10 Top Places to Visit in California this Fall

When fall hits the scene, California's small towns are the perfect locales for seasonal escapades that will rival any Hallmark movie. These towns are not just great for pumpkin spice lattes, but they are also home to golden leaves crunching underfoot, the sweet aroma of freshly picked apples wafting through the air, and vibrant harvest festivals celebrating the bounty of the season. The crisp air beckons you outdoors, where hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping become daily rituals.

Picture the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to some of the tallest peaks in the contiguous U.S., decked out in a vibrant cloak of fall colors. How about The Central Valley alive with activity, creating a stunning contrast with golden vineyards and orchards bursting with ripe fruit waiting to be picked? No matter what you have in mind for your fall adventures, these ten small towns in California are ready to embrace you with open arms and plenty of autumn flair.

Julian

Apple picking is certainly not just for children. It is educational and exciting for families and romantic for couples, so why not make it a focal point of your fall travels? Julian, a well-kept secret just an hour east of San Diego, morphs into a veritable autumn playground come fall. Famous for its apple orchards, this charming town is the host of the Julian Apple Season Celebration, where pie-eating contests and live music create a delightful atmosphere. Beyond the festivities, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park beckons just nine miles from town with hiking trails that display a kaleidoscope of fall colors, perfect for those wanting to stretch their legs and soak in the scenery. The Stonewall Peak Trail leads to panoramic views of the vibrant foliage that will leave any nature lover in awe.

Although no matter where you are in town, all you have to do is gaze into the distance and be mesmerized by the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer and various bird species, adding to the town’s autumn allure. As night falls, Julian’s clear skies provide a canvas for stargazers, making for an enchanting end to a day of exploration.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of the best parts about autumn is trading bustling crowds for a peaceful retreat while the weather is just right. Carmel-by-the-Sea is your ticket to autumn tranquility. This coastal gem welcomes you to breathtaking ocean views and dramatic cliffs along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Fall is the perfect time for leisurely walks on Carmel Beach, where fewer visitors allow you to truly savor the sound of waves and the crisp ocean air.

For those who crave adventure, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve features trails that wind through stunning coastal landscapes adorned in brilliant colors. The Carmel Mission is where you can find a touch of history. Although its gardens are beautiful any time of year, the fall foliage adds a special touch to the historic structure and is perfect for the ultimate social media post to round off your visit. Additionally, the famed 17-Mile Drive is a must-see, where breathtaking vistas provide more perfect photo opportunities.

South Lake Tahoe

There are few places that can compete with the picture-perfect aesthetic of Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. Every year, fall paints the landscape of South Lake Tahoe with a palette of vibrant colors. The lake's clear blue waters reflect the breathtaking hues of the surrounding foliage, creating a photographer’s dream come true. Hiking trails, such as the Eagle Lake Trail, which is less than thirty minutes away, lead to jaw-dropping vistas that make every step you take exploring the southern end of the lake well worth it.

Picnicking in one of the area’s parks, like Van Sickle Bi-State Park just outside of town, allows you to enjoy the natural beauty while savoring seasonal treats. Not to mention, El Dorado Beach, typically bustling in summer, becomes a relaxing and quiet escape during the fall, perfect for a serene day by the water. Lastly, autumn is also the best time to spot wildlife, as bears and deer prepare for the winter months, making each hike an adventure.

Nevada City

Nevada City, located at the feet of the Sierra Nevada, is a town where autumn does not just come; it bursts forth in an explosion of colors. Deer Creek and Little Deer Creek run right through the heart of the town and invite visitors to fish and picnic along their banks, turning every trip into a little adventure surrounded by nature. Pioneer Park, a local favorite, is also perfect for picnics surrounded by the autumn leaves.

The downtown area is full of well-preserved 19th-century architecture, creating a beautiful atmosphere for leisurely morning strolls in the crisp fall air. For those looking for a more intense stretch of the legs, the Cascade Canal Trail, which is three miles from the heart of town, is popular for walking and cycling, especially during fall when the air is crisp and the views are mesmerizing. However, the best part of town to explore in the fall is the Nisenan Tribute Spot. There, you can find some of the best views of the season's colors while traveling across bridges hanging over creeks and ponds, fully immersing yourself in nature.

Sonoma

If rolling hills and vineyards are your idea of paradise, Sonoma is calling your name. Most known for its bountiful wine country, fall changes the landscape into a canvas of brilliant reds and golden yellows. The Sonoma Plaza, with its tree-lined streets, provides an excellent setting for an afternoon walk in the autumn weather, making it easy to enjoy the cool air and beautiful surroundings.

Jack London State Historic Park, less than ten miles away, is home to trails that cut through oak woodlands and vineyards, perfect for those who want to experience the wonders of nature up close and personal. Also, a scenic drive through the countryside will grant you captivating vistas that are simply unmatched in the fall. Each October, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair celebrates local agriculture, showcasing seasonal produce and fun activities that are fun for the whole family. Be sure to snag a commemorative bottle of wine to remember your time in Sonoma. Sonoma is an autumn destination that promises both beauty and a taste of the good life.

