21 Best Fall Destinations in California

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best fall destinations in California. From sunny cities to coastal areas, foliage-rich mountains, and Halloween hotspots, there are lots of exciting places to travel during the harvest season in the Golden State. Whether you want to see fall colors in California or visit a vineyard, lake, or national park, there are lots of autumnal vacations to choose from. Read on for my top picks. I've included a map, too.

Fall Destinations in California

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and I've been to a lot of the best places to visit in California in fall. From outdoor trips to Lake Tahoe to urban escapes in Los Angeles and pumpkin-rich visits to Half Moon Bay, I've covered the state from east to west and north to south.

Doing so has given me the chance to experience many of the best fall destinations in California. I'm always impressed by how many exciting places there are to discover in the shoulder season between summer and winter.

Whether you want to head to the Sierra Nevada, go to a Gold Rush town, soak up the fall sunshine in SoCal, or visit one of the best places to go for Halloween in California, there are lots of places you can travel to this season.

Tips for Fall Travel in California

Before booking your trip, bear in mind that some areas and times can be especially crowded in fall. This is particularly true when it comes to places to see fall colors and big travel periods like Thanksgiving, fall break for schools, and public holidays like Labor Day and Veterans Day. Halloween can get busy, too.

As such, it's a wise idea to make reservations for things like accommodation well before you depart. You can often get better rates and have a wider selection to choose from. You can see hotels and book a room here.

If you're planning to visit somewhere particularly seasonal or popular, make sure to reserve well in advance and check things like traffic conditions before you go.

1. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay tops my list of the best fall destinations in California. Widely regarded as the pumpkin capital of the world, Half Moon Bay and the wider area produce more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins each harvest season.

That makes it the perfect place to visit in the fall. Half Moon Bay is home to some of the best pumpkin patches in California. From Andreotti Family Farms Pumpkin Patch to Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm, Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm, and Arata’s Pumpkin Farm, there are lots to choose from.

Half Moon Bay's pumpkin patches are ideal spots to choose the perfect pumpkin to carve into a Halloween jack-o'-lantern. They also offer all kinds of entertainment. There's everything from mazes to tipis, family fun, and food to enjoy.

As if that's not enough, there's an annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on Main Street. A free weekend event, it celebrates all things pumpkins, wine, art, and food. There's even a World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off and a fun run.

If all that sounds good to you, it's wise to stay overnight when you visit. Traffic getting into and out of Half Moon Bay in fall can be heavy on weekends, so basing yourself in town will not only allow you to avoid the worst of it, but also take advantage of all HMB has to offer during the season.

You can book accommodation in Half Moon Bay here. There are plenty of options, from beachfront hotels to coastal apartments and more. My top pick is the Beach House Hotel. This place is right on the coast in the heart of all the harvest fun. I've stayed here before and I loved the views and location. You can book a room here.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of my favorite fall destinations in California. The City by the Bay is a great destination in September and October, not least because the weather is usually much warmer than it is in summer (there's a reason they call August "Fogust"). In fact, many locals consider this the best time to be in town.

Consistently warm weather and blue skies mean better chances of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, taking in the city's famous views, and enjoying the California sunshine without the fear of fog rolling in.

Beyond the weather, fall is the best season to go on San Francisco's famous ghost tours. They'll take you through Nob Hill and Union Square on a haunted walking tour where you'll hear eerie stories and learn about notorious characters from an expert guide. They're fun ways to get into the Halloween spirit and see some of SF's haunted mansions. You can book one here.

Even if you're not visiting around Halloween, San Francisco is a fun fall getaway. From annual festivals like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to Fleet Week and the Folsom Street Fair, there's a lot to love about the city at this time of year.

Additionally, the tourist crowds are fewer in busy areas like Fisherman's Wharf, and it's easier to get tickets for sell-out attractions like Alcatraz. If you want more ideas, my San Francisco itineraries can help.

If SF sounds like your kind of vacation spot, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are lots of good options, from waterfront hotels to apartments with views. I always enjoy staying at Hotel Triton. It's in an ideal location by Union Square and I love the decor. You can book a room here.

