10 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Fresno
Although many Americans have their ears on summer destinations, fall is just the best time for pleasure and play. The weather is cooler, the crowds fewer, and the scenery enticingly bright and cheerful. Fortunately, there are a couple of fantastic fall destinations within three hours from Fresno, California, meaning you will arrive all fresh and fit, ready to taste what the jolly season serves. Make no mistake. It is a rich and yummy menu that includes some of America's most cherished national parks, including Yosemite. Here’s what to do: Pack a good camera, rev your engine, turn on the stereo, and explore the following ten unforgettable fall getaways from Fresno.
Morro Bay
You can come watch whales gliding in the waters of the world’s largest waterbody or see one of the most popular geological formations on the West Coast: Morro Rock. This relaxed, seaside town is about two and a half hours from Fresno, a driving distance of about 138 miles. California’s Wine Month enlivens the town every day in September, making taste buds celebrate the arrival of the season. The Annual Witches & Warlocks Paddle, which typically takes place at the tail end of October, is marked by residents donning witch costumes, paddling under the moonlight, and enjoying some spooky fun on the water. Other October events include the Morro Bay Maritime Family Fun Day, which takes place at the Morro Bay Maritime Museum, and the 5-day Morro Bay Maritime Festival. If you are pressed for time, a brief stroll on the Embarcadero, including outdoor dining overlooking Morro Bay, should be on the cards.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoias are evergreens; they don't change color. However, sequoias are not the only trees in this world-famous national park. If you visit in fall — and thanks to the many red dogwoods speckled about — you will find flashes of burnt orange and crimson blossoms, an awesome color spectacle one will want to live in forever. This is a 90-minute trip from Fresno or thereabout. So you will arrive fresh and energetic. Spend the day among the towering trees, feel like an ant among them, inhale the crisp fall air, and get wrapped in nature's warm embrace. Don't miss the General Sherman Tree, whose trunk holds more wood volume than any other tree on the planet. In the final minutes of daylight, head over to Wuksachi Lodge, located in the middle of a pine forest. You will feel abandoned in the Amazon. Luckily, you will be steps away from a bar, restaurant, and gift shop. The night will be dark and peaceful, the perfect environment for a deep, rejuvenating sleep. Once this is done, make your way back to Fresno in the morning.
R.A.M Farms
Looking for something short and sweet, head over to R.A.M Farms in Turlock. It is just over an hour from downtown Fresno, meaning it can make for a super quick getaway. While not offering an extensive range of U-pick options, pumpkin picking is at its finest here and draws crowds from all around the state. The pumpkin patch features at least 40 varieties of pumpkins, along with gourds and squash. Expect heirlooms, hybrids, and the typical orange carvers — in an event open seven days a week through Halloween. The most exciting part? One does not have to open her wallet. There's also a corn maze (at a small fee), which is perfect for those tagging children along. The trick is to ensure you have a map of the maze because you may not find your back without help. If you do not want to be corn-fused, consider opting for the Freaky Flashlight Nights, a spooky event that typically starts on Friday evening.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park shares a border with Sequoia National Park, meaning one can take both in a single trip. However, each deserves a special mention as what one offers is not exactly what its neighbor offers. For example, while Sequoia National Park is home to the largest tree on the planet, Kings features the deepest canyon in the United States. Kings also has General Grant, said to be the world's second-largest tree. Grant Grove, home to General Grant, is not the only fall attraction here. There is the canyon, which features peak fall colors, especially on warm days when the sun makes the yellow leaves glitter and glow. There is one advantage with Kings: It is often less crowded than the other big names, including Sequoia. Spots such as Cedar Grove, close to the South Fork of the Kings River, are nature at its most pristine. Even if you know stuff about the internet (and Artificial Intelligence), a visit to Kings Canyon National Park — as with Sequoia — is always quite a humbling experience. If coming from Fresno, you will be on the road for 90 minutes.
Mono Hot Springs
How about enjoying fall’s burst of color — in addition to a refreshing dip in a thermal hot spring that will leave you feeling energetic and rejuvenated? Mono Hot Springs is typically closed in winter because the snow makes the road impassable in most places. Early fall is particularly a good time to visit Mono Hot Springs since it is often less crowded (schools have reopened), and the weather is a tad cooler and, hence, suitable for outdoor activities. The main hot spring pools, located close to the San Joaquin River, offer a mix of hot water and warm water, which you will find soothing and refreshing. The springs are framed by rugged mountain scenery, curating an environment that is awe-inspiring in every aspect. Plus, the lush forests, while not known for an overly spectacular color show, contribute to the crisp fall air besides adding a layer of rustic charm to an already beautiful place. Spending the night? Mono Hot Springs Resort has rustic cabins and many other on-site amenities, including a spa. And of course, you can float down the nearby San Joaquin River. Mono Hot Springs is about two hours and thirty minutes from Fresno.
