Things to do in the fall in Los Angeles
Find L.A.’s best things to do in the fall, including the biggest seasonal events, fall-only activities and more
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do-in-los-angeles-this-fall
Photograph: Michael JulianoTanaka Farms pumpkin patch
Fall in Los Angeles is an elusive thing. There’s no nip to the air—in fact, some of the warmest (and most wild-fiery) days fall in these months—and any dramatic color changes take place in fashion rather than on trees.
Mostly, we think of fall as that period of time in L.A. after (most of) the tourists typically leave and just before you start to see Christmas lights go up and think, already?! But even if you’re still sunning yourself on L.A.’s best beaches come October, you’ll recognize the signs: the impulse to jack up your reading list, to buy sweaters you won’t wear for weeks, to throw a scarf on over your sundress, to order seasonal squash dishes. You may even start craving the best pie in the city. No matter, here are the best things to do during fall in L.A.—or, at least, things that’ll help make it feel like autumn is actually a thing here.
Photograph: Shutterstock
Where to go apple picking near Los Angeles
This fall, make the trip out to these SoCal apple picking farms for fresh apples, apple pies, cider doughnuts and other autumnal delights.
Southern California’s apple picking season, which generally runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving, draws apple-loving Angelenos to comparatively rural counties nearby for a fresh taste of fall and a change of scenery. The closest apple picking area to Los Angeles is Oak Glen, a small unincorporated town in San Bernardino County where a cluster of longtime orchards allow purists to pick apples straight off the tree and indulge in timeless fall treats like apple cider, apple cider doughnuts and hot chocolate (even if the actual weather outside still hovers above 80 degrees).
While the trek to Oak Glen typically takes an hour to two hours’ drive from most parts of L.A., many of these U-pick farms offer a day of worthwhile family-friendly activities, from fresh cider pressing to petting zoos and archery—hence why they’re part of our guide to the best things to do in the fall.
If you’re willing to spend three or four hours in the car, the sleepy town of Julian in San Diego County is an even more charming apple picking town—albeit better suited to an overnight trip or a longer day trip for those willing to get up even earlier to make the drive. From late October (the last few weeks of prime apple picking season) to early November, the remote mountain town also transforms into one of SoCal’s true fall foliage destinations and local bakery Julian Pie Company turns the fall bounty into some of the best pies in Southern California.
When to pick apples near L.A.
Though it usually runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving, for best results and little chance for disappointment, arrive earlier in the season to ensure there are still apples on the trees (Julian’s orchards, in particular, will close whenever there aren’t enough fruits left to satisfy heavy weekend crowds.) Regardless of which SoCal apple picking towns you choose, there’s still heaps of fall fun to be had—so jump in the car and head to the best apple picking farms near Los Angeles.
Photograph: Monique Batac- Tapia Brothers Farm Pumpkin Patch.
Play in a pumpkin patch
Though there are a few farms fit for plucking, most of L.A.’s pumpkin patches set up in parking lots or open fields. If you’re simply looking for a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, any old supermarket selection of pumpkins will do. But you’ll also find about a dozen places (particularly toward the Ventura County border) that supplement their squashes with activities like petting zoos and wagon rides.
Photograph: Michael Juliano
Where to see the best fall foliage around L.A.
“I miss fall” is one of the first things that transplants usually say after spending a year in Los Angeles, but what we think they really mean is that they miss colorful fall foliage. You absolutely won’t find any sort of New England-esque blanket of reds and yellows along L.A.’s hillsides. But if you put in a little effort—and if the weather cooperates just right—there are still some lovely autumnal hues to behold.
Of course, L.A. is mostly known for its year-round summer-like weather and beaches. And fall typically remains pretty warm, and often flat-out fiery. So fall activities like pumpkin patches and Halloween events tend to be more of a seasonal signpost than foliage. There’s some color to behold, though: locally in botanical gardens and small pockets of neighborhoods, though the bulk of the displays reside an hour or two away in mountain towns. All that said, these are the few spots to enjoy the bits of colorful fall foliage all around L.A.
1. Oak Glen
Fall is a big deal in Oak Glen. If you’re up for the roughly hour-and-a-half drive, you’ll be greeted by trees in an array of bright colors. Nestled in the heart of apple country, visitors will also be greeted by the apple harvest, typically from Labor Day Weekend until Thanksgiving. Enjoy the fall foliage while sipping on homemade apple cider at local ranches.
2. Big Bear
The mountains are always the best place to catch fall foliage, and one of the closest—and easiest to get to—is Big Bear. With plenty of trees surrounding the lake, the key is arriving at the right time. According to Big Bear’s tourism website, the area’s fall foliage is typically at its peak from mid-October to early November. You’ll see evergreen trees, aspens, cottonwoods and oaks transform the horizon into a sea of gold, crimson amber and yellow. Usually, the locations to see the autumn colors are Mill Creek Road, the Pine Knot Trail and Castle Rock Trail.
Though this delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California is known for its more than 600 varieties of camellia flowers in the winter and spring, there’s plenty to see during the fall months, as well. According to the garden’s website, visitors can usually expect to see fall foliage during October and November. And, because it’s SoCal, you can expect some flowers, too: In October, you’ll also see sasanqua camellias and roses, while in November you can expect toyon berries, annuals, and ginkgo.
4. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
There’s not a bad time of year to visit the Huntington Library’s many gardens. According to the venue’s website, fall foliage is at its peak in November, when you can see trees like American sweetgum, Koelreuteria henryi and Lion’s ear in all their colorful glory. During the fall months, visitors will also enjoy seeing the bloom of fall fruits, including the berry-like ones that grow on Washington hawthorns. Circle the blocks surrounding the gardens on your way out for some extra foliage.
5. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden
These gorgeous grounds in Arcadia have been designed as an educational facility (the plants are mostly arranged by region, and tours are available), but many people simply come here for a little peace and quiet as they take in the beautiful sights. Come in the fall and you’ll see the trees and plants changing colors. If you’re on the hunt for fall foliage, your best bet is to check out the Celebration Garden, the Grace V. Kallam Perennial Garden and the Meadowbook Garden, where you’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of the San Gabriel Mountains.
