A Local’s Guide to Fall around Seattle: From Pumpkin Patches to PSLs
There’s something simply magical about Fall in Seattle. Although I still dread the end of summer every time fall approaches, once the leaves start doing their thang and pumpkin starts making its appearance on favorite local menus, I’m quickly reminded that everything’s going to be just peachy…or shall I say pumpkin-y?
Before we get too candy-corny around here…okay, I’ll cut it out with the puns…here’s your Local’s Guide to Fall Around Seattle: A mix of must-do activities, seasonal treats, and local business to hit up for all the cozy Fall vibes.
Where to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Swan Trail Farms (Snohomish)
This farm is famous for its Washington-shaped corn maze (yes, the outline of the state). Ton’s of unique activities for the kiddos (like a petting zoo!) without compromising on fun for the adults.
Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm (Snohomish)
If fall were a movie set, it would be filmed here. Think sprawling pumpkin fields, hayrides, and apple cider donuts you’ll dream about all year. Best for families looking for a “classic” fall day with everything in one place.
Carpinito Brothers (Kent)
A favorite for South Sound locals who don’t want to trek all the way to Snohomish. Their “Farm Fun Yard” has goats, slides, and tractor rides (basically a mini theme park wrapped up in farm life). They also have a beloved produce stand outside the pumpkin patch that’s a must-visit.
Remlinger Farms (Carnation)
This one’s a carnival disguised as a farm. U-pick pumpkins plus rides, games, and a market selling everything from kettle corn to local jams. It’s Disneyland-meets-farm life, perfect for families or groups of friends who want more than just pumpkins.
Thomas Family Farms (Snohomish)
During the Day, it’s a kid-friendly pumpkin patch. At night? It’s haunted house, zombie paintball, and haunted hayride focused. This is the only farm where you can bring home a pumpkin and battle zombies all in one trip.
LOCAL TIP: If you have the flexibility to visit mid week, farms tend to be quieter and tickets are usually cheaper than on the weekend. Visit earlier in the season for the best selection of pumpkins, and consider purchasing your tickets ahead of time online as they are often cost more when purchased in person.
Where to Scream (if you’re into that kind of thing)
Georgetown Morgue (Georgetown)
This is Seattle’s most famous haunted house, and for good reason—it’s in a real former morgue. Not for the faint of heart. Best for adrenaline junkies and horror movie fans.
Nile Nightmares Haunted House (Mountlake Terrace)
Multiple scare zones, escape games & 3D motion simulator. Sure to get the blood pumping!
Thomas Family Farms (Snohomish)
Zombie paintball, haunted hayrides, and scream-filled barns. This is where you bring a group of friends who love turning everything into a competition (“who screamed first?”).
Seattle Terrors Ghost Tours (Pioneer Square)
For the history buffs who also love a good chill. These walking tours weave through Pioneer Square, mixing ghost stories with true tales of Seattle’s gritty past.
LOCAL TIP: Haunted houses sell out the closer you get to Halloween. Book tickets early, and wear shoes you can actually run in.
Where to Indulge in Fall Flavors
Pie Bar (Capitol Hill & Ballard) - Delicious pies + Karaoke.
The Flora Bakehouse (Beacon Hill) - Freshly baked sweet and savory pastries to die for.
Preserve & Gather (Greenwood) - Modern coffee shop that features house made pastries and bites.
Local Farmer’s Market - Lot’s of local vendors to explore - a must try is Collins Family Orchard for extra fresh produce.
Schilling Cider House (Fremont) - The nation’s largest craft cider selection, and Seattle’s only 100% craft cider tap house.
The Harvest Vine (Madison Valley) - A Spanish tapas restaurant with a wide variety of flavors that make this a neighborhood favorite.
Pike Place Market (Downtown Seattle) - Not just for the tourists! A stop at Daily Dozen Doughnut Co. is a must.
LOCAL TIP: Follow your favorite Seattle bakeries and restaurants on Instagram (Flora bakehouse is a must-follow). They often announce new seasonal pastries and menu items before they hit menus.
Where to Wear your Costume
Haunted Soiree (Capitol Hill)
Less haunted cornfield, more immersive haunted masquerade. This annual event transforms a historic Cap Hill venue into a theater-meets-party, choose-your-own-adventure experience. You get to mingle with the stylishly spooky (and talented) actors, sip themed cocktails, enjoy aerial arts performances and unravel storylines as the night unfolds (or don’t and just enjoy the vibes like me). My boyfriend and I went a couple years ago with a group and had a bunch of fun. He got super into solving the storyline, where I was more captivated by the spectacle of everything. A festive and unique experience for sure!
Trolloween (Fremont Troll)
Not your typical haunted house - this quirky Halloween party takes place under the Fremont Troll, complete with music, costumes, and Seattle’s beloved welcoming and eclectic crowd.
