The 15 Best Fall Activities: A Fall Bucket List

Because I’m basic and fall is the love of my life. And I’m okay with that. Here are 15 things I like to do in the fall to make my #fallvibes dreams come true.

APPLE PICKING

And where else would you go to pick some damn apples other than Apple Hill near Sacramento? Or Altes Land in Germany? (You know, if you just so casually happen to be in Germany?)

All I know is I’m expecting a giant hill full of apples that I can just jump into. But somehow still be able to pick them off the trees. I also am not sure how fun jumping into a pile of apples will really be, but I guess I’ll find out?

SEE SOME COOL FALL MIGRATIONS

Because there’s nothing better than seeing a bunch birds take flight at the same time. I’ve been to the Palo Alto Baylands, but I know there are a TON of other great birding hotspots in northern California.

Next on my list: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge! Other good places: San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, I have yet to see any Northern Pintails, and they are really beautiful looking birds from the pictures I’ve seen – I’m crossing my fingers to see one this fall!

A HAUNTED HOUSE (OR A CORN MAZE)

I’m terrified of pretty much anything remotely scary (I had to walk out of the movie theater in like 5th grade when I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean, okay) but I’m always tempted to go to one every year.

If I only make it to the entrance of the haunted house, that’s okay too. No judgement right? There’s always the corn maze (not the scary one, of course).

A FREAKING PUMPKIN PATCH

Because what else screams fall (literally screams, because of the hordes of children) than a big field full of pumpkins?

SPIKED CIDER

Nothing else says fall besides getting a little tipsy, amirite? Oh wait, you can do that any season? Well, it still counts…

SEE SOME LEAVES AND STUFF

Leaves don’t really change color where I live, and I don’t have time to go out of town before they all fall off…If anything I’ll just look at pictures on Pinterest. Same thing.

Or you can do a road trip – check out these amazing autumn drives in the USA.

PUT PUMPKIN SPICE ON LITERALLY EVERYTHING

Although you won’t see me ordering any PSL’s (pumpkin spice lattes for those of you living under a rock, or more appropriately, a pile of leaves) because coffee + my stomach do not mix, I do LOVE pumpkin.

I may just start carrying some pumpkin spice seasoning with me at all times. Pumpkin spice smoothies. Desserts. Pizza. I’m saying yes to all of it.

My goal is to get through at least 5 containers (update: I made it through 1). Like I literally want to be shitting straight pumpkin spice. I’ll let you know how it goes.

BAKE SOMETHING WITH PUMPKIN IN IT

Extra points if you use actual pumpkin and not just from a can. I don’t think I’ve ever actually done that before, now that I think of it. And don’t forget to add a handful of pumpkin spice. Feel free to add 2 or even 3 for good measure.

WATCH A HALLOWEEN-THEMED MOVIE

Like Hocus Pocus. Because I am too much of a weenie to watch a real scary movie.

A FALL PHOTOSHOOT

I’m always down for an excuse to roll around in some leaves, sprinkled with a good dose of fake laughs.

A FALL FESTIVAL

I just got back from the Renaissance Faire!! And I’ve had to go to a few fall festivals for work (and I’m going to another this weekend). I know this is supposed to be a ‘bucket list’ but does it still count if I’ve already done it? I’m just going to go ahead and say it does.

HAVE A COOL COSTUME

…Even if I don’t actually go anywhere. I’m perfectly okay dressing up and taking a few pics and then calling it a night. LOL 25 going on 80.

A COZY RAINY DAY INVOLVING SCENTED CANDLES

Unfortunately, I’m not really into any traditional fall scents (except maybe the smell of rain on a pavement? Who’s with me??) so it’ll smell like sweet mango or passionfruit but who cares?

DRINK A PUMPKIN FLAVORED BEER

Or just try one…To be honest, I’m not even much of a beer fan (I try but I always end up giving it to someone else to finish and getting cider or wine instead haha) but I just feel like it’s something that must be done. 

Is pumpkin beer even a thing (update: it totally is, but it really doesn’t taste like pumpkin at all)? I feel like it is. If not, I’ll just pick up some Coronas and add pumpkin spice to them. Same thing right?

GO TO THE BEACH

Because it’s California. Or Ireland like the photo above (a great place for #fallvibes). Even though I’m living in Northern California and it’s always cold (the movies only show you Southern California beaches!!). But there’s just something about a foggy day at the beach!

And that’s my basic fall list.

Excuse me while I go eat fistfuls of pumpkin spice. Just to be safe. Before we know it, fall will be over and I won’t have anymore excuses.