Fall is one of our favorite seasons in Southern California. As the temperatures start to cool in late September and the crisp autumn air replaces the summer heat, we find ourselves wandering to some of our favorite places where fall is at its finest. From lakeside destinations to mountain retreats, this picture-perfect list will take you to the most beautiful fall destinations in Southern California! Where are your favorite places to enjoy fall in Southern California? Let us know!

1. Green Valley Lake
Green Valley Lake, CA 92341, USA
Green Valley Lake/Facebook
Known as the "best-kept secret in the San Bernardino Mountains," a day trip or weekend getaway to Green Valley Lake will quickly become your new favorite fall destination. Spend some time out on the water and soak up the colorful scenery all around you that captures the very best of the fall season. 
2. Oak Glen
Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
Don Graham/Flickr
The town of Oak Glen is home to some of SoCal's most charming farms. With an abundance of orchards, u-pick farms, and serene country backroads, this peaceful hideaway is always at the top of our list for a beautiful fall destination.
3. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA
Lake Arrowhead Village/Facebook
Fall in Southern California isn't official until you've made a day trip to this mountain town in SoCal. With the changing colors of the leaves and the festive vibe inside the village, you'll be drawn to Lake Arrowhead, where the autumn season comes to life. 

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4. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
Big Bear Lake Village/Facebook
Seeking out one of the best spots in SoCal to view the fall colors? Head to Big Bear Lake and take a stroll along the main street for a dazzling dose of autumn that will make your fall season complete. 
5. Wrightwood
Wrightwood, CA, USA
Rennett Stowe/Wikimedia
Wrightwood comes to life every autumn season with the most vibrant fall colors imaginable. From its tree-lined streets to its local shops and eateries, this cozy town is a great pick for a fall day trip or overnighter. 
6. Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake, California 93563, USA
Rennett Stowe/Wikimedia
Not far from the heart of Wrightwood you'll find Jackson Lake. This picturesque setting is tucked along Big Pines Highway in the Angeles National Forest. With its colorful foliage and serene setting, this is one beautiful place to visit during the fall season.
7. Julian
Julian, CA 92036, USA
geoff dude/Flickr
Known for its apple orchards and apple pies and colorful fall leaves, this cozy small town in Southern California should be at the top of everyone's list who wants to experience the beauty of the fall season in Southern California. 

There are so many beautiful fall destinations in Southern California to choose from. Do you have a favorite spot on this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments; we’d love to know!

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More to Explore

Fall in Southern California

Tori Jane | August 15, 2022

Where are some of the best places to visit in the fall in Southern California?  

Just because Southern California is known as a haven for beachgoers doesn’t mean it’s a slouch during autumn. Sure, summer is the most popular time of year for people to visit, but maybe they should consider a fall adventure, too! Some of the best places to visit in the fall here include some truly amazing state parks in Southern California, and you really can’t miss an opportunity to go camping in Southern California while the colors are at their most vivid, either. Head out on one of our fall color road trips in SoCal, or maybe check out some of our city parks! Anywhere you find trees, you’ll find brilliant color.  

Where is the best place to visit in the fall in Southern California?  

When it comes to specifics, there are some places that tend to stick out more than others in terms of fall color in Southern California – so where are the best places to visit in the fall in Southern California? We love, believe it or not, the Los Angeles area, where there are plenty of options, like Lacy Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. The Los Angeles Arboretum is, of course, another excellent option. We love checking out the color at Big Bear Lake, in Big Bear, and we’re pretty sure Grass Valley Lake at Lake Arrowhead is another 100% perfect destination for leaf-peepers. But the list goes on:  

What are the most amazing fall destinations in Southern California?  

Alright, let’s get even more specific. Some of the most amazing fall destinations in Southern California include parks, lakes, and vistas like Lake Hemet, Hot Springs Mountain (near San Diego), Palomar Mountain State Park (also near San Diego), and the entire town of Julian. A lot of the small towns in Southern California get some excellent color, at least for a little while, and they make for the perfect autumn getaways. You also cannot miss an opportunity to head out to Malibu Creek State Park, which is amazing all year but definitely gets even more magical during autumn.  

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