Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is more than a 5-hour drive from the Bay Area and more than an hour's drive from Yosemite. It is charming in all seasons: in spring, the mountains are covered with wildflowers, making it a great season for fishing; in summer, you can hike with lake views, swim, boat, and fish in the lake. In autumn, the highlight is the red leaves, but it's worth mentioning that the red leaves at Twin Lakes are not maple leaves but Aspens. The best time to visit is from mid-September to mid-October.
Yosemite
Most of the trees in Yosemite are evergreen throughout the year. However, in mid-October, the deciduous leaves of aspens, dogwoods, maples, and oaks contrast with the park's evergreen trees, creating a sea of enchanting colors. Wowona Road is the best viewing spot. Drive along Wowona Road to visit Mariposa Sequoia Grove and enjoy the gradually changing colors of the leaves. Best viewing time: mid to late October.
Napa Valley
Autumn in Napa is a feast for the senses. As the vineyards are in full harvest, the green leaves on the vines quietly transform from a backdrop to the main attraction. Many vineyards have outdoor patios where you can savor aged wines amidst the pleasant autumn scenery of the wineries. Best viewing time: mid-October to mid-to-late November.
Hope Valley
Hope Valley is the best viewing spot in Alpine County, renowned for its red leaves. The nearby Highways 88 and 89 also offer views of the mountains covered in red leaves. Red Lake Creek is a popular spot for photographers. Hope Valley is not far from Lake Tahoe and has many unique B&B cabins. Gather with friends, bring ingredients and a hot pot, enjoy the red leaves during the day, and have hot pot at night for a delightful weekend. Best viewing time: October.
Mount Laguna
Mount Laguna is a mountain range in San Diego that extends from west to east all the way to the Arizona border. In autumn, the pine and oak trees on the mountain turn fiery red, creating a lively scene. It is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with the Sunset Trail offering great views. Biking and horseback riding with friends are also good options. Best viewing time: late October to early November.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is located in Southern California. In autumn, the mountains are covered with leaves, interspersed with evergreen trees, creating a colorful scene from green to red, resembling a painting. The best scenery is in Aspen Grove on the east side of Big Bear, where the colorful leaves cover the mountains, making it the best place to view the fall foliage. There are also services for horseback riding to enjoy the autumn scenery. Of course, you can also follow the conventional viewing routes such as Mill Creek Road, The Pine Knot Trail, and Castle Rock Trail. The best viewing time is from mid-October to early November.
The Huntington Library Botanical Garden
Located in San Marino, the Huntington Library offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, akin to a paradise, making it perfect for those who don't want to travel far. The Huntington Library allows everyone to experience the natural scenery of Southern California up close within the city. It not only houses many cultural and artistic treasures but also features a large 150-acre botanical garden. The garden boasts over 15,000 types of trees and a serene, elegant Chinese garden, making it one of the best places in LA to enjoy the autumn scenery. Best viewing time: November.