Hillcrest Tree Farm
First, Hillcrest Tree Farm is less than 30 minutes from Fresno, meaning someone in Fresno may get there on a whim. So, what earns it a spot here? They have a pumpkin patch just outside of Reedley, an event that draws visitors from Fresno and other nearby cities. You will enjoy hiking around the area, taking photos, and participating in a train ride. While this property has events at other times of the year, the pumpkin patch takes place all weekends in October from 10 to 5. Hillcrest Tree Farm also has train rides and hayrides. The train rides cost just 5 dollars one way, with hayride tickets coming at a dollar less. The pumpkin patch at Hillcrest Tree Farm is unique for the fact it does not feature ghosts or residents of unusual size, just “spicy pumpkins down on the 'ol farm.”
Hobbs Grove
If you are looking for a pumpkin patch with a bit of spooky fun, an experience that combines fun and fright, Hobbs Grove is what your doctor will recommend. The truth is, they are always dying to give you a scare. What they call “The Portal” involves groups investigating a paranormal event causing sleepless nights to residents of a small, backwoods town. You can opt for “The Forest,” however, where ghastly ghouls welcome participants into their eerie abode, a world of tangled trails, creepy shadows, and pitch darkness. There is the
Hobb’s Grove’s Haunted House as well, whose walls drown out the screams and gasps of victims. Just do not miss the hayrides. Spoiler alert: it does not take place in a well-lit environment but out in the dark and dreary countryside. Hobb’s Grove is just 20 miles from Fresno.
Yosemite National Park
Like Sequoia National Park, Yosemite is heavy on evergreens and, hence, is not known for heart-stirring color shows. However, that does not mean it is exclusively monochromatic. The Pacific dogwoods, big-leaf maples, and black oaks stage a good color show, especially around mid-October. Plus, fall weather is quite favorable and ideal for outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, including hiking. There is also the fact Yosemite is less crowded in fall, meaning you can have one of America's most treasured green spaces all to yourself. Attractions such as the Bridalveil Fall, although not at peak flow, are still impossibly arresting. If you love hiking, don't miss the Valley Loop Trail, for which you will need an exceptional camera. Fall is also a good time for wall climbing. Yosemite is about 60 miles from Fresno, an 80-minute drive.
Raisin Hell Ranch
Did you know that Raisin Hell Ranch in Madera has been voted as Central Valley’s most spine-chilling haunted attraction? If you cannot handle hair-raising episodes well, you will need a bit of nerve here. The good news is that your heart may skip a couple of beats but will not come to a standstill. The recommended lower age limit is 12 years. They have several shows, with the next one more terrifying than the previous one. Raisin Hell Ranch is typically open through Halloween night and focuses on a spooky range of haunted corn mazes, the kind you will hardly find elsewhere. Their themed pop culture mazes are quite an experience. Imagine being pursued by your beloved horror icons in an experience that can leave tiny droplets of sweat on your brow. Do you think you will have to make a tiring, four-hour trip for this? Raisin Hell Ranch is less than 20 minutes from Fresno.
Paso Robles
Rounding off this list is Paso Robles, a top-tier fall destination when the temperature starts to cool off and the grapes have fully matured. This is harvest season, meaning the wineries and vineyards lay a red carpet welcome to visitors from all corners of the United States. Other than sipping your way through the area — and enjoying heart-warming sunsets, a bike tour through the vineyards can be a fantastic alternative. Also, Paso Robles Horse Park is known to stage several events, including the one-of-a-kind Paso Pumpkins & Ponies in mid-October. There is the Light at Sensorio, an immersive walk-through experience that is increasingly getting attention. Just don't miss the Salinas Riverwalk, a paved, immaculately maintained trail that provides panoramic views of Paso Robles. Fresno to Paso Robles is just under two hours.
The Takeaway
In Fresno and wondering where to go leaf-peeping, attend a pumpkin patch, or just enjoy the outdoors when the weather is cool and crowds fewer? The highlighted destinations mean one thing: you will be spoilt for choice. You can go to Raisin Hell Ranch, just 20 minutes from Fresno, or make the two-hour trip to Paso Robles, depending on what floats your boat. One can focus on wine tastings and sunsets, pumpkin patches, or the great outdoors when the foliage dresses up in its best and brightest.
