October in Encinitas: Fall by the Sea
October is here, and while the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters and pumpkin spice, Encinitas keeps the sunshine going strong. With crisp mornings, golden sunsets, and plenty of community events, fall in our coastal town means surf, strolls, and celebrations. Here’s your guide to making the most of October in Encinitas.
Soak Up Coastal Fall Days
Even in October, our beaches are as inviting as ever. Head to Moonlight Beach or Swami’s for a surf session or a sandy stroll. Pack a blanket, grab takeout from a local café, and watch the sun dip into the Pacific — golden hour here is pure magic this time of year.
Kids Free October at Local Museums
All month long, kids 12 and under get free admission with a paying adult at museums across San Diego County through Kids Free October. In Encinitas, that includes:
- 🌿 San Diego Botanic Garden — explore themed gardens, trails, and plants.
- 🎨 Institute of Contemporary Art North (ICA North) — enjoy art exhibits and programs.
Seasonal Fun & Local Flavor
Fall flavors are popping up around town! Look for pumpkin lattes at your favorite Encinitas coffee shops, Oktoberfest brews on tap at local breweries, and seasonal dishes at farm-to-table restaurants. Don’t miss the Cardiff Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Leucadia Farmers Market on Sundays for fresh autumn produce and local treats.
San Diego Botanic Garden Fall Festival
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., when the San Diego Botanic Garden hosts its annual Fall Festival. San Diego Botanic Garden
This family-friendly celebration is packed with autumn fun: live music performances, magic shows, hoop & juggling acts, bubble art, hands-on crafts (like papermaking and planting), and a Fall Plant Sale featuring native and seasonal plants.
Adults can relax in the Beer & Wine Garden, complete with local pours and a special anniversary brew in honor of the Garden’s milestone year.
Trails, Hikes & Nature Walks
With cooler mornings and evenings, October is the perfect time to explore Encinitas on foot. The gentle climate makes hiking, walking, and nature discovery especially enjoyable. Some local favorites include:
- San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve – Santa Inez / Dike Trail (2.42 mi round trip)
A peaceful route through wetlands, marsh, and diverse habitats. - Annie’s Canyon Loop
This short but dramatic trail cuts through narrow sandstone walls, offering sweeping views of the lagoon and ocean. - Leucadia Coastal Loop
A 2.13-mile urban-coastal route through Leucadia neighborhoods, art spots, beach access, and local flavor. - The Preserve (Manchester Canyon area)
For a bit more challenge, try the trails that climb through canyon terrain and loop across ridgelines. - Quail Gardens Canyon Loop
This 1.89 mile loop offers a mix of golf course and canyon views, starting at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. - Coastal Rail Trail (Encinitas → Cardiff)
A more relaxed, lower-grade walking or biking route along old rail corridor between Encinitas and Cardiff.
Go to our Visit Encinitas Insiders Guide to find the perfect hike for you.
Cultural Celebrations & Community Events
- Coastal Roots Farm Sukkot Harvest Festival
📅 Sunday, October 12
📍 Coastal Roots Farm, Encinitas
Celebrate fall harvest with farm activities, live music, learning opportunities, and a joyful community gathering. - 👉 Event Info
- Encinitas Historical Society Walking Tour
📅 Saturday, October 18
Stroll through historic Encinitas with knowledgeable guides who share stories from the town’s early days.
- Thursday Acoustic Nights at Fox Point Farms
📅 Thursday, October 23 | 6–9 PM
📍 Fox Point Farms, Encinitas
A cozy evening of live acoustic music featuring Jesse Ray Smith. Enjoy farm-fresh eats from the Harvest Market — sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more. Doors open at 6 PM, music at 7.
- Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration
📅 Saturday, October 25 | 12–4 PM
📍 MiraCosta College, San Elijo Campus
A free, family-friendly celebration with mariachi, Ballet Folklórico, an ofrenda, art workshops, a lowrider car show, and more.👉 Details
👻 Spooky & Fun Encinitas Halloween Happenings
- The Haunted Hoedown Experience
📅 October 24–25 | 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 The Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Drive
- Movies in the Park: Hotel Transylvania
📅 Saturday, October 25 | Activities at 5 PM, movie at dusk
- Boy Scout Haunted Hotel
📅 Fridays & Saturdays in October | Olivenhain
- Downtown Safe Trick-or-Treat & Halloween Festivities
📅 Friday, October 31 | 5–8 PM
📍 South Coast Highway 101
Trick-or-treat through shops, enjoy live music, and free family art activities at the Pacific View Arts Center (with free parking).
For even more happenings around town, be sure to check out our full Events Calendar under the “Things to Do” tab on the Visit Encinitas homepage. There’s always something going on!
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, winding through canyon trails, learning local history, or celebrating Halloween downtown, October in Encinitas is full of coastal charm, cultural connection, and seasonal fun.
Encinitas—where summer never ends.
