Can you smell the pumpkin spice? Fall has officially arrived in Santa Clarita! From family-friendly attractions to Halloween thrills, the season brings out the best of this Southern California destination. Here are five reasons why Santa Clarita should be at the top of your fall getaway list.
1. Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain 🎢
Get your adrenaline pumping with terrifying haunted mazes, scare zones, spooky live shows, seasonal bites and—of course—world-class roller coasters after dark at Fright Fest, taking place on select dates until November 2.
📷: @hauntedphotoblography
2. Pumpkin Patches & Harvest Festivals 🎃
Nothing says fall quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch! It’s the perfect way to soak up the season, snap some festive photos and enjoy activities for all ages.
📷: Gilchrist Farm @jillianleduff
📷: Prancer’s Farm
📷: Sanchez Produce @lulubguerrero
Gilchrist Farm (30116 Bouquet Canyon Rd):
🕜Open Tuesday – Sunday: September 27 to November 2
A local favorite, Gilchrist Farm offers a classic pumpkin patch experience during the week, perfect for photos, farm animal visits and pumpkin picking. On weekends, the harvest festival offers family-friendly activities such as pig races, wool-spinning demos, horse and pony rides, a straw bale maze, archery, axe throwing, live music, crafts and more!
Valencia Town Center (24201 Valencia Blvd):
🕜Open Daily: October 1 to 31
Throughout October, families can enjoy a festive pumpkin patch complete with bounce houses, games, food trucks, live music and more! On Halloween night, kids can trick-or-treat from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Enchanted Cemetery Pumpkin Patch (23450 Newhall Avenue):
🕜Open Thursday – Sunday: October 3 – 31
This immersive pumpkin patch offers pumpkin picking, archery, scavenger hunts, arcade games, face painting, live entertainment, photo ops and other seasonal activities leading up to Halloween.
Santa Clarita Pumpkin Patch (26575 Carl Boyer Drive):
🕜Open Thursday – Sunday: October 2 – 31
Hosted by WhatsUpSCV, this patch offers something for everyone—including a full bar, bounce houses, food trucks, local vendors, live performances and of course, plenty of pumpkins.
Sanchez Produce (16230 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country, CA 91351):
🕜 Open Daily: October 1 – 31
Sanchez Produce is a family-owned farm operating in Santa Clarita for over 25 years, offering fresh produce and seasonal flowers. In the fall, their pumpkins and vibrant marigold fields make the perfect autumn backdrop.
Prancer’s Farm (18540 E Telegraph Road):
🕜 Open Daily: October 1 – 31
Prancer’s Farm offers acres of pumpkins in every shape and size, scenic wagon rides, friendly barnyard animals and seasonal favorites from their market stands.
Bennett’s Best Christmas Trees & Pumpkins (27000 Bouquet Canyon Road):
🕜 Open Daily: October 10 – 31
Beyond their wide selection of pumpkins perfect for carving or decorating, kids can bounce and play in the onsite bounce houses.
3. Outdoor Adventures 🍂
Fall is the perfect season to enjoy Santa Clarita’s beautiful trails. With cooler weather and golden hues, it’s an ideal time to hike, bike and take in the views. Enjoy stunning scenery at spots like Placerita Canyon, Towsley Canyon and Vasquez Rocks. You might even spot some local wildlife such as a red-tailed hawk or California mule deer.
📷: Vasquez Rocks @wandering_lea
4. Local Wineries & Breweries 🍷
Sip your way through fall at Santa Clarita’s wineries and breweries. From handcrafted local wines to craft beers, it’s the perfect way to relax and toast to your autumn getaway.
Every weekend in October, visitors can enjoy Hayrides Through the Vineyard at Agua Dulce Winery, taking in the crisp air and scenic views. On October 18 and 19, the winery hosts its annual Fall Craft Fair, featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music, wine tastings and more.
📷: Agua Dulce Winery @emilythepoop
5. The Perfect SoCal Escape ☀️
Santa Clarita offers the best of both worlds—sunny Southern California weather paired with small-town charm. Just 30 miles north of Los Angeles with convenient freeway and train access, it’s the ideal hub for exploring LA attractions while still enjoying a peaceful autumn retreat.
Ready to start planning? Check out our Fall Activities page for even more seasonal fun waiting for you in Santa Clarita.
