Fall In Santa Barbara

As a girl who absolutely loves fall, I find myself counting down the days until I can trade my summer routine for everything that makes autumn so special. The candles, the cozy blankets, the pumpkin patches, the seasonal drinks-I love it all. From fall-scented lotions and perfumes to little pumpkins and ghost-shaped drinks doormates, there is something about this season that makes everything feel a little cozier. 

And, of course, we can’t forget the drinks. Give me a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks or, even better, an iced pecan crunch oat milk latte, and I am officially in my fall era. 

I could go on forever about how much I love fall, but there is something even better than simply feeling like fall: actually getting out and enjoying it. Whether that means spending an afternoon at a pumpkin patch, baking Pillsbury pumpkin cookies, or curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and watching Gilmore Girls, fall is all about finding little ways to make ordinary days feel special. 

Luckily for us UCSB students, Santa Barbara makes it surprisingly easy to embrace the season. While we may not get the dramatic changing leaves and chilly weather that other college towns experience, Santa Barbara has its own version of fall: sunny afternoons, cooler evenings, beautiful sunsets and plenty of seasonal events. 

As a second-year UCSB student, I’ve had the chance to discover some of my favorite ways to enjoy fall in Santa Barbara. So, if you’re looking for ways to get into the autumn spirit this year, here are my top three fall activities to add to your calendar. 

1. Spend an Afternoon at Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch 

Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin patch, and Lane Farms is one of my favorite places to get into the autumn spirit. Located in Santa Barbara, Lane Farms’Pumpkin patch runs through October 31 and is free to enter. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin, walk through the corn maze, see the farm animals and take plenty of cute fall pictures along the way. 

For a group of college students, it is the perfect excuse to get off campus for an afternoon. Grab your friends, put on your favorite fall outfit, take some pictures and make a day out of it. And if you want to make the experience even better, stop for a seasonal coffee afterward. 

If Lane Farms is too busy, Big Waves Dave’s Pumpkin Patch at La Cumbre Plaza is another option. It is also free and has pumpkins, hay bales, and plants for festive photo opportunities. 

2. Get Active at the Turkey Trot 

If you are looking for a way to combine fall festivities with a little exercise, a Turkey Trot is the perfect activity. Instead of spending your Thanksgiving morning sleeping in, grab your friends and get outside for a festive run or walk. 

There’s something about participating in a Turkey Trot that makes you feel like you’re officially entering the holiday season. You can dress in Thanksgiving-themed outfits, listen to music with your friend and reward yourself with a good breakfast afterward. 

And if running isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The point isn’t necessarily to set a personal record; it’s about getting outside, spending time with friends and enjoying the season before Thanksgiving arrives. 

3. Have a cozy Pillsbury Cookie & Movie NIght 

Sometimes the best fall activity is the one that requires absolutely no plans. 

Pick up some Pillsbury pumpkin cookies, make your favorite warm drink, grab your softest blanket, and invite your friends over for a movie or TV marathon. Personally, Gilmore Girls is at the top of my list because nothing feels more like fall than watching Rory and Lorelai navigate through Stars Hollow while you’re surrounded by candles and pumpkin-scented everything.

To make the night even more fun, turn it into a mini fall-themed dinner party . Everyone can bring a snack, wear their coziest pajamas and choose a favorite fall movie or episode. Bonus points: you decorate the room with fairy lights, candles, and mini pumpkins. 

More Fall EVENTS TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR

If you’re looking to venture beyond the typical pumkin patch and movice night, Santa Barbara actually has plenty happening throughout October and November.

The Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival takes place on October 17 at the Santa Barbara Harbor. The free festival celebrates local seafood and includes live music, boat rides, maritime activities, and food vendors.

For something that feels even more traditional, the Presidio Harvest Festival is happening November 14 at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. The event includes live music, food, crafts, and other harvest-themed activities.

And if you want to keep the Halloween spirit going, Santa Barbara has plenty of spooky activities throughout October, including Halloween crafts, haunted experiences, and pumpkin events.

Making Fall your own

Maybe Santa Barbara doesn’t look like the fall scenes we see in movies. We don’t have streets covered in orange leaves or freezing temperatures that require a closet full of sweaters. But that doesn’t mean we can’t create our own version of fall. 

For me, fall in Santa Barbara is about making the little things feel special. It’s getting an iced seasonal latte before class, spending an afternoon at a pumpkin patch with friends, watching the sunset with a blanket or ending the night with cookies and Gilmore Girls. 

So whether you’re a fellow fall-obsessed girl or someone who is just trying to figure out what to do with your weekends, take this as your sign to embrace the season. Grab your friends, put on your favorite fall playlist and make your own Santa Barbara fall bucket list. 

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