San Diego in October: Fewer Crowds, Same Golden Beaches

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival lines Girard Avenue with juried art booths and adds a ticketed wine and beer garden. Across October 10-11, visitors browse paintings, ceramics, and jewelry, then sample regional wines and craft brews. Entry to the street fair is free, but tasting wristbands cost extra and often sell out in advance.

The San Diego International Film Festival presents more than 100 films across downtown venues October 15-19. Premieres, red carpet events, and Q&A sessions bring filmmakers and audiences together. Passes and individual tickets are available; popular screenings can sell out, so booking early for titles you care about is wise, especially on opening and closing nights.

Kids Free San Diego runs throughout October (October 1-31), when more than 100 attractions and restaurants let children in free with a paying adult. Offers include major draws like the Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, Legoland, and USS Midway. Families who travel in this window can significantly reduce ticket costs, but should still reserve popular activities in advance.