3. Yosemite National Park

Next on my list of the best places to visit in California in fall is Yosemite National Park. I've loved visiting this place in the autumn months for a long time, and I've taken trips here in September, October, and November. From the beautiful weather to the sparse crowds, it's a great time to be in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

There's plenty you can do even if you only have 48 hours or a weekend in Yosemite in fall. From hikes like the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail and the famous Mist Trail to scenic drives and sightseeing, it's easy to fill your time in the park. Waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall are fun to see from the valley floor, too.

If you have more time, you can check out my Yosemite itineraries for more ideas. From my guide to spending 3 days in Yosemite to my itinerary for 4 days in Yosemite, they have lots of options for things to do and see.

If the weather is chilly, you can check out places like The Ansel Adams Gallery to see some of the most famous photos of Yosemite. The viewpoints at Tunnel View and Glacier Point are worth driving to as well. And that's to say nothing of the famous chapel.

Yosemite is one of my top picks for places to visit in California at Thanksgiving, too. That's because you can book Thanksgiving dinner at The Ahwahnee. This famous hotel is known for serving a holiday feast each year in its impressive Dining Room. Other options include a Thanksgiving buffet or special plated menu at Tenaya at Yosemite.

When it comes to accommodation in Yosemite, you can see options and book a place to stay here. If you want to save money, you can stay just outside the park gates. I've spent a night at Yosemite View Lodge and I loved its riverfront location and how close it was to the entrance. You can book a room here.

4. Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County

Another of my favorite fall destinations in California is San Luis Obispo County. From coastal spots like Avila Beach to inland areas like Paso Robles, there are plenty of exciting places to visit here during the harvest season.

Whether you're a culture vulture, a wine enthusiast, or a lover of the coast, SLO County has something for every visitor in fall. If you love history and old Hollywood glamor, Hearst Castle is a must. If vineyards are your thing, there are great places to sip and savor in Paso. And if you love sun and sand, Pismo Beach is just the spot.

Which is to say nothing of the area's local towns and cities. Cambria is a gem. From its delicious restaurants to its great shops and historic bars, there's a lot to love here. If you want something bigger, downtown Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo are just the destinations for you.

There are fun things going on here in the fall, too. The leaves on the vineyards turn brilliant colors, the harvest makes it a great time to visit local wineries, and pumpkin patches, apple picking, and scarecrow festivals take place throughout the county. Events like the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, Harvest Wine Month, and Pioneer Day are fun as well.

If you want more ideas, my itinerary for a long weekend on the Central Coast has lots of inspiration for you. From where to eat to what to do, it will show you how to make the most of your time in this part of the Golden State.

If you need a place to stay while you're visiting, I recommend the Inn at the Cove in Pismo Beach. I've had a great time calling this place home when I'm visiting the area. I love the decor of the rooms, the amazing Pacific Ocean views, and the sandy beach below the hotel. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

5. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is next on my list of the best fall destinations in California. With mild weather, famous beaches, and excellent seasonal events and festivals, LA has a lot going for it as summer transitions into winter.

There's plenty to get excited about in LA in fall. From Halloween pumpkin patches to Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown, Cinespia cemetery movie screenings, fall foliage in Descanso Gardens, and Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to events.

If you want get outdoors, there are great hikes in Los Angeles County. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are lots of options. They're ideal to do as the weather cools, as hiking here can be much more pleasant in the fall than in the hot summer months.

Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural attractions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums like The Broad and The Getty, and shopping streets like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Abbot Kinney in Venice.

Add to that the cool shops and restaurants in Downtown LA, the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the views from Griffith Observatory, and the world-class beaches, and you'll have no problem filling your time here. My Los Angeles itineraries can help if you want more ideas.

If LA sounds like your kind of getaway, you can book a place to stay here. My favorite is the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is known for its central location, stylish restaurant, and buzzing rooftop bar. When I stayed, I loved its hip vibe and fun atmosphere. If you want to do the same, you can book a room here.

6. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of my favorite places to go in Northern California in fall. This area numbers among the most beautiful destinations in the Golden State thanks to the changing leaves in its famous vineyards. I love coming here in harvest season because the scenery is stunning and the weather is cooler than in summer.

