Where to see Fall Leaves + Colors
The air is growing crisp, mornings are cool enough for a sweatshirt, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. Although we may not have a fall like other states, we can still dream of a Fall Leaves and Colors trip!
Ventura County Mom Collective has you covered. Use this guide as a starting point for planning to see the beauty. Load up the snacks and water bottles and head out for a drive or a hike. Most of the following are great day trips. We did throw in a few that are a bit longer, but worth the drive.
So, throw on your boots and maybe a scarf! Let’s head out to see some beautiful fall leaves and colors.
(While some of these will require a drive, if you are dreaming of beautiful fall colors, it is worth the drive!) CLICK each location for more details.
THE ARBORETUM – Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
301 North Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
626.821.3222
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia.
Adults: $15.00
Students with ID. and Seniors age 62 and older: $11.00
Children Ages 5-12: $5.00
Children 4 and under: free
Arboretum members free; reservations not required.
MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK
1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
- From the 101exit on Las Virgenes Road.
- Go south on Las Virgenes Road (toward the ocean)
- Continue straight.
- Park entrance will be on the right, a little past the Mullholland Drive intersection.
Malibu Creek State Park contains excellent exposures of the Conejo Volcanics that cover large portions of the modern Santa Monica Mountains of the Transverse Ranges geomorphic province. The Conjeo Volcanics are one of several Miocene volcanic fields along the California coast that erupted in response to a major reorientation of the tectonic plate boundary between the North American tectonic plate, the subducting Monterey microplate, and the better-known Farallon Plate. The reorientation caused local areas of extension and crustal thinning. The molten rocks below the thin oceanic crust ascended through the crust along fractures to the surface and erupted as volcanic rocks.
DESCANSO GARDENS
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 949-4200
General $15. Seniors and Students with ID $11. Children (5–12) $5. Descanso members and children under 5 free.
Descanso Gardens is open. Wander the paths through the forest and enjoy our botanical oasis 364 days a year. There’s always something to see at Descanso Gardens. Whether you love lots of colorful spring bloom, winter camellias or the year-round majesty of our oaks, check out what’s in bloom at different times of the year.
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY & BOTANICAL GARDENS
1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108
626-405-2100
Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day but Tuesdays (closed).
Reservations required Friday–Sunday, Holidays, and Peak Seasons; no walk-ins. Capacity limited daily. Reservations strongly recommended for weekdays.
The Huntington encompasses 207 acres of land in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, amid a diverse botanical collection of rare plants, shrubs, and mature trees. While The Huntington does not function as a wildlife center, the lush landscape does provide a natural habitat for many birds – including red-shouldered hawks, California quail, Canada geese, and barn owls. Along with three different species of squirrels, it is not uncommon to see raccoons, possums, and, occasionally, coyotes on the property. Always use caution and do not approach wildlife.
TEPUSQUET ROAD
3000 Santa Maria Mesa Road Santa Maria CA
Tepusquet Road is a long stretch of road primarily used for scenic driving, but also popular with hikers and cyclists in the area. This trail easy, 14.7-mile trail features a beautiful forest setting and has a slight incline. The road is long, so we recommend either parking a car at each end or walking only a portion of the road before turning back.
MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY
Located on the summit of Mount Wilson above Pasadena at an altitude of 5715 feet, Mount Wilson Observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area. Free of charge, visitors can view the historic Hooker 100-inch telescope from the Visitors’ Gallery inside the dome. Located up the 2 Freeway through La Cañada Flintridge and into the San Gabriel Mountains, this drive boasts some lovely colors as you gain elevation.
LAKE ARROWHEAD
Nestled in the majestic mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, widely known as “The Alps of Southern California,” is the best kept secret on the West Coast – Lake Arrowhead. A stunningly beautiful, cozy and quaint mountain resort paradise, Lake Arrowhead features countless outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, bicycling, water and snow skiing, fishing, and much more. With the stunning scenery and wildlife, comes a natural peacefulness that has lured people to these mountains for centuries.
Drive along Route 173 to follow a path around most of the lake up through the mountains and back into the village.
LAKE GREGORY
San Bernardino County Regional Parks
777 E. Rialto Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92415
909.387.2757
Did we miss one of your favorite, local spots? Make sure to tell us in the comments so we can add it to our list!
