Published 10th Jun. 2025
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While leaf peepers famously flock to New England come autumn, California’s golden foliage shouldn’t be forgotten when summer fades across the USA. From Yosemite’s maple-framed hiking trails to the apple-picking paradise of Julian, autumn in California might just be our new favourite season. Read on to discover where to escape to next...
Best for: hikes through colourful foliage.
During summer, Yosemite’s irresistible beauty comes at a cost: crowds. But visit in autumn, and California’s stunning fall foliage will be all yours. Big-leaf maples, black oaks and decadent deciduous trees turn showstopping shades of orange and red, creating a fiery frame around the granite formations. And the best part? No one’s blocking your view.
Summer’s scorching weather is also a thing of the past. In October, daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 20°C, making hikes like the magnificent Mirror Lake Trail much more enjoyable.
Image by Getty Images.
Best for: scenic lakeside drives.
Autumn in California doesn’t get much better than at the June Lake Loop in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Early October sees the fall foliage at its best, with aspen groves painted in heavenly hues of gold and red. Drive along the 16-mile highway that winds around June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake to see these colours reflected on the glassy surfaces (pulling over to snap some postcard-perfect pictures, of course).
Aside from being beautiful, the June Lake Loop offers activities galore. Trek the Parker Lake Trail, mountain bike through aspen meadows, cast your fishing line or simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Image by Getty Images.
Best for: world-class wine tasting.
Get your fall foliage fix alongside a tipple or two in Napa Valley. Autumn marks harvest season, when the vineyards are ablaze with crimson and are ready to be plucked of their plump grapes. After touring the grounds (and watching grape-crushing in action), settle into a winery like Castello di Amorosa to taste earthy merlots in a Tuscan-inspired castle.
Image by Getty Images.
Best for: apple picking.
Come autumn, the town of Julian is mad about apples. Head to Peacefield Orchard to pick the ruby-red goodies from over 200 trees, before savouring a slice of freshly baked apple pie at one of the local bakeries. Thirsty? California in autumn is known for its fresh, fizzing cups of cider, and Julian is no exception. Taste the town’s best at Julian Hard Cider, where you can take your pick from 12 flavours.
Image by Getty Images.
Best for: wildlife watching.
Autumn in California’s Big Sur goes beyond beautiful landscapes – visit between September and November, and you’ll be in the right place at the right time for wonderful wildlife watching. Perch on a coastal cliff and spot humpback whales breaching, lunge feeding and tail slapping, or head to a protected cove to meet cutesy sea otters.
Image by Getty Images.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Corey Hendrickson / Gallery Stock.
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