Big Bear Lake

Ready for a mountain getaway? Big Bear Lake is where autumn shines through with towering trees and tranquil waters. Resting in the San Bernardino Mountains, this area is exactly what is needed for anyone who appreciates nature. The changing leaves reflected in the lake are part of what makes the season the best time of year to visit. Fall brings the chance to hike trails like Castle Rock Trail, accessible by a ten-minute drive on Big Bear Blvd, without the heat or clouds of pollen. Pine Knot Park is another lovely spot for enjoying the fresh mountain air and the brilliant fall colors surrounding you. Whether you are taking the dog for a walk or hosting a family picnic, this is one of the best spots in town.

Lake activities, such as kayaking and fishing, are still popular during this time, so you do not have to worry about missing out on the chance to enjoy some fun on the water. Additionally, the forests around Big Bear are teeming with wildlife, including playful squirrels and migrating birds, so if watching for animals is a favored pastime for yours, then this town is perfect. Also, going for a drive around the lake reveals even more of the stunning autumn landscapes, making Big Bear Lake a top destination in the fall.

Oakhurst

Oakhurst is situated fourteen miles south of Yosemite National Park and is never more beautiful than when fall sweeps through and transforms the land into a wonderland of awe-inspiring hues. As the trees don their autumn attire, the landscape bursts into a riot of colors that no photo or painting could hope to truly capture. Bass Lake, just outside of town, offers a serene setting for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Imagine casting a line while surrounded by the fiery hues of fall foliage with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, adding drama to every photograph.

Local parks like Oakhurst Community Park serve as great picnic spots, allowing visitors to enjoy the great outdoors near their accommodations. Wildlife sightings increase this time of year, with deer and black bears preparing for winter. Finally, if you do not already have enough reasons to set your season’s travel plans for this town, then how about the annual Oakhurst Fall Festival? The town celebrates the arrival of cooler weather with carnival rides, mountains of food, and live music, making it the perfect time to visit.

Grass Valley

The town of Grass Valley sits just outside of the Empire Mine State Park. As the trees shed their summer green for fiery fall colors, the historic downtown area becomes a haven for fall foliage chasers. The nearby South Yuba River State Park, twelve miles from town, is where you can find some of the most scenic trails in the state that beckon hikers eager to experience the season’s transformation up close.

Empire Mine State Park itself showcases well-tended gardens and trails that are perfect for exploration, with picturesque views around every corner. If you enjoy the calm beauty of watching animals go undisturbed in their natural habitat, then you will get a kick out of the area around Grass Valley. You can often spot deer, several species of birds, and even the occasional black bear for which the state flag was inspired. Of course, local parks such as Condon Park also give you great spots for picnics and walks, surrounded by the fall colors and squirrels and chipmunks dashing to and fro gathering fallen nuts.

Ferndale

The beautiful town of Ferndale might just be the perfect spot for your autumn escape. Here, Victorian elegance meets golden leaves that you have to see to believe. As the weather cools, the town’s historic architecture glows against a backdrop of vibrant fall colors, making every stroll feel like a page from a storybook. Ferndale's annual Spooktacular Halloween Family Festival is an experience your children will thank you for and beg you every year to repeat. It showcases everything from pumpkin carving contests and creepy mazes to fresh apple cider. The festival is the perfect family bonding opportunity.

Plus, the crisp fall air makes picnicking in the charming local parks an absolute delight. Ferndale Community Park is family-friendly, with ample space for games and relaxation. It is the perfect spot to take in the crisp autumn air, maybe even with a blanket and a good book.

Ojai

The Ojai Valley is famed for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, but come to fall, the view becomes a spectacular canvas of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and sunny yellows. Nature lovers will revel in the chance to explore the numerous hiking trails accessible just twenty minutes from town in the Los Padres National Forest, where trails like the Shelf Road Trail offer sweeping views of the valley against a backdrop of golden foliage. The Ojai Meadows Preserve is a perfect location for birdwatching or enjoying a peaceful picnic. The fall months bring a flurry of local wildlife activity, from migratory birds, ducks, and little rabbits to the occasional deer wandering by.

In November, the Ojai Olive Oil Company hosts the Harvest & Milling Season celebration, where they begin turning the year's olives into olive oil, and you can even bring your own olives. Picture yourself sampling fresh-baked bread drizzled with golden oil, all while learning about the art of olive cultivation. This sensory experience is an excellent way to connect with Ojai’s agricultural roots while savoring the flavors of the season. Finally, you simply can not miss Ojai's iconic pink moments when the Topatopa Mountains blush at dusk, and although a sight to see throughout the year, nothing can compare to this experience during the autumn months.

California's small towns emerge as the ultimate fall destinations, each offering a slice of autumn magic that’s hard to resist. From the vibrant orchards of Ojai to the charming streets of Sonoma, these towns showcase nature’s artistry in full display. They become wonderlands for outdoor enthusiasts, animal lovers, and foodies alike, all eager to soak up the season's splendor. Seasonal festivals celebrate local harvests, filling the air with the aroma of fresh produce and baked goods, while picturesque landscapes invite strolls and adventurous hikes. Each town tells its own story through its history, local culture, and natural beauty, making them perfect for weekend getaways or longer retreats.