Summer is heading toward its natural end, and for some, sadness comes. Don't be sad. Fall is actually a really great time in California. There's nearly an entire month of celebrating Halloween and Oktoberfest. Wearing silly costumes, eating decadent foods, drinking brews, ales, wine and cocktails, then dancing the night away, make fall the preferred season for many travelers. Fall is when tourist towns such as San Diego offer up some of their best parties and festivals of the year.

Events are annual traditions in the San Diego region and the crowds that turn out for celebrations are worth the visit just to see. Here are some things to help you ease your way into winter-the perfect time to plan a trip to San Diego. Why? Everyone knows that like Carmel, the weather in September and October is some of the best. San Diego hotel rates generally go down in September, so you'll get better deals on a visit there.

Events worth checking out in San Diego's Fall 2011:

• Monster Bash Saturday, October 29, 2011-This year's line-up is definitely not for the faint of heart. They transform over six blocks of the Gaslamp Quarter into three Mega Clubs including; the Dos Equis XX Fright Club, the Dead Prom Party and the Blood Club. Spinning on the streets of the Gaslamp in these street clubs will be live performances from top DJs from Europe, Las Vegas, LA, and San Diego! Attendees will also have the chance to see sexy go-go girls, dance performances and to compete for the ultimate costume contest prize of $3,000 cold hard cash.
• Chula Vista Rotary Wine & Food Festival August 27, 2011
• Taste of Downtown Thursday, September 8, 2011
• San Diego Restaurant Week September 18-23, 2011
• La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste October
• Old Town Art Festival October 1 & 2, 2011
• Taste of North Park Saturday, October 8, 2011
• Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase Sunday, October 9, 2011
• Chula Vista Centennial Celebration Saturday, October 15, 2011
• Borrego Days Desert Festival Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23, 2011
• Dia de los Muertos Sunday, October 30, 2011
• Fall Back Festival Sunday, November 6th, 2011

For more information on these events, see the page we've posted with the details such as price, location and contact information.