California is one of the best places in the world to witness the magic of fall, and there are numerous places across the state to enjoy this experience. In many parts of California, a fall vacation also means a wine adventure since the season is also harvesting time. While there are so many places to visit during fall in the state, these destinations around the state are underrated and are worth visiting at least once.
10 Arcata
The small city of Arcata is one of the lesser-known destinations in California, but for those who want a fall vacation away from the bustling tourist spots, this city is a perfect destination. During fall, the entire scenery of the city is painted in yellow and orange colors. With the city’s proximity to the redwood forest, travelers can easily visit the forest to witness the magical scenery of fall and also explore some giant Redwood trees.
9 Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit all year round, and while summer and winter are popular times to visit, Fall is perhaps the best time to visit the area for scenery and adventures. With fewer crowds, warm water, less-crowded trails, and mesmerizing scenery, Lake Tahoe in Fall is an adventure one should look forward to having every year.
8 Hope Valley
Visitors to Lake Tahoe can make their fall adventure more scenic by visiting the nearby Hope Valley, which is just 30 minutes drive from South Lake Tahoe. This valley is completely transformed into a scene of orange and red leaves in Fall, making it one of the best towns to visit for fall scenery. While there are opportunities for hiking and fishing in this valley, taking dozens of pictures is enough to keep visitors to this place busy and entertained.
7 Guerneville
Fall in Guerneville is the most scenic time of the year and also the driest, so one does not have to worry about flooded streets. Travelers visiting Guerneville will be met with gorgeous fall scenery and a wide range of exciting activities, some of which include - wine tasting, hiking, and kayaking.
6 Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park may be popular during summer, but the scenery of Fall in the park cannot be compared to any other season. Even though the crowds generally disappear during this time of the year, the scenery and the excitement do not. With the weather still warm and the sunshine still abundant, fall is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. While one might not be met with fall foliage, Fall in Joshua Tree National Park comes with less crowded campgrounds, exciting hiking trails, and golden colors.
5 Bodie Ghost Town
Bodie Ghost Town is a highly underrated fall destination in California. While there’s not so much scenery to see in Bodie Ghost Town during fall, visitors to this town during fall will have plenty of things to do while enjoying the comfortable weather. When in Bodie Ghost Town, check out the Bodie State Historic Park and the several abandoned buildings that were popular dwellings during the days of the California gold rush.
4 Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of the best places to visit for a nature-inclined adventure in California. With gigantic trees, a wide variety of plants, and roaring waterfalls, visitors to this park in fall will have lots of things to do in the comfortable Fall weather. The fall scenery, less-crowded campgrounds, and peaceful hiking trails are more reasons one should visit this park during Fall.
3 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a region in California known for its unique badlands, canyons, and desert landscape filled with cactus and other native plant species that glow beautifully during fall and spring. Due to its desert landscape, visiting the park during summer is difficult as the temperatures can be sweltering. With temperatures falling in Fall, it is a great time to visit and see the uniqueness of this region. Off-road driving is a popular thing to do in this park as it offers the opportunity to see a great deal of the desert regions.
2 Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s best-kept secrets. While the area is great to visit any time of the year, Fall in Mammoth Lakes comes with the kind of scenery that is second to none. With comfortable weather and leaves glowing in golden colors, travelers here will be presented with scenery regardless of the adventure they engage in. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are great ways to spend time outdoors in Mammoth Lakes.
1 Ukaih, Mendocino County
Ukiah is a less-known city in California that features some of the most scenic Fall colors in the state. Besides being located near the redwood forests of Mendocino County, there are lots of other places around this agricultural city to witness the golden scenery of Fall. Fall is also the harvest time here which means travelers will be able to visit the farmers' market and explore the fresh produce of the city.