STRANGE AND FASCINATING LIGHTS: Your neighborhood, as the second half of October begins in eerie earnest, may possess all sorts of peculiar sources of light, from shimmering door skeletons to yard monsters that seem to be lit from within. But there is an enduring glow that has been around for far longer than those cute seasonal skeletons and monsters have been casting their charming spell: The bioluminescence created by plankton, those teeny tiny ocean animals that have long bewitched anyone in the vicinity of ethereal glow. It’s a glow that frequently draws people to the edge of the Pacific, when the timing is right, but you can experience “the magic of bioluminescent plankton” at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla this Halloween season.

AN INTERACTIVE STATION… dubbed the Living Light Experience will give guests at both the “Oceans at Night: Halloween” event — the Oct. 24 party is made for the 21+ set — and the “Halloween Aglow” celebration, a weekend-long revelry that’ll welcome families and all ocean enthusiasts on Oct. 25 and 26. The plankton-cool pop-up will reveal how the animal’s “… glow is triggered by movement,” neato. But wait: “(M)arine life like corals and anemone” will also get a chance to be in the illuminated spotlight, or rather the ultraviolet light, a reminder that the ocean is full of astounding surprises that positively thrum with science cool. Find out more about admission to one or both events at this site. And here’s a reason to feel full of glow: Visiting the Living Light Experience is included with admission.

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BIO-EXORCISMS? They aren’t usually considered to be palate-pleasing pastimes, nor is it particularly posh when a ghost wants to send the humans occupying a particular house skedaddling in frightened fashion. But we can all agree that Beetlejuice, the world’s — and the otherworld’s — most famous bio-exorcist possesses a natural proclivity towards getting fancy. He does, after, all, have a penchant for donning snazzy tuxedos and he always seems up for a dazzling dinner party. So when a fan of the iconic horror-comedy character learns that a San Diego hotel restaurant is staging a swanky Halloween night dinner, one that derives tasty and tony inspiration from the Ghost with the Most and the more appetizing aspects of the afterlife, we are ready to call “Showtime!” and tuck in our napkin.

THE GRANT GRILL, at THE US GRANT, is presenting a “Beetlejuice”-inspired All Hallow’s Eve Supper, an elegant affair that takes flavorful notes from the film phantom. The bells-and-whistles meal is an impressive 13 courses, because of course it must be on Halloween night, and the price for two people, “inclusive of tax and gratuity”? It’s, oh yes, $666 (though, yes, there is the $333 option, if you’re attending on your own). Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski created the menu, which features dishes like Octopus “The Sand Worm” Two Ways — Smoked and Fried. The cocktail pairings, which includes Betelgeuse, The Bio-Exorcist, were dreamt up by mixologist Rex Yuasa (the libation is “a haunting riff on whiskey and cola”).

“13 DARING SOULS”: The limited-seating dinner — there are seats for “13 daring souls” — begins promptly at 8 o’clock and costumes are encouraged, so find your best Delia Deetz dress or Maitland-style finery. “Much like the new ‘Beetlejuice’ film, we’ve taken classic, beloved elements and reimagined them in a bold, creative way,” says Chef Kropczynski. “This dining experience is designed to surprise, delight, and maybe eve scare you a little. We can’t wait to see our guests enjoy each dish and drink as part of this interactive, theatrical Halloween celebration.” Call out “Beetlejuice!” three times, then learn more at the Grant Grill site.

Time updated (Oct. 17)

FINDING A MEGA PUMPKIN? You can, if you turn on a movie that takes place in a fairytale landscape, the sort of whimsical destination where gourds grow as large as houses. Games, too, can sometimes feature fanciful fruits and vegetables, and playing a tiny field mouse, or another adventurous critter, means you’ll spend a lot of time gazing up at gargantuan produce. But for real-life pumpkins that are powerfully plump-a-licious, you’ll want to make for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. The name says so much: You’ll encounter all sorts of autumnal imagery there, including carved pumpkins, pumpkins on canvas, and pumpkin treats. But the jaw-dropping-est of the bunch? Look to the colossal contenders, the biggest pumpkins to compete at the annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off.

“MONSTER GOURD”: The eye-popping victor of the 2024 showdown, which took place Oct. 14, was a 2,471-pounder grown by four-peater Travis Gienger of Anoka, Minnesota. As is tradition, The Grand Champion Pumpkin, and four other fabulously gargantuan gourds, will be on display at the Art & Pumpkin Festival, which sprouts around the heart of Half Moon Bay on Oct. 19 and 20. Live tunes, photos with all sorts of pumpkins (giants and otherwise), pie-eating competitions, chances to show off your costume, and a variety of lighthearted, oh-so-Halloween-y happenings will festoon the venerable celebration. Entry is free to the festival, too. For the full schedule and all of the enormous pumpkin action you’re seeking, curl, like a vine, through this informative site now.

SUPERNATURAL STAY-OVERS: Hotels that are said to be haunted haven’t always embraced those hauntings to the fabulous fullest, though that has been changing in recent years. And, if a hotel does embrace its ethereal reputation — and inns often do these days, as many guests like a ghosty tale or two — the resident ghost might not have a name or even a backstory. But then there are those special spots that have well-known wraiths, the famous figures that have a certain storied reputation. Kate Morgan, the ghost that has long been associated with Hotel del Coronado, is one such spectral celebrity, a cherished icon among those who adore a good ghost tour. This otherworldly visitor is a part of the fabric of the Victorian-era inn, as evidence by her continuing “presence,” through tales told, at “An Evening with the Spirits.”

FLOAT BY THE HOTEL… for the Oct. 26 soirée, which will include “the haunting story of Kate Morgan,” who called upon The Del in 1892, as well as other skin-tingly tales of atmospheric, turret-topped destination. If you can’t materialize at the hotel on the final Saturday of October 2024, there are other seasonal temptations afoot, including the chance to carve pumpkins — that’s taking place over numerous October dates — as well as “Ghost Roasts” on the beach, which sits just beyond the hotel’s gracious rooms. And the popular “Haunted Happenings” tour? That’s happening nightly, with odes to Ms. Morgan peppering the paranormal perambulation. There’s plenty to do at The Del, if you’re a maven of the supernatural stay-over; this site has dates, details, prices, and all of the captivating, Kate-tivating information.

CALIFORNIA HAS ITS CASTLES, including the colorful and colossal structure that has graced its Riverside location in three different centuries. We’re rhapsodizing about the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, of course, which may not have “castle” in its name but certainly possesses a castle-like spirit, thanks to its romantic loggias, flower-filled courtyards, straight-from-a-play balconies, and outsized architectural flair. The world-famous landmark also comes by its storybook feel in other whimsical ways, like the annual Festival of Lights, one of the grandest lighting displays in the Golden State (and, really, any state). But if you’ve ever wondered if this one-of-a-kind castle has its own intriguing passageways somewhere off-view, perhaps threading through some shadowy subterranean space, wonder no longer: It most certainly does.

THE “MYSTERIOUS CATACOMBS”… of the Mission Inn cannot be accessed by visitors, or not usually, anyway, but the seasonal Spooktacular Tour is giving those who love atmospheric — and perhaps haunted — spaces a peek. The first batch of outings, or “underings” might be more accurate, sold out quickly, but there are new opportunities to “go below” in 2024. You’ll need to call the hotel to book your spot — the phone number is 951-784-0300 — and you’ll want to do so soon, as the coming tours will surely fill up in fast fashion. The historic hotel can trace its story back to the 1870s, so count on a few vintage tales along the way. And, of course, count on the thrill of standing in a brick-lined corridor that looks as though it might have been constructed for a fright flick.

THE MISSION INN… has long embraced the autumn with flair, as anyone knows who has seen the pretty pumpkins lining its entrance, the gourds that give October arrivals a bit of playful pomp. Now a subterranean adventure is providing a fresh and slightly spooky new dimension to the hotel, a California castle that has a few delicious secrets to share.

EXPERIENCING A GONDOLA RIDE… along the centuries-old and beautifully bridged canals of Venice? It’s a dream for many travelers when they visit Italy, including those who’ve seen the fantastical movies that suggest a gondola trip is something rather bewitching, even magical. Of course, anybody who has been in one of the storied vessels can confirm this, but books and screenplays often go further by setting gondola trips in the whimsical world of the supernatural, a realm where vampires, ghosts, and other immortal beings are spied down Venetian alleyways. If you’re seeking a Carnival-esque vibe this Halloween season but you can’t book an Adriatic adventure ASAP, make your way to Coronado where The Gondola Company is offering an outing with ethereal overtones: The Haunting in Venice Cruises.

