California's Wine Country, located in the northern Bay Area, is most attractive in the fall. The weather is mellow, wine harvest festivities and tastings are in full swing, and vineyards look simply stunning, dressed in red, orange and golden tones. The big-leaf maples, black oaks and ginkgo biloba add striking shades of yellow, turning country roads around Napa and Sonoma into colorful artwork.
Best time to see fall colors in Napa Valley
Even though some trees start to change their leaves' colors in September, fall colors start to appear massively only in mid- to late October. The peak fall foliage season in Napa valley falls on early November, and vineyards often keep their vibrant shades until the end of the month. However, keep in mind that the timing is slightly different every year, depending on weather and winds.
Best places to see fall foliage in Napa Valley
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, located near Calistoga, is one of the most spectacular leaf-peeping locations in this wine country. The abundance of black oaks and big-leaf maples create beautiful golden and bronze foliage displays. Take a scenic 1.5 mi (2.4 km) Redwood Trail, running along the creek in a lush, shaded redwood and oak forest. The trail is very easy and flat, with just a couple of climbs.
For aerial photos of colorful vineyards, covering the hills with bright foliage carpets, head to Alexander Valley. Stop at Far Niente Winery in Oakville if you want to capture a beautiful, Instagram-worthy row of ginkgo biloba trees.
Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa is full of oak trees. If you want to photograph some beautiful reflections, Spring Lake in Santa Rosa is a perfect place to relax and spend a day capturing beautiful nature. Closer to Sonoma, Jack London State Historic Park near Glen Ellen showcases colorful vineyards, and picturesque valleys and hillsides, which can be explored via tram.
Scenic drives
Highway 12, or simply Wine Road, is a must-see in the fall. Passing Sonoma Valley, Carneros District, famous vineyards, and wineries—this highway is full of scenic spots, such as the Valley of the Moon barn. Highway 29 is the main road that runs through Napa Valley. It was known as Silverado Trail after its construction in 1852. The 30 mi (48 km) road connecting Napa and Calistoga is a beautiful route for bikers and drivers alike. Don't forget to make a stop at Beringer Vineyards near St. Helena to photograph the historic elm tunnel, bursting with color.
It's hard to come up with a better leaf-peeping destination than Napa Valley. After you witness fall transformations at the vineyards for the first time, you'll want to be back during this magical time of the year again and again.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Napa Valley for fall foliage?
Fall colors start appearing massively in Napa Valley in mid-to-late October, while peak fall foliage season typically falls in early November. Vineyards often maintain their vibrant shades until the end of the month, but the exact timing varies annually based on weather and winds. As such, early to mid-November is the best time to visit Napa Valley if you want to see fall foliage. Show more
Where are the best places to see fall colors in Napa Valley?
If you want to see some fall colors while in Napa Valley, you should head to some of its parks. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is known for its spectacular leaf-peeping locations, while Alexander Valley provides opportunities for aerial photos of colorful vineyards. For picturesque valleys and hillsides, Jack London State Historic Park is an excellent option, while Annadel State Park, to the south of Napa, is full of gorgeous oak trees. Show more
What are the scenic drives to take for leaf-peeping in Napa Valley?
Wine Road, or Highway 12, passes through Sonoma Valley, the Carneros District, famous vineyards, and wineries. Meanwhile, Highway 29 is the best road to follow through Napa Valley, passing by Napa and Calistoga and taking you to Beringer Vineyards, where visitors can photograph the historic elm tunnel. These two scenic routes are perfect for bikers and drivers looking to see some fall foliage. Show more
What specific types of trees contribute to the fall colors in Napa Valley?
When the leaves turn, big-leaf maples, black oaks, and ginkgo biloba trees in Napa Valley add striking shades of yellow, bronze, and red colors. Visitors should head to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, where a large number of black oaks and big-leaf maples create stunning golden and bronze foliage displays. Far Niente Winery in Oakville is a great option for those wanting to see ginkgo biloba trees. Meanwhile, Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa is full of oak trees. Show more
What other fall activities are available in Napa Valley besides seeing the fall foliage?
In addition to fall foliage, Napa Valley has plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy during the season, such as wine harvest festivities, tasting events, and vineyard tours. Autumn-themed train rides, like the Napa Valley Wine Train, are popular with visitors. There are also hot air balloon rides, culinary festivals, and plenty of options for food, drink, and entertainment, with microbreweries, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants all offering various fall-themed activities. Show more
