These Small Towns In California Come Alive In The Fall

The most populous state of America has an abundance of elements that make the United States one of the most diverse countries in the world. Despite being a popular destination for beach escapes and sunny vacations, California's small Towns come alive with festive atmospheres, vibrant nature, and endless family fun. Read along to explore the cozy, vibrant side of the Golden State and plan your leaf-peeping route for this season. 

Placerville

State-renowned as an orchard hub and agricultural town, Placerville is a fall destination for those looking to get involved with nature and not just behold its vibrant colors. Pack your picnic baskets when you plan your visit to Placerville, and prepare to visit over 50 family-owned farms. Locals invest in the beauty of their town with fall events like the annual Oktoberfest, which brings out some of the best brews and beverages of the area, and the Art and Wine Festival, which showcases creativity and adds to the allure of Placerville’s most vibrant season. Apple Hill in Placerville is among the best locations to experience vibrant foliage while submerging in complementing atmospheres like pumpkin patches and gradient peachy sunsets. 

Mendocino

While many of the vibrant California towns that come alive in the fall are located amidst a forest-surrounded setting, Mendocino stands out as one of the best leaf-peeping destinations for its coastal setting along the waters of the North Pacific Ocean, Combining multiple atmospheres of small-town charm, pristine waterfront settings, and a vast array of colorful trees in one small town with a population of less 700 residents. There is no limit to the number of colorful tree species found in Mendocino and its many parks, ranging from Pine trees to California incense-cedar trees. Mendocino, however, is most famous for its gigantic Redwood trees that reach for the clouds and add a distinctive green backdrop to the colorful foliage. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Headlands State Park and boarding the Pudding Creek Express for a 7-mile train ride make up some of the best leaf-peeping experiences in Mendocino.

Tahoe City

There is never a wrong time to visit Tahoe and its vast national forest. However, fall is the best season to catch Tahoe City at its most lively natural state, covered in green, yellow, orange, and red colors complimenting its quirky small-town atmosphere. The unincorporated town in Place County is built around the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. It offers endless outdoor exploration opportunities for those seeking to take things beyond leaf-peeping. Get active during your fall visit and climb the Tahoe Via Ferrata for high-altitude views of the area, Kayak and Paddle Lake Tahoe surrounded by the rugged tree-covered landscapes of Dollar Point, Blackwood Canyon Sno-Park with views of Nevada’s Crystal Bay, and hike Palisades Tahoe Trails located 7 mi away from Tahoe City as you indulge in the untouched nature, and cool breeze with whims fresh pine essences. 

Nevada City 

Adding to the rugged, outdoor-centric California towns to visit this fall season, Nevada City is a picturesque vintage-themed small and remnants of the Gold Rush era. Nevada City is home to some of the best fall views in the region, as its Grass Valley makes almost every list of the best fall destinations in California. Sitting in the Sierra Mountain Foothills at an altitude of 2,500 feet, Nevada City’s peak vibrant foliage season begins in September and peaks in mid-October. It can be enjoyed even though just cruising its neighborhoods and highways. Embark on a self-guided foliage tour enhanced with Victorian architecture, starting at Nevada City’s Main Street and its Maple, Ash, and Birch Trees, then make your way down to Union and Spring Street to encounter a variety of tree species, including Dogwood, Ailanthus Altissima, and more. 

Idyllwild 

Idyllwild is a go-to destination for outdoor adventurers, offering endless opportunities for hiking and camping midst in the heart of California’s exhilarating nature. Deer Springs Trailhead hiking path and  Devil’s Slide Trail will enhance your experience, adding a moderate challenge to things. Idyllwild is also an artistic colony boasting a range of local galleries that give visitors more to explore. Art in The Park is among some of the best depictions of the town’s artsy and nature-rich balance, an exhibition that takes place six times a year, with the first week of September being the closest to the fall season as the expo gets. 

Bishop 

The fall season in The Eastern Sierra region is one of the most beautiful seasons, as tree-covered valleys and hills complement the mountainous backdrops like the vistas found on Mount Glen Campgrounds. Locals of the Sieera region are exceptionally passionate about their fall colors and have dedicated themselves to finding the best colors throughout the season, ranging from local tour guides to Instagram pages. However, it’s not only locals that are seasonally thrilled by the Fall in Bishop and its surrounding communities, as the town attracts thousands of passionate nature lovers from all over the world to embrace the change and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Bishop Creek, located 9.6 mi northeast of the town’s center, along with Lake Sabrina, another 9 mi away, offers some of the best leaf-peeping vistas. 

Ojai

Ojai is typically beautiful from October through November, peaking slightly later than other towns on this list. The town sits in the Topatopa Mountains and is known statewide as a retreat town and an artistic community. Ojai Valley and the high point of Ventura River Preserve are some of the best places to catch views of the scenic foliage in Ojai. The Pink Moment, known to be a magic-like experience, attracts thousands of visitors to Ojai year-round. However, paired with the vibrant colors of the trees in Ojai Valley, the phenomenal moment becomes an unforgettable peachy orange atmosphere.

Big Bear Lake 

Finally, wrapping up the list is Big Bear Lake, which offers a well-rounded experience of every element that makes autumn a heartwarming, cozy season, from community events like the Oktoberfest and The Village Music event that offers free Reggae and Country music to activity-based events for collective family fun like the Action Tours Pumpkin Smash and more. Big Bear Lake stands out as the ultimate fall destination in California, which can almost entirely be attributed to its diverse geographical location sitting 100 mi northeast of Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake comes alive in the fall with its surrounding Bernardino National Forest and is known as a year-round resort destination. Still, it is more popular in the winter, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall foliage in a calmer ambiance.

Embrace the Fall Splendor in California's Small Towns

With its vast land size, the Golden State undoubtedly has everything, from clearwater beaches to rocky mountains and lush forests. Now, with another reason to pack your bags and head out to explore California’s small gems in the fall, choose between different atmospheres and make this fall one to remember.