OCT. 27-31… are the 2024 dates, and prices start at $99. Your gondolier will be masked, oh yes, and rocking a cape, and melodies of a somewhat macabre nature may waft through the gondola as you roam the Coronado Cays. The seasonal rides have proven to be popular, so it isn’t a surprise that The Gondola Company is bringing them back for a limited-time engagement. A not-so-frightful 50 minutes will pass before you’re back on terra firma, holding onto the diaphanous and daydream-like memories of spending time in a gondola just before or on Halloween. Dressing in costume? That is allowed, if you’d like to fully embrace to eerie spirit of the season.

HOLIDAY RULES? They definitely exist, and for good reason: There is a merry order to doing things when the sparkliest season is on the horizon. You don’t forget to add a bow before giving a gift, you always remember to stir in chocolate chips before baking peppermint cookies, and feeding the reindeer before the big Christmas Eve flight? Santa Claus has it at the very top of his to-do list. And before the holidays arrive, there are the pumpkin-scented celebrations of fall, the merrily eerie autumn doings that always show up before Christmas commences. And at Skypark at Santa’s Village, fall fun plays a festive role each October, just ahead of when the adorable attraction gears up for its busy holiday stretch.

PUMPKINS IN THE PINES… is the name of the autumn-inspired festivity, which sprout around the Lake Arrowhead-close attraction each weekend in October. That means opening day is just ahead — it’s Oct. 5 — and the whole wholesome scene will wrap up Oct. 27, the final Sunday of the month. A “parkwide pumpkin patch” is part of the brisk-air’d scene, while puppet show with “Sleepy Hollow” themes adds to the seasonal charm. Activities, treats for sale, a costume parade, and spots for snapshots also weave through Pumpkins in the Pines. An added bonus: It’s a little cooler, on the whole, up the mountain, and you may even time your trip just right for the whole leaves-going-gold phenomenon. For admission prices, details, and more reasons to get “pump”-ed, pop by this page now.

WEATHER BUFFS? We know them, love them, and, quite possibly, are them. We’re the people who like to predict when the first fog of the season will settle over our town, when the thermometer might read “100” for the first time during any given year, and, if snow is expected, when that snow will begin to fall. But displaying these talents? We don’t always get the opportunity, unless, of course, we’re up on those competitions that involve predicting what might happen months, or perhaps weeks, down the road. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway adores the meteorologically minded among us, an affection that becomes more apparent each October. That’s when the attraction’s Snow Guessing Contest begins, all to give weather buffs a chance to snowily surmise when “the first inch measurable inch of snow” will fall at Mountain Station.

THE SKY-HIGH STATION, which sits at 8,516 feet, is quite the snowy scene during the wintertime, which might surprise those people who think of the area as solely sunny and perpetually warm. But when that first frosty inch will fall is, as of now, anyone’s guess. Postcards with entrants’ best guesses are now being accepted and the first ten postcards with the correct date will win. Victors will be treated to four tram admissions as well as a tram-themed gift, and, of course, bragging rights. Even if you don’t enter, consider this: The October start date for the tram’s Snow Guessing Contest is a refreshing reminder that, yes, the summer scorch is on its way out the door, something nice to think about as a sizable swath of California continues to simmer. Cool down here while you review the contest rules and how-to-enter information.

SAN DIEGO IS SERIOUSLY SIZABLE, which means that swiveling our head in every direction, to make sure we’ve discovered and experienced every thought-provoking painting, cute baby animal, lovely overnight stay, and yummy seafood meal. As with all large cities that are dedicated to an enduring and inspiring vibrancy, San Diego offers oodles of delightful diversions, and finding ways to easily connect with those cool things is essential. That could be one of many reasons that Kids Free San Diego, the popular (like, really popular) program that gives youngsters the chance to enjoy a bevy of freebies and discounts. “All October long, kids eat, stay, and play for free, while parents enjoy great deals and big-time savings on attractions, museums, meals, and more.”

THE 2024 PARTICIPANT ROSTER? It’s robust, as it has been in years gone by. The San Diego Bay Mission Resort, the Catamaran Resort & Spa, and several other stay-over spots are on the list, while rides with The Gondola Company, free entry at the Museum of Making Music, and a pay-nothing visit to the Fleet Science Center are on the list, too. And the “Kids Go Free at the San Diego Zoo” offer is always popular, as you might expect. Just pore over the details, asterisks, and must-knows of the destinations you and your family want to check out, then plan your adventure to America’s Finest City during one of the calendar’s finest and fall-iest months.

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE… between a caramel pumpkin roll and the Carmel Pumpkin Roll? One is a gooey confection that is sometimes served for breakfast when autumn arrives — or, really, at any point of the day if you’re a devoted pumpkin person — while the other is an annual event that finds squashes speeding through the heart of a charming California coastal town. It’s also a snap to tell the difference if you’ve memorized your Carmel-by-the-Sea traditions, including the crowd-pleasing events that adorably arise during October, which is the town’s birthday month. The Pumpkin Roll really does involve gourds gaining speed along the town’s bustling Ocean Avenue, which, quite famously, does have a soft, then steeper, slope in the direction of its splashy namesake.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26… is when you’ll want to be there to cheer on the pumped-up action, which really does take a bit of strategy and a deft release. If you’re wondering if this is similar to the timeless art of pumpkin bowling, well, no, though rolling a pumpkin low to the ground is involved in both seasonal pursuits. Hay bales, by the by, keep any wayward pumpkins from making a sudden dash into the local galleries, restaurants, and shops (which, of course, will be open on the day of the roll, giving both rollers and spectators places to visit after the excitement has settled). For more October to-dos in the quirky and quaint town, visit this Carmel-flavored collection of tips and suggestions now.

IF SCARECROWS HAD A KINGDOM, it might be called “Octoberville,” for that’s when we’re most likely to come across a cavalcade of colorful, hay-stuffed, super-adorable figures, the kind of sights that say “hay, fall is here.” We do of course mean “hey,” not “hay,” but when scarecrows are the topic, a person can feel a bit playful, even impish. That’s the October mood in some of California’s scarecrow-iest municipalities, those handsome villages and charming towns that go all-out, contest-wise, when Halloween grows near, and scarecrow mania hits its harvest-y heights. If you’re eager to spy some creative scarecrows — think pop culture characters and fantasy figures — as well as traditional hat-and-denim characters, make for Cambria, the towns of the Santa Ynez Valley, and Big Bear Lake.

THE FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER… is go time, or perhaps we mean “crow time,” for Cambria and the Santa Ynez Valley, which will observe two distinct competitions from Oct. 1-31, 2024. Participating businesses and more than a few homes will place scarecrows out front, all to give onlookers the chance to look closer and admire these autumnal works of art. It’s free to see the scarecrows, but keep in mind that Cambria throws a ticketed scarecrow-inspired bash Oct. 26. Well-festooned porches and clever scarecrows will also capture fall fancies in Big Bear, which is beginning its whimsical run a little later in the month.

THE PACIFIC? We’re not telling anyone anything they haven’t heard, but the Pacific Ocean is absolutely enormous, utterly epic, and unfathomably large (“unfathomably” here is used mostly poetically, of course). Even in places where it meets the land, such as California, it feels enormous; it seems as though there are almost limitless entrance points. But some ocean-fronting spots do feel a tad more mythical than others. If you are connecting with the Big Blue in Morro Bay, say, and Morro Rock is out in the misty fog looking like a mountain in a Tolkien novel, you’re going to suddenly feel as if you’re half-mermaid (again, this is said mostly poetically). So that a brand-new celebration devoted to Morro Bay’s maritime strengths and splendor is sailing into the area makes the mast, er, most sense to us.

THE MORRO BAY MARITIME FESTIVAL… will unfurl, like a grand flag waving from ship, over five festive days in October. You’ll want to steer your own helm for the Central Coast hamlet starting Oct. 9 but be sure to check the schedule to ensure you are there for the activities that catch your sailor’s fancy. The Zongo Yachting Cup Launch Party, a Family Fun Day, a screening of “Treasure Island,” and the Harbor Cup, which stretches over the final two days, are all adding to the briny thrills. The full schedule for the Morro Bay Maritime Festival can be found here.

EVEN KEEL: “With the financial support the last two years from Visit Morro Bay for our Maritime Museum’s free Maritime Family Fun Day, plus a benefit event we call Rock the Harborfront held by the Morro Bay Yacht Club, we decided to expand the theme of the maritime-focused activities during October’s Maritime Month over several days,” shared Kendall Welch, the president of the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this year’s events.” The festival is only one excellent Morro Bay event, of course. To learn what’s happening this autumn around the colorful community, including the annual Witches and Warlock Paddle on Oct. 26, paddle by this site now.