The majority of visitors come to Napa Valley in the fall for wine tasting tours, and for good reason. This part of Northern California's wine country is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and there are world-class wineries all throughout the area. Many host harvest dinners during the season, too.

There are other things to do in the region as well. From fine dining in Yountville (it’s home to famous restaurants like The French Laundry) to shopping in downtown Napa, hot air ballooning, and exploring Calistoga and St Helena, this place has a lot to offer. My Napa itineraries can show you more.

If you want to see fall foliage in Napa, try to time your trip for late October or November. You can see the best of it at vineyards along the Silverado Trail and Highway 29, in Yountville and Rutherford, on hikes in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and along the Oat Hill Mine Trail, and while cycling the Napa Valley Vine Trail.

If a wine country getaway during the harvest season sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Napa Valley here. My favorite place to stay in the area is Indian Springs. One of California's original spas, this historic Calistoga resort is made up of an eclectic collection of bungalows, cottages, and Mission Revival-style buildings.

I’ve stayed in one of the cottages, and I loved its sense of history. The spa was relaxing, too. They make this one of the most unique places to stay in California.

7. Oak Glen

Oak Glen is another of the best fall destinations in California. If you're looking for a place to see autumn leaves, this is one of the top spots in the whole of the Golden State. It's an easy day trip from Los Angeles, too.

Oak Glen is a small agricultural community in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It's composed of two valleys: Potato Canyon and Wilshire Creek Canyon. The area is 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, ensuring it experiences four distinct seasons.

That includes a spectacular autumnal one. Visitors flock here during the fall to see the changing leaves, which offer some of the best opportunities to see colorful foliage in California.

A highlight is a drive along Oak Glen Road, a scenic loop that covers a distance of 20 miles. Oak Glen lies within a 5-mile section of the road. This stretch goes alongside apple farms, restaurants, shops, hiking trails, bakeries, cideries, cafes, and historical landmarks.  

There are events taking place in Oak Glen throughout the harvest season, too. The Apple Butter Festival is a highlight of the fall here. There are also farms and orchards that offer pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and press-your-own cider. Classic corn mazes and petting zoos round out the scene.

If all that sounds good, you can book a hotel near Oak Glen here. There are lots of options in and around the San Bernardino Mountains.

8. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places to visit in California in fall. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and I've spent a lot of time in this part of the Golden State.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are popular for getting outdoors in the shoulder season, especially in September and October when the weather is still relatively warm during the day. If you want to see fall foliage, Hope Valley is just the spot. You can also see it on the Rainbow Trail, along Highway 50, at Fallen Leaf Lake, and in Emerald Bay State Park.

Later in the fall, early snowfall can make it a great place to hit the slopes on and around Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you go to Palisades, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, or elsewhere, there are lots of good options.

Beyond the pistes, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors throughout the fall. From the restaurants and shops in Tahoe City to the lakefront scenery and relaxing spas, there's something for everyone no matter the weather.

Some of the restaurants, hotels, and resorts around the lake offer special Thanksgiving feasts on the fourth Thursday in November as well. They're fun ways to meet other travelers and get into the seasonal spirit.

If that sounds like your kind of place to get away, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay at this time of year is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It's in a great location if you want to ski at the resort, and the village itself has an array of boutiques, shops, places to eat and drink, and seasonal entertainment. You can book a room here.

9. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is another of my favorite fall destinations in California. This coastal city in Southern California is known for its sunny weather, beaches, shopping, and luxury hotels. There's great food and wine here, too.

There's a lot going on in Santa Barbara in fall. At Halloween there's everything from the annual THRILLER flashmobs and family-friendly dance party to ghost tours, the Santa Barbara Halloween Bar Crawl, Boo at the Zoo, the Zombie Pub Crawl, and Fields of Funk.

Then comes Thanksgiving. From seasonal workshops to Thanksgiving wine tours, the events going on in and around the city will keep you entertained. On the actual day, there’s a Thanksgiving 4-Miler run and a Turkey Day Paddle on the water. The zoo is open, too.

