The Best Fall Getaways in California
Planning a fall getaway in California? From fall foliage in the mountains to warm weather on the coast, fall in California is one of the best times to visit!
The beautiful varieties of terrain throughout the state result in a drastic difference in weather between regions. San Francisco peaks in October with warm, summer-like weather, while the trees in the Eastern Sierras glow red, orange, and yellow.
I love the fall in California because there are fewer crowds, the weather is still nice, and some areas get vibrant fall colors. September in California tends to still be hot in many regions, but October and November are gorgeous.
The best fall activities in California are all outdoors — hiking, apple-picking, road trips, wine-tasting in the vineyards, and exploring the National Parks are some of the most fun ways to enjoy this season.
As a native Californian who has explored almost every area of the state, this is my list of the best fall getaways in California!
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Mammoth Lakes
The small towns along the Eastern Sierras in California are a mountain-lover's dream come true. Though I tend to prefer the beach and coast most days, Mammoth Lakes took me by surprise with its beautiful landscapes.
Mammoth Lakes and other eastern towns tend to have “real” seasons, with hot summers, color-changing falls, snowy winters, and icy but green springs.
You don’t have to travel far to see the fall foliage in Mammoth — the trees in downtown Mammoth reach their peak around the end of October, adding pops of orange throughout town.
The trees around Mammoth Lakes Basin reach their peak earlier in October, since it’s at a higher elevation than downtown.
Where To Stay in Mammoth Lakes
Sonoma & Napa Valley
Growing up in Livermore, wineries and vineyards are a common view for me. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I visited Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley for the first time. I figured it was just more of the same vineyards I saw growing up.
“We have Napa at home” was always my mindset! Though I wasn’t entirely wrong—Livemore and the other wine valleys do look similar—Sonoma and Napa have a much more upscale feel to them than my tiny hometown.
In the fall, the vineyards change from a vibrant green to a rusty orange across both valleys. The weather is still pretty hot in Sonoma and Napa in September and October, but it starts to cool down by November.
Both valleys are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from the Bay Area!
Where To Stay in Sonoma & Napa Valley
Maison Fleurie, A Four Sisters Inn (Yountville, Napa Valley)
Inn St Helena (St. Helena, Napa Valley)
El Dorado Hotel (Sonoma Valley)
Andrea's Hidden Cottage (Sonoma Valley)
Mendocino
The ragged, moody coastline in Mendocino makes it a cozy fall getaway in California. With upscale inns, a charming downtown, and a coastal location on the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino is a lovely place to visit.
The weather in Mendocino is constant year-round, staying in the high 50s throughout the year. This guarantees that any visit during the fall will be perfectly cozy! The only thing that may vary is the level of fog along the coast.
Mendocino is one of my favorite places in California for a weekend getaway. It feels secluded from any big cities, there are plenty of great coffee shops and restaurants in town, and the cool weather means I can pack layers of comfy fall clothes!
Where To Stay in Mendocino
San Francisco
It’s true that summers in San Francisco are often cold, foggy (Karl the Fog), and not the quintessential California summer weather you find in other places like Santa Barbara, San Diego, or further inland.
Summer is when San Francisco tourism peaks, with droves of visitors from all over the world exploring this beautiful city. However, far fewer tourists visit in the fall, despite that being the true “summer” in San Francisco!
September and October are often gorgeous in San Francisco, with warm and sunny days. October is often my favorite time to take a day trip to the city because there are fewer crowds, the weather is lovely, and some neighborhoods go all out with Halloween decorations.
San Francisco is the perfect fall getaway if you’re looking for mild weather and spending your days outdoors exploring the city.
Where To Stay in San Francisco
Half Moon Bay
If you love Halloween, pumpkin patches, and fall festivities, then Half Moon Bay is the perfect fall getaway for you! October brings in visitors from all over to Half Moon Bay for the annual Pumpkin Festival and adorable pumpkin patches.
The Pumpkin Festival is a huge fall celebration for one weekend every October with a giant pumpkin weigh-off, costume contest, pie-eating contest, and pumpkin run.
