Published Nov 8, 2023

7 Christmas Towns In Southern California That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Published Nov 8, 2023

Written by

Updated Sep 11, 2024

Go Pumpkin Picking and Sleep in a Lodge Surrounded by Fall Foliage on this Weekend Getaway in Julian, California

Julian, a charming town in Southern California, offers a perfect fall getaway with pumpkin and apple picking at Julian Farm and Orchard and a cozy stay at Julian Lodge.

Updated Sep 11, 2024

Written by

Danielle Schwartz

When fall in SoCal swings around each year, it doesn't always feel significantly cooler, especially if you're in our bigger cities. It can be draining to be craving pumpkin spice lattes and nights by the fire when you're still in summertime temperatures. However, there are places you can go in SoCal in the fall that feel like, well, actually fall.

One of our favorite weekend getaways in Southern California, especially in the autumn, is the tiny town of Julian. This charming town of around 1,300 is home to Julian Farm and Orchard, a great spot for pumpkin picking. After you're all done selecting your golden orbs, make your way to the Julian Lodge for a fun and relaxing night surrounded by seasonal hues. There's so much to love about this trip, and next time you find yourself wanting to search "fall getaways near me," we hope you'll consider Julian, California.

alt — Beautiful barn in back country of Julian, California.

No matter your age, you'll feel like a kid again at Julian Farm and Orchard. It's the perfect place to take the whole family, as adults and little ones alike will love the adorable pumpkin-picking experience here. Time your visit right and you'll also get the chance to pick your own apples! Apple picking is typically available in September.

alt — bunch of apple fruit piled in box.

You'll find a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from. Whether you're looking for simple home decorations or are wanting to carve a festive Halloween Jack o' lantern, there are plenty of pumpkins to peruse at this SoCal farm and orchard. In addition, each autumn, Julian Farm and Orchard hosts Harvest Fest, an autumn festival that features all kinds of family activities. With a tractor-pulled hayride, apple cider pressing, an adorable petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall, and arts and crafts, there's plenty for everyone!

After your fun-filled day at Julian Farm and Orchard, head over to nearby Julian Lodge. Here, you'll find an idyllic weekend getaway in Southern California that's perfect for fall.

The lodge is close to all the lovely Main Street shops, restaurants, and sights, letting you take in all the beauty and charm that this small town has to offer. You'll feel right at home at this bright and well-appointed lodge.

In fact, we're positive that this spot will become one of your new favorite places to spend the night, no matter the season!

One of the highlights of a stay at Julian Lodge is getting to see all the fall leaves. We all know it can be tough to find vibrant fall foliage in SoCal, so it's extra special when you do get to encounter them.

Julian provides an opportunity to experience this lovely part of the season that can be in high demand in Southern California.

We've got to say, we think a fall day trip to Julian, California, is the perfect autumn activity... especially if you add pumpkin picking at Julian Farm! You can learn more and check out hours of operation, plus keep an eye out for Autumn Fest announcements, at the Julian Farm and Orchard Facebook page or Julian Farm and Orchard website.

The Julian Lodge is one of the best spots around for a weekend getaway in Southern California. You can learn more about this great hotel in Julian, CA from the Julian Lodge Facebook page or the Julian Lodge website. You can book a stay at Booking.com.

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Published May 20, 2024

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Sacramento And Redding, Northern California

Published May 20, 2024

Written by

Kate Freeman

Explore another side of Northern California and take a drive on this rural road. Get off of Interstate 5 and jump on the small California State Route 45, also called SR45. This roughly 70-mile road meanders through Northern California’s Central Valley. You’ll pass by small towns, protected wildlife areas, and tons of farmland. The entire drive takes about an hour and a half without stopping. But of course, you’ll want to stop and explore this lesser-traveled, scenic back road in Northern California.

This road travels through three counties– Yolo, Colusa, and Glenn counties.

Much of this two-lane road passes through vineyards and small farm communities. Along the way you’ll also find several wildlife areas, small markets, and even a casino.

SR45 starts at Knights Landing, not far from Woodland. Travel north on this road that runs parallel to the Sacramento River. Along the way, SR45 will temporarily become other roads. Continue north and you’ll stay on SR45 all the way to its endpoint at Hamilton City, not far from Chico.

SR45 passes right through downtown Colusa– a charming town located on the Sacramento River. Even if you don’t stop here, you’ll be able to see the historic Colusa County Courthouse from the road.

Just north of the town of Colusa is the Colusa Casino Resort. Stop here to play some slot machines or have a meal at Jack's Place.

alt — Colusa Casino Resort/Google Images

They also have a gas station if you need fuel.

Packer Island Wildlife Refuge is a little-known refuge in a well-preserved riparian area.

In Packer visitors will find 1.5 miles of marked trails from which native bird species can be spotted.

There are not many places to shop along the way, so imagine our surprise at finding this beautiful garden center in Glenn.

alt — Songbird Landscaping and Supply/Google Images

If you’re a gardening aficionado or just love garden decor, check out the Songbird Landscape and Supply store. They also sell homewares, like handmade soaps, hanging baskets, and pretty baskets.

As you continue your drive on SR45, you’ll pass by many orchards as well as riverfront areas.

There are numerous places to stop and take photos, and several places to hike. Ord Bend Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge is the second place on our list where you can park and hike. This is a quiet wildlife area with a 0.9-mile trail.

After Ord Bend, it is a 10-minute drive to Hamilton City, where SR45 ends. Hamilton City is a small town with several good restaurants and a drive-thru coffee shop.

From here, you are about a 15-minute drive from Interstate 5. Now that you’ve seen the rural NorCal countryside, take the fast route back home.

The next time you think you've done everything there is to do in California, consider driving some of the lesser-traveled rural roads. These country roads might expose you to places you've yet to explore in NorCal. Tell us about a rural route or scenic back road in Northern California that you think more people should know about.

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7 Christmas Towns In Southern California That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

1. Palm Springs

2. Solvang

3. Big Bear Lake

4. Coronado Island

5. Dana Point

6. Paso Robles

7. Laguna Beach

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Go Pumpkin Picking and Sleep in a Lodge Surrounded by Fall Foliage on this Weekend Getaway in Julian, California

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Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Sacramento And Redding, Northern California

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All Stories

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in West Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

The Best Apple Fried Pie in Tennessee Comes From This Mountain Orchard

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in South Carolina That Is Worth the Day Trip

The Audubon Center in North Carolina Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon