October is mostly about the lead-up to Halloween, but it’s not all ghosts, goblins, and ghouls in California this month. There are many ways to have a good time including a panda encounter in San Diego, a clam fest in Pismo Beach and a little horse racing in Del Mar.
Visit the panda
San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego 92101
Zoo info.sandiegozoo.org
After traveling 7,000 miles from China, two giant pandas made their official debut at the San Diego Zoo on August 8. Five-year-old male Yunquan and four-year-old female Shen Bao can be seen chewing bamboo and trudging around. Panda Ridge, a newly built habitat at the San Diego Zoo.
The San Diego Zoo’s Bear House is designed to mimic their native terrain in China’s Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. Banda Ridge is characterized by its undulating terrain, tree trunks, boulders, climbing structures, lush bamboo and lush vegetation. It is four times larger than the zoo’s previous panda habitat.
The history of pandas at the San Diego Zoo dates back to 1996, when the Wulong Panda Sanctuary of China loaned the zoo two bears as part of a collaborative panda conservation effort. One of the pandas was Yun Quan’s grandmother, who lived at the zoo for 23 years. The average life expectancy of giant pandas in the wild is about 15 years, but they live much longer in captivity, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Between 1996 and 2019, six panda cubs were born at the zoo, including Yun Quan’s mother in 2007. By 2019, all of the pandas in San Diego had been returned to China. In February 2024, the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Society and the San Diego Zoo signed a cooperation agreement resulting in the loan of Yun Quan and Shen Bao for 10 years.
There are two ways you can experience giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo:
Get timed tickets When you arrive at the zoo, scan the ticket QR code on the signs in the main plaza and throughout the zoo. Select an available time and head to the timed ticket line at Panda Ridge at the scheduled time. You can also request a timed ticket from any ticket kiosk window. Timed tickets are free and available at the zoo only on the day of your visit.
Head to the standby line If you don’t want to make a time commitment, you can join the standby line at Banda Ridge. Panda lovers start lining up at 9:30 am
Half Moon Bay Arts and Pumpkin Festival October 19-20
500 Main Street, Half Moon Bay 94019
Information hmbpumpkinfest.com
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, surrounded by pumpkin patches, the coastal town of Half Moon Bay has become the self-proclaimed “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” The 52nd annual festival celebrates massive pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns, a large pumpkin parade, live music, pie-eating contests and seasonal craft beer.
Meet 275 of America’s leading artists and craftsmakers showcasing their latest works in glass, ceramics, metals, fibers, leather, wood, jewelry, and fine art.
Pismo Beach Clam Festival October 19-20
Pismo Pier, 100 Pomeroy Street, Pismo Beach 93449
Experience information pismobeach.com/clam-festival
The 78th Annual Pismo Beach Festival offers more than just clams: The weekend includes a clam dig and chowder-making contest, plus a wine and beer garden and the annual Clam Festival parade. The Clam Festival is a free event that includes live music, local vendors, and food trucks.
San Diego Spirits Festival October 19-20
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla 92037
Information sandiegospiritsfestival.com
Enjoy cocktails and artwork at the 15th annual adults-only San Diego Spirits Festival held at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Admission to both afternoons entitles you to unlimited cocktails from more than 65 brands, ranging from high-end spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and soft drinks, along with live music and entertainment while you explore the museum’s galleries.
The Breeders’ Cup is the most prestigious international event in thoroughbred horse racing. It will be held November 1-2 at Del Mar Raceway. DMTC Pictures.
Breeders’ Cup October 28-November. 2
Del Mar Raceway, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar 92014
Information visitdelmarvillage.com/breederscup
This thoroughbred horse racing showdown lasts two days. 14 races, it is the most prestigious international event in thoroughbred horse racing and awards the richest purse in North America. The Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar Raceway in San Diego County with races November 1-2.
Local festivities begin on October 28 with a post-center lottery, musical events and dinner in Del Mar Village. To watch the races, choose from various ticket options, including reserved seating in the grandstands, dining packages and seating on the area of the track grounds known as the beach. Del Mar Racetrack’s premium dining packages include specially curated dishes by Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Stone, the event’s popular guest chef.
