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
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.
Parks
Oak Glen is an excellent place to try cider, eat doughnuts and enjoy the scenery. To fully immerse yourself into nearby nature, drive the 5 mi (8 km) loop around the area. 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.
Lakes
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 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.
Practical info
When do the colors of fall become visible near Los Angeles?
Colors of fall begin to appear from mid-October to the end of November near Los Angeles. During this period, many gardens and parks in the vicinity undergo a chameleon-like transformation. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden where trees like sweetgum and lion’s ear become golden, crimson, amber, and yellow in November, making it a popular fall foliage destination. Show more
What are some places to witness fall foliage within Los Angeles?
Fall foliage can be savored within Los Angeles without visiting any other nearby landmarks. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden and Descanso Gardens are prime locations for witnessing fall colors within the city. Oak Glen and Malibu Creek State Park are some other parks that provide visitors with a chance to gaze at fall foliage and take a hike or a walk while enjoying nature's beauty. Show more
What are the names of some botanical gardens where fall leaves turn beautiful colors?
The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden are two botanical gardens that exhibit stunning fall colors. When November arrives, trees such as sweetgum and lion’s ear at these gardens start transforming their colors to golden, crimson, amber, and yellow as fall progresses. Descanso Gardens is also a notable foliage destination, offering a luxuriant Autumn mix of leaves and other types of plantlife. Show more
Which parks near Los Angeles are scenic for a fall hike and viewing of autumn leaves?
There are several scenic parks to hike and see fall colors near Los Angeles, including Oak Glen, Malibu Creek State Park, and Mount Wilson Observatory. Visitors can take the 5-mile (8km) loop around Oak Glen to make the most of the picturesque scenes. Malibu Creek State Park is dotted with valley oak trees and sycamores, while Mount Wilson Observatory provides an elevated aerial view of the city and its colorful fall foliage. Show more
What is the date range for the biggest Oktoberfest in the Lake Arrowhead region?
The biggest Oktoberfest in the Lake Arrowhead region occurs from mid-September to the end of October every year. During this period, tourists can participate in Oktoberfest festivities and take in the magnificent foliage featuring golden oaks, cottonwoods, and aspens in Lake Arrowhead. Big Bear Lake is another favored location where visitors can experience autumn's beauty from mid-October to the start of November, among other activities. Show more
