Anyone else craving a stroll through those crunchy leaves?
SoCal has plenty to envy, from the year-round summer weather and breathtaking beaches to the lush valleys. But we can’t help but miss the beautiful fall scenery and its beautiful spectrum of red, orange, yellow, and brown. Luckily, you can still celebrate the season in Los Angeles everywhere from the local mountains to botanical gardens. Everyone deserves to witness the vivid transition into (slightly) colder months, so check out our guide to the best places to catch a glimpse of fall foliage around L.A.
Note: A few of these will require bookings and November is the best month to catch the transition, so plan ahead!
1. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library is a year-round favorite! Fall foliage is at its peak in November but truthfully, you can stroll through the many gardens any time this season and still be in awe by nature’s beauty.
Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108. See it on Google maps.
2. South Coast Botanic Garden
Head to Palo Verdes for perfectly curated fall vibes! Roam for hours enjoying the luscious scenery or visit the many nature preserves along the coast like Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, Linden H. Chandler Preserve, George F. Canyon and White Point Nature Preserve.
Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274. See it on Google maps.
3. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Escape to these gorgeous grounds for some old-fashioned peace and quiet! It’s easy to forget that there are places like this in L.A. but surely once you get a taste, you’ll keep craving more.
Location: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007. See it on Google maps.
4. Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens should be called horticultural heaven because of its 600 varieties of camellia flowers. Beyond fall foliage, expect to see sasanqua camellias and roses in October and toyon berries, annuals and ginkgo in November.
Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. See it on Google maps.
5. Franklin Canyon Park & Reservoir
Tucked into a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains in Beverly Hills, this 605-acre park is home to a is a 3-acre lake (reservoir) and has a few trails that will let you leave the city buzz behind and connect with nature. Beyond the plethora of wildflowers that grow here, you’ll be surrounded by shady grassland meadows, oak woodlands are found in the park, and sycamore, redwood and walnut trees, along the boundaries.
Location: Lake Drive & Franklin Canyon Drive, Franklin Canyon Park, CA 90210. See it on Google maps.
6. Big Bear
Though Big Bear isn’t technically in Los Angeles, it’s too great of a mini road trip to pass up. Once you catch a peek of all the autumn leafed trees surrounding the lake, you may forget that you’re on the West Coast. Try and catch the red, orange, and yellow leaves before they fall off to prepