Northern California is beautiful all year long, but it’s especially stunning during the fall season. As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, many of NorCal’s most beloved landscapes transform into scenes that look like they could be the backdrop on a calendar. Check out this list of the nine most beautiful destinations during fall in Northern California that you’ll want to be sure to explore for yourself this season. After all, this type of beauty only comes once a year!

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
MBRubin via Getty Images
Fall is an excellent time of year to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park! Cooler temperatures in the fall season are ideal for hiking, backpacking, and enjoying campfires under the stars. The park's southwest campground offers year-round camping but the park's other campgrounds are typically open through October, too.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Road, Yosemite National Park Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Kari Siren/Moment via Getty Images
Yosemite National Park is a stunning place to visit in every season, but fall is particularly great for seeing lots of the park without the crowds of summertime visitors. All areas of the park usually remain open through October (sometimes into November) and you'll love the vibrant array of fall colors across the park's many deciduous trees.
3. Napa Valley
Napa Valley, CA, USA
Spondylolithesis/E+ via Getty Images
Fall is harvest season and that means it's the perfect time to visit Napa Valley. Wine country itself transforms into a vivid landscape of colorful grapevines and radiant trees—the perfect backdrop for a wine-tasting experience at one of the dozens of Napa wineries.
4. June Lake
June Lake, CA 93529, USA
Jan Arendtsz/Flickr
It doesn't get better than the Eastern Sierra in autumn. Sitting at an elevation of 7,654-feet, June Lake is a great place to soak up the Sierra's bright shades of yellow and amber. Take the June Lake Loop Trail to see the very best of the area's famous fall foliage.

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5. Sacramento
Sacramento, CA, USA
Janet Kopper/Moment via Getty Images
As far as fantastic fall cities go, Sacramento definitely takes it. Being the "City of Trees" and all, you're bound to come across some fall beauty in California's capital. From the tree-lined streets to the lush public parks, this city is definitely a gorgeous sight in autumn.
6. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Peter Burnett/E+ via Getty Images
If you're not too concerned with fall colors but still want to be swept away by NorCal's beauty, a visit to the redwoods is an awesome choice. Summer is typically when Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park sees the most visitors, so take in the breathtaking beauty of these towering trees in solitude with an autumn visit. Time it late enough in the season and you'll even have a shot at whale watching from the redwood coast.
7. Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Andrei Stanescu via Getty Images
Finding fall beauty in California's coastal regions can be tricky, but the Bay Area is home to plenty of spots that are worthy of an autumn visit. See the warm hues of fall in gorgeous destinations around the Bay like Tilden Regional Park, Sunol Regional Wilderness, Henry W. Coe State Park, or even the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
8. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, United States
Moritz Wolf via Getty Images
Fall in Lake Tahoe should not be overlooked. It can get cold early in the season up here, but it's worth it to see the bright autumn colors contrasted against Lake Tahoe's brilliant blue waters. Plus, you'll still have the chance to take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
9. Gold Country
Gold Country, CA, USA
jmoor17 via Getty Images
When it comes to brilliant fall foliage, it doesn't get much better than California's Gold Country. The region simply explodes with color this time of year, attracting leaf peepers from all over the state. Enjoy this showy parade of colors at destinations like Apple Hill, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

What do you think? Are you excited about fall in Northern California? Tell us about which of these fantastic fall destinations you’ll be visiting in the comments – we love hearing from you!

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More to Explore

Fall in Northern California

Tori Jane | August 16, 2022

What is the Northern California fall season like?  

Fall is a special time of year no matter where you are but fall in Northern California is especially magical. Northern California is already one of the most scenic places in the United States, but when you throw oodles of amazing colors into the mix, it somehow gets even better. The weather in Northern California during the fall is a delight, too, becoming increasingly cooler as the weeks progress. Average temperatures in October range from highs between 65 and 75 degrees and come November, the highs are typically only in the 60s. Of course, places like San Fransisco will ALWAYS be cold, no matter what season it is – so prepare for that.  

What are some amazing vacation spots in Northern California?  

During autumn, one of our favorite vacation spots in Northern California is Yosemite National Park. While it’s almost always packed with tourists during the summer, in fall, things slow down – including the waterfalls – and the color ramps way up. It’s a sight to behold – one of the most amazing National Parks in California ablaze with color – but it’s so majestic and awe-inspiring that we think it’s worth driving across the country to witness. Well, that, and let’s be real: any time spent at Yosemite with fewer crowds is time well spent.  

Where are the most beautiful fall destinations in Northern California? 

Of course, the most beautiful fall destinations in Northern California aren’t limited to one National Park. Be sure to also check out some of the cutest small towns in Northern California, which just get either cuter or more epic in the fall. One of our favorites, for example, if the town of Calistoga. In the fall its orchards and vineyards come alive with color, and as the trees change so too does the vibe of the whole town. It’s perfect. Another favorite destination in Northern California during the fall is Pinnacles National Park, a lesser-known hidden gem in Northern California that’s truly at its best during this season.  

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