November in North County San Diego is a magical time. The big Summer crowds have tapered off, the weather has turned a little crisper (especially in the evenings) and the region launches into its festive-holiday and pre-holiday rhythm. According to local guides, November offers “a perfect month to visit” thanks to comfortable weather, fewer crowds and value rates at many resorts. For homeowners and vacation-rental guests alike, this means you can enjoy the coast, the inland valleys, and unique local events with a little more breathing room. Below are 10 top things to do in Nov 2025 in North County San Diego, from outdoor adventures to cultural events, food & drink, and family-friendly experiences.

Torrey Pines

1. Explore Scenic Coastal Hikes

North County isn’t just beaches. There are stunning inland trails, lagoons and parks that are perfect in November’s climate. For example, the Batiquitos Lagoon between Carlsbad and Encinitas is a wonder for nature-lovers. And the San Dieguito River Park provides miles of green space stretching from the coast inland.

What to do:

• Take the trail around Batiquitos Lagoon, bring binoculars for bird-watching (migratory birds begin to appear).
• Pick an inland hill trail for a morning hike while it’s cool, then reward yourself with a coffee in a nearby town.
• Consider a late-afternoon hike so you can watch the setting sun cast light over the hills.
• Walk along the cliffs of Torrey Pines overlooking the Pacific Ocean for stunning views of the coastline.
  Pro tip: Bring layers—coastal mornings may be cool and inland trails can be shaded in the afternoon.

2. Visit the Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market

Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market is a must-visit in November. Enjoy local produce, artisan goods, and seasonal treats. The market has a festive vibe during the fall months, making it a great spot to find holiday gifts and fresh ingredients for Thanksgiving. Check out our coastal Carlsbad homes to be within walking distance to the Farmer’s Market.

3. Catch a Sunset at the Beach

November sunsets in North County are nothing short of magical. With fewer crowds, it’s the ideal time to grab a blanket and head to a beach like Moonlight Beach in Encinitas or Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad. The cooler air and stunning fall colors in the sky create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.

The Campstore is a local favorite for catching the sunset along with live music, food and drinks! It’s an ideal spot for families and pets too!

4. Attend the San Diego Beer Week

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’re in luck! November hosts the annual San Diego Beer Week, a 10-day celebration (November 7th – 16th) of local brews. Many breweries in North County, like Stone Brewing in Escondido and Pizza Port in Carlsbad, participate with special events, tastings, and food pairings. It’s a great way to enjoy the region’s renowned craft beer scene.

5. Walk the Downtown & Village Districts—Shop, Dine & Explore

North County has charming downtown and village districts (think Carlsbad Village, Encinitas, Oceanside harbor area) where strolling, shopping and eating out is a joy. November’s weather often makes evenings comfortable for outdoor patios and window-shopping.

What to do:

• Explore Carlsbad Village: boutique stores, beach-adjacent cafés, craft beer spots.

• In Encinitas, wander the 101 South Coast Highway corridor, pop into local surf shops, art galleries and cozy eateries.

• In Oceanside, head to the harbour area for dinner with a view.
  Bonus idea: Try a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu at a restaurant—many local spots launch special menus in November.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at some of North County’s unique boutiques and shopping centers. The Forum in Carlsbad , Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach and The Carlsbad Premium Outlets offer a mix of local shops, upscale boutiques, and artisanal products. Plus, you’ll find plenty of festive decorations and deals throughout the month.

6. Attend an Early Holiday Light & Sound Experience

November marks the beginning of the holiday lights season, and one standout event in the North County is Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. For 2025, the event runs from November 14 through January 4.
What to expect:

• A one-mile illuminated walking trail through the gardens, with artistic light installations, tunnels of lights, ambient music and seasonal food & drink.

• Special “21+ nights” for grown-ups on select dates (more festive cocktails and ambiance).
  Why it’s great: It’s a unique, immersive experience that blends nature and holiday cheer—perfect for couples, families and groups.
  Tip: Reserve tickets early (weekends will fill up). Dress warmly for nighttime. See FAQ for trail info (uneven pathways).

7. Whale Watching Season Begins

November marks the start of whale watching season along the coast of San Diego. Head to Oceanside Harbor for a whale watching tour, where you might catch a glimpse of gray whales as they migrate south for the winter. The waters off North County are a prime spot for seeing these majestic creatures.

