In partnership with
Fall Favorites
Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
Date: November 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
There is nothing better than family Sundays. Enjoy this free, family-friendly day full of crafts, live music, cider, and pumpkin-themed fun. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and scavenger hunts while parents take in the beautiful ocean views. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together in one of South OC’s most scenic spots.
San Clemente Outlets: Big Jack & Pumpkin Patch
Location: Outlets at San Clemente | 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa
Date: Through October 31 | Regular mall hours + event-specific times | outletsatsanclemente.com
The Outlets at San Clemente are a must this fall. Join Big Jack, a massive 16-foot steel jack-o’-lantern centerpiece and enjoy a full pumpkin patch setup, petting zoo, photo ops, and community events that give back.
What to expect:
Big Jack & Center Stage — The giant steel pumpkin is the star of the show and the ultimate family photo backdrop.
Pumpkin Patch + Petting Zoo — Classic fall vibes with hay bales, gourds, goats, and alpacas.
Candy Crawl (Oct 26) — Trick-or-treating, balloon artists, face painting, and giveaways.
Good Cause Vibes — “Big Jack Gives Back” supports Family Assistance Ministries with food drive donations.
Ghosts & Legends Tour
Location: Los Rios Historic District, 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
Dates: October 24 & 25, 2025
Time: Evening guided tours (for specific times and to purchase tickets visit the website: https://www.sjcghosttour.com/)
A Halloween favorite, this guided walking tour shares eerie tales and hidden legends along the historic Los Rios District. It’s a family-friendly way to experience local history with a spooky seasonal twist. This is a must-do fall tradition.
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October Feature
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
Location: 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, CA 92629
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A lively Halloween celebration featuring a kids’ costume parade, carnival-style games, bounce houses, a spooky maze, and a festive Trunk or Treat hosted by local police and community groups, where families decorate their car trunks with creative Halloween themes and kids collect candy from each one. The event transforms the entire community center into a Halloween wonderland, drawing hundreds of local families. Little ones can collect treats safely while parents enjoy the festive atmosphere. Expect local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment that make it a true South OC favorite.
Family Festivities
Haunted Night Market
Location: Inn at the Mission, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A Spanish-style courtyard market filled with seasonal food, drinks, artisan crafts, and live music that captures the magic of fall nights in San Juan. Families can browse vendor booths, enjoy a mini pumpkin patch, and take part in the all-ages costume contest. With twinkle lights, local vendors, and the mission’s historic charm as a backdrop, it’s the perfect mix of festive and relaxed for a fall evening out.
Stroller Strides
Location: Los Rios Park, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Date: Mondays 9:00 AM
A fun, high-energy workout class designed for moms with strollers. It combines strength, cardio, and core training while keeping little ones entertained in the stroller. It’s a great way to connect with other local moms, get fresh air, and squeeze in movement during your morning routine.
Harvest Festival
Location: Calvary South OC, 1311 Calle Batido, San Clemente, CA 92673
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A free family carnival featuring rides, games, a petting zoo, face painting, and classic fall treats like popcorn and cotton candy. Kids can enjoy safe trick-or-treating while parents take in the festive community atmosphere. It’s one of South OC’s best family events to wrap up the fall season.
Fall Leave Spotting
Irvine Regional Park — subtle autumn tones, creekside trails, and family picnic spots.
Aliso & Wood Canyons (Laguna area) — sycamores and oaks turning golden under that fall sun.
Big Bear Lake — full fall color immersion; take Pine Knot or Castle Rock trails for the best views.
Lake Arrowhead — a weekend-worthy drive for crisp air and postcard-perfect foliage.
Parents Only
The Tea House
Location: 31731 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
This is the perfect day-date spot. Go back in time in this beautifully restored , historic 1911 cottage turned charming tea house surrounded by gardens and twinkle lights. Enjoy their fall high tea menu with warm scones, seasonal teas (or champagne) and savory bites for a cozy and romantic afternoon. Or indulge in their Legends of the Fall themed evening. We love this for something intimate and different from the typical dinner out.
Hook & Anchor
Location: 34091 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
One of the newest standout restaurants in South OC, known for its coastal vibe and seafood-forward menu. Think fresh lobster rolls, oysters, and cocktails enjoyed on a chic outdoor patio just steps from the water. Ideal for a relaxed yet upscale evening out.
Rosewood Social
Location: 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 301, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A modern steak and seafood spot with craft cocktails, shareable plates, and an elevated but approachable vibe. The stylish design, rooftop-terrace feel, and exceptional menu make it a perfect setting for a relaxed yet upscale date night.
Evening Wine Cruise
Location: 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Time: Fridays & Sundays, 5:30 PM departure (90-minute cruise)
A 21+ luxury catamaran experience that pairs ocean views with curated wine tastings from The Organic Cellar. Guests can sip four featured wines while enjoying a cheese, fruit, and nut platter as the sun sets over the harbor. It’s the ultimate local date night for couples looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Looking Ahead
Turkey Trot
Earn your feast this Thanksgiving.
📅 Thursday, November 27, 2025
📍 Dana Point Harbor
Start Thanksgiving morning right with the 48th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot — choose from a 5K, 10K, Combo 15K, or the Kids’ 1-Mile Gobble Wobble. The course is USA Track & Field certified and views are stunning. Expect festive energy: costume contests, a health & fitness expo, and local vibes. Best part? Your entry supports community charities.
🎟️ Register & details: turkeytrot.co
That wraps up this week’s edition.
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