If you want to avoid the traffic but still experience the fall festivities, visit any other time in October to check out the eight pumpkin patches within this small town!
I lived in Half Moon Bay until I was seven and grew up visiting the pumpkin patches multiple times throughout the season every year. They’re still just as fun as an adult, even if you don’t plan on coming home with any pumpkins.
Where To Stay in Half Moon Bay
Apple Hill
In Camino, California, there’s a region known as Apple Hill that comes alive each fall. People all around California flock to Apple Hill to visit the apple farms with U-pick apples, fresh apple pies, apple cider, apple cider donuts, and much more!
Photo by Spencer DeMera on Unsplash
Most of the farms in Apple Hill are seasonal and are open from Labor Day weekend in August/September until the end of November.
September is the start of the apple season and a popular time to visit.
October is when the pumpkin patches pop up and Halloween festivities begin.
November weather tends to be cooler, and there are fewer crowds as apple season comes to an end and farms start to close for the year.
I can’t think of anything more “fall” than visiting an apple orchard to pick apples, eat apple pie, and visit pumpkin patches!
Where To Stay in Apple Hill
Yosemite National Park
Fall in Yosemite National Park may just be the best time to visit! The summer crowds have left, the weather is enjoyable, and the trees are changing color.
Yosemite has many hiking trails that take you throughout the park and offer stunning views, but Yosemite Valley is the easiest place to take in the views and catch some fall foliage without any hiking.
Many trees in Yosemite are evergreen, meaning they don’t change color. There are some species throughout the park, though, that change to red, orange, or yellow.
Though the roads usually haven’t closed for winter yet, there may be temporary closures due to snow. It’s best to check the National Park Service website in advance to prepare for any potential closures or snowy conditions.
Where To Stay in Yosemite National Park
June Lake & Mono Lake
The scenic June Lake Loop starts at Highway 395 and takes you through the beautiful nature and four lakes. It’s the best way to view all the fall colors, which start to peak around mid-September in this area.
Photo by Peter Thomas on Unsplash
The Quaking Aspens are the trees that catch my attention the most in June Lake. Their leaves change to a vivid yellow or gold color, which stands out against the white bark with black notches.
June Lake is also near Mono Lake, which doesn’t have the same fall foliage color changes, but is still beautiful to visit. The tall tufa towers around the lake make it look like another planet!
Where To Stay in June Lake & Mono Lake
Alabama Hills
The Eastern Sierras are full of places for a fall weekend getaway, and Alabama Hills is no different.
This area of hills, dirt roads, and rock formations is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It’s just outside of the small town of Lone Pine and about an hour away from Death Valley.
Alabama Hills is another area that’s beautiful to visit year-round, but spring and fall tend to be the best times for a trip to Alabama Hills. Summers can be sweltering, while fall is still warm but with more moderate temperatures.
This isn’t a place to visit for fall foliage, as there aren’t many trees in Alabama Hills. Instead, it’s a beautiful area to visit in the fall for the nice weather, gorgeous sunsets, and possibly some snowy mountains in the distance.
The nearby town of Lone Pine is where most of the accommodations are located. It’s a tiny town that mostly caters to people passing through before they start hiking Mt. Whitney. Most of the accommodations are motels, though you can find some luxury vacation homes within Alabama Hills, too!
Where To Stay in Alabama Hills
Nevada City
Nevada City, despite the name, is in California! It’s about an hour west of North Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the Tahoe National Forest.
The historic downtown is one of the most well-preserved Gold Rush towns in California. Nevada City has gorgeous Victorian architecture and feels like New England, or even Stars Hollow!
Vibrant pops of fall foliage can be found throughout the historic neighborhoods and surrounding parks. You can visit the tourism website for a downloadable fall foliage map to ensure you don’t miss a single orange leaf.
If you visit in October, check out the Bierwagon’s Pumpkin Patch Tuesday–Sunday for pumpkins and fresh-pressed apple cider. They also have a snack shack open on the weekends!
Nevada City has the perfect atmosphere for a fall getaway with fall foliage, historic buildings, small-town vibes, and cozy inns.