8. Golf with Ocean Views

North County is home to some of California’s most scenic golf courses. Enjoy a round at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad or Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, both offering stunning ocean views and perfect November weather for a day on the green.

9. Savor Local Food & Drinks (Craft Breweries, Wineries, Seafood)

North County’s food and drink scene is rich and varied—and November is an ideal month to explore it. With fewer tourists, you may get better service, easier reservations and pleasant outdoor dining. Local articles highlight how November features “food & drink events” in the San Diego region.
What to try:

• Visit a craft brewery in Carlsbad or Vista and sample a seasonal fall beer.

• Head to a local tasting room for California coastal wines—many are emphasizing “local sourcing” lately.

• Book a dinner in Carlsbad Village (or Oceanside) and enjoy views of the ocean as the sun sets.
  Extras: Keep your eyes peeled for wine-or-beer festivals in November that may seat fewer crowds and carry seasonal releases.

10. Lace Up for Fun: Turkey Trots in Encinitas and Oceanside

Thanksgiving in North County San Diego is more than just feasts and family gatherings—it’s also a time for community fun and fitness! If you’re looking to get active before your holiday meal, participating in a Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start the day. Two popular Thanksgiving morning events in the area are the Encinitas Turkey Trot and the Oceanside Turkey Trot. Use code gravy15 for 15% off the Encinitas Turkey Trot!

North Coast Village Penthouse in Oceanside

Plan a Relaxed Stay-cation or Mini Getaway

Finally, one of the best things about November in North County is that many resorts and vacation-rental hosts (like you at Haustay) find that value stays and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to stay longer, explore slower and soak in the local vibe.
What to explore:

• Book a weekend in Carlsbad Village or Oceanside, stay near the beach, walk to dinner and catch a sunset.

• Consider a spa day or wellness treatment at a local resort—nice wind-down after exploring.

• Use your base to explore multiple of the above experiences: morning beach, midday shopping, afternoon hike, and evening light-trail or brewery stop.
  Why it works: Prices are often better than peak summer, the weather is still great, and you’ll enjoy a more peaceful, authentic North County experience.

Packing & Weather Tips for November

Before wrapping up, here are some practical tips for making the most of November in North County.

• Weather: Expect day-time highs in the upper 60s to low 70s °F (about 20–22 °C) and evenings dipping into the 50s °F (≈10–12 °C).

• Beach & Water: The ocean water chills slightly (~62–64 °F). If you plan to swim or surf, a wetsuit may help. Otherwise, walks and paddleboards are great.

• Layers: Bring a light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings. Layers allow you to feel comfortable from dawn beach strolls to dusk hikes.

• Reservations: For special events like Lightscape or themed dinners, book ahead.

• Sun protection: Yes—even in November the sun still matters. Bring sunscreen for morning beach walks or midday hikes.

• Crowds & Value: With fewer tourism-peak days, you’ll find nicer rates, fewer lines and easier access at restaurants and attractions.

Final Thoughts

November is one of those quietly rewarding months in North County San Diego—it doesn’t shout as loudly as summer, but it whispers “come linger awhile”. Whether your readers are families, couples, solo travelers or property-owners looking to highlight local experiences, this region offers a fine blend of outdoors, cozy charm, festive beginnings and local discovery.

October in North County San Diego is magic. The water’s still warm, sunsets linger, and summer crowds thin out just enough to make beach days, pumpkin patches, and street festivals feel effortless. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or with friends, this is your cheat-sheet to the best of the season—many options are minutes from our Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas vacation rentals.

1. Do Halloween “the LEGO way” at LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat 

Select nights from late September through Halloween, LEGOLAND transforms into a candy-collecting, character-meeting, live-showing playground. It’s as family-friendly as spooky season gets—costumes encouraged, rides open late, and plenty of treat stations. Pro tip: arrive mid-afternoon for a couple of rides before the nighttime festivities begin; end with the dance party and fireworks (on select dates). If you’re staying in Carlsbad, it’s an easy Uber or 10–15-minute drive from most coastal neighborhoods.

Dates for 2025: select nights Sept 20 – Nov 1.

2. Pick pumpkins and take photos at Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Pumpkin Patch 

Every fall, this local favorite flips from strawberries to an Insta-ready pumpkin patch with corn maze, weekend games, and festive eats. Expect heaps of gourds and rustic photo ops—plus extended evening hours on peak nights so you can catch golden hour among the marigolds. Pro tip: weekdays are quieter; on busy weekends, park once and make an afternoon of it.

