12 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Los Angeles

When Los Angeles comes to mind, this iconic US West Coast city evokes dreams of an “endless summer” full of sunny skies, mild weather, beautiful beaches, and Mediterranean scenery. Indeed, LA does experience fall and winter differently from most of the rest of the country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some epic fall colors and all-around autumn vibes in Southern California. Within a three-hour drive of Los Angeles, you can actually reach just about every kind of landscape—from dramatic deserts to mighty mountain peaks. LA is surprisingly close to some wildly underrated fall foliage hotspots, yet it’s also a great place to hit the beaches and enjoy a more secluded experience. Whatever you’re hoping to see and do during the fall, you can probably do it in SoCal, especially when you visit these 12 unforgettable fall getaways from Los Angeles.

Angeles National Forest

For towering mountains, exceptional fall foliage, and even the first drop of winter snow, you don’t even have to leave Los Angeles County. Nestled directly to the north of the San Gabriel Valley, Angeles National Forest truly functions as LA’s 700,000-acre alpine oasis. Here is where you’ll find the 10,064-foot-tall Mount San Antonio — which is often called Mount Baldy due to the lack of trees near its summit — and the 10-mile-long Mount Baldy Notch Trail that’s great for experienced hikers who crave the ultimate high-altitude adventure.

For another epic hike, try the Ontario Peak Trail for a 12-mile-long loop up and down the 8,696-foot-tall Mount Ontario and through the gorgeous Cucamonga Wilderness that abounds in conifer trees like ponderosa, Jeffrey, and Douglas fir pines, as well as native animals like deer, bears, mountain lions, and Nelson bighorn sheep. And when you feel like some different scenery, head to Devil’s Punchbowl to discover a canyon that plunges 300 feet deep, along with unique high desert landscapes and trails well-suited for family hikes and horseback riding.

Joshua Tree National Park

During the summer months, Joshua Tree gets plenty of heat, especially at lower elevations. But in autumn, the weather becomes much more comfortable, allowing for leisurely visit and engagement in all sorts of recreational activities at Joshua Tree National Park. This park — about 135 miles east of LA — has miles of trails for hiking, including the epic trails of the Black Rock Area that wander through Joshua tree forests and provide magnificent views of the San Bernardino Mountains and various desert landscapes. Joshua Tree is also great for climbers, as the park has over 8,000 routes open for rock climbing.

If you like roughing it in the wilderness, then you may delight in Joshua Tree’s multiple on-site campgrounds, which can be booked up to six months in advance. In particular, the Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds have water and flush toilets available, while Jumbo Rocks and Ryan have fewer amenities. If you prefer a more posh desert getaway, Palm Springs is a short drive away. In town, you can enjoy more luxurious accommodations at chic hotels like the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs and the Renaissance Palm Springs.

Santa Barbara

Located a couple hours northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara has long served as an easy, breezy coastal getaway for weary LA locals. Once the summertime tourists head home and the temperatures start to cool, Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches look and feel more like wide-open spaces for you to roam and enjoy. If you prefer a convenient walk (or bike ride) to the beach from downtown, then East Beach is within very easy reach. For a more secluded stretch of sand, Arroyo Burro Beach (aka Hendry's Beach) has great water for surfing, a beautiful wetland area for birdwatching, barbeque grills and picnic tables on site, equestrian trails, and even a restaurant on site (Boathouse).

Beyond the beaches, Santa Barbara has plenty more to captivate all the senses. Take advantage of fall harvest season by perusing the fresh selections at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, and savor some of the city’s coolest food stands and micro-restaurants at the Santa Barbara Public Market food hall. For some funkier experiences, go to the Funk Zone near Stearns Wharf to explore the town’s most cutting-edge art galleries, boutique wineries, surf shops, and plenty more. And whenever you’re ready to turn in for the night, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the Harbor House Inn near the harbor or the Hotel Californian in the Funk Zone.

Los Alamos

Speaking of fall harvest season, Los Alamos is the perfect place to enjoy some real California-style farm-to-table flavors. Situated northwest of Santa Barbara and about three hours from LA, Los Alamos has gradually gained a reputation as “Little LA” thanks to its wealth of edible (and drinkable) treasures. Not only is Los Alamos home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Bell’s that sources 90% of its ingredients from local farms, but it’s also where you’ll find Full of Life Flatbread and Pico Los Alamos with its continually changing seasonal menu showcasing local farms’ finest bounties.

