concerts are held.

Gastronomy is also a highlight of the festivities, as the authentic flavours and aromas of Mexican cuisine fill the air in Old Town's markets and restaurants. That's why you can sample a wide variety of traditional dishes, from tamales and pozole to pan de muerto and sugar skulls.

If your stay in San Diego extends into early November, don't miss the parade to El Campo Santo Cemetery, where you'll see eye-catching costumes and giant skulls while listening to live music. Throughout the celebration, there are workshops and interactive activities where you can learn about the traditions and cultural significance of this celebration. All activities are free of charge.

The San Diego Zoo's Safari Park Fall Festival is an annual event that celebrates the fall season with live country music and educational experiences. Enjoy a variety of festive activities and culinary delights at the park's many restaurants.

To get the most out of your experience, I recommend you check out the festival schedule on the Safari Park website, so you can choose the activities that are of most interest to you. In addition, you can take the usual safari-style tram or guided bus tours and see the animals on the loose in large natural areas.

Safari Park is located on San Pasqual Valley Road, about 30 miles from downtown San Diego. You can get there in 45 minutes by car, or an hour and a half by bus. It is common to confuse Safari Park with San Diego Zoo, but they are different, as the latter is located near downtown in Balboa Park.

Facts and figures of interest

• Location: San Diego Zoo, Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614.
• Days and Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm.
• Entry fee: from €66 per person. Parking costs about €15 per car.

The Kids Free San Diego programme is an annual initiative designed for families visiting the city in October to allow children to enjoy free activities and discounts at tourist attractions, restaurants, some of San Diego's best museums and participating hotels.

Through this initiative, children can enjoy a wide variety of activities and attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and Legoland theme park, at promotional prices.

To maximise the experience, it is recommended that you check the official San Diego Tourism website for a complete list of activities and attractions available to children. You can complement this with discounts offered by tourist cards, such as the San Diego Explorer Pass.

The San Diego Festival of Journalism, organised by the San Diego Union-Tribe, is an annual event held in mid-October where you can get an up-close look at the world of news and communications. With keynotes from renowned journalists and media experts, you can stay abreast of the latest trends and challenges facing the industry.

In addition to attending different talks, you can participate in interactive workshops where you can learn how to interview or write news, among others. From panel discussions to Q&A sessions, this festival will give you the opportunity to discuss topical issues and get first-hand perspectives from professionals.

In the exhibition area, you will find media booths, technology and innovative journalism projects. You can also experience virtual reality and the latest tools used in the world of journalism. Without a doubt, the San Diego Journalism Festival will allow you to connect with news enthusiasts and have a good time.

Facts and figures of interest

• Dates: usually mid-October.
• Location: San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego.
• Hours: 10:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm.
• Admissionfee: although free, registration is required on the Festival's website.