Autumn is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for a road trip to see some of the best fall foliage around in Southern California. We’ve put together this fabulous road trip featuring nine of our favorite destinations where you can experience the beauty of our colorful autumn leaves.
Click on this interactive Google Map and start this adventure from the closest location to you. Make it a day trip or turn it into an entire weekend adventure if you’d like. Whether you are only able to see a few destinations or you’re lucky enough to squeeze in all nine, this dreamy fall foliage road trip is sure to please.
- Jackson Lake – Big Pines Highway
flickr/rennett stowe Nothing beats the beauty of seeing fall foliage surrounded by a picturesque lake. Whether you stop for a picnic, take a quick stroll, or just capture a few snapshots of the colorful leaves, this is a picture-perfect stop to enjoy the fall season in SoCal.
- Wrightwood
flickr/rennett stowe Only a short drive from Jackson Lake you’ll encounter the charming mountain town of Wrightwood. The small town feel coupled with the colorful autumn leaves will get you in the mood for the fall season in no time.
- Big Bear Lake Village
facebook/big bear lake village When you stop in Big Bear, you can enjoy the autumn leaves along the tree-lined streets or you can head out on a nearby forest trail to stretch your legs while you escape into nature for some spectacular fall colors.
- Snow- Line Orchards – 39400 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399.
flickr/don graham In addition to spotting some of the prettiest fall foliage around at Snow-Line Orchards, you can also enjoy some apple cider donuts, wine tasting for the grown ups, and fun fall activities the whole family will enjoy.
- Willowbrook Apple Farm – 12099 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399.
flickr/don graham While you’re enjoying the bounty of fall foliage at Willowbrook Apple Farm, make sure to add some time in your day to enjoy a taste of cider that you can press yourself. There’s nothing like fresh apple cider on a crisp SoCal day.
- Riley’s Farm – 12261 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
flickr/don graham Located in the charming and historic town of Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm is the perfect location to embrace all the cozy goodness that the fall season often brings. Stroll through the farm and breathe in that fresh mountain air as you’re treated to a beautiful landscape of fall leaves.
- Palomar Mountain State Park – 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
flickr/virginia hill
yelp/jasmine y. Just when you think the fall leaves couldn’t get any prettier, Palomar Mountain State Park will remind you that the beauty of autumn is endless here in SoCal. Pick a trail for some exploration or just stop here for a short break and breathe in the fresh autumn air at this picturesque setting.
- Lake Cuyamaca – 15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA
instagram/smokeyth3bear The town of Julian is always a treasure to visit no matter what season you pick, but during the fall season it’s pretty impossible to resist. Not far from Julian you’ll find a picturesque spot to view fall foliage at nearby Lake Cuyamaca.
- Balboa Park – San Diego
flickr/shawna scott Most all SoCal parks offer up a magnificent view of fall foliage. But one of the best parks around where you will be surrounded by fall leaves in every direction is at Balboa Park in San Diego. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and soak up all the beauty the autumn season has to offer at this sprawling urban park in the center of the city.
Are you as excited as I am to hear those crunchy leaves underfoot?! Fall may not be here quite yet, but it’s right around the corner so make sure to add this road trip adventure to your autumn bucket list.
flickr/rennett stowe
Nothing beats the beauty of seeing fall foliage surrounded by a picturesque lake. Whether you stop for a picnic, take a quick stroll, or just capture a few snapshots of the colorful leaves, this is a picture-perfect stop to enjoy the fall season in SoCal.
Only a short drive from Jackson Lake you’ll encounter the charming mountain town of Wrightwood. The small town feel coupled with the colorful autumn leaves will get you in the mood for the fall season in no time.
facebook/big bear lake village
When you stop in Big Bear, you can enjoy the autumn leaves along the tree-lined streets or you can head out on a nearby forest trail to stretch your legs while you escape into nature for some spectacular fall colors.
flickr/don graham
In addition to spotting some of the prettiest fall foliage around at Snow-Line Orchards, you can also enjoy some apple cider donuts, wine tasting for the grown ups, and fun fall activities the whole family will enjoy.
While you’re enjoying the bounty of fall foliage at Willowbrook Apple Farm, make sure to add some time in your day to enjoy a taste of cider that you can press yourself. There’s nothing like fresh apple cider on a crisp SoCal day.
Located in the charming and historic town of Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm is the perfect location to embrace all the cozy goodness that the fall season often brings. Stroll through the farm and breathe in that fresh mountain air as you’re treated to a beautiful landscape of fall leaves.
flickr/virginia hill
yelp/jasmine y.
Just when you think the fall leaves couldn’t get any prettier, Palomar Mountain State Park will remind you that the beauty of autumn is endless here in SoCal. Pick a trail for some exploration or just stop here for a short break and breathe in the fresh autumn air at this picturesque setting.
instagram/smokeyth3bear
The town of Julian is always a treasure to visit no matter what season you pick, but during the fall season it’s pretty impossible to resist. Not far from Julian you’ll find a picturesque spot to view fall foliage at nearby Lake Cuyamaca.
flickr/shawna scott
Most all SoCal parks offer up a magnificent view of fall foliage. But one of the best parks around where you will be surrounded by fall leaves in every direction is at Balboa Park in San Diego. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and soak up all the beauty the autumn season has to offer at this sprawling urban park in the center of the city.
For more SoCal road trips that will bring out the explorer in you, here are nine more adventurous itineraries that you’ll want to check out.
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Address: 12099 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399Address: 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060Address: 12261 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399Address: 39400 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