LIFE MAY BE A BOWL OF CHERRIES, but we prefer to think of it as a banana split. After all, a classic dessert usually has different flavors of ice cream, signifying the variety of life, and all sorts of toppings, from the crunchy to the drizzly. (Our existence is not especially crunchy nor drizzly, but this speaks to how each bite of life can change.) Honoring the star of this dish, and all of the creamy, frozen, and utterly snackable ways we enjoy it, happens at a few tasty California festivals, including the peel-tastic party that graces the waterfront in Port Hueneme each fall. The Banana Festival, which celebrates its 11th gooey go-around Sept. 28, is a “celebration of a diverse working port,” which means that informative port tours also play a major and important role.

THE FREE EVENT… is known for its live music, its ocean-adjacent vibe, and a caboodle of banana-luscious treats for purchase. While the goodies festooning the snacky scene might change a bit, year to year, past festivals have featured banana lumpia, banana milkshakes, banana cookies, and, yes, banana splits. Over a dozen vendors regularly grace the fruitful happening, which pays tribute to both the banana and the busy deep-water Port of Hueneme, “one of the largest banana gateways in the country.” An area for kids — activities, games, and, sweet, banana crafts are on deck — and a line-up of shop-ready vendors are part of the day out by the water, too. Are you up for a pie-eating contest? Those are on the whipped-creamy schedule, too.

THE KISSES… that your Bernese Mountain Dog so generously doles out, one wet and sloppy smooch at a time, aren’t scented like pumpkin spice. And sniffing the nape of your Berner, all to detect if the pup’s gorgeous fur boasts a light scent of apples? That’s not happening (unless, yes, your pup recently enjoyed a few slices and things got a bit messy). But the Bernese Mountain Dog is a fabulous Fido with fall cred, at least in the minds of many Berner buffs around the Bay Area and beyond. For it is in the earliest part of autumn when dozens of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and their devoted people, merrily converge on Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay, for a day of romping, scritches, and adorable, pumpkin-adjacent pictures.

OCTOBER 6… is the 2024 date for this long-running delight — it is a Sunday — and details may be found on the farm’s social media. A caboodle of shaggy sweethearts, ranging from youngsters to seniors, attended to the 2023 gathering, with “over 100 beautiful Berners” in impressive attendance. Perhaps you’ll purchase a pumpkin or two before heading out and perhaps you’ll make a new pal, another champion of these incredibly handsome and charismatic pooches. If you’ve been attending for years now, you likely remember some of the sweethearts who’ve captured your fancy, including Farmer John’s own Clara Honey.

AUTUMN TRADITION: California is home to so many memorable breed meet-ups, including the huge Corgi Beach Days in Huntington Beach; now that it is fall in lovely Half Moon Bay, we do humbly bow before those utterly affectionate and loyal canines, the Berners, and the people who love them.

PASO ROBLES? It’s a storied Central Coast spot that has long possessed plenty of sunny sparkle. That sparkle might stem from the sunlight streaming through a glass of chardonnay at a local vineyard or from the glowing “flowers” that fetchingly fill “Sensorio: Field of Light,” the world-famous outdoor art installation. Olive aficionados might even claim that the city’s sparkle can be found in a dish of regionally made olive oil, a bread-dipping delight that seems to have its own light.

A PARTICULAR GLIMMER… also emanates from the historical gems found around Paso Robles, including a well-known hotel that has occupied a central location, and a central place in the Paso story, for several decades: the historical Paso Robles Inn. Built over a century ago, and felled in part by fire in the 1940s before being rebuilt, the handsome hotel has long welcomed travelers with numerous comforts and plenty of hospitality. Now those comforts have levelled up thanks to a major renovation, one that brings contemporary and comforting design to one of the hospitality icons of the Central Coast.

THE RECENTLY COMPLETED RENOVATION… can be seen throughout the property, from the refreshed “country-style rooms” — almost 100 in all — to the public areas of the hotel. Look for nods to the area’s “winemaking and cattle ranching legacy” in the rooms and beyond, as well as an “expanded pool deck.” And The Steakhouse, a popular dining room known for its “cowboy-meets-coastal-cuisine” character, remains a meat-centered mainstay of the property, as it has been for the last 60 years. For more on the hotel, its big refresh, and how to book a room during the fall — always a popular season to soak in that Paso Robles-style panache — visit this site now.

FISHERMEN FESTIVALS, the water-adjacent events that give people a deeper understanding of the ancient profession, are a longstanding and noble California tradition. These oceanside gatherings have regularly “surfaced” over the years all along the coast, from Bodega Bay to some of the state’s most southerly points, and stopping by a picturesque harbor to learn more is something that many seafood lovers have on their bucket lists. If you’re a devoted seafoodie, mark Oct. 19 on your calendar and make for the beautiful boat-laden area at the heart of the American Riviera for a day devoted to prepared-there seafood delicacies, interesting demos and talks, and harbor-centered learning. It’s the Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival, one of the delicious jewels on the city’s fall calendar.

OYSTERS, PRAWNS, AND LOBSTERS… will be available for purchase, as well as a host of tempting dishes, from seafood tacos to clam chowder. Complimentary rides with Sunswept Sailing and Celebration Cruises are also on the itinerary, as are dockside tours of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin. Music, vendors, fire boat demonstrations courtesy of the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, and several other convivial and educational goings-on add to the sunshiny spirit of the day. Ready to take a deeper dive into this tasty and tangy festival, a true celebration of this busy harbor and the dedicated people who work to support a sustainable seafood industry? Add a squeeze of lemon to this lively line-up now.

MAJOR VOLUNTEER EFFORTS, the kind of uplifting occasions that find thousands of give-backers sharing a single, hope-filled, and future-forward vision, happen with a rather fantastic frequency around the Golden State. California Coastal Cleanup Day, a massive tidy-up presented by the California Coastal Commission, took place on Sept. 21 in 2024, with thousands of people gathering to gather litter at our state’s beaches, urban waterways, lakes, rivers, and greenways. But you won’t have to wait long for another join-together, help-out happening to pop up in some glorious natural settings: National Public Lands Day, another major volunteer event, is the fourth Saturday in September. And if you know your National Park Service free-entry days, you know that the entrance fee will be waived at fee-charging parks Sept. 28.

SEVERAL STUNNING SPOTS, including Yosemite National Park, will have various opportunities for dedicated people seeking to use a little elbow grease. The Yosemite National Park Facelift, a five-day clean-up extravaganza presented by the Yosemite Climbing Association, begins Sept. 25, but other destinations across California and far beyond will host pitch-in events on National Public Lands Day or throughout the final weekend of September. The day “… is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies.” This page has volunteer suggestions, and a link to Volunteer.gov, if you’d like to check out the latest list of upcoming cleanups. Of course, plenty of people observe the day by stopping by a favorite park to hike, savor the sights, and reflect. For more on the important occasion, and all of the National Park Service Free Entrance Days, hike by this helpful site now.

SEPTEMBER IS FOR SEA OTTERS: While you might be fortunate enough to spy a frolicking sea otter at any point of the calendar — stopping by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach or the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great way to admire with adorable otterdom from a close-up vantage point — the last part of September is about acknowledging these endangered animals. It is, in short, an important time when we make time to consider their critical roles in the ecosystem and how people are working hard to improve the otter’s lot. That’s when Sea Otter Awareness Week swims back into view, prompting otter enthusiasts to seek out information, films, books, and real-life happenings that further our understanding of these remarkable, mussel-chomping, back-floating, twirling and tumbling superstars.

ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE… has long championed sea otters, and on Sept. 28, 2024 an open house will give mavens of the marvelous mammals an opportunity to enjoy games, crafts, informative walks, and more. Can’t make it to the Moss Landing area? You can “Float Down the Coast” courtesy of Sea Otter Savvy, which is giving fans the chance to “virtually visit locations” that these ocean icons regularly call upon. And your “Daily Dose of Sea Otter Goodness”? You can find that on Monterey Bay Aquarium’s popular Sea Otter Cam. The week’s events and offerings extend north to the Pacific Northwest, and along the Golden State’s coast, too. Check out all of the otterly excellent ways we up our otter-tude as this annual event puts the fuzzy favorites in the spotlight.

NEVADA CITY? The ye olde 1800s Gold Country town may not have “Halloween Central” emblazoned on its welcome sign, but if the city government ever opted to add this title, few people would take issue. For the hamlet really does go all out in October with the decorations and frightful fun. These efforts are aided by nature — the foliage scene is famous around the tree-blessed area — making for a picturesque autumn scene. The Inn Town Campground, the in-town spot to pitch a tent, glamp, or park your RV, is known for getting into the ghosty spirit. Decorations adorn the woodsy spot and campers are invited to festoon their sites, too.

