Fall in California offers a unique mix of mild weather, beautiful colors, and quieter travel spots. Many people look for the best places to enjoy the season’s changing leaves and outdoor activities without large crowds.
The 9 best fall places to visit in California provide a variety of experiences, from nature views to small towns, making the season enjoyable for all types of travelers. These destinations highlight the natural beauty and calm that fall brings to the state.
1) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park offers colorful fall foliage and fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy hiking and waterfalls in cooler weather. Well-known spots like Yosemite Valley provide stunning views of autumn leaves. For a detailed visit guide, see this Guide To Visiting Yosemite National Park In Fall (2025).
2) Julian
Julian is a small mountain town known for its apple orchards and fall colors. Visitors enjoy fresh apple pies and outdoor activities during the autumn season. It is a popular spot for hiking and exploring local history. Learn more about Julian’s fall attractions here.
3) Lake Cuyamaca
Lake Cuyamaca offers calm waters surrounded by colorful trees in fall. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can enjoy clear views of the changing leaves within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The area provides a quiet outdoor experience with easy access to nature. Lake Cuyamaca fall colors attract many visitors each year.
4) Napa Valley
Napa Valley is vibrant in fall with colorful grapevines and leaves. The harvest season runs from August to October. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and outdoor activities amid scenic views. Fall is a great time to see Napa Valley’s rich colors and experience wine festivals. Learn more about visiting Napa Valley in the fall here.
5) Hope Valley
Hope Valley is known for its bright fall colors, especially the golden aspens. It is located just south of South Lake Tahoe and is easy to reach from the Bay Area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and relaxing at resorts like Sorensen’s. More details at Hope Valley fall colors.
6) Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers stunning fall colors with golden aspen leaves around the lake. Visitors enjoy easy trails like the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek and peaceful spots such as Fallen Leaf Lake.
The crisp mountain air and fewer crowds make fall a great time to explore the area’s nature and resorts. See more about fall in Lake Tahoe here.
7) Bishop
Bishop offers some of California’s longest and most colorful fall foliage displays. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. The town is also known for its scenic views of the Eastern Sierra mountains and nearby natural hot springs. Find more details on things to do in Bishop.
8) June Lake
June Lake offers clear alpine lakes surrounded by colorful fall trees. Visitors enjoy hiking, boating, and scenic drives along the June Lake Loop. The area is known for its quiet beauty and vibrant autumn leaves. More details about visiting June Lake in fall can be found at June Lake Loop fall colors.
9) Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is an easy, family-friendly hike in Yosemite National Park. The trail leads to a 620-foot waterfall that flows year-round. It offers clear views of the fall colors along the valley, making it a popular autumn destination. Learn more about Bridalveil Fall here.