After eating your way through Los Alamos, you can burn off all that energy by perusing the town’s fine selection of antique stores. Los Alamos is also within easy reach of epic outdoor adventures like the Gaviota Wind Caves for a unique collection of wind-sculpted caves, and the nearby Los Flores Ranch Park for prime hiking, biking, birdwatching, and even ATV riding. And if you feel like staying longer in town, the Alamo Motel is a wonderfully renovated boutique hotel that’s within walking distance from many of Los Alamos’ best restaurants and shops.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad is another Southern California beach town (about 95 miles south of LA) that fills to the brim with summer tourists, so fall is a great time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the more chill vibes out here. The north beaches are easily accessible from Carlsbad Village, while South Carlsbad State Beach is great for surfing, swimming, fishing, and even camping. For more exploring on dry land, hit the Hosp Grove Trails, where you can wind your way through fragrant eucalyptus groves and hike uphill to catch breathtaking views of the Buena Vista Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. And on the southern end of town, Batiquitos Lagoon offers prime opportunities to spot rare and endangered birds like the Snowy Plover, the California Least Tern, and the Clapper Rail.

If you’re looking for family-friendly festivities, fall is a great time to take advantage of the thinner crowds and enjoy the (Halloween and Thanksgiving) seasonal offerings and the year-round attractions and rides at Legoland California. For a fully immersive Legoland experience, you can even book a room at one of Legoland’s two on-site hotels. Or, for a luxe spa resort getaway, the Park Hyatt Aviara has a full-service Miraval spa, the Arnold Palmer-designed Aviara Golf Club, and gorgeous grounds offering panoramic mountain, lagoon, and ocean views.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach may only be about 60 miles south of Los Angeles, yet the natural beauty, the artistic fervor, and the soothing vibes make this beach town feel a world away. While tourists flock to Laguna en masse every summer for ample fun in the sun, this is also a great place to fall in love with autumn’s finest delights. Because Laguna is blessed with lots of protected park land, it’s easy to head out, take a hike, ride your bike, and even catch some dazzling fall foliage amongst the willow and sycamore groves at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. In addition, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park offer plenty of hiking and biking trails with amazing coastal views.

Though most of Laguna’s famed art festivals only open during the summer season, the Laguna Art Museum is open year-round, and it offers a fun mix of permanent collections, seasonal exhibits, and events that provide a deeper understanding of the art on display. In addition, the Sawdust Festival opens in November for its Winter Fantasy weekends full of goods from local artists that make great holiday gifts. For a longer stay in Laguna, the nearby Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are perfect for glamping, while the five-star Montage Laguna Beach resort is ideal for the ultimate staycation splurge.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake may be a little more than 100 miles east of LA in the San Bernardino Mountains, yet its altitude — about 6,750 feet — lets travelers rise above the hustle and bustle of city life in the valley below. It also helps that Big Bear’s incredible natural landscapes really lends itself to wondrous fall scenery as the local groves of aspens, maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees change colors. Even if you stroll or drive into The Village, you can spot some gorgeous fall colors. But if you seek a more active adventure, the Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk, the Castle Rock Trail, and the Aspen Grove Trail are great options for extra scenic hiking excursions.

For additional opportunities to take in all of Big Bear’s majestic autumn scenery, try a zipline tour that lets you run up to 35 miles per hour high above the ground. Or for a calmer experience, hop on a tour boat for a relaxing cruise along the lake while taking in magnificent panoramic views of the mountains. And whenever you’re ready to turn in for the night, Snow Lake Lodge offers spacious condo-style suites with full kitchens, and Robinhood Resort sports a convenient location across the street from the lake in the heart of The Village.

Morro Bay

About 200 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Morro Bay offers a different kind of California coastal experience. Sure, Morro Rock Beach offers picturesque views of the 581-foot-tall Morro Rock, a California Historical Landmark that was formed from the plug of a 23-million-year-old extinct volcano. Yet at the same time, you can also enjoy some exceptional birdwatching at Morro Rock, especially if you’re into spotting peregrine falcons. And at the nearby Morro Bay State Park, you can take your pick of recreational activities like kayaking, hiking, fishing, and learning more about this unique region at the on-site Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History.

Whenever you’re ready to explore more in town, Morro Bay really knows how to get festive. In early November, Morro Bay Art Association kicks off its Winter Faire & Craft Show featuring a treasure trove of fine art from artists up and down the Central Coast. Fall is also a great time to sample Morro Bay’s homegrown culinary bounty, from the freshest local seafood at Dutchman’s Seafood House to farm-fresh and vegan-friendly delights at Shine Cafe. And whenever it’s time to kick back and chill for the night, Anderson Inn and the Inn at Rose’s Landing offer warm and cozy accommodations within easy reach of Morro Rock and the downtown village.