Where To Stay in Nevada City
South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in California and is lovely to visit year-round. Summers are perfect for lake activities and winters are ideal for snow sports, while fall brings the vivid colors and mild weather.
South Lake Tahoe is the ideal area for fall activities, with Fallen Leaf Lake and Emerald Bay State Park being some of the best spots for leaf peeping. Like June Lake, there are Quaking Aspen groves in Lake Tahoe that turn yellow and gold in the fall.
The summer crowds have left, and the skiers have yet to arrive, making fall the perfect in-between season to visit Lake Tahoe with fewer people and beautiful scenery.
Where To Stay in South Lake Tahoe
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is easily one of my favorite places in California. It’s more than just a city in the desert; Palm Springs is set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains and is an icon of the mid-century modern style.
The bright colors, laid-back lifestyle, and LGBTQIA+-friendly town make Palm Springs one of the most fun places to spend a weekend. Summer in Palm Springs is hot enough to melt a candle (literally — it can get over 120ºF), and fall is not much cooler.
You won’t find the typical fall foliage or activities here, but you can take the aerial tram from Palm Springs to the top of San Jacinto Mountain for much cooler temps. The mountain peak also gets quite a lot of snow, starting around November.
If you aren’t ready for summer to end, head to Palm Springs for hot temps that last through December! Stay somewhere with a pool, walk around the stylish downtown, visit the art museum, explore Moorten’s Botanical Garden, and stay hydrated.
Joshua Tree National Park is also just a day trip away and a fun place to visit in the fall!
Where To Stay in Palm Springs
FAQs: Visiting California in Fall
When is fall in California?
The meteorological fall in the Northern Hemisphere is September, October, and November. This is when official fall is in California, but when it feels like fall in California really depends on where you’re going and which month.
What’s fall weather like in California?
California is a large state with a massive range of climates. Even San Francisco has microclimates around the city!
When talking about “fall weather,” you’re probably thinking cooler temps, overcast skies, and possibly some rain. For quintessential fall weather, visit Mendocino year-round and towns in Eastern California in October/November.
Many areas around California have warm—even hot—weather in September and October. This is often the nicest time of year to visit San Francisco weather-wise!
November is typically when the weather starts to cool down around the whole state, aside from a few outliers like Palm Springs.
What to wear in California in the fall?
This also depends on where you’re visiting and which month.
If the weather is warm, it’s not comfortable to wear a cute fall sweater and leggings or jeans. Instead, opt for a midi or maxi dress in fall colors (rust, mustard, olive) with a lightweight jacket/cardigan.
You can accessorize with a hat and some boots for a more “fall” look while still dressing to stay cool in warmer weather.
If the weather is cool, you can get cozy in a cute sweater or flannel, paired with jeans or leggings, boots, and a beanie. For much colder weather, add a nice jacket on top of it all.
When visiting places that never truly feel or look like fall (Palm Springs, for instance), you can dress like it’s still summer if you want to!
I like to dress for wherever I’m visiting:
Bright & fun colors for Palm Springs.
Leggings, jackets, and boots for outdoorsy areas like Yosemite and the Eastern Sierras.
Long dress with boots or sandals, a hat, and a cardigan for Sonoma & Napa Valleys and Apple Hill.
Jeans, T-shirt, and a sweater or sweatshirt with sneakers for beachy, coastal places like Half Moon Bay and Mendocino.
Reasons to Visit California in Fall
Fewer crowds: Summer tourists have left for the year, meaning fall travel in California is less crowded and more enjoyable.
Beautiful weather: The weather is beautiful all around the state! From hot deserts to moody coastlines to cool mountains, fall in California is lovely.
Fall foliage: Despite the rumor that California doesn’t have seasons, we do get fall foliage in many areas around the state. The best place to check/track the fall foliage is California Fall Color.
Less expensive: In many areas, summer is the peak season for tourism and has peak prices. For those summer towns, accommodation prices drop in the fall as fewer people are booking hotels.
Variety: Fall seems to have the widest variety of temperatures across the state. This means you can visit areas with cold weather and fall foliage, then drive just a few hours to areas that still feel like summer with hot weather and sunny days.
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