
For those of you just joining the conversation, let me be the first to tell you I LOVE FALL. It’s my absolute favorite season. The colors, the weather, the food, the holidays, just the vibe in general – I love everything about this time of year.
I don’t know about you all, but the cool crisp air just makes me want to travel and make memories. The new season is also a great time to change up your routine, try new things, and set new goals.
Because I love this season so much, there are tons of fall traditions I like to enjoy year after year. There’s a lot of quintessential fall things that you can do, as well as new and creative adventures that can make you fall in love with the season even more. And honestly, I’m here for all of them.
So, for those of you that love fall just as much as I do and for those that are looking to add some new traditions to their autumn season, here’s my roundup of activities that adults can do to make the most out of this amazing season!
Fall Bucket List For Adults
Decorate, of course!
There’s no better way to welcome the fall season than with a little decorating. Grab your mums, wreaths, pumpkins, and fall scented candles. Break out the autumn inspired pillows and home decor, and say hello to the cooler weather.
Break out your fall wardrobe.
I love fall fashion. Time to put those summer clothes away and break out the cozy sweaters, corduroys, turtlenecks, and boots. Yes, please! In need of some fall fashion inspo? I’ve got you covered!
Declutter & organize for the fall season.
Spring isn’t the only season for cleaning. A great way to usher in any new season is to declutter and organize. Get rid of all those things you never use, reorganize your closets, kitchen, and pantry, and bring order to your life again. Trust me when I say, it feels so good.
Create the perfect autumn playlist.
Set the mood for the season by creating a fall inspired playlist. If making playlists isn’t your thing, you can find tons of pre-made autumn playlists on Youtube, Spotify, and Pandora.
Learn to make a fall inspired drink.
Sure, you can grab a fall inspired drink from your closest Starbucks (and I always encourage you to treat yourself), but I think it’s such a fun idea to learn to make one right at home. Not sure where to start? Try one of these!
Bake a pumpkin or apple pie.
Hmmm…I can almost smell it now. The fall season is the perfect time to put your baker’s hat on and whip up some delicious pie. Since it’s fall, I recommend apple or pumpkin, but really, any flavor will do.
Whip up some warm apple cider.
Cooler autumn nights call for a cup of warm apple cider. Warm apple cider just feels like fall. Instead of going the basic route, I recommend making a spiked apple cider. Just yum!
Sip on some sweet hot chocolate.
Another bucket list drink option? Yes, of course! It’s not fall without at least one cup of sweet and savory hot chocolate. Just like with the apple cider, you already know I’m going to recommend spiking your hot chocolate with a little something extra.
Attend a local fall festival.
The best thing about fall festivals is that there’s always something for everyone. With tons of vendors and food, and a variety of activities to enjoy, I definitely encourage you to attend at least one fall fest in your area.
For my Angelenos:
Visit a winery.
You guys already knew this one was coming. Fall is the perfect time of year to visit a winery. Taking a vineyard tour in the summer heat can be super draining, but in the fall the weather is just ideal for a stroll through the grapevines. Wondering what to wear to a winery in the fall? Here’s all the inspo you need!
For my Angelenos, here are some of my favorite California wine regions to visit:
Pop into a pumpkin patch.
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a great opportunity to stock up on your fall decor, be social, and spend time enjoying nature. Plus, if you’re a creator like me, pumpkin patches are the PERFECT place to snap some awesome photos.
For my Angelenos:
Go apple picking.
Ooooh, I love apple picking. It’s such a fun and festive fall activity, and the perfect excuse to bring home some organic apples for that apple pie I mentioned earlier. And yes, I even have some adorable apple picking outfits for you too!
Hop on a hayride.
Believe it or not, hayrides can be totally fun for adults. Grab your besties and some yummy fall inspired drinks and enjoy a nice hayride through nature. If you’re in the mood for a fright, choose a haunted hayride.
Get lost in a corn maze.
Corn mazes make for such a fun experience. Especially the haunted ones. Whether you’re there for the fun, the photos, or the friends, I recommend hitting one (or a few!) corn mazes this season.