HALLOWEEN INSPIRATION… is live on the Inn Town Campground site, with suggestions how to gussy-up your camper (showing with your own decorative tombstones is one idea) and how to savor the season, from scavenger hunts, to costumes, to movie nights. We generally don’t decorate our lodging when we travel, but this quirky campground invites its guests to go all-out in the offbeat, autumn-themed realm. Once you’ve got your RV or tent looking its most glam and ghoulish, what next? Here are scenic ways to make the most of the season around stunning Nevada City, one of California’s most crimson and winsome locations.

AUTUMN IS IN THE SEMI-CRISP AIR, but its two timeless bookends — that would be summer and winter, of course — made their presence known in spectacular June Lake, a colorful community that is often called “The Switzerland of California.” It isn’t unusual for the Eastern Sierra, especially the higher peaks, to receive a bit of snow before summer concludes, and that is just what happened Sept. 16, just under a week before the autumn equinox. The picturesque snowy summer scene, which also graced the Tioga Pass and Rock Creek Canyon, provided a portrait of three simultaneous seasons: A bit of frosting, some bright gold flowers, and, yes, the final official days of summertime. The meet-up of this timeless trio — summer, fall, and winter — is something of a September specialty around the Eastern Sierra, though catching the magical moment definitely involves some lucky timing.

BUT BE CHEERED: The 2024 fall foliage season is wonderfully underway around June Lake and, just a pinch down Highway 395, Mammoth Lakes. The region is getting into the scenic seasonal swing, with Virginia Lake at 10%-50% color as of Sept. 19 — this is deemed “patchy” — and Sagehen Summit at 50%-75%, which is “near peak” (yep, leaf peepers, that means you’ll need to “go now”). For more updates, check the Visit Mammoth Lakes social pages, as well as Mono County Tourism. The popular California Fall Color blog also offers a leaf-peeping map, with current color levels and recent photos.

MUSH IT, SPOON IT, dice it, slice it, slather all over a piece of toast, topped only by olive oil, a dash of hot sauce, and flaky salt: It’s the avocado, that green, goes-with-everything goodie. Just how good is this goodie? It has a way of making a creamy cameo on countless menus around the Golden State, even when the cuisine doesn’t, at first glance, seem particularly avocado-forward. We’re just utterly attached to the alligator pear, is all, and that appetizing attachment only grows when the first part of October arrives. For that’s when the California Avocado Festival rolls back into Downtown Carpinteria, with live music, craft-cool browsing, and avocado treats in tow.

OCT. 4-6… are the 2024 dates, and while you don’t have to attend all three days, some fans do, all to soak up the succulent spirit of “Peace, Love & Guacamole” (that’s the festival’s memorable slogan, of course). Over a dozen food vendors will be there — 15 in all — and some 60 bands. Linden Avenue is where all of the luscious, scoopable, and snackable action is taking place; a map on the festival site reveals just where you’ll want to go. There are plenty of good vibes swirling around the started-in-1986 fest, including the fact that it raises funds for the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Future Farmers of America. Check out all the bands now and plan your Carp-cool getaway faster than it takes to devour a bowl of perfectly piquant guac. By the by, the Guacamole Contest is a longtime favorite; get the info on entering now.

Updated Sept. 18

HALLOWEEN NEVER STARTS ON HALLOWEEN, at least not for the devoted fright fan. People who adore the eerie occasion often celebrate it in “Augtober,” otherwise known as August, and even in July, once the Fourth of July has wrapped. But a Friday the 13th that falls in September? You can count on a chilling atmosphere to arise, even if there isn’t yet an actual chill in the air, temperature-wise. And few places do Friday the 13th like the Winchester Mystery House, the enormous San Jose abode that is famous for oodles of eerie rooms, staircases leading to nowhere, and doors opening to walls. Oh yes, and the number 13 popping up, again and again, in the home’s design: It was a favorite of Sarah Winchester, the storied chatelaine of the Victorian manor.

A NEW FRIGHT EXPERIENCE… that’s been dastardly dubbed “Unhinged Hotel” is debuting Sept. 13, all to give brave visitors an assortment of Victorian-flavored startles over several summer and fall nights. You’ll “(s)tep into the darkened halls of the Winchester Mystery House and navigate a hauntingly immersive maze unlike any other,” is the goosepimply promise found on the site. “And let’s just say… some doors should stay closed.” As you might expect, later times — those slots that are closer to midnight — are filling up quite quickly, so if you’d like to be in the mansion at that spirited hour, you’ll want to book your ticket soon. Likewise, evenings near Halloween, and weekend nights, can also book up faster than a door spookily slams shut.

TICKETS AND MORE: This supernaturally helpful site is a fine place to start if you’d like to float by this famous spot during the scariest season of the year.

A BIG SIGH FOR THE BIG Y: The annual Yosemite Facelift, a give-back, kind-hearted effort to de-litter the national park after its busy summer season, must feel like something of a sigh. The idyllic place almost seems to breathe a large breath after its most hectic stretch wraps up, and understandably so: Volunteers arrive in diligent droves to give the wilderness a good, deep, and super-needed cleaning as fall begins. The sizable effort has been around for over two decades now, and whether you stop by for a day, or all five days, is up to you; there will be plenty to do. And plenty of camaraderie, memorable moments, and “thank you” perks, too, if you take a wider look around: Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, which sits a bit outside of the national park, is bringing back its award-winning “Trade Trash for Spa Treatments” offer in 2024.

GUESTS OF THE LODGE… who participate in the Yosemite Facelift will be treated to time in the Granite Waterfall Mineral Hot Tub or a magnesium foot soak. Some past Facelifters have opted to spend time in the Aromatherapy Steam Room for their complimentary service. The lodge’s “Trade Trash for Spa Treatments” program caught the notice of Visit California, which awarded the property with a Poppy Award for Destination, Stewardship, & Sustainable Travel in Business in 2023. To get the details, visit the lodge’s site now. If you are staying elsewhere in Yosemite National Park or nearby while you participate in the colossal clean-up effort, there’s still time to get the details on the 2024 event.

THANK YOU, FACELIFTERS: It’s an inspiring, come–together effort, one that prompts all Yosemite fans to breathe a sigh of relief when they consider this: Over a million pounds of trash have been taken out of the park during the Yosemite Facelift.

WHIMSY ON THE WATER: So many magical moments happen around the coast of California, and when we say “around the coast of California” we do mean the damper part, not the sandy bit. Sure, spunky celebrations frequently take place on land in our golden Golden State, but the ocean itself often serves as a scenic stage for all sorts of spirited frolicking. There are the lighted boat parades of the holiday season, and Santa sometimes shows up on a surfboard to meet his fans. But come October? The witches and warlocks shall have their delightful day upon the vast damp, bringing Halloween-style smiles to the communities where they playfully paddle.

MORRO BAY… has been a special favorite of the witch set for several years now, which makes sense: The Central Coast hamlet is an ensorcelled and ethereal spot, whatever the time of year. But Oct. 26, 2024 — the final Saturday of October — will find all sorts of magical beings adventuring around the bay in full witch and warlock regalia. Prior years have drawn a joyful witch contingent, with a couple of dozen participants taking part in the Witches and Warlock Paddle. Are you eager to don your mystical ensemble and join in? Or cheer on the autumnal event from the water’s edge? Here’s the enchanting information. And most magical of all: The happily haunted happening raises money for the Food Bank of Coalition of San Obispo County.

A LEGEND OF THE WAVES: When the Western Flyer, a fishing boat that appeared in John Steinbeck’s 1951 book “The Log from the Sea of Cortez,” sailed into Monterey Bay following an incredible restoration, it must have felt to many fans as if the famous vessel had sailed straight off the page and into real-world view. But the real-world sardine fishing boat has long captivated readers, sailing enthusiasts, and devoted Steinbeckians, even as the time took a toll (the Western Flyer sank more than once). If you got to behold its thrilling return to the bay, an area that the author wrote about with panache, grit, and affection, or you’ve seen the Western Flyer anchored in Moss Landing in recent months, you may have wondered if you might ever step aboard.

THAT MIGHT HAPPEN, at least for a few high bidders in the Western Flyer Foundation auction, which will stay afloat through Sept. 30, 2024. A few tempting experiences are mast, er, must-dos for boat buffs, including “a breakfast in the galley with the Captain”; an “exclusive cruise” created for 20 people is another adventure on the block. “The Western Flyer has a magical quality that captivates people’s imaginations,” said Sherry Flumerfelt, Executive Director. “We’ve curated auction items that are fun, creative, and even a little bit quirky, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in that Western Flyer magic while helping us maintain the boat and provide free programs for local students.” Items created from wood from the boat will be a part of the auction, too, if you’re seeking a keepsake rather than an experience.

SETTING SAIL IN THE SPRING: Are you eager to be a part of the “Western Flyer’s Historic Return to the Gulf of California,” which will weigh anchor in late April 2025? You can learn more about the journey now. The salty adventure marks “the 85th anniversary of its first groundbreaking expedition,” a thrill for book buffs, history fans, and lovers of the sea.

