The Best Small Towns In Southern California To Catch Fall Foliage
When you think of fall foliage, what comes to mind? If Southern California was your first thought, you’re probably from Arizona. Most Americans think of charming towns in Connecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, or the Midwest. Maybe Northern California’s state parks, but the land of beaches and palm trees? These days, when I hear foliage, I can’t help but think of comedian Jim Gaffigan and his bit on the subject. According to Gaffigan, “We think it’s beautiful… it’s the leaf’s hospice!” Surprising to some, there are actually some great spots in Southern California to see fall leaves (You’re not wrong, Arizonans! Though the heat may be getting to you), as if those Californians don’t have enough already!
We’ve scouted out the towns where you’ll not only find those fall colors you crave, but we’ve selected the ones that are less likely to be crawling with tourists. In fact, I’ve personally experienced fall in each of these towns. So, grab your pumpkin spiced latte and let’s drive into a big pile of fall-goodness! From sites to see, nature to experience and delicious cuisine and seasonal drinks to sample, let’s get our fall on with the seven best towns to experience fall foliage in Southern California.
Lake Arrowhead
It’s only 90 minutes or so from Los Angeles and Orange County respectively (depending on traffic), but it feels like a whole other world. Lake Arrowhead is located about a mile up in the San Bernardino Mountains and your trip up the winding highway 18 (aka Rim of the World Hwy) will expose you to beautiful fall colors the higher you climb and twinkling city lights at night.
The quaint little village is reminiscent of a Swiss chalet (if it was built by Disney) set on a comely lake with trees of cedar, oak and sugar and ponderosa pines. The best time to visit is October, not only for the colors, but for the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest in Waterfront Park on the weekends. The climate is typically sunny with highs in the 60s during the day. So, grab a cold beer and a Bavarian pretzel and enjoy some live music and an eyeful of lederhosen.
If you’re spending the night, the Lake Arrowhead Resort is a safe bet, with its 4-star accommodations and private beach access. There are also several charming bed and breakfasts, if that’s more your speed and of course there are plenty of homes and condos to rent.
The lake will likely be too cool for a dip in the fall, but you can go for a 45-minute cruise on the Arrowhead Queen and spot some celebrity lakefront homes. If you’re an able-bodied nature lover, don’t miss the hikes and pretty outlooks. If you’ve got the kids, consider the pumpkin patch at Santa’s Village. The sun does set around 6pm in the fall, so be sure to get all your daytime adventures in before then.
As far as eateries, Belgian Waffle Works is the perfect lakeside breakfast spot, and the Grill at Antler’s Inn won’t disappoint for dinner either.
Fallbrook
Located in north San Diego County, this small town is southwest of Temecula and east of Oceanside. Fallbrook is quite atypical for California. It feels like old town America. The winding Mission road leads into the town with access from the 76 and 15 freeways. You’ll go from busier adjacent mid-size cities to the country quickly.
Main Street offers cute little shops and a coffee house. It’s known colloquially as the Avocado Capital of the World and it’s home to the annual Avocado Festival, which draws large crowds in April every year. However, in recent years, because of drought conditions and rising water costs, many avocado farms have been converted to wineries. Most of the wineries host fun fall events. The Vineyard 1924 has an Octoberfest and a pumpkin patch. Monserate Vineyards and Winery offers a Fall Festival Date Night in October, as well as Grape Stomp events.
Fallbrook is full of nature and stunning vistas that will make one think they’re in Italy or the south of France. Sleeping Indian is the name of a road in Fallbrook, but it’s also a description of the view of the hills that look like a person sleeping on their back. There are some great hiking trails, including the Santa Margarita trail, which leads to one of the few wild rivers in the area. Here you’re bound to see lots of lovely colors in the changing season.
Fallbrook’s climate in October is still warm (as it is most of the year), so it won’t exactly feel like fall, but crank up the AC, put on a scarf and enjoy the views and the friendly people, as Fallbrook is officially known as the Friendly Village. Make sure to stop at Estrella’s restaurant for some great Mexican dishes and margaritas. There are two Estrella’s, one small, near town, just off east Mission road and a larger venue also off Mission on the south end (opposite end), further outside of town. There’s also 127 Social House on Main where you can cool off with local beers on tap and a Bavarian pretzel to put you in a fall mood.
Temecula
Heading out of Fallbrook to Temecula, one can go the back way through an area known to locals as De Luz, which is also the name of the road. This road snakes through some picturesque countryside along a nature preserve. In October one is bound to find a bounty of foliage. The trees are full of yellows, oranges, and reds. One might spot deer, bobcats and other wildlife on the ground and birds in the air, including hawks.