If you're visiting Santa Barbara for 2 days or more outside the big holidays, there's still plenty to do. This is a year-round destination, and you can enjoy everything from the downtown and the coastal highlights to inland areas like the Santa Ynez Valley, the Santa Rita Hills, and the Santa Maria Valley.

The seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the delicious stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the mission, the beaches, the murals in the Funk Zone, and the fun boutiques are just a few more of the highlights.

If this sounds like your kind of getaway, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There are plenty of options throughout the city and surrounding county, from landmark hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and beyond. I love staying at El Encanto. This luxurious hilltop hotel is a real treat. You can book a room here.

10. Big Bear

Big Bear is one of my top picks for places to visit in Southern California in fall. Located near Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, this destination is popular with travelers seeking classic fall foliage, activities like fishing, and snow-driven adventure sports.

Right on Big Bear Lake, most visitors come here in the fall for the leaves. They're spectacular from mid-October to early November. From The Village itself to hikes like the Towne Trail, Castle Rock Trail, Aspen Grove Trail, and Pineknot Trail, there's no shortage of places to take it all in. Bluff Lake Reserve is a great spot, too.

Later in the season, many visitors come here to ski at resorts like Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. They're especially popular with families and beginners, as the slopes tend to be more gentle than in places like Mammoth and Tahoe.

Away from the foliage and pistes, there are plenty of popular activities to enjoy in Big Bear in fall. These include fishing, mountain biking, hiking, Segway tours, helicopter rides, ziplining, off-roading, and horseback riding. There's even an Oktoberfest event each year.

If you want to stay inside and out of the cold, Big Bear has spas, yoga, and other wellness activities on offer. There's fun dining and apres ski at the bars at the ski resorts and around Pine Knot Ave, too.

If that all sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book a place to stay in Big Bear here. My top pick is NP Boutique Lodge. The lodges and cabins here feature hip contemporary mountain design and rustic-chic decor. You can book one here.

11. Sonoma County

Sonoma County is another of my favorite fall destinations in California. I come here all the time, and I love how relaxed and beautiful it is in the harvest season. The weather is perfect, too.

Fall in Sonoma County is best known for wine tasting tours. My favorite places to go are Russian River for the Pinot Noirs and Dry Creek Valley for the Zinfandels. It's hard to go wrong here at this time of year, though. There are harvest dinners at local wineries as well.

Sonoma has a lot to offer beyond wine in the fall, too. You can shop and dine in places like downtown Healdsburg and Sonoma Plaza, explore Jack London Historic State Park and Mission San Francisco Solano, or go to annual events like the Fall Wine Trail, Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, Healdsburg Crush, and Oktoberfest at The Patch.

If you want to see fall colors, head to Spring Lake Regional Park or hike the Bay Area Ridge Trail in North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve. The vineyards in the area feature spectacular changing colors, too.

Over on the Pacific Ocean, the Sonoma Coast features beaches studded with iconic West Coast boulders and parks like Jenner Headlands Preserve, which features miles of hiking trails. The town of Bodega is famous for being a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds as well. My Sonoma itineraries can give you more ideas for things to do.

If this sounds like your kind of escape, you can book a place to stay in Sonoma County here. There are lots of options, from wine country hotels to vacation rentals and charming inns. My favorite is the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. Right near the plaza, this B&B has pretty guest rooms, good atmosphere, and refreshingly reasonable rates for the area. You can book a room here.

12. Death Valley

Death Valley National Park is next on my list of the best places to visit in California in fall. This famous below-sea-level basin is a land of extremes, and it's a popular autumnal travel destination.

The spot with the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth becomes a great place to travel as the scorching summer weather tapers off into cooler temperatures. By the end of fall it's downright pleasant here.

Death Valley is a popular place with travelers who want to get outdoors. The moon-like landscapes and dramatic mountains feel otherworldly, and it's a fun park to explore when the weather is mild and temperate.

There are plenty of famous spots to see in Death Valley. From Titus Canyon to the lowest point in North America at the salt flats in Badwater Basin, you're spoiled for choice. And that's to say nothing of hiking along Telescope Peak Trail and seeing Devil’s Golf Course and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Late fall is a great time to be here. The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the least crowded time of year in Death Valley, so it's the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the busy season.