“SIDEWAYS” CELEBRATION: When the film “Sideways” first sparkled on the silver screen back in 2004, moviegoers responded to its poignant themes, its authentic and complex friendships, and the many moments filled with both pathos and grins. But something else happened when director Alexander Payne’s comedic drama hit theaters: The scenic setting, which is very much a central character in the fizzy film, won newfound fans and wide acclaim. That would the spectacular Santa Ynez Valley we’re raising an enthusiastic toast to, and if you’ve called upon Buellton, Solvang, or another SYV spot over the last two decades, you’ve likely come across “Sideways” maps, featuring some of the spots seen on the screen, as well as travel tips related to heartfelt hit.

20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: To raise a glass to the film’s local legacy, spots around the winery-filled region, and beyond, will pay tribute to “Sideways” during the fall of 2024, partnering with Searchlight Pictures on a few special events. A dinner at the Hitching Post 2 in Buellton, a legendary restaurant that was fetchingly employed in the story, will start things off on Sept. 15, while Hitching Post-helmed Winemaker Dinners in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles are also on the schedule. If you’re attending Taste of Santa Ynez Valley on Sept. 29, there’s a “Sideways” festival at the Hitching Post 2, while Copia at the Culinary Institute of America, Napa will welcome director Alexander Payne, who co-wrote the movie with Jim Taylor, and actor Virginia Madsen Oct. 12. Ms. Madsen will also attend the Sept. 29 festival at Hitching Post 2.

CHEERS TO YOU, “SIDEWAYS”: For all things “Sideways,” including events related to the film’s 20th anniversary, Hitching Post 2 is your go-to information source. And if you miss the fun this fall, fret not: “Sideways” and the Santa Ynez Valley are besties, much like the characters of Miles and Jack, though perhaps with fewer fireworks. The grape-blessed region will celebrate its winning role in the charming film for a long and libation-lovely time to come.

A SCENIC SUMMER GOODBYE: There’s so much vibrancy in the ocean, with all sorts of colorful coral, eye-catching anemone, and glorious gill-rocking fishies, the sort of swimmers that flash and dazzle as they pass by, to admire. It’s not a place that’s “fishing” about for a fabulous art festival, the kind that involves bright chalk and blank pavement, because adding artworks to the ocean is really a case of gilding the lily. But admiring such whimsical artworks on land, just steps from the water? Humans love it, understandably so, and regularly seek out those street painting events that have a bit of briny flair. And one of California’s most venerable chalk festivals returns to Ventura Harbor Village on the final full weekend of summer for art-fun viewing, breezy strolling, and sunny good times.

SEPT. 14 AND 15… are the 2024 dates for the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival, and you won’t need a ticket to enter the art-filled area. Just stop by, saunter in the vicinity of shops and restaurants, and admire the madonnari as they create memorable chalkworks on the sidewalks skimming the water. Past themes have included pets, boats, and mermaids, too (which makes lovely sense, as Ventura Harbor Village celebrates mermaids and mermen every March with several splashy events). Artists will also have artwork for sale — this will be of the take-home variety, not on-the-ground pastel pieces — so make time to stroll by those displays, too.

PISMO AND POOCHES? They’re a strong and true-hearted pairing, whatever the season. Spend any time in the beach town and you’ll see a few handsome hounds trotting by with their owners, perhaps heading to spot near the ocean or another sweet Central Coast adventure. But when Sept. 7 arrives, a whole caboodle of canine cuties will call upon the Pacific-close burg for some rollicking and utterly romp-ified merrymaking. It’s a “Corgi Nation Vacation,” the So Cal Corgi Nation’s first-ever Corgi Getaway. If you know the Southern Californian Corgi contingent, then you’re merrily aware of their mondo beach meet-ups where hundreds of stout sweethearts show for games, costume contests, and snuggles.

THE CORGI-LOVING GROUP… is moving temporarily north, to Pismo Beach, from Sept. 6-8. That means the northern Fido factions may have a chance to romp alongside the Southern Californians, and those Corgis from the inland areas of the Golden State. It is, in fact, an excellent meet-up spot for Corgi lovers. There’s plenty on the schedule: A VIP luau on Friday evening, the main beach festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, and a wine tasting that evening. A goodbye brunch is the final event of the adorable multi-day lark. Read all the details about hotels, happenings, and what to expect before booking your passage to Pismo. Ever seen a playful pack of Corgis ruling a stretch of sunny sand? Here’s your chance.

THREE WEEKENDS, 133 STUDIOS: Any journey into the high desert is a kaleidoscopic trip straight into the heart of art. Galleries, found art, quirky pop-ups in local coffeehouses, oversized sculptures gracing a rocky and remote expanse: The creative spirit not only flourishes around Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Wonder Valley, and the other Mojave-marvelous communities of the desert, it feels as though creativity has established a permanent address. Sometimes, though, the region’s robust art-nature vibe grows only more flavorful, as it will over three fall weekends in 2024. HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours, billed as “Southern California’s largest open studio event,” will mark its 24th outing by spotlighting 188 artists, giving visitors the chance to drop into, oh wow: 133 studios.

NEW IN 2024: If you’re staying the night in the area, check out a fresh offering called “Art Tours After Dark.” Dozens of showcases — over 70 in all — will feature a host of bands and musicians at over 15 local venues, a cool evening complement to the daytime art adventures. “HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the incredible synergy between our natural environment and creative community,” shared Art Tours Coordinator John Henson. “This year, we’re thrilled to enhance this experience with live music, deepening the connection between art and the rich cultural tapestry of the high desert.”

MONTH-LONG PREVIEW: Eager to check out some of the artists who will be featured on the 2024 tour? A preview show will debut at the Hi-Desert Artists Center Sept. 28; check dates and details if you’d like to swing by the show, which shutters Oct. 27.

SPARKLING SEPTEMBER: The ninth month is among the most magical, and it isn’t too hard to argue why: It’s the beautiful bridge that extends from the intense afternoons of late summer to the mellow evenings of early fall. And decorating the sides of that mystical bridge? Look for the curly tendrils of grapevines leading us forward into the time of harvest. Of course, you don’t need to cross over a storybook bridge to know September’s many charms; you only need to call upon the California Wine Institute site to discover the many California Wine Month events that begin to spectacularly sprout as soon as the month begins. And we do mean that: Events like “Vine to Wine” in San Jose and the 34th Annual “Alpen Wine Fest” in Olympic Valley will take place on the first day of the month.

WINE COUNTRIES ACROSS THE STATE… are represented, so if you adore your Temecula tastings or count yourself as a lover of all things Livermore, you’ll find a plethora of tempting events. Hikes, grape stomps, concerts, movie nights, CRUSH celebrations, vineyard walks, paint & sips, and the lively Lodi Grape Festival are on the full-to-bursting schedule. While 2024 marks a milestone for California Wine Month — it’s the month-long party’s 20th anniversary — the Golden State’s vibrant viticulture industry stretches back over the centuries.

CELEBRATE CALIFORNIA WINE: “Wine tastings and pairings offer travelers a distinctive way to connect with friends and create unforgettable memories,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “California’s wine country invites visitors from around the world to explore its awe-inspiring landscapes, where every sip tells a story and every vineyard can become a new and shared adventure.” Want to find a bit of California Wine Month magic at home? A free e-book called “Iconic California Dishes” is available on the Visit California site.

AUTUMN IS A WAYS OUT — the equinox is still a few weeks away and peak fall color around our gorgeous state happens well into the season, at least in many spots — but we can now begin to keep our leaf-peeping peepers trained on the California Fall Color blog. The first fall-ish sighting was shared Aug. 23, an observation submitted by blog founder John Poimiroo. He shared a photo of an eye-catching Chinese Pistache in the El Dorado Hills of Gold Country, with the note that the tree is not in full autumn-go mode just yet. Still, the picturesque specimen “… is reacting to shorter and cooler days,” and the tree’s pretty hues will remain “long-lived and vibrant.”

THE TIPPY-TOP OF THE SIERRA, or at least those mountainous locations with deciduous trees, start the autumnal parade in August, with showy spreads still providing splendid vistas well into September, depending upon where you are. If you’d like to contribute to California Fall Color blog, which is now overseen by outdoor writer and editor Lara Kaylor, you can; as pretty leaves can move from green to gone in hardly any time at all, the site is enhanced by fall fans sharing their latest tips. Worry not, however, if you don’t get peeping too fast this fall: Lots of places, including Southern California and the deserts, don’t really rev up, foliage-wise, before Thanksgiving.