While Temecula isn’t exactly a small town, we’re taking you outside the hubbub of the mid-size city to why most visit Temecula, the area known as wine country. There are nearly fifty wineries in the region. Many of them have fun fall events. From harvest festivals to hayrides to pumpkin patches and hot air balloons, there are plenty of family and adult activities to raise fall spirits.
Just driving through wine country with the foliage, rolling hills and hanging grapes, you’ll start to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Some of the wineries offer excellent dining options and boutique hotels and B&Bs for overnights. Bottaia Winery is a gorgeous, Italian-styled vineyard, which should be on your must-list, with its charcuterie board bites, excellent wine selections, views and even a resort-like swimming pool in the warmer months.
Julian
Have you ever had a Julian pie? If not, head up to the little mountain town of Julian, located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in East County San Diego. Even if you’ve already had their pie, head up there anyway, it’s a great little getaway to kick off your autumn season right! This mountain town is packed with charm from its traditional country stores to its Victorian architecture. It’s also full of nature and endless views and hiking trails with plenty of fall foliage.
The Julian Café and Bakery is a must. Not just for their famous pies, but for their downhome cooking with fried chicken, chili, and many other scrumptious selections. Don’t miss the apple orchards for an old-fashioned picking experience and their fresh spiced cider. There are of course trails to hike and bike, but for a more relaxed experience, stroll down historic Main Street and browse the antique shops and unique clothing and jewelry, some of it made by locals.
The town is rich with gold rush history. Take the kids and head on over to Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine, where you and your family can take tours of the Julian Mining Company and even try your hand at panning for gold.
To discover more of Julian’s history, consider stopping by the Julian Town Hall and Visitor Center and don’t forget the Julian Pioneer Museum.
Finish off the day with a glass of apple wine at Volcan Mountain Winery and enjoy the mountain views and fall trees adorned with golden leaves.
Wrightwood
A delightful town in the San Gabriel Mountains, Wrightwood is located 6,000 feet up and offers skiing in the winter for all skill levels. However, it’s also a choice spot for a fall excursion. Once a Serrano Indian homestead, the community has preserved many of the old structures that will give one a glimpse of a distant world.
There are hiking trails, but for a more exhilarating way to see Wrightwood’s mountain and fall foliage views, consider a visit to Ziplines at Pacific Crest. The 300-foot high, 1,5000-foot-long course will take you through the hills and trees and let you see Wrightwood the way the eagle’s do.
There’s also a farmers market, orchards, and live music to experience. For those outdoor enthusiasts, consider a longer stay at a campsite near Jackson Lake for some fishing, hikes through the pines and starry night wonders at Mountain Oak Campground. Be aware of bears and wildlife and lock up that food!
Big Bear
Just up the road from Lake Arrowhead, get ready to be met this fall with shades of crimson, gold and copper and smell that crisp, pine mountain air in Big Bear. There’s the Big Bear Oktoberfest with its German traditions and free concerts at The Village. There’s even an annual mountain biking event in October, for a more active way to experience the season. After your biking and hiking adventures, consider joining the Bear Crawl, a fun pub crawl in The Village, which also serves as a fundraiser for wildlife conservation.
There’s a lot to do for active families from ziplines and Segway tours to alpine slides and go karts. Of course, there’s the lake with boating activities and fishing. But there’s also horseback riding, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to safely see the animals up close and helicopter tours for a bird’s eye view of all the fall colors, mountain, and shimmering lake views through Helicopter Big Bear.
There are plenty of accommodations from lodges, cabins, and rentals to suit couples and larger families. The Holiday Inn and Lodge is decent and relatively affordable. There are several restaurants worth trying from modestly priced breakfast fare at the Grizzly Manor Café to the more upmarket Peppercorn Grille with a delectable macadamia crusted halibut. Contrasting Big Bear with nearby Lake Arrowhead, I’d say Big Bear is the better, more affordable choice for active families. Lake Arrowhead offers a more upscale experience, better suited to couples.
Arcadia
Located 13 miles from downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley at the base of the mountains is Arcadia. This town might seem like an unusual choice for fall foliage, but it’s home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden where you’re guaranteed to see some pretty fall colors and take in the tranquil gardens. In October there’s even a pumpkin patch at the Arboretum.
Fall is a great time of year to tour the Queen Anne Cottage, a late 1800s estate and ranch. There’s also the Santa Anita Park for the Autumn Meet horse races and their Octoberfest event. While not directly in Arcadia, nearby San Marino boasts a must-visit café and gourmet market, Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations. The alfresco dining ambience oozes the charm of Pasadena old money, and the dishes, pastries, coffees, and ice teas are delicious.
Autumn in Southern California
Even sunny Southern California has great fall day trip locations and weekend getaways. We hope this list of 7 Southern California towns with fall foliage has put you in the mood to take a break from the beaches and palm trees or served to generate ideas for your next Cali fall vacation. So, grab some hot cider and start planning!