If escaping to the desert as the weather cools appeals, you can book a place to stay in Death Valley here. There's a variety of accommodation, from camping to hotels and lodges. My top pick is The Inn at Death Valley. Established in 1927, it's located inside the national park and it has a spring-fed pool for guests to enjoy. You can book a room here.

13. Disneyland

In Orange County, Disneyland is next on my list of fall destinations in California. The Magic Kingdom and California Adventure are fun year-round, and harvest season can be a particularly good time to visit because crowds are fewer and temperatures are lower than in summer. Disneyland in early November is hard to beat.

The theme park steps things up at Halloween and in the run-up to the holiday season, too. Starting in early fall, the parks are decked out with pumpkins. From Downtown Disney to the Haunted Mansion, there are harvest displays and jack o'lanterns all around.

The festive period at Disneyland lasts from early November until early January, so there’s plenty of time to take in the holiday decorations and enjoy the celebrations, seasonal entertainment, and special events in late fall.

The Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure starts in mid-November, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland kicks off in fall. That means there's a lot to get excited about during the season. With special lights, Santa, fireworks, and more, this is a great time to visit Disneyland.

Both Disneyland and California Adventure are open on Thanksgiving Day, so you can even spend the official Turkey Day holiday celebrating with Mickey and friends.

If the theme park sounds like your kind of vacation, you can see a range of accommodation options and book here. My top pick for a place to stay at Disneyland in fall is the Disneyland Hotel. I've stayed here in November and I love how this classic property is so close to Downtown Disney and the entrances to Disneyland and California Adventure. You can book a room here.

14. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to visit in Northern California in fall. One of the most underrated places in the Golden State, it's worth a visit for its steaming fumaroles, mountain lakes, and dramatic volcanoes. The weather is perfect for hiking at this time of year, too.

Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park can admire the bubbling mud pots of Bumpass Hell, see the lava rocks in the Devastated Area, take in the views from the top of Lassen Peak Volcano, and hike along trails through forested areas and around lakes.

Fall is a great time to be here because roads like Lassen National Park Highway and paths like Lassen Peak, Brokeoff Mountain, and the Bumpass Hell Trail are usually open through October (and sometimes November). They're great places to explore before the snow starts in the winter.

If you like wildflowers, you can still see them in the first few weeks of fall. These beauties are at peak bloom in high elevation areas like Lassen Peak and Summit Lake between July and September.

While the park isn't known for fall foliage, there are still a few places to see changing leaves here. Manzanita Lake, Hat Meadow, Devastated Area, and the valleys in the Southwest Area all feature fall colors.

If this sounds like your idea of a fun vacation, you can book a place to stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park here. From camping and hotels to cabins and lodges, there are plenty of options. My top pick is the Village at Childs Meadow. An ideal place to base yourself while you're visiting, it has nice guest rooms featuring patios with views. You can book a room here.

15. San Diego

San Diego is another great fall destination in California. I've been coming here all my life, and I love its mix of sunny weather, surf culture, and great food.

San Diego is the ideal place for a California fall getaway if you love good weather and world-class beaches. From La Jolla to Del Mar and beyond, there are famous stretches of sand for surfing, sunbathing, swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding.

There's more to this part of Southern California than beaches, though. You can take a harbor cruise, do a tour or a bar crawl in the Gaslamp Quarter, paraglide in Torrey Pines, eat delicious Mexican food in Pacific Beach, go whale watching to see Humpback, minke, and fin whales, and shop pretty much anywhere.

For culture vultures, visiting Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, touring the USS Midway, and exploring institutions like the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park are musts. And if you love zoos, the San Diego Zoo is world famous.

There's a lot going on in San Diego during the fall, too. You can go to the annual Miramar Air Show, Pacific Beachfest, San Diego Beer Week, Fleet Week, Veterans Day events and parades, San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, and the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. On Thanksgiving there are Turkey Trots and feasts at places like the Hotel del Coronado.

If that all sounds good, you can book a place to stay in San Diego here. My favorite is the Andaz. This lifestyle boutique hotel in the historic Gaslamp Quarter is not only in a central location near the Balboa Theatre, but it also has a rooftop pool. When I stayed, I loved the decor, guest rooms, and atmosphere. You can book a room here.

