Fall is in the air! Temperatures are getting a little bit cooler, and it’s time for some autumn fun! The great thing about living in Long Beach is that the weather is perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
We know that if you’re planning a day outside, of course you want to bring your favorite furry pal. If you’re curious about what’s brewing around Long Beach for Fall, we have some great ideas. Check out this list of fun weekend ideas and fall events that you can enjoy with your favorite canine companion.
Fun Fall Activities That You Can Bring Your Dog To in Long Beach, CA
Head to the pumpkin patch!
There is nothing as quintessentially fall as spending a day picking pumpkins. Mr. Jack O' Lantern's Pumpkin Patch is dog friendly and has plenty of fun activities for the whole family. We love this patch because it's small but packed with fun... plus, admission is free!x
Just a short drive away, in Torrance, you can explore Mr. Jones Farm. They have a photo booth where you and your pooch can grab a cute fall photo. If you’re out with your human kids and fur kids, you’re in luck. There is a kid’s area with a slide and bounce houses, and who can resist a good old-fashioned hayride!?
Take a drive to the orchard!
It’s apple season, and picking your own apples is a fall tradition you just can't miss out on. Your dog will enjoy frolicking in the fresh air, while you pick your bushel.
Plan a weekend out in Oak Glen and visit Willowbrook Apple Farm. They are happy to allow well-behaved dogs to visit their premises. As an extra treat, Willowbrook offers s’mores and wine tastings every Saturday.
Also located in Oak Glen is the lovely Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard. In addition to apple picking, they have a farm shop where they offer their organic produce. Dogs are allowed, but they are only permitted in designated areas and should not be taken into the orchards or gardens.
Take a hike!
Hiking is a great year-round activity, but fall hikes are some of the very best.
There are some easy but picturesque trails right here in Long Beach. Hit the Rio Hondo River trail with its 17 miles of paved walkway that winds through the San Gabriel Valley. This beautiful trail has several entrances, and as you walk, you can enjoy both the urban and natural scenery.
Head out and explore the Colorado Lagoon wetland trail. This is an easy one-mile loop that is completed mostly on sidewalks. Take things slowly and keep your eye open for songbirds, and drink in the wetland that is being restored.
Long Beach’s Dog Friendly Fall Events
Autumn in Long Beach is packed with fall events. We’ve included a list of events so you don’t have to miss a minute of fall fun!
October 1- If you like Oktoberfest, beer, and dogs, then you’ll love Doodle Fest! Trademark Brewing will be debuting their new Lagerdoodle beer, along with German food, music, and games. Dogs are included in the fun and there will be a dog costume contest, so stop on by and split a schnitzel with your pup!
October 1- Kick the Halloween season off in 80’s style at the Furbaby Love Fest Totally 80’s Pawty sponsored by Infinite Love Animal Rescue. This outdoor event will have music and food trucks, games for your pup, a silent auction, and an 80’s costume contest. The proceeds from this totally tubular event will be going to support homeless animals.
October 9- Take a short jaunt to Garden Grove’s historic Main Street for the 22nd Annual Follow That Dream Elvis Festival. This year's festival is for the dogs and is being performed in honor of National Adopt a Dog Month. Warning: you might show up with one dog and leave with two since they will have dogs available for adoption at the event.
October 27- Hosted by Wag Hotels and benefiting Hearts For Paws Rescue, this Haunted Howl-o-ween Party for dogs will be a barking good time. If you’re up for an adventure ‘into the city’, make sure to add this to your list! Featuring costume contests, photo ops with Ms. Cruella de Ville herself, and the opportunity to explore the haunted hotel, you and your dog will have a blast while supporting animals in need.
October 30- This is truly the ultimate dog parade with 500 dogs participating annually! Haute Dog Howl O Ween is the perfect opportunity to dress up your pup and show off just how cute he is. You can even get a few of your dog-loving friends together and make a whole float! There will be prizes as well as vendors and an adoption event. It’s bound to be a great time!
November 1- Get ready for what Thanksgiving is about to throw at us with the Top Bird Turkey Trot Challenge. This is a virtual race that will be open only to individuals in Long Beach. You can complete this 5k any way that you like… walking, swimming, or running. The method doesn’t matter as long as you get moving! Since this is a virtual race, it’s the perfect opportunity to get your dog in on the action! Be sure to check out the link for more details.
November 13- If you have a Dachshund with a need for speed, then give them their chance to shine at the Weiner Dog Race Championship at Old World Village. Your dog could be picked to be a wild card against this season's previous winners! If racing isn’t your dog’s thing, then you can enjoy the arts and crafts show, the biergarten, and cheer on this year's champions.
What fun fall activities will you enjoy with your dog this season? Let us know what you’re up to in the comments!