OK, so it might still be 90 degrees in Long Beach, but fall weather is coming soon.........(crosses fingers). We're thinking ahead, envisioning cooler weather, leaves falling, and pumpkin spice everything. This article is dedicated to Autumn leaves. With their brilliant yellow, orange, and red coloring, they are an unmistakable sign of fall.
People love to say that Southern California has only two seasons - hot and mild. Those of us who live here know better. And we also know that fall is one of the best times of the year! While we will never be the North East, with their enviable fall foliage, but we are not without our own distinctive fall beauty here in Southern California.
Autumn leaves typically begin appearing around mid-October, and last through mid-November. As of publishing, this year seems to be right on trend for this timeline. Fall leaves are just beginning to appear in higher elevations, and as we move into late September and October, we should see the leaves in those higher elevations hit their peak colors. Right around that time, leaves at lower elevations will begin changing as well. Before heading out in search of fall foliage, I recommend checking out this fun interactive Fall Foliage Map. If the leaves on the map have turned orange or red, you are good to go!
So, without further ado, grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte, and go exploring, with our recommendations for the best places to seek out that elusive Autumn Season, all within a short drive of Long Beach, CA.
[San Bernardino County]
*Foliage just starting
According to them, “Folks can come up and enjoy a simpler way of life, surrounded by the fresh crisp air and partake of the beautiful change of seasons. We invite you to come be a part of our family traditions. An hour from Los Angeles or Palm Springs, spend the day having some good ole’ country fun.” This is a wonderful oasis, to take in the changing fall foliage. Don’t miss their apple farms while you are up there!
Lake Arrowhead Village celebrates the season with Oktoberfest, a pumpkin patch, and fall leaves galore. Visit at the height of the season for a stunning view of the leaves changing across the lake.
This popular neighbor to Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful fall destination. From mid October to early November, Big Bear Lake is awash in gold, crimson, amber and yellow colored leaves.
[San Gabriel Valley]
*Foliage not yet started
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
During the months of October and November, there is plenty of fall foliage in bloom at this quaint little garden. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children, and 5 and under are free. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
The Arboretum is home to many unique trees that display brilliant color in autumn. As a result, it is a great place to view fall color in the city. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children, and 5 and under are free. Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
During fall, visitors can also enjoy a variety of dramatic fall color, from the golden leaves of the ginkgo trees in the Zen Garden, to the brilliant purple of salvias in the Shakespeare Garden.
With higher altitudes, and a wide array of hiking opportunities for all levels, the San Gabriel Mountains are a great place to visit any time of year. During the fall, you will see plenty of yellow and red leaves in several areas. If you want to check it out, but don’t have time or energy for a hike, you can also see some great views from the Mount Wilson Observatory.
[Los Angeles County]
With an abundance of oak trees, and hikes easy enough for the kids to do, this is a great spot to seek out fall foliage. You can also try camping in the area, to ensure you have plenty of time to explore the beautiful scenery.
560 N Western Ave, San Pedro, CA 90732
The nature trail offers a relaxing walk, near the heart of San Pedro. During the fall, it is a wonderful place to spot some fall foliage. You will find a wide variety of other park activities here as well.
[San Diego County]
This park, just east of San Diego, offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. This makes it a great spot to see fall foliage, in October and November. There are over 100 miles of trails, for hikers, walkers, and strollers of all levels.
This park is near Temecula, CA. While most of this park is filled with large pine, fir and cedar trees, there is also a heavy concentration of black oak trees. The oak leaves turn yellow in the fall, making this a wonderful spot to hike during the autumn season.
Trails at Kenneth Hahn Recreation Park
If you come at the right time, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the beautiful fall foliage in this park. But even if you miss it, you fill find a lovely 2.5 mile loop hike, right outside of Los Angeles. On clear days, you can see downtown and the mountains, and may be able to see some outstanding views of fall leaves changing.
Don’t forget: Autumn leaves typically begin appearing around mid-October, and last through mid-November. However, each year varies, so before heading out in search of fall foliage, I recommend checking out this fun interactive Fall Foliage Map.
Want some more fall fun ideas? Click the links below:
🦉 Local Pumpkin Patches and Festivals
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