Halloweekend Bar Crawl (Capitol Hill/Ballard/Fremont)
If you want to show off your costume in crowded (yet high spirited) bars then head over to Cap Hill, Ballard or Fremont. You can make a game plan, or just show up and follow the vibes of the crowd. You’ll be able to figure out quickly which bar is the best place to start for your group.
LOCAL TIP: While still a whole lot of fun, Halloween in Seattle is often rainy. Build your costume with layers and appropriate footwear in mind. Also, parking can really suck around the city on Halloweekend. It could be smart to opt for a ride share.
Where to Trick-or-Treat
Ballard Trick-or-Treat (Ballard) - Oct. 31, 4-6PM
Waterfront Park Frights & Delights (Seattle Waterfront) - Oct. 31, 3-8PM
West Seattle Harvest Festival (West Seattle Junction) - Oct 26, 11AM-2PM
“PhinneyWood” Trick or Treat (Phinney Ridge/Greenwood) - Oct 25, 12-3PM
Queen Anne Trick-or-Treat (Queen Anne Ave) - Oct 31, 3:30-6PM
Treat Street at Kirkland Urban (Kirkland Urban Plaza) - Oct 25, 5-8PM
LOCAL TIP: Make sure to check age restrictions before your event to make sure your big kid isn’t too old to participate (some events have an age limit of 12 and under).
Where to Cozy Up with a Book & PSL
Elliott Bay Book Company (Capitol Hill)
The first bookstore I recommend to folks visiting from out of town. It’s a Seattle staple anytime of year, but especially during fall. Grab a beverage from the Little Oddfellows coffee shop in the back of the store and stay a while.
Storyville Coffee Co. (Pike Place Market or Downtown - 1st & Madison)
The vibes at Storyville give old Hollywood nostalgia with warm lighting, soft jazz, and latte art that deserves applause. The Pike Place location is tucked above the market with a view of the Sound, while the Downtown location is located at the bottom of the beautiful Alexis Hotel.
Elm Coffee Roasters (Pioneer Square or South Lake Union)
Clean, modern, and sunlit. For readers who like their cozy moments with a side of minimalism. Their coffee is roasted in-house, so the smell alone will keep you there for an extra chapter (or three).
Alki Coffee Co (West Seattle)
Seaside beachy meets cozy. Grab a seat by the window and watch the waves roll in while sipping your drink of choice. I enjoy both their breakfast and lunch offerings as well (as well as the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream that’s operated out of the same location).
Ada’s Technical Books & Café (Capitol Hill)
A bookstore + café hybrid where you can sip your pumpkin latte surrounded by nerdy gadgets and books. For introverts who want maximum cozy.
LOCAL TIP: Bring your reusable mug with you - many local bookstores have attached coffee shops. A good book with a warm beverage in my favorite mug? Yes please.
Where to See the Leaves
Washington Park Arboretum (Madison Valley)
If fall colors were an art gallery, this would be it. Maples, ginkgos, and Japanese gardens glow in reds and golds. Great for quiet walkers, photographers, and anyone who wants that “hidden in nature” moment without leaving the city.
Discovery Park (Magnolia)
Seattle’s largest park blends towering forests with wide-open meadows and sweeping water views. If you want your leaf-peeping mixed with salty air and a lighthouse stroll, this is your spot.
Lincoln Park (West Seattle)
Think of it as Discovery Park’s slightly smaller cousin, but equally as beautiful. Think dramatic cliffside trails, massive old trees showing off in golds and reds, and salty sea air rolling in from the Sound. It’s quieter than some of the more “Instagram-famous” spots, making it perfect for a reflective solo walk or cozy date stroll. Catch me training for the Seattle Half Marathon along the waterfront!
Greenlake (North Seattle)
Joggers, strollers, and (my personal favorite) a sweet gentleman who teaches Spanish to those who walk with him, all share the 2.8-mile loop, which is especially pretty when the trees go orange. Perfect for a casual walk-and-talk or a family outing.
Kerry Park & Queen Anne Hill (Queen Anne)
Sure, Kerry Park is famous for skyline selfies, but in fall the tree-lined streets of Queen Anne are where the magic happens. Think golden leaves arching over historic homes—a perfect Sunday wander with coffee in hand.
LOCAL TIP: Peak leaf season in Seattle usually hits mid to late October, and the best lighting for taking photos is often in the late afternoon.
Hi, I’m Tyler! 👋🏼
A third-generation West Seattle native, licensed real estate broker, disco lover, and your real estate resource and hype woman. I help people across King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties navigate the market with strategy, intention, and a whole lot of heart (with a spontaneous dance break or two along the way🕺🏻).
Whether you’re ready to make a move or just chat throught what’s possible, I’m all ears. Let’s sit down, map it out, and make your next move a confident one.