One Of The Best Small Towns For A Fall And Halloween Getaway Is An Underrated California Gem

As autumn leaves slowly begin to fall and a crisp chill creeps into the air, Halloween enthusiasts all across the country slowly start to come out of their year-long hibernation, eager to plan their seasonal adventures. From spending the night at the most haunted hotels in the world to visiting eerie abandoned towns, and planning a trip to Europe's most festive cities for Halloween, there's no shortage of spine-chilling experiences. And while there are plenty of fun and spooky destinations around the globe to celebrate Halloween — many of which offer heart-pounding thrills and scares — some towns prefer to embrace a more family-friendly approach to the festivities. Ultimately, these places transform the holiday into a celebration that all ages can enjoy, blending the best of the season's charm with some gentle and delightful frights.

One of these hidden gems is La Cañada Flintridge. A small town nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains — and just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles — this quaint community hosts an event that's become a must-visit for Halloween lovers and pumpkin carving enthusiasts alike: Carved. Held annually at the town's Descanso Gardens, the event offers a unique Halloween experience that showcases the artistry and magic of pumpkin carving on a grand scale.

When night falls at Descanso Gardens during October, Carved transforms the space into a magical pumpkin wonderland. As you make your way through the gardens, you and your family will have the opportunity to get close to an array of luminous jack-o'-lanterns and hand-carved giant pumpkins that showcase everything from Hollywood and real-life royalty to movie characters, and more. Better yet, this year, visitors can explore a new route featuring even more pumpkin-themed displays — so you're guaranteed to get your festive fix.

Running from October 4 to 30, 2024 — and with entry times available from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. — tickets are currently on sale through the Descanso Gardens' official website starting from $35 for non-member adults and $25 for non-member children. In terms of logistics, the event route is less than a mile long and typically takes about an hour for guests to complete. Accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices, Carved is designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the show. As a pro tip, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for all types of weather — even rain.

Outside of Carved, La Cañada Flintridge has plenty of other fall-inspired activities for visitors to enjoy. For starters, there's the 23 miles of trails available that provide the perfect backdrop for a scenic autumn walk. Open and accessible year-round, one of the most popular (and longest) routes is the 12.7-mile City Loop, which circles the entire town and is suitable for hikers (and their pets) as well as cyclists and horseback riders. Other hikes worth exploring include the 5.5-mile Walkers Walkabout, 2.4-mile Flint Canyon Trail, and the easy 2-mile "Hike with Mike" Mayor's Loop.

Alternatively, for history buffs, the Lanterman House is also a must-visit attraction — especially during fall. Built in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this impressive home boasts a unique blend of contrasting architecture and design elements. The house/museum is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the first and third Sundays of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the guided tour offers insight into the Lanterman family's history, as well as a peek into the early development of La Cañada Flintridge.