9 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Long Beach
Why do you suppose fall is the perfect time to plan a trip? For one thing, cooler temperatures—combined with the signature transformation of golden leaves in the surrounding areas—create the perfect getaway spots. People have been living in what is today Long Beach, California, for over 10,000 years, so whether you are seeking peaceful lakes, scenic trails, or autumn festivals, this lush land has plenty of reasons to be on your must-visit list. The average vacationer is careful not only to consider the destination but also to ask the question: how far away is it? Thankfully, this coastal city is never far from anything. Long Beach is essentially a collection of small towns with gorgeous parks, lakes, and resorts that provide the perfect setting for a fall retreat. Grab a backpack and take a look at these spots—all within three hours of each other.
Lake Arrowhead
Less than two hours from Long Beach, Lake Arrowhead truly captures the fall vibe as the surrounding forest turns golden. The lake itself is quite peaceful during the fall months, perfect for a quiet picnic or a boat ride. As of this moment, Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest is scheduled every weekend from now until the end of October, complete with live music and traditional German fare. Hikers will also find the trails around Lake Arrowhead worth seeking out. Of course, one cannot go to Lake Arrowhead without a ride on the Lake Arrowhead Queen boat tours.
Oak Glen
Known for its apple orchards, Oak Glen transforms into a fall destination every year with U-pick apple farms and cider tastings. This small town is just over an hour and a half away from Long Beach and offers an annual Apple Harvest Festival that runs from September through November. Speaking of apples, visitors cannot come to Oak Glen without passing by the Los Rios Rancho, especially if they enjoy cider tasting and outdoor events. And when it comes to outdoors in general, the Oak Glen Preserve is also the best choice for hiking and nature walks.
Idyllwild
I-dill-wild is a two-hour drive from Long Beach and sits comfortably in the San Jacinto Mountains—perfect for hiking and checking out the popular Devil’s Slide and Suicide Rock trails. With invigorating mountain air and fall foliage that covers the surrounding pines and oaks, this beautiful town’s annual Harvest Festival draws visitors with local crafts, food vendors, and live music. This place has the unique privilege of hosting live music and theater performances at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, but your fall visit simply must include birdwatching in Foster Lake to truly enjoy the serenity of the natural landscape.
Big Bear Lake
If you do not mind a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Long Beach, Big Bear Lake is one of those destinations that cannot be overlooked. Especially lovely in the fall, this area is teeming with pine trees lining the lake, their leaves beginning to change color as one might quickly notice them reflecting off the water. This season creates a perfect setting for a mellow boat ride from the Alpine Pedal Path or just a brisk walk along this stunning lake’s edge. Also, timing is everything; it is important to note that Big Bear’s annual Fall Festival is held in September, featuring live entertainment, craft booths, and seasonal food vendors.
Julian
There are many perks that come with planning a trip to this historic mountain town. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Long Beach, known for its fall apple season, and enjoys a plethora of activities and breathtaking views. Julian has hiking trails at Volcan Mountain Preserve that also neighbors Apples and Art Orchards with views over Julian’s Valley. In the evenings, the clear skies there are perfect for stargazing—best enjoyed after a visit to Jess Martin County Park, where you can fully appreciate the changing of the seasons.
Temecula Valley
Known for its wineries, Temecula Valley transforms during fall with grape harvests and the annual Crush event, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings and harvest celebrations. A relatively short drive from Long Beach, Temecula’s mild autumn weather means you get the perfect vineyard tours, and if you are not afraid of heights, you can hop on a hot air balloon for an unforgettable view over the valley at sunrise. The Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival usually takes place in May, but shopping at Old Town Temecula and exploring the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve are definitely best enjoyed around this time of year.
Mount Baldy
If you are looking for slightly cooler temperatures, Mount Baldy (the nickname of Mount San Antonio) is a great fall getaway for anyone seeking those higher elevations. Using Mount Baldy Lodge as a starting point, the best way to enjoy the scenery is to visit Icehouse Canyon for a less strenuous but beautiful hike to see the pines. Of course, there is the option of taking the chairlift ride for some humbling mountain views, and the more physically fit among us would venture to hike the Mount Baldy Trail to the summit.
Solvang
Residents of Long Beach know that California is a premier wine-growing region, and Solvang is but one name that vindicates that position. A small Danish-inspired town that hosts its annual Fall Wine Walk and Harvest Festival in October, the fall weather is perfect for trying the town’s local wineries and bakeries. If you are looking for a European-style getaway, Solvang has its own vineyards, like Brave & Maiden Estate, open for tastings, and its half-timbered architecture and fall decorations give it a festive feel. Places like Creekside Open Space are best for a weekend stroll through the town’s shops and cafes.
Malibu Creek State Park
If your one-hour-long drive from Long Beach is meant to capture the changing of the seasons, then Malibu Creek State Park is the place to do it. This place provides you with a peaceful, natural retreat with oak woodlands that are the shutterbug’s dreamland. The park’s trails offer easy access to gorgeous hills, lakes, and creeks, including the Rock Pool and Century Lake. Fall is also a good time to visit the park’s popular filming locations, such as the Lucas McCain Ranch Set, which can quickly be reached on a gentle hike. The natural autumn air makes this particular destination easily one of the best choices to check out.
Exploring the natural landscape of a destination is the only real way to fully experience the season’s change. It is rather difficult to produce a similar result without getting on a bus or taking a car ride over to these natural and scenic places. Whether seeking quiet lakes, mountain views, apple festivals, or peaceful hikes through changing forests, each of these getaways provides its own unique way to enjoy autumn. Most people wait for winter or summer in anticipation, but it can be argued that moderate weather and the convenience that comes with it, aside from its beauty, is an advantage that this time of year has over its counterparts.