16. Big Sur

Big Sur is next on my list of the best fall destinations in California. It's one of the most exciting places to travel in the Golden State because the natural beauty here is unparalleled. The coastal scenery draws visitors from all over the world, and there are great hotels and restaurants in the area.

Whether you want to hike in Andrew Molera State Park, settle in for a sunset dinner at Post Ranch Inn or Nepenthe, photograph the iconic Bixby Bridge, take in the views of McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, surf the waves, walk through the redwoods, or soak up the scenery, there are lots of ways to spend your time on this part of the Central Coast in fall.

If you need more inspiration, you can take a look at my Big Sur itinerary. It has all kinds of things to do and see along this iconic stretch of Highway 1. Just make sure to check for road closures before you plan your visit, as landslides can often cause damage on this part of the California coast.

If you want to, you can extend your trip and combine it with a visit to some equally famous places nearby. My Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey itinerary has lots of fall travel ideas for you. If you have more time, Santa Cruz and Capitola are just up the coast and they're easy to get to as well.

There are fun things to do in Big Sur in fall, too. The crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months, and you can spot whales off the coast. You can see the monarch butterflies at Andrew Molera State Park in October as well.

If this sounds like your kind of place to get away to, you can book accommodation in Big Sur here. Whether you want to go glamping, camping, or stay at a hotel in Big Sur, there's a range of options for every style and budget. I've stayed everywhere from Treebones Resort to Deetjen’s and Glen Oaks, and they’ve all been great.

17. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is another of the best fall destinations in California. This otherworldly part of the Golden State is beautiful in September, October and November, and there's no shortage of options for getting outdoors and into nature here this season.

There are lots of benefits to visiting Joshua Tree in fall. Chief among them is that the weather is more pleasant than in the hot summer season. Highs typically range from 70-85 degrees, and lows hover around 50.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Joshua Tree in fall as well. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and there's a variety of trails to choose from. They include the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, and Ryan Mountain. They're popular hikes, not to mention unique ways to discover Joshua Tree National Park.

You can also spot bighorn sheep on the Barker Dam Nature Trail, take a scenic drive along Geology Tour Road, and get a glimpse into the old west and the ruins of Wonderland Ranch on the Wall Street Mining Trail. If you're feeling adventurous, you can ride horses, rock climb, or take a guided tour.

If that all sounds good, you can book accommodation in Joshua Tree here. My top pick for a spot to call home-away-from-home here is Sacred Sands. This beautiful hotel has great views, and it's conveniently located near the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

You can also camp, but make sure to come prepared for chilly nights and mornings. Even when daytime temperatures are warm, Joshua Tree can get cold overnight. This is particularly true in the late fall.

18. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is another of the best places to visit in California in fall. This part of the Sierra Nevada is known for offering a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. You can do all kinds of adventure sports while you're vacationing here.

You can also visit the lakes in Mammoth (it's in the name, after all). From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the popular June Lake Loop, they show off the pristine natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.

If you want to see fall colors in Mammoth and other parts of Mono County and Inyo County, you're in luck. Rock Creek, Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop, Lundy Canyon, Bridgeport, Sonora Pass, Walker, and Coleville are ideal places to see the autumn leaves at their finest.

Leaves in Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, Virginia Lakes, and Green Creek usually turn color from mid-to-late September. Mammoth Lakes, McGee Creek, Bridgeport, Conway Summit, Sonora Pass, and Monitor Pass peak in late September. June Lake Loop, Lundy Canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, Convict Lake, and the West Walker River are at their best the first three weeks of October. Bishop goes strong into early November.

Beyond fall foliage, there's a lot going on in Mammoth in fall. Not only are the summer crowds gone, but there's great hiking and fishing. Add to that events like Bodie Ghost Walk Tours, the June Lake Jam Fest, the June Lake Autumn Beer Festival, and the Mammoth Lakes Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving, and there's lots to love.

If that all appeals, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I've stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I loved that it was located right in the heart of the area. If you want to do the same, you can book a room here.

