The Best Fall Color in Southern California

Southern California is famous for its gorgeous, temperate weather, which leads some people to think that it’s perpetually summer here. The truth is that Southern California’s varied landscape allows for cooler temperatures to create pockets of fall color in October and November. If you are looking to get a taste of SoCal’s fall color, plan a day trip to one of these beautiful destinations.

Take a Saturday and head to Oak Glen to view the fall colors in the mountains. Plan to visit Snow-Line for an afternoon of apple picking. Reward yourself for your hard work buying their fresh apple cider and donuts or trying the hard cider and wines.

Outdoor enthusiasts in Southern California are familiar with the many opportunities at Big Bear. Spend the weekend in September or October, you will be treated to the highest altitude Oktoberfest in the United States. Enjoy the colors while sampling authentic German beer and food.

Palomar Mountain State Park in San Diego County is a wonderful spot for a day’s hike among the color. Choose one of the park’s major hiking loops for a scenic afternoon in the mountains.

View the colors of the Cleveland National Forest from horseback on one of their many horse-riding trails. Or pack a lunch and head to the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area for a leisurely picnic with the family.

To make sure you are viewing the trees at peak color, visit California Fall Color for frequent updates on fall color in different parts of the state. This map updates as the color changes through the fall.

Where is your favorite place to view fall colors?