After a long summer, it's finally time for pumpkin patches, beautiful landscapes, apple orchards, and warm drinks. There are so many experiences that are unique to the fall that all of us enjoy. While Los Angeles is famous for its warm weather all year round, you can also experience true fall vibes. If you're looking for beautiful fall foliage near Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. We've put this guide to help you discover some of the best fall sceneries in the entire country. And the best part is, they're only a short drive away!
Los Angeles County Arboretum
If you don't want to leave city limits yet want to enjoy fall colors, Los Angeles County Arboretum is the place for you. This lovely tree sanctuary and botanic garden are located in Pasadena. It has plenty of tree species from California, the US, and the entire world, making it as colorful as it gets during the fall. However, if you want to spend time with your furry friends, you want to skip this one. Some of the plants may be unsafe for pets, which is why they're not allowed on the premises.
Malibu Creek State Park
Adventure is sometimes only a 25-minute drive away from downtown Los Angeles. Malibu Creek State Park was opened to the public in 1976 and is still one of California's most beautiful nature reserves. It's famous for its magnificent sycamore trees of different varieties. Once the weather gets colder, they change into warm fall tones creating stunning landscapes. However, it's not just the views that are worth your visit. Plenty of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing will appeal to even the most adventurous of you.
Mulholland Drive
One of the most famous streets in Los Angeles, it stretches from Santa Monica to Hollywood Hills. It's also a short drive from Beverly Hills, where you have plenty of things to do. Driving down Mulholland Drive can be a perfect fall experience should you take a break from them. If you go just before sunset, you'll find yourself enjoying the views of gorgeous golden hills from above.
While it looks astonishing, keep in mind that Mulholland Drive goes mostly through residential neighborhoods, often affluent ones. Moving professionals from Zapt Movers also report that Mulholland Drive is home to many celebrities living in LA. So who knows, maybe you'll even pass by your favorite actor or singer on your drive!
Oak Glen
If you don't mind driving for a bit longer, visiting Oak Glen is an absolute must. Tucked away in a forest area east of San Bernardino, in the middle of apple country, it guarantees the full fall experience. They are most famous for their apple orchards, where you can go apple picking. The season lasts for quite a long time, so if you've just moved to Los Angeles, you don't need to rush. Apart from the scenery and the apples, there are many more amenities for you to enjoy. After a long day of apple picking, don't forget to treat yourself to some apple cider or cinnamon-sugar donuts. You deserved it!
Descanso Gardens
Among many attractions in South California, we can't forget Descanso Gardens. The botanical gardens offer magnificent views all year round. Although you'll be missing the famous camellia flowers if you go during fall, their oak forest and oak woodland are going to make up for that. October and November are the best months to find fall foliage near Los Angeles in these beautiful gardens. They also offer handy guides on what's in bloom at any given moment. This way, you'll know what to expect when you visit.
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
This location is also another one that's within city limits. If you're still organizing your move to LA and need help from the pros, you probably don't want to plan any extensive journeys as soon as you get here. However, that doesn't mean you have to miss the fall magic! This incredible venue maybe doesn't have that traditional fall look. Instead, you'll be surprised by different trees and plants you're not used to seeing in their fall colors. While the botanical gardens are the star of the complex, you shouldn't miss other parts either. The art collection and the library house many famous works, which are definitely worth checking out.
Lake Arrowhead
If you're at a point where you want to exchange the beach and the surfing for mountains and hiking, Lake Arrowhead is the place to go. This gorgeous area is very popular all year round and enjoyed both by skiers and fishermen. Still, many agree that it looks the best during the fall. It's a bit further away, so you might want to plan a whole weekend there. However, once you arrive, you'll be sorry you can't stay longer. It is very kid-friendly, so don't hesitate to bring your little ones to enjoy the fall in its' full glory.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
Located in Claremont, these lovely botanic gardens are home to many species native to California, specifically South California. Due to that, it's a great place to catch some of the best fall foliage in Los Angeles. You can plan the visit yourself and pick your own trail. However, their guides provide a far better experience, who will be happy to walk you through all the fun facts about their plants and trees.
Final thoughts
Living in Los Angeles doesn't mean you have to be deprived of the warm fall atmosphere. Sure, it may not be the same as in the woods of Vermont, but it's still a wonderful experience. Doing a little research to find fall foliage near Los Angeles is not that big of a hassle, and it's completely worth it. You can plan fantastic day trips or long weekends to experience the warm colors and crisp air. Put your jacket on and enjoy the fall!