Looking for the best things to do in LA in October? Fall is the perfect time of year to visit LA, as mild weather makes it easier to explore the city.
Fall and Halloween-themed activities offer a mix of thrills, family fun, and festive events throughout the month. Alternatively, enjoy the wide range of unique entertainment, gorgeous scenery, and evergreen activities that make this iconic city so special.
October is the month of all things spooky and scary in LA. Enjoy free pursuits like admiring the decorations, or get involved in some of the many Halloween-themed activities.
Halloween is a bucket-list event that is not to be missed if you're a visitor to the States in late October. Grab a costume and get involved in this unique cultural activity while you're here.
Halloween Horror Nights is an annual, nighttime event that transforms Universal Studios into a full-scale horror experience. This activity is available from early September through early November. A regular daytime ticket doesn’t cover the event. Visitors must purchase a special HHN ticket.
Enjoy the park's cinematic haunted houses, scare zones with live-action actors in terrifying costumes, and the Terror Tram—a terrifying trip through real Hollywood movie sets.
This event's intense scares, loud effects, and graphic themes make it unsuitable for children under 13. Go on weeknights, arrive early, and use the Universal app to minimize wait times and make the most of the experience.
Every fall, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm. Guests navigate intricately designed haunted mazes, eerie scare zones patrolled by over a thousand costumed “monsters,” and seasonal overlays of classic rides. Knott’s Scary Farm creates original storylines and hand-crafted scares rather than relying on movie and TV franchises.
The park also offers Knott’s Spooky Farm by day, a family-friendly alternative with trick-or-treat stations, costumed Peanuts characters, and lighthearted décor.
Our immersive scary escape rooms in Hollywood, Culver City, Koreatown, and Redondo Beach are perfect for fun with friends and corporate events in October. If you’re not into Halloween, we also offer family-friendly escape games that make for a fun day or night out in the mild October weather.
PROJECT: MINOTAUR is our most terrifying experience for adults, comprising over 1600 square feet of cinematic-quality sets. Your group breaks into a large military base to discover that there is some twisted science going on, and you are the newest test subjects. If you are physically fit and want to get scared out of your wits, this is the event for you!
For family fun, Warlocked offers a perfect mix of fantasy, intrigue, and adrenaline. This game is an adventure in which you and your companions must enter the far-off kingdom of Questoria to save a wizard and his legacy. The kingdom’s magic is failing, and a sinister curse must be broken before time runs out. You have just one hour to solve the puzzles, free the ancient magic, and defeat the Warlock.
Adult groups will love Amnesia, a comedic thriller that blends brain-teasing puzzles with a thrilling narrative. Your psychology professor at UCXX is an eccentric genius, and you were thrilled to be invited to his exclusive party. After the celebration, you wake up on a cold floor, a throbbing headache clouding your memory. The professor is gone, and the unsettling hum of a nearby contraption tells you this isn't his apartment anymore. One of his test subjects has broken free, and you have just 60 minutes to retrace your hazy steps, find the professor, and escape before the patient finds you.
An escape room is the perfect plan for families, couples, or groups of friends. Kick your night off with an hour of intrigue before grabbing dinner in one of LA’s famous restaurants.
Head to Santa Monica Boulevard’s Halloween Carnival to see hundreds of thousands of costumed revelers, performers, and spectators create an electric atmosphere. The Carnival is famous for its live music, DJs, and entertainment stages. Street performers, themed bars, and food vendors add to the festive vibe.
Visitors should expect average high temperatures of 76°F (24°C) in October. This makes it a wonderful time to grab your sneakers and explore the city on foot.
The cooler October weather makes it ideal for hiking and catching sunset views over the city. The following trails are just two of the many hikes around LA for the active and intrepid visitor:
Musch Trail is a roughly 4.5-mile hike that winds through chaparral, oak woodlands, and open meadows before arriving at the massive sandstone formation known as Eagle Rock. October is ideal for this trail as the summer heat has eased, the light is golden, and the rolling hills feel especially peaceful in the fall.
Always check official Topaganga State Park information on any restrictions that may be in place. Note that dogs are only permitted on some dog-friendly trails.
This 3.8-mile out-and-back hike takes you through shaded canyons to one of Southern California’s tallest waterfalls. October is a great time to go as the temperatures are comfortable and the falls might already be flowing.
Forgetting your sneakers is no reason not to get active in LA. For example, going horseback riding to the Hollywood sign is one of the top fun things to do in Hollywood, and an unforgettable life experience!
The weather’s just right to relax at LA’s many restaurants or rooftop spots with cityscape views. Check out things to do in Hollywood at night for top picks or head into the lesser-known neighborhoods to discover their unique charm.
Riding the scenic bike path from Santa Monica to Venice Beach is a classic LA experience. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you take in the Santa Monica Pier, sandy beaches, and colorful lifeguard towers.
As you approach Venice, the path weaves through the lively Venice Boardwalk, where street performers, artists, and vendors create an energetic, eclectic vibe. It’s a relaxed ride that is suitable for all skill levels and is much less crowded in the fall than it is in the summer months.
LA is one of the world's most diverse cities, and October is the perfect time to discover its huge range of cultures and traditions.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an annual celebration that showcases and honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. Observed on the second Monday in October, it serves as an alternative to Columbus Day and focuses on recognition, education, and reflection rather than colonial narratives.
Many museums, cultural centers, galleries, and community organizations host educational programs, workshops, and performances. Check out the program at public spaces like Grand Park and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles to find interactive experiences that allow attendees to engage directly with Native communities.
Los Angeles comes alive every year with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. This observance honors the lives of deceased loved ones with vibrant traditions that blend indigenous Mexican customs with contemporary creativity.
Día de los Muertos celebrations are typically held from October 31 to November 2. This event has grown into a major cultural event that attracts locals and tourists alike. It offers a meaningful way to connect with Mexican heritage while experiencing art, music, and community spirit.
Fall’s cozy atmosphere, cooler weather, and comforting seasonal flavors make it a magical time of year in LA. Experience a warm hug of pumpkin spice without the cool nip in the air found in other parts of the country.
Head to Underwood Family Farms or Tanaka Farms for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and seasonal treats. These events are family-friendly and sure to keep you entertained for hours! Take a picnic to enjoy a wholesome and budget-friendly day plan.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is an expansive botanical garden and historical site in Arcadia, featuring themed gardens, natural landscapes, and wildlife. Explore lush plant collections from around the world, peaceful walking trails, and the landmark Queen Anne Cottage seen in numerous films and TV shows.
Head here for family-friendly and adult activities centered on nature, wildlife, and wellness. Check out the Arboretum calendar for special events during your stay.
Street Food Cinema is a series of outdoor parties that bring together screenings of all-time favorite movies, an assortment of gourmet food trucks, and live concerts.
The venues for this event change from week to week, so be sure to check the schedule. Some of the venues are even pet-friendly!
October is the perfect time to visit LA, with the mild weather and fall-themed activities creating a unique atmosphere around the city. It’s a particularly good time to explore the city’s cultural and natural highlights for visitors looking for something a little different.
LA’s charm extends far beyond Halloween in October. World-class entertainment and scenic escapes await. Come for a visit and explore the City of Angels at its most vibrant.
Ivan is an expert in escape room design and development for almost a decade. He and his team have developed dozens of 5-star escape rooms across multiple genres in the United States, focusing on amazing live experience and unforgettable storytelling.
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