19. Julian

Another of the best fall destinations in California is Julian. This 1870s gold country town in San Diego County is nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains. It's a great place to visit in the harvest season, as it's known for seasonal foods and leaf-peeping.

Julian is a great place to go apple picking or tuck into a slice of fresh apple pie. The former is a popular activity between late August/early September and mid-October. The latter is one of the most delicious ways to experience the local produce in this part of California.

If you like fall colors, you can watch the leaves turn at Lake Cuyamaca in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in early-to-mid November. You can also visit Palomar Mountain State Park or Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, both of which are great places to get outdoors in the area.

Beyond the seasonal entertainment, Julian offers gold mine tours, museums, and art galleries. There are independent shops, restaurants, and cafes throughout the town, too.

You can also go on a hayride, climb a rock wall, or taste local cider, wine, and beer. If you're into gold gush history, there are also self-guided historical walks you can do.

If that all sounds good, you can book a place to stay in Julian here. There's a variety of options for accommodation, including hotels and inns. My top pick is the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, an 1890s national historic landmark with lots of heritage charm. You can book a room here.

20. Halloween Hotspots

For a lot of people, fall is synonymous with Halloween. If you're one of them, there are plenty of places you can go in California. From cities with famous celebrations to theme parks with great events and towns with pumpkin patches, the Golden State has you covered.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Half Moon Bay is my top pick for places to get pumpkins. There are also great pumpkin patches everywhere from Sonora in Tuolumne County to Irvine and Salinas.

When it comes to theme parks, there's everything from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood to the Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Haunt and Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo.

And that's to say nothing of cities that love a good Halloween celebration. From big parties to trick-or-treating for kids, there’s a lot going on in Chico for Halloween. Highlights include ghost tours, haunted houses, concerts, family-friendly events, and Treat Street in downtown Chico.

In Sacramento, there are haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and pub crawls. In San Diego there are ghost tours, Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND, and more. In the Bay Area, there are haunted walking tours in San Jose. The famous Winchester Mystery House puts on spooky events for Halloween, too.

If you like decorations, Santa Cruz is hard to beat. Streets like Ocean View Avenue are packed with grand mansions built by wealthy Bay Area residents from bygone eras. The stretch between Broadway and Windham features front lawns with lots of Halloween decor.

21. Nevada City & Grass Valley

Nevada City and Grass Valley are also great fall destinations in California. From colorful foliage to Gold Rush-era buildings and great natural surroundings, these places are hard to beat from mid-October to mid-November each year.

In Nevada City, Nevada Street features trees like old sugar maples and American sweetgums that show off their seasonal hues in fall. They were planted by gold miners in the middle of the 19th century, and they're beautiful to behold in front of the road's historic facades.

Another place that's worth seeing is the Cascade Canal Trail, where you can see fall colors as you wander. Speaking of which, Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley has trails starting at the Gold Hill Drive Trailhead that show off the area's autumn leaves.

If you're visiting in September, Nevada City's Constitution Day Weekend is the oldest and largest Constitution observance in the western United States. Festivities include a parade, a concert, and reenactments. Don't miss the Gold Country Duck Race on Deer Creek, either.

If you're into Halloween, you're in luck. There's trick-or-treating in downtown Nevada City, local ghost tours, and pop-up events that bring this part of the Golden State to life on and around October 31st. If you're visiting over Thanksgiving weekend, you can enjoy local craft fairs, festivals, and celebrations.

If that all appeals, you can book accommodation in Nevada City here. There are plenty of options, including hotels, houses, cabins, and more. My top pick is Broad Street Inn. A family-owned guesthouse set in a 19th-century Victorian, it's right in Nevada City’s historic district. You can book a room here.

California Fall Map

Fall Destinations in California

I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best places to visit in California in fall, and that it's inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting destinations to discover, and harvest season is a great time to vacation here.

Beyond the places I mentioned, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, and Idyllwild are good places to see autumn leaves. Other fun spots to go in fall include Bass Lake, Apple Hill, and Temecula.

If you're visiting in another season, you can check out my blog posts about the best places to visit in California in winter, spring, and summer.

Find this helpful? Buy me a coffee!

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn't affect the way you shop, and it's a great way to support the California Wayfaring blog.

Pin it!