Because San Diego is known for its near-perfect weather, vacationers tend to visit year-round. However, in the fall, the summer beach crowds diminish, and visitors and locals alike relish the gorgeous weather and fun fall activities for the whole family. Check out this list of our favorite ways to celebrate fall here at EZ Rent A Van.
1. Apple Picking in Julian
Julian is a historic gold mine town about an hour east of San Diego. The quaint town is famous for its fall colors, U-pick apples, apple pie, and apple cider. Plan a day trip and drive your rental van inland for lunch, shop at adorable gift stores, and enjoy a freshly baked apple or pumpkin pie from Miner’s Diner.
2. Check Out the Fall Foliage
Did you think you needed to head to the East Coast for fall foliage? Think again! With just a little bit of a drive outside of San Diego, you can experience a taste of Autumn right here in Southern California (if you know where to look). Some of our favorite places to experience a wide range of reds, oranges, and yellows are Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain, or Mount Laguna. Dense woodlands, high elevation, and remoteness combine to make these spots the ideal location for watching the leaves change colors!
3. Take a Hike
While hiking can be enjoyed in San Diego year-round, we love fall for its milder temperatures and stunning views. San Diego is filled with great hiking options. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Torrey Pines State Park– visit Torrey Pines for a choice of two hiking trails that both boast dramatic, picturesque views of the ocean. These trails are easy to follow and accessible to almost anyone, so if you have young children in your group, they should be able to keep up. Stop by one of the lookout points and see if you can spot a gray whale or bottlenose dolphin.
- Cowles Mountain– Cowles Mountain is one of the most popular places to hike in San Diego. It is moderately difficult with steep switchbacks and leads to the highest point in San Diego, but almost anyone can get through it with enough determination. Trust us, the views are worth it.
- Cedar Creek Falls to Devil’s Punchbowl– if you’re looking for a challenge, check out Cedar Creek Falls to Devil’s Punchbowl. This trail does come with a precautionary warning as many cliff jumpers have had accidents over the years. However, the massive waterfall at the end of this trail is sure to wow the trailblazers in your group.
With all the fun fall activities to enjoy, you’re going to need a way to get there. For a van rental, contact EZ Rent A Van at (760) 846-6223. We have a wide range of quality rental vans that includes minivans, 12-passenger vans, 15-passenger vans, and more.