Twin Lakes Twin Lake
Twin Lakes is over five hours' drive from the Bay Area and a little over an hour's drive from Yosemite. It's charming in all seasons- spring brings wildflowers and great fishing, summer offers hiking with lake views and swimming, boating, and fishing in the lakes. In the fall, foliage peeping is a must, with the added bonus that Twin Lakes' autumn colors are not just maple leaves but also the beautiful Aspens trees. The best time to go is mid-September to mid-October.
Yosemite Valley
Most of the trees in Yosemite are evergreen throughout the year. However, in October, the falling leaves of trees such as white poplar, mountain ash, maple, and oak, contrast with the evergreens, creating a beautiful sea of colors. Wowona Road is the best place to see the changing colors, driving along it to Mariposa Sequoia Grove. The best time to view is mid to late October.
Napa Valley Napa Valley
Autumn in Napa is a sensory feast. As the vineyards are in full harvest, the green leaves on the vines quietly shift from supporting actors to stars. Many wineries have outdoor courtyards where you can enjoy aged wine in the pleasant autumn scenery of the winery. Best viewing time: mid-October to mid-late November.
Hope Valley Valley
Hope Valley is the best viewing point in Alpine County, famous for its autumn leaves. The nearby Highway 88 and 89 also offer great 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 offers many unique cabins for lodging. Gathering with friends and family to bring food and enjoy hot pot while admiring the autumn leaves during the day makes for a great weekend getaway. The best time to visit is October.
Mount Laguna Laguna
Mount Laguna is a mountain range in San Diego that stretches from west to east to the border of Arizona. In the autumn, the pine and oak trees on the mountain are vibrant red, making it a lively destination. It's also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with the Sunset Trail being a great route to take. Cycling and horseback riding with friends are also great options. The best viewing time is from late October to early November.
Bear Mountain Chalet by Big Bear Cool Cabins
Big Bear Lake is located in Southern California. In the fall, the mountains are covered in leaves of all colors, including evergreen trees. It looks like a painting with its colorful leaves ranging from green to red. Aspen Grove, located to the east of Big Bear, has the best scenery with colorful leaves covering the mountains. It is the best place to enjoy maple leaves. Horseback riding services are also available here. Of course, you can also follow traditional routes such as Mill Creek Road, The Pine Knot Trail, and Castle Rock Trail to enjoy the scenery. The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November.
The Huntington Library Botanical Garden
Huntington Library located in San Marino is an oasis of calm, perfect for those who don't want to travel far. It offers an up-close experience of Southern California's natural beauty within the city. Not only does it house many cultural and artistic treasures, but it also has a large botanical garden spanning 150 acres with over 15,000 species of trees and a serene and elegant Chinese garden. It's one of the best places in LA to admire the fall foliage, with the best viewing time being November.