A HAUNTING HISTORICAL ABODE: The middle of October can be quite bewitching in several parts of the Golden State, with all sorts of ethereal events taking ensorcelled shape. But two of the world-famous fall happenings occur fairly close to each other; well, fairly close in terms of our sizable state. We’re talking about Half Moon Bay, where the mondo Art and Pumpkin Festival takes place each year, and the haunting Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. But between the two titans of seasonal sights there is another fanciful spot, this one devoted to an elegantly eerie approach to the holiday: Filoli Historic House and Gardens in Woodside.

“NIGHTFALL,” a moonlit experience that will shimmer over a few select dates in the second half of October, and the very beginning of November, is the not-too-frightful Filoli offering this season. Some “gothic scenes” will fill the handsome manse — candles will lend a mysterious glow — while jack o’lanterns will flicker around the picturesque grounds. Festive photo spots, outdoor games, and Halloween-inspired sips at Jack’s Bar add to the atmosphere.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW: Some spots are already full, so be sure to float by the Filoli site, like a phantom might, to secure your entry. “Our Nightfall event offers a unique way to experience the enchanting beauty of Filoli after dark,” said Kara Newport, CEO & President of Filoli. “We look forward to welcoming families, couples, and friends to immerse themselves in this magical Halloween celebration.” Find more magic, and ticket information, at the Filoli site.

THE OCEAN’S ETERNAL FLOW: The timeless tumble of the tides? Call it a constant feature of the Big Blue, something as predictable, though still wondrous, as the moonrise or sunset. But the concepts of movement, flow, and change happen on land, too, including at those lauded locations that celebrate the science and splendor of the ocean. Look to Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, where the “Hall of Fishes,” a large-scale exhibition, has long swept visitors away on a fascinating, fish-forward journey. Change is headed for this storied hall, though, and what will result is even bigger and wider-of-scope: It’s the “Living Seas,” a “reimagined exhibition” that will be “the largest capital improvement since the aquarium was built in 1992.”

A GRAND “FIN”-ALE: There’s still time to call upon the “Hall of Fishes,” which has welcomed over 12 million guests since it debuted over three decades ago, before it fully shutters. Keepers will begin moving some of the animals, including the Giant Pacific Octopus, to behind-the-scenes habitats Sept. 3, while the renovations will launch Sept. 29. Visitors will be invited to contribute memories of the hall in the coming days, on select dates.

SEAS TOMORROW: “Generations of San Diegans have been inspired by our ‘Hall of Fishes’ and I can’t wait to introduce future generations to ‘Living Seas,’ which has been in the works for years,” said Executive Director Harry Helling. “We have assembled an amazing group of scientists, experience designers, animal care experts and contractors to reimagine this iconic space.” You won’t have to wait long before taking a delightful dive into all that the “Living Seas” will deliver: The new exhibition opens in 2025, ready to whisk visitors on “an unforgettable journey along the West Coast to uncover the wonders of the Pacific.”

Pictured: A rendering of the new “Living Seas” exhibition at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

RIVERSIDE IS HAUNTING: There’s an atmosphere to Riverside, one that hails from its historical buildings, picturesque museums, and the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a grand castle-like fantasia that has a long possessed a certain storybook allure. Add a few of the city’s downtown ghost tours to the mix and you have a location that has a sort of velvety, throwback, semi-autumnal character, all year long. But then fall arrives and remarkable Riverside grows even more atmospheric, thanks to an assortment of seasonal attractions. One of these happenings, Castle Dark at Castle Park, returns with a number of new mazes and shows just days ahead of fall’s official start.

CASTLE DARK… opens Sept. 20, ready to pay frightful homage to “16 years of screams.” A quartet of creepy new mazes will debut, including one called “Seance,” eek, and a “5-D Virtual Reality Maze” dubbed “Sinister Inn.” A trio of fresh theatrical experiences will also weave in wicked fashion through the fun, with a tea-inspired show on the docket and one celebrating the dramatic art of sliding. Scare Zones will also be in the mix, with clowns popping up in the midway-inspired area while knights will roam “Dark Lands.” Tickets are available now to the eerie event, which brings the frights every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from Sept. 20 through Oct. 27.

THAT SUMMER-MEETS-FALL GLOW: The holidays have plenty of merry twinkle while the very warmest months are still sun-bright when evening arrives. It can leave an illumination aficionado wondering just where they can turn for some twinkle as September begins, and during the month of October, too. 123 Farm in Cherry Valley is one such shimmering spot, a place that is known for both its bountiful May-into-July lavender season and, a couple of months later, an event called Lavender Nights. Nope, there won’t be strolls through the hip-high lavender blossoms but there will be plenty of atmospheric lights, live music, vendors to shop, and lavender-infused sips and eats. The after-sundown shimmer starts on Aug. 22 and tickets are available for purchase now.

300,000 LIGHTS: The glow that gives the outdoor area such oomph comes from oodles of little lights, making it a favorite spot for lingering, dining, and, photos, too. There are a few things to know before you go — weekend offerings can differ from weeknights, and parking right there can “sell out,” so read up on all you need to know. As for the goodies on the lavender-themed menu? They’ll cover the savory/sweet gamut, but here’s a clue: Past years have featured offerings like Lavender Beef Brisket, Honey Lavender Ice Cream, and Lavender Cheesecake. Again, the annual lavender bloom has now concluded — or, if you want to look to the future, it will return in late spring — so visit the farm for an ethereal, glow-laden evening of stars and lavender-lovely supping.

THIS BOUNTIFUL LAND — we’re starting off with a big and heart-brimming shout-out to California and its fabulous fecundity — has so many succulent and stunning fruits and vegetables. This is appetizingly apparent in so many ways, from our produce sections, the aisles packed with healthy goodies, to the many orchards, groves, and farmstands that delightfully dot the state. You can also arrive at this flavorful conclusion by considering the many major fruit festivals that call California home. Some fruits, though, seem to shine a bit brighter; they’re the goodies that get multiple parties, all within a single state (no small feat). The lemon is one such superstar; the juice-delivering delectable is honored in Upland each year, and Goleta, too, and in Chula Vista, a city that’s synonymous with citrus? The 27th Annual Lemon Festival is preparing to “Squeeze the Day” in mid-August.

SATURDAY, AUG. 17… is the 2024 date for the sunny celebration, a “lemon paradise” that will feature “a range of bites, sips, entertainment, family fun, and more, all in honor of our city’s citrus heritage!” Presented by the Downtown Chula Vista Association, the festivity pays tribute to a place that once was dubbed the “Lemon Capital of the World,” an especially tart and tasty badge of honor. As for some of lemon-y vendors set to show with their most fruit-strong sips and snacks? Barrett’s Lemonade, SoCal Frozen Raspaditos, and Venice Beach Lemonade will all set up sweet/sour shop along Third Avenue in Downtown Chula Vista. Non-lemon vittles are available, too, with corn dogs, tacos, and fries offering a savory counterpart.

LONG AND LEMON-LUSCIOUS: For more on the long-running lemon lark, cit, er, sit right down and soak up the citrus-centric info on this site.

LEGO BRICKS? They’ve shown up in, well, just about every structure under the sun, and some structures that are probably located under other suns far across the vast reaches of space. You can, in short, make anything you please, which means that oodles of eerie buildings, the sorts of buildings that may boast bat-filled belfries, monster-packed moats, or terrifying towers, have been constructed with LEGO bricks. But if you’re hoping to haunt an actual world o’ LEGO bricks when it transforms into a frightful fall wonderland, you’ll want to flap your bat wings and alight in Carlsbad beginning in the macabre middle of September. For that’s when LEGOLAND California’s “Brick-or-Treat Monster Party” wickedly clicks back into playful place for the 2024 season.

SEPT. 14 IS OPENING NIGHT, and while “Brick-or-Treat” will shimmer over several September and October nights, note that it is happening on select Saturdays and Sundays. Some fresh happenings are giving the glad-hearted gathering some eeky oomph: The “Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch” will sprout in Dino Valley, the theme park’s newest land, while the “Monster Meet and Greet,” another inaugural event, will feature cool cameos by the Spider Lady and Monster Rocker. The Candy Cauldron Trail, the Zombie Cheer Crew, and other not-too-scary sights and sounds of the season will also festoon the brick-y bastion of creativity through the autumn-tacular’s merry run.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE, and there are a few choices to consider, including the Brick-or-Treat Hotel Package. For more on this zany and lightly frightful family tradition, shamble, like a classic monster might, over to the LEGOLAND California site now.

THE EPIC OCEAN: Breaking out words like “vast” and “massive” and “epic” and “super-ginormous” feel, well, not quite ginormous enough. No matter how much of the Pacific you cover on a boat trip or how much your read about in a thrilling book, there will be more, lots more, to cover. We’re not throwing cold, or, er, salty water here, for the good news is an ocean aficionado always wants to know more about the secrets of the deep. Birch Aquarium at Scripps understands are seemingly infinite ocean-based curiosity and to help us know more? There’s a new deal ahead this fall: Outdoor Adventure Bundles, which are all about giving people visiting the amazing aquarium the opportunity to go tidepooling or take an informative pier walk at a discounted price.