Open daily in October; 2025 season announced with an opening date in September.

Pick your own pumpkin at Bates Nut Farm

3. Make it a full-on fall day at Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch 

Ask any North County local about pumpkin patches and Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is going to come up. It’s the classic: hayrides, a corn maze, face painting, live music on select days, farm animals, and plenty of space for kids to run. Their Fall Festival Fridays add food vendors and entertainment without weekend crowds—perfect for families. Pro tip: weekends can get busy; go early or aim for one of those Friday afternoons.

2025 hours and Fall Festival Fridays are posted (with free Friday parking).

4. Celebrate harvest season at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn Festival 

Every Saturday and Sunday in October, the Safari Park in Escondido offer layers live entertainment, seasonal bites, and daytime “fall fair” vibes on top of its world-class wildlife experiences. It’s an easy add to your itinerary if you’re already planning a park day—especially good for multi-age groups who want animals for the kids and craft beer/seasonal treats for the adults. Pro tip: Mornings are best for animal activity; save festival snacks and music for the afternoon.

5. Shop, snack, and people-watch at the Oceanside Sunset Market

On Thursday nights, 5–9 p.m., downtown Oceanside explodes into a five-block street fair with up to 240 vendors—global eats, handmade goods, live music, the works. The October edition hits that sweet spot of balmy nights and energized crowds. Pro tip: come hungry and do a progressive dinner; park in a public lot a few blocks away or take the Coaster to the Transit Center and walk over. The market runs year-round, but fall evenings are especially nice.

6. Honor tradition at Día de los Muertos 

A beloved downtown Oceanside community festival featuring altars (ofrendas), live performances, lowrider and classic car displays, art, and family activities. It’s festive, meaningful, and uniquely SoCal. Pro tip: arrive early—street parking is limited—and plan to walk the core around Pier View Way and South Tremont. 2025 date: Sunday, Oct 26 10:00-4:00.

7. Let the kids go wild at the Pumpkin Station in Del Mar Fairgrounds 

Just south of Encinitas/Solana Beach, Pumpkin Station turns part of the fairgrounds into a pint-size amusement zone with a pumpkin patch, giant slides, a mini train, carousel, swings, and more. Admission is free; you buy ride tickets as you go. Pro tip: Pair it with a beach walk at Dog Beach or dinner in Del Mar Village. Open daily through October (hours vary).

8. Day Trip To Julian

The historic gold mining town, Julian, is fun to explore year-round, but their most popular time of the year is the fall. Located about an hour north of downtown San Diego, Julian is a great spot for apple picking season, which typically runs from late August through October.

Popular “U-Pick” businesses include Volcan Valley Apple Farm (1284 Julian Orchards Dr.). Volcan Valley Apple Farm is open Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You pay $15 for a bag that you can fill with apples (about 6 pounds), and this includes admission. Kids 5 and under get in free. The farm features seven varieties of apples, most ripening through mid-September.

Julian Farm and Orchard specializes in U-pick berries (strawberries, raspberries), apples, and pumpkins. The orchard also offers seasonal activities like hayrides, apple cider-pressing, bouquet-making, and ax-throwing. There’s a $10 minimum purchase of tickets per person to enter (which can be used for activities, picking, and merch); parking is free.

It is best to check the websites or call ahead before making the trek east. Apple farms will close if all the apples have been picked.

On your way out of Julian, be sure to grab a pie from Julian Pie Company.

9. Visit a Haunted San Diego Location

Over 200 years old, The Old Point Loma Lighthouse stood watch over the entrance to San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855, the light keeper climbed the winding stairs and lit the light for the first time. It seemed to be a good location 422 feet above sea level, however, low clouds often obscured the light. On March 23, 1891, the light was extinguished, and the lighthouse decommissioned.

Many have held to the belief that they have personally witnessed heavy footsteps emanating from the upper rooms of the lighthouse. Other accounts have come from guests who have felt extreme drops in temperature mostly felt at the entry landing that leads up to its spiral staircase.

Today, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse still stands watch over San Diego, sentinel to a vanished past. Situated in the Cabrillo National Monument, it is now open to the public as a museum.

If you happen to visit San Diego around Halloween or anytime for that matter and want a little scare, be sure to visit to one of these five locations and uncover why San Diego is surprisingly one of the nation’s most haunted city’s.