For my Angelenos:
Howl at a haunted house.
If you’re up for a good scare, definitely go to at least one haunted house during this spooky season. No matter where you live, there will surely be a few haunted houses to choose from.
For my Angelenos:
Go on a ghost tour.
Get your ghost fix this season by taking a local ghost tour. This is a great way to get your heart rate up and give you those scaries you’ve been looking for. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn the history of your area.
For my Angelenos:
- Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime, Creepy Tales
- Downtown Hollywood Haunts Ghost Tour
- DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost Tour
Carve some pumpkins.
Carving pumpkins isn’t just for the kiddos. It’s something you can do by yourself, with your partner, or with a group of friends. It’s fun, it’s festive, and at the end, you’ve made your own spooky fall decor.
Roast some pumpkin seeds.
Did you carve some pumpkins? Yay! Instead of tossing out those seeds, roast them. They fill your house with a totally autumn inspired aroma, and they make a healthy and delicious snack later. It’s a win-win for sure.
Enjoy a nice train ride.
While trains aren’t usually my first choice for transportation, taking a train ride through the beautiful fall foliage is something else entirely. 10/10, highly recommend. Just make sure you hop on a train with a scenic view – not just any old train will do.
Take an easy fall hike.
Hiking doesn’t have to be hard and strenuous. Thanks, but no thanks! Connect with nature and enjoy the autumn color changes by taking a nice, easy hike.
Enjoy the fall foliage.
I know I’ve already talked about the fall foliage a lot, but honestly, it deserves to be a bucket list item all by itself. The yellows, oranges, and reds during this time of year are to die for, and you don’t want to miss it. If you’re not sure where to start, check out my leaf peeping trip ideas.
Go camping.
I don’t need to tell you that fall is the ideal season for camping. Grab your tent, a few good books, and tons of smores and hit the road. Camping is also a great opportunity to view some beautiful autumn foliage.
Celebrate Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is basically a holiday in itself. While not as popular as Halloween and Thanksgiving, it’s still more than worth the celebration. Plus, it’s a great excuse to drink some beer and be social.
Book a mountain house.
If you have a little time and money to spare, I highly recommend booking a mountain house. Mountain houses give such big fall energy, and they are the perfect place to enjoy a cozy campfire and the fall color changes.
Light a cozy campfire.
The fall season is the perfect time of year to light up a cozy campfire. Tell scary stories, drink a nice fall inspired drink, roast marshmallows, and just relax. If you’re feeling social, you can even invite your friends and family.
Plan the perfect Thanksgiving menu.
I love everything about fall, including the food. As soon as the weather starts to change, you can start planning your delicious Thanksgiving menu. Whether you’re hosting or just attending, it’s never too early to start planning for your scrumptious meal.
If you need some recipe inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. My book, From Harvest to Home, includes some of my favorite simple yet mouthwatering recipes – perfect for the autumn season.
Host a Friendsgiving get together.
I just love a good Friendsgiving get together. I’m even thinking of hosting one of my own this year. Friendsgiving presents us with the opportunity to grow in our friendships, give thanks for the past year, and make lifelong memories.
Have a fall-inspired movie night.
Movie night – how fun? This is one you can do all by yourself, or invite some friends for a good time. Grab your drink of choice, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a movie marathon. If you’re up for a little thrill, make it a scary movie night.
See an outdoor movie.
Fall is the perfect time of year to cozy up with your partner and enjoy a nice, outdoor movie. While outdoor movie theaters, or drive ins, aren’t as common as they used to be, they are definitely making a comeback. Make sure you’ve got a good view, grab your snacks, and have fun!
Take those Christmas card photos.
Are Christmas cards still a thing? I think yes. They are a fun way to stay connected with the people in your life, especially from a long distance. Even if you don’t send out a traditional Christmas card, there are tons of websites that can help you create a digital card.
What fall activities will you be partaking in this year?
I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed this roundup of fall activities, and I hope that my autumn bucket list has given you some new and fun ideas! Let me know which activities you plan to enjoy in the comments! And, if you’re in search of more fun fall things to do this year, check out my fall travel bucket list!