NATURALISTS AT THE LEAD: Pros in the know will lead both the Tidepooling Adventures at False Point, which is one of the available experiences, and the 90-minute Sunset Scripps Pier Walks, which go in-depth into what Scripps researchers are working on (so very cool). “Exploring the outdoors can feel daunting sometimes, but our Outdoor Adventures can be a great way to get your feet wet — both literally and figuratively!” said Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator. “Our naturalist-led Sunset Scripps Pier Walks and Tidepooling Adventures offer insight into the local ecosystems, insider information about how research is done, and tips and tricks to exploring even more habitats!”

TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEW BUNDLE, and how to sign up when the experiences become available — the pier walks are back in late August while tidepooling returns in early November — visit this site.

THE SANDS OF TIME: It isn’t too hard to connect grains of sand to the concept of time; after all, hourglasses are filled with the good and grainy stuff. Still, one must show a bit of grit when it comes to determining the best season for the building of sandcastles, that time-honored, ultra-ancient pursuit that takes a little imagination, a little patience, and, yes, more than a little ocean water, too.

A MONTH OF SANDCASTLES: While sand is a year-round material, easily accessed by beach visitors whatever the season, official National Sandcastle Day falls on the first Saturday of August. This makes sense, for the final weeks of summertime is the sandy stretch when many people finally make their way to the beach, knowing that fall is on its chilly way. Sandcastle-sculpting celebrations do rise during this time, too, in both Northern and Southern California.

THE SUN & SEA FESTIVAL… at Imperial Beach in San Diego County has long been a major player on the sandcastle scene. The ocean-adjacent event is rolling back in, like a wave hitting the shore, Aug. 17, and there’s something special to watch for in 2024: “This year will feature the largest sandcastle ever built on our beach,” shares the site. Point Reyes National Seashore has its own sculpture-strong scene and the innovative sand architects will be out, in festive force, Aug. 31. And coming up on the final Saturday of summer? It’s the Annual Sandcastle Contest in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Sept. 14 festivity boasts a few fun awards — builders will vie for the Golden Shovel award — while good-natured “bribes” of food and beverages play a lighthearted role in the foamy fun.

HUMANS WHO HEART HOUNDS? We find all sorts of joyful ways to champion those places that help find animals forever homes. The Helen Woodward Animal Center is one of those important animal-helping hubs, a Rancho Santa Fe nonprofit that finds public support in a host of creative and sometimes whimsical ways. This is the center behind the popular “PAWmicon,” a superhero-inspired party that took flight in July 2024, and the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, which will trot onto the sand at Del Mar Dog Beach Sept. 8. There’s still time for you and your woofer to hit the waves for a lesson ahead of the 2024 Surf-A-Thon, a salty session that will reveal some of the finer points of riding the foam.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TRAINING… is one element of the surf school — Canine Floatation Devices are a crucial part of the process — as is step-by-step instruction on “soft surf boards.” The registration per “surFur” is $50 and all proceeds will help the Helen Woodward Animal Center. “These lessons are a great way to bond with your dog, raise funds for orphan pets and find out if you want to compete with your pup in the September competition,” Jessica Gercke, PR Director of Helen Woodward Animal Center said. “By the end of his first lesson, my dog Wilson could ride a wave on his own and I was definitely the proudest mom on the beach.”

SIGN UP NOW: For details on the Aug. 11 lessons and the official event on Sept. 8, hang ten at this page now.

COUNTDOWN TO CIDER DOUGHNUTS: We’d never dare quibble with the Halloween fan who states, with eerie enthusiasm, that the spookiest season begins after the Fourth of July decorations are stowed. Tickets for haunted events start going on sale in July and all eyes turn to all of the eeky pleasures coming up in autumn. When, though, does the apple-saturated stretch of the year officially commence? How soon can we follow our orchard-based longings and pick a few pretty pommes, the sorts of fruits that feel like fall is resting in the palm of our hand? The answer, for many Southern Californians, is Labor Day Weekend. That’s when Oak Glen, a community that’s sweetly synonymous with apples, begins its cider-scented celebrating.

APPLE TREATS… fill the shelves of the cozy village from Labor Day Weekend through Thanksgiving Weekend while several local orchards begin buzzing as daytrippers eager to bag a dozen or two arrive. Nostalgic activities are known to pop up throughout the Apple Season calendar and the weekends do hum with homespun fun, from animal appearances to craft-making. Some places will be open on weekdays, but if you want to visit, check ahead of your trip to make sure. Weekends, though, bustle throughout the fall in Oak Glen, with charming things to experience and, yes, eat. Are you ex-cid-ed, cider lovers? Peel out for apple-themed everything beginning Aug. 31, 2024.

FLOUNDERS RIDING FERRIS WHEELS? That will never happen, we are quite sure. Similarly, sharks don’t snack on cotton candy, jellyfish don’t attempt to win prizes at the ring toss, and encouraging a clam to enter a quilting competition? Here’s a pearl of wisdom: Blankets are of little interest to bivalves though we humans love them dearly. Still, staging a charming festival like the Ventura County Fair near the ocean — a festival that quite literally sparkles just steps from the surf — is a whimsical and worthy endeavor. It’s a playful pursuit that’s been synonymous with summertime in Ventura in three separate centuries, and it returns for a 12-day run beginning July 31.

“FAIR-EVER YOUNG”: That’s the light-of-heart theme of the 2024 spectacular, which is marking its 150th anniversary. The started-in-1874 fair will indeed stay “fair-ever young” by offering free entertainment — both music and comedy will be in the spotlight, with a ’90s celebration opening the event — as well as plenty of things to see, eat, savor, and join. Those crowd-pleasing All Alaskan Racing Pigs will be back, as well as pop-up musical moments, magical interludes, and puppetry. The rodeo scene is a major fair focus, too, so check the times and details if you’d like to cheer on the riders.

BEFORE YOU GO: Oh yes: Peruse info on the shuttles — parking at most lots is free, except for San Buenaventura State Beach — ahead of making for the ocean-close extravaganza. Also good to know? While the concerts are free, there’s a ticketed VIP option to consider.

SKY-REACHING BEANSTALKS? They’re the memorable stuff of fairy tales, of course, with tendrils that curl against or even around the clouds. But spectacular specimens that almost seem to brush the stars, or at least reach in their general direction, do exist on this planet, and basking in their beauty is possible at any time. You only need to make your way to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to admire some of the most gargantuan living organisms to share our home turf, an epic exercise that quickly summons a sense of awe. But the awe only expands when you pair the stars with the sequoias, which is exactly what happens when the Dark Sky Festival returns each year to help us “Discover the Dark.”

SEPT. 6-8… are the 2024 dates, and the enlightening schedule for the celestial meet-up is beginning to take shape. Good to know? The galactic gathering is presented by Sequoia Parks Conservancy “in partnership” with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Entry to the festival is free, though do keep in mind that park entrance fees will apply. Star parties are among the popular draws of the weekend, and “engaging educational presentations,” too. Astronomers, astronomy buffs, and big tree enthusiasts will be among the attendees, though, certainly and most definitely, there is plenty of crossover between those who adore far-off wonders and those gigantic arboreal icons that dazzlingly dot Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

FESTIVAL 411: Read up on what to expect and watch for more details as September begins to twinkle, star-like, in the distance.

SO MANY STYLISH THINGS… flourished around the middle of the last century, including shift dresses, shiny cars with large fins, skinny neckties, breeze block entryways, conversation pits, and dramatic rock walls. There are dozens of other iconic design and fashion staples that sprung from the midcentury movement, which means, of course, that one annual party for midcentury mavens may simply not be enough. The people behind Modernism Week take this “more is more” theory behind the ardent midcentury fandom to heart: While there’s a large-scale happening in February, one that truly runs the glammed-up gamut, a more petite but still potent party pops up in October. That’s shimmering from Oct. 24-27 around the Palm Springs area and tickets for various outings? They go on sale Aug. 1, 2024 at noon local time.

TOURS, TOURS, AND MORE TOURS: One of the hallmarks of the February extravaganza is also a popular staple of the October event, no doubt about it: We’re talking tours, of course, so many terrific tours. The chance to cruise by a bouquet of beautiful homes, including those with starry connections, doesn’t come along often, but design dreams come true at Modernism Week. “Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour” will be a major draw at the fall festivity, while the “Desert Stardust: Contemporary Uptown Design District” will saunter by “the second homes of celebrities such as Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.” The colorful Shag House will be back, too, and the beloved, oh-so-insider-y “Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour.”

