How Students New to California Embrace a San Diego Fall

Fall is officially here, as of Sept. 22, and while San Diego may not have the typical autumn weather, out-of-state students still manage to recreate autumn in sunny Southern California.

Instead of vibrant foliage and crisp air, locals are lucky if temperatures dip into the 50s. With the arguable lack of the changing season, students from outside California are making an effort to create their familiar fall feelings in sunny San Diego. 

1. The Magic of a Fall Scent

One of the easiest ways to capture the feeling of fall is with the right scent. Whether it’s a trip to Bath & Body Works, Target or Vons, the options for fall scents are endless.

Kiley Prutzman, a third-year marketing major at San Diego State University, said that “lighting a fall candle instantly puts me in a fall mood.” 

Originally from a suburb outside Seattle, Washington the scents bring nostalgia of cooler, cozier days, she said. Whether it’s the “leaves” candle from Bath & Body Works or “pumpkin pancakes” from Target, a whiff of these scents transport her to a crisp fall morning.

Natalie Darnell, a third-year elementary education major at Point Loma Nazarene University, agreed and added that a gift of autumn candles from Vons helps her embrace the season as well.

2. Fall Flavors at Trader Joe’s

It wouldn’t be fall without seasonal treats, and for many college students, Trader Joe’s is the go-to destination. From pumpkins and squash at the entrance, to pumpkin-flavored everything, the store is a fall wonderland.

Lauren Roberson, a third-year history major at USD from Washington, said her favorite way to celebrate the season is by picking up fall-themed decorations and foods from Trader Joe’s, especially their pumpkin muffin mix. The cozy smell of baked goods can make you forget that the leaves outside aren’t turning colors.

“The Trader Joe’s Harvest Soup featured in their fall collection is amazing, I look forward to it every year,” Darnell said. 

3. A Day Trip to Julian, San Diego

For out-of-staters who crave a more authentic fall experience, a trip to Julian is a must. This charming small town, located an hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains, offers cooler weather and a more traditional autumnal atmosphere.

Ava Berkau,  PLNU third-year media communication major from Washington, described Julian as “Stars Hollow,” the Connecticut small town setting of the TV show “Gilmore Girls,” with plenty of fall foliage to admire. The town’s famous apple pie and cinnamon ice cream from Mom’s Pie House is another reason to visit. While San Diego’s pumpkin patches may lack the muddy, DIY charm of those up north, Julian gives students a chance to immerse themselves in a traditional fall setting.

4. Fall-Inspired Coffee (or Tea)

For Prutzman and Roberson, nothing says fall like the arrival of the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. 

Prutzman and Roberson said that a pumpkin-flavored coffee instantly puts them in the fall spirit. Fortunately, San Diego is home to plenty of coffee shops that offer seasonal drinks; from Better Buzz, to OB Beans and Portside Coffee and Gelato.

If coffee isn’t your thing, try a cup of tea. Darnell recommends a variety of cinnamon and nutmeg-flavored teas that will do the trick. 

Grab your fall drink of choice, wear your favorite cozy sweater and enjoy the essence of the season — even if the weather stays warm.