Ventura

Just about 70 miles west of LA, Ventura offers quite the easy, breezy autumn getaway. Though fall brings cooler weather to the region, it’s usually still warm enough to play at the beach. The Ventura Pier may be the ideal launchpad for your beach excursions. This wooden pier is California’s oldest standing pier (since 1872), and it connects to the promenade that links up more of Ventura’s great beaches. West of the pier, C Street (or California Street) and Surfers Point offer some of Southern California’s best point breaks for phenomenal surfing. Southeast of the pier, you’ll make your way to San Buenaventura State Beach, a lovely park full of wild sand dunes, a natural lagoon, a beach with calm water for swimming, and The Jolly Oyster that’s open every weekend for shuck-your-own (or kitchen-prepared) sustainable seafood.

If you’re up for even more incredible outdoor adventures, Ventura is the easiest point to reach Channel Islands National Park, as the official visitor center is actually located in town, and boats regularly set sail from Ventura Harbor to the islands. Should you decide to settle in for the night, the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is located right by C Street Beach, while the historic Pierpont Inn has been welcoming and caring for guests since 1910.

Ojai

There’s never really a bad time to visit this beautifully charming village that’s about 85 miles northwest of LA. Named for the Chumash word for “moon” (although some sources suggest it comes from an indigenous word for "nest"), Ojai certainly provides a warm welcome to visitors, especially at local farm-to-table establishments like Rory’s Place and The Nest of Ojai that let you savor their creative takes on seasonally harvested goods. For tasty adult beverages, Topa Mountain Winery offers great local wines and a spectacularly scenic tasting room, and Ojai Valley Brewery specializes in beers featuring botanicals harvested from local farms.

After tasting your way through Ojai’s local bounty, enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride along the trails through the Topatopa Mountains at Los Padres National Forest. While Los Padres has multiple campsites available for you to experience the ultimate all-natural escape, if you prefer a place with plenty more creature comforts, you can also enjoy a serene and luxurious stay at the chic Ojai Valley Inn.

Running Springs

Running Springs is a solid option for a cool mountain escape. Just about 85 miles east of LA, Running Springs sits just over 6,000 feet above sea level, and it offers a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities, including a host of mountain biking trails suitable for riders at all levels, and several lovely hiking trails. Green Valley Lake is the highest of the region’s lakes (about 7,000 feet above sea level), and it’s always well-stocked for great fishing.

If you’re having a hard time waiting for winter sports season to begin, you may be in luck, as the nearby slopes of Snow Valley (at Big Bear Mountain Resort) may be open, dependent on the weather, for skiing and snowboarding. And no matter what you’re hoping to do at Running Springs, you’ll find a nice selection of vacation rental lodges and cabins to enjoy your cool weekend in the mountains.

San Luis Obispo

Sitting around 190 miles northwest of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo fully embraces the “SLO” life. Not only has SLO become the popular acronym for San Luis Obispo, but it also succinctly describes the city’s (and larger region’s) more relaxed and slow-paced ethos for living. Head to the farm stand at Brookshire Farms to savor the freshest fall flavors. Try Avila Valley Barn for their own fresh produce alongside delectable homemade pies from the bakery and the petting zoo that’s fun for the whole family.

From the Avila Valley Barn, it’s a short drive to See Canyon Road for great fall foliage, and the full drive up to Prefumo Canyon Scenic Overlook is totally worthwhile for even more dazzling fall colors and panoramic coastal views. Find more adventures at the Bowden Ranch and Reservoir Canyon Trail, offering over five miles of hiking through lovely oak and eucalyptus groves and scenic waterfall and mountain views. Once you’re finally ready to retire for the night, the Madonna Inn provides a uniquely charming atmosphere and a convenient location by the US Route 101, while the Hotel Cerro offers a central downtown location and a full-service luxury hotel experience with its on-site spa and Oak Grill restaurant.

The Final Word

Though Los Angeles isn’t usually thought of as a cool fall destination, it’s actually quite easy to escape to a variety of beautiful autumnal wonderlands. From high-altitude adventures at Big Bear and Running Springs to chill beach town vibes in Carlsbad and Laguna Beach, there’s no shortage of options for fun fall getaways. Whether you want an artsy escape to Santa Barbara, a wealth of tasty treasures in San Luis Obispo, or a colorful weekend at Joshua Tree, these 12 unforgettable fall getaways from Los Angeles are sure to delight.