Multiple parks and gardens in LA start to burst with colors just around Halloween time. The season from mid-October until the end of November gives the most significant chance for a memorable leaf-peeping experience.
Gardens and Parks
There is no need to travel far from Los Angeles to see the fall foliage. Many botanical gardens are located right in the city, such as the Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens. In November, trees like sweetgum, lion’s ear, and many others begin to change their palette to golden, crimson, amber, and yellow. Other botanical gardens, famous for their fall colors, include the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Descanso Gardens, in addition to autumn leaves, impresses with berries, roses, and sasanqua camellias in the middle of the autumn season. Malibu Creek State Park, covered with sycamores and valley oak trees, is perfect for a fall hike or a walk. Mount Wilson Observatory is a good place to check the city from a bird's eye view and appreciate how the fall foliage transforms the scenery.
Scenic Drives
The best way to discover amazing fall foliage from your car window is to take a drive on Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a 110-mile road through San Bernardino Mountains, from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. One of the highest roads in Southern California, this route provides a rare opportunity to experience fall in so far south. The road goes along Highways 138, 18, and 38. State Route 38 from Big Bear Lake to Oak Glen is especially scenic in the fall, with plenty of panoramic views and scenic outlooks After leaving Big Bear, the road goes up to Onyx Summit at 8,443 ft (2,573 m), then descends to Cienaga Seca Creek and ascends to Angelus Oaks, crossing the ridgeline of the highest San Bernardino peaks.
Oak Glen
Oak Glen is a perfect destination in the fall. A scenic mountain town is known for its apple orchards and vineyards. As the weather gets cooler, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and stunning fall foliage displays with plenty of yellow, orange, and red tones. Oak Glen is an excellent place to try cider, eat doughnuts and pick up a pumpkin from a farm. To fully immerse yourself into nearby nature, drive the 5 mi (8 km) loop around the area.
Lake Arrowhead
San Bernardino Mountains boast several beautiful lakes. The forest around Lake Arrowhead is dotted with beautiful deciduous trees, which display all shades of yellow and red. You can take a scenic cruise on the lake to soak in fall colors. Besides the marvelous views, Lake Arrowhead is known for the biggest Oktoberfest in the region. It is traditionally held from mid-September to the end of October.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is another fantastic spot with peak foliage season from mid-October to the beginning of November. Here you can see golden oaks, aspens, and cottonwoods.
Surrounded by Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino Mountains, and Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles has no shortage of excellent hiking routes and beautiful vistas that look more gorgeous than ever in the fall. However, to see the real abundance of fall foliage, you have to go north to Wine Country or Lake Tahoe.
