Summer might seem like everyone’s favorite season, but fall in the Bay Area really hits that sweet spot in our lives. It’s our “perfect weather” season and the time to embrace some of our favorite things. Whether the season means pumpkin spice lattes or horror film marathons, there will be plenty of things to interest you in the Bay Area over the next few months.

1. Go on a late-night tour of the Winchester Mystery House

For fans of Halloween and/or scary movies, it’s worth the drive to San Jose to take a tour of this historic haunted attraction. Unlike most haunted houses, it’s actually open year-round and has a pretty bizarre backstory. During September and October this year, you can experience a brand new, late-night tour called “Unhinged.” Whether you’ve been to the Winchester Mystery House before or not, it’ll definitely be a unique activity.

2. Attend a football game

This will be the last year that Bay Area residents are blessed with two NFL home teams. Raiders fans just have to cross the bay to watch their team play their last season at RingCentral Coliseum before they relocate to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the 49ers aren’t playing in San Francisco anymore, but the still-fairly-new Levi’s stadium in Santa Clara is easily accessible via car or by way of Caltrain/VTA.

3. Escape the city on a weekend camping trip

Embrace the outdoors while the days are still warm by taking your friends, family or partner on a weekend adventure. Look into nearby spots like Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Point Reyes or Big Sur. And, if glamping is more your style, here are some of our favorite getaways within a short drive of San Francisco.

4. Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer and brats

This fall activity doesn’t require leaving the city, as the longstanding Schroeder’s restaurant/bar is the place to be if you want to take part in this German celebration. While Schroeder’s serves beer and brats every day, they’re adding in live music and an annual block party to the fun this season.

5. Spend a day on the water looking for whales

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fall, but hear us out. Fall is the best time to spot blue whales and humpback whales in the Bay Area. The Oceanic Society hosts whale-watching trips from San Francisco to the Farallon Islands, where you can spot whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and plenty more marine life.