CUL DE SAC “SWINGING ’66”: Eager to join “the event everyone is talking about”? This Oct. 27 bash, which will feature go-go dancers, throwback tunes, classic automobiles, and a host of convivial details, will highlight six homes by architect William Krisel. “We are very happy to once again present Modernism Week — October with a full, four-day event schedule,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “This year we are offering new tours and events and bringing back many of the most popular tours from previous years. We locals and visitors alike enjoy the exciting line-up of home tours, iconic architecture, and entertaining parties.” To view the full event line-up, visit Modernism Week, “the epicenter for midcentury architecture and design,” now.

OCEAN + FOREST + STARS: Not every location boasts an especially scenic character or pretty places to visit, but Mendocino County is home to several: It is a destination that is synonymous with stately redwoods, dramatic ocean vistas, and the sorts of towns that an aspiring author might use as the quaint setting for a meet-cute cozy mystery novel. But there is another epic expanse we associate with the beautiful coastal region, which possesses some of the dark-sky splendor that star-loving city dwellers do ardently seek. When that charming Mendo fog layer disperses and the twinkle-twinkle overhead begins, so too do the astronomically excellent events around the area. There are some August events just ahead, including those experiences that focus on the annual Perseids meteor shower.

HENDY WOODS STATE PARK… is one glittery go-to for star lovers, thanks to the fact that rangers will lead informative Thursday evening talks about “(s)tar clusters, galaxies, nebulae” plus seasonal constellations, too (be sure to visit by Aug. 15, when the events wrap for the season). To commune with the intriguing enigmas of deep space, line up a look-up outing with Night Sky Adventure. Wait: You say you’re more of a full moon maven? Then be sure to book an evening tour at Point Arenas Lighthouse. There are more after-dark adventures afoot in August, and beyond; check out how to find your starry Mendo sky trip at Visit Mendocino. Hold on: You’re say you’re seeking ways to honor the earthbound giants of the ethereal area? Visit Mendocino can help with that noble calling, too: Here are a quartet of quality go-outs where redwood trees are the stars.

A SPIRITED SYLVAN ADVENTURE: The World-Famous Skunk Train, or “Skunkie” if you prefer to be more familiar when addressing the legendary locomotive, is known for whisking adventuresome riders deep into the beautiful forest as it wends its scenic way from Willits or Fort Bragg. Call the celebrated Skunkster one of the best ways to connect with the seasons while in Mendocino County; you’ll enjoy the outdoors while also savoring, quite frequently, a special seasonal theme. And while the holidays always inspire the Skunk Train team to create seasonally inspired trips on the choo-choo, there are, on occasion, popular pop-ups created just for grown-up guests. Raise a dram, for one of those special events is just ahead: It’s the Whiskey Train.

WILLITS… is where your experience will begin, an outing that will involve a trip to the line’s summit as well as beautiful Noyo River Canyon. Along the way, a whiskey expert will lead the tasting of four whiskeys from Tamar Distillery/Mendocino Spirits. And the tasting glasses? You got it: They’re keepers, and they’re customized, too. The price for the two-hour tasting is $124.14 and you’ll want to book your spot soon. But perhaps you are eager to know more about special trains on the Skunkie, which can “track” its history back to the 1880s? Check out the calendar here, which includes information about the attraction’s popular railbikes.

MOVIE STARS? They’re most definitely people, without quibble, and you could probably name a dozen notable names, right now, without pausing. But sometimes some of the glitteriest celebrities in our midst aren’t actually human; they’re places, destinations, attractions, and the stellar sights that stand out. Take the The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, a hotel that has occupied a verdant location on also-verdant Oak Knoll Avenue for well over a century. For much of that century, The Langham has starred on the silver screen, with grand roles in “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” and a recent term in the HBO hit “Hacks.” Now this luminary has a luminous new addition, one that befits its Hollywood-cool status: A pretty, just-unveiled pool, complete with cabanas for movie stars and those of us who’d like to play movie star for a day.

THE ROYCE POOL: The splashy new star is located on the northerly part of the spacious property, and just a short stroll from the Lanai Pool, The Langham’s original swimming pool. As for the up-and-comer’s offerings? The Royce Pool boasts dozens of umbrellas, loungers, palm trees, and a few cabanas outfitted with mini refrigerators, televisions, and other plush perks. It’s a cool-down retreat made for those toasty Crown City temperatures, the kind that often push into the three digits come summertime. But the Royce Pool isn’t made solely for guests; non-guests may enjoy the pool on weekdays and select weekend days and holidays via ResortPass.com.

HUNTINGTON LEGACY: Like The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse, the hotel’s fine-dining choice, the new pool’s name is an admiring ode to Stephen W. Royce, the “illustrious and longtime owner and general manager of The Huntington Hotel,” a former name for the storied structure.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK… is a place, yes, but it is also, if you’ll allow us, a mood, a poem, a daydream, and a waterfall-packed flight of fantasy. It is a thousand more indescribable things beyond those things, a notion that can instantly a park-loving person with all the big emotions. But when you’re a legendary location that is famed for its indisputable epic qualities, you also draw plenty of devotees, especially in the warmer months; such is the well-known fact about this fantastical realm. Having a reservation to enter during peak hours is a must for most visitors over much of the summer (lodging guests with reservations are exempted as are YARTS passengers). With this in mind, the Visit Tuolumne County team has enticing ideas on where to go near the park without needing a reservation.

STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST… is one beautiful and seriously big recommendation, a vista-blessed expanse boasting dozens of lakes (“over 78,” sweet) and “over 1,000 miles” of trails. Groveland is another great Yosemite-adjacent pick, both for its charming shops and eateries; the Iron Door Saloon, “California’s oldest continuously running saloon,” is a Golden State icon. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is not too far from the quaint town and, nope, a reservation is not needed to admire its grand granite walls. But you say you’re still thinking of working Yosemite into your itinerary? We get it: It’s the ultimate dream place. Here’s everything you need to know, include dates and details, about 2024 entry reservations.

HURRYING SUMMER OUT THE DOOR? We wouldn’t dare, not when there are lemony beverages to quaff and sandals to wear and later evenings to bask in, the sort of nights that hold onto the lingering light well past the dinner hour. And yet? When August arrives, and the mornings begin to have a twinge of coolness — the very early mornings, is what we’re talking about, of course — our mind turns to an orchard icon that rises in prominence in late summer, or should we say pomme-inence: It’s the apple that is at the core of our musings. Several parts of California honor this autumnal icon in lots of ways: Sonoma County greets the juiciest season with the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol while places around Placerville begin to welcome returning fans.

HIGH HILL RANCH… is one of those apple-tastic locations, a must-visit for Gold Country day-trippers seeking a slice of fall well before fall arrives. Oh yes: People are also looking for slices of pie, and apple cider, and cider doughnuts, too. You won’t have to wait for too much longer to find these tangy confections: High Hill announced it will open for its 2024 run on Sunday, Aug. 10. The sizable spread is “over 155 acres,” and “a large selection of farm attractions” are part of the destination’s wholesome charm. It will stay open every day through late summer and all of fall if you plan to do an autumn ramble around the apple-rich region. The closing date? It’s Dec. 24.

PLACERVILLE ROAD TRIP: Eager to spend a few days around Apple Hill, where the ranch is located? Get a taste at this site; pumpkin patches and other charming adventures regularly sprout on the Apple Hill calendar.

HOLLYWOOD IRL: The notion of spying the cinematic workings of a movie studio was a pretty fanciful one back around the middle of the last century. You usually had to read about your favorite actors and film sets in magazines, for venturing to where the movies were actually made was a dream that couldn’t be realized. That all changed when the first trams toodled through the Universal Studios backlot in 1964, the year the Studio Tour began its legendary roll through the cinematic splendors of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You might have caught a thrilling glimpse of a celebrity performing a scene or walking to their dressing room, but, even if you didn’t, you’d encounter all sorts of silver-screen-y sights, some created specifically to thrill tram guests.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD… is honoring its celebrated Studio Tour’s milestone year in 2024; tour fans can stop by through Aug. 11 and view a throwback Glamor Tram and its awesome old-school awnings, pose for a picture in front of a King Kong backdrop, and eek-out over the park’s first “JAWS” shark. “The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”

STUDIO TOUR CELEBRATION: The theme park also shared some fabulous photos of the early trams, providing historical peeks at the studio as it was about halfway into its history. True, Universal Studios is well over a century old, and some way-way-way-back visitors also got a very early peek at Carl Laemmle’s nascent studio. But the on-the-go tram tour we know today, the airy adventure with all of the energetic attractions, is a stellar 60. Happy anniversary, Studio Tour!

Universal Studios and NBC-owned TV stations operate under the same parent company NBCUniversal.