Come autumn, many places in the Los Angeles area are worth exploring, offering gorgeous seasonal scenery and easy access to the city. Let’s look at premier fall destinations in the Los Angeles area.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Los Angeles, is a popular year-round destination in the San Bernardino Mountains. Steeped in natural beauty and centered around its namesake lake, visitors can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking through lush forests. Because its colder mountain weather cultivates more dramatic seasonal transformations, Lake Arrowhead is one of the best places to spot fall foliage in the Los Angeles area.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, better known as Big Bear, is a charming four-season destination in the San Bernardino Mountains. Its acclaimed ski resorts attract visitors during winter, and its sprawling lake provides endless summer fun. But Big Bear also has much to offer during the autumn season. It undergoes a remarkable transformation, with fall foliage displaying bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. The mountainous trails offer sweeping views of this breathtaking scenery, consistently earning it a top ranking among the state’s leaf-peeping destinations.
Oak Glen
Oak Glen is another celebrated community in the San Bernardino Mountains ideal for a romantic retreat or a family escape. It is a popular choice for a fall getaway, with renowned lush forests that burst with color during autumn. Its surrounding apple orchards add to its appeal, and you can indulge in seasonal treats like apple pie, cider, and crumble. Also, Oak Glen’s incredible trails and expansive farmland offer opportunities to hike, pick apples, and navigate corn mazes, making it an idyllic fall hotspot.
Wrightwood
Wrightwood, a small town nestled high in the San Bernardino Mountains, is best known as a skiing hub. While it draws in countless visitors annually to experience the thrills of Mountain High Resort, Wrightwood’s autumn season continues to offer ample enjoyable activities. Located along the Pacific Crest Trail and encompassing lush forests and mountain wildlife, the town is a nature lover’s dream. Perfectly situated for people to admire spectacular fall settings, Wrightwood’s trails overlook sweeping valleys and feature postcard-worthy vistas. And for those daring enough, Ziplines at Pacific Crest provides an adrenaline-inducing but unique way to take in the beautiful seasonal colors.
Julian
Located south of Los Angeles, Julian is a mountainous community nestled amid the Cuyamaca Mountains. This scenic historic town, once a vibrant gold rush site, ensures a serene escape from bustling crowds. Venture to its numerous renowned hiking trails and forested areas to breathe in the beautiful mountain air, or visit one of its famed apple orchards during the fall harvest season. Adding to its appeal, Julian’s Main Street houses charming local businesses and tasty restaurants serving seasonal dishes.
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