Northern California Fall Activities

Northern California comes alive in the fall with the changing color of the leaves and crisp, cool air breezing through. As leaves rustle beneath your feet and the smell of fresh cider and baked goods fills the air, it is the time of year when pumpkin patches, harvest parties, and local festivals are in abundance. From hiking and wine tasting to family-friendly activities, these Northern California fall activities offer something for everyone.

It is a great time to go wine tasting as the vineyards are vibrant with color and provide a beautiful backdrop for wine enthusiasts. The cooler weather and smaller crowds make wine tasting a more relaxing experience. Autumn provides a perfect backdrop for scenic coastal trail walks and golden sunsets set the scene for leisurely beach walks.

All events occur annually so even if you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next year!

San Francisco Fall Activities

With fewer crowds, mild weather, and a wide range of seasonal activities, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the sights and delights of the season.

Fall Hiking near San Francisco
Muir Woods
Reinhardt Regional Park
Angel Island State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Point Reyes National Seashore 
Lands End Trail

Fall Wine Tasting near San Francisco
Hendry Winery
The Donum Estate
Chateau Montelena
Buena Vista Winery
Roche Vineyards
Napa Valley Wine Train
Del Dotton Vineyards

Fall Scenery near San Francisco
Stinson Beach
Baker Beach
Golden Gate Park
Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Fall Farms near San Francisco
Tilden Little Farm
Clancy’s Pumpkins
Speer Family Farms
Ratzlaff Ranch

Fall Events near San Francisco
The Good Fun Fall Fest at Monarch Gardens
Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival
San Francisco Botanical Garden

Half Moon Bay Fall Activities

Half Moon Bay isn’t named the pumpkin capital of the world for no reason. If pumpkin patches and coastal views are your favorite seasonal activities, Half Moon Bay is where you need to visit.

Fall Hiking near Half Moon Bay
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Fall Wine Tasting near Half Moon Bay
Ridge Vineyards
Byington Vineyard & Winery
Fogarty Winery

Fall Scenery near Half Moon Bay
Francis State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Pillar Point Bluff
Fioli Historic House and Gardens

Fall Farms near Half Moon Bay
Andreotti Family Farms
Harley Farms
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm
Lemos Farm
Farmer John’s Pumpkins
Pastorino Farms
Piedmont Pumpkin Patch

Fall Events near Half Moon Bay
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Lemos Farm Halloween Palooza

Santa Clara County Fall Activities

Santa Clara County is home to so many beautiful parks, trails, and wineries which provide the perfect setting for fun fall outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the seasonal events.

Fall Hiking near Santa Clara County
John Nicholas Trailhead
Central Park Loop
San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail
Los Gatos Creek Trail

Fall Wine Tasting near Santa Clara County
Clos LaChance Winery
Lion Ranch Vineyards
Solis Winery
Alamitos Vineyards
Bella Montagna

Fall Scenery near Santa Clara County
Santa Clara Central Park
Coe State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Alum Rock Park
Almaden Lake Park
Japanese Friendship Garden

Fall Farms near Santa Clara County
LJB Farms
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch
Gizdich Ranch

Fall Events near Santa Clara County
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
Tricks and Treats at California’s Great America
Santa Clara County Fall Festival
Halloween at Happy Hollow
San Jose Ghost Tours
Campbell Chamber Oktoberfest

Fremont Fall Activities

Navigate corn mazes and take a hayride at Ardenwood Historic Farm or indulge in the local vineyard’s freshest harvest, Fremont has something everyone in the family will enjoy this season.

Fall Hiking near Fremont
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area 
Alameda Creek Trail

Fall Wine Tasting near Fremont
Tenuta Vineyards
Elliston Vineyards
Big Dog Vineyards
Nella Terra Cellars

Fall Scenery near Fremont
Coyote Hills
Niles Canyon Railroad
Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve

Fall Farms near Fremont
Ardenwood Historic Farm’s Pumpkin Patch
Speer Family Farms

Fall Events near Fremont
Alameda County Fair Harvest Festival
Ship of Spirits Paranormal Dinner and Tour of USS Hornet
ABC Pumpkin Patch
Ardenwood Farms Harvest Festival

Lake Tahoe Fall Activities

Photographers and nature lovers will find no shortage of sights and activities while enjoying the Autumn season in Lake Tahoe. For a full weekend getaway travel itinerary to Lake Tahoe, read my guide Weekend Getaway Lake Tahoe Fall Colors

Fall Hiking near Lake Tahoe
Fallen Leaf Lake
Rainbow Trail
Cascade Falls Trail
Rubicon Trail
Vikingsholm Trail
Tahoe East Shore Trail

Fall Wine Tasting near Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Tastings Cruise
Montoliva Vineyard and Winery
Truckee River Winery

Fall Scenery near Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay
Cave Rock
Lester Beach
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Hope Valley

Fall Farms near Lake Tahoe
Rainbow Orchards
Boa Vista Orchards
Willow Lake Pumpkins
Amador Flower Farm Pumpkin Patch
Bierwagen’s Pumpkin Patch

Fall Events near Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Oktoberfest
Truckee Historical Haunted Tours
Autumn Food & Wine Festival

Arnold Fall Activities

Surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest, which turns into a vibrant display of color, Arnold is a prime destination for getting into the fall spirit.

Fall Hiking near Arnold
Arnold Rim Trail
North Grove Trail
Bull Run Trail
Elephant Rock Lake Trailhead

Fall Wine Tasting near Arnold
Indian Rock Vineyards
Ironstone Vineyards
Locke Vineyards

Fall Scenery near Arnold
White Pines Lake
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway

Fall Farms near Arnold
Indigeny Reserve
Calaveras Grown
Apple Hill Growers Orchard
Delfino Farms
High Hill Ranch
Denver Dan’s Apple Patch

Fall Events near Arnold
The Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
Calaveras Grape Stomp
Day of the Dead Festival
Murphy’s Gold Rush Street Faire
Blues and Bones Festival

No matter where you are in Northern California during the fall season, you won’t be far from a good time! Where are you visiting first?

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Looking for your next California weekend destination? Check out my Death Valley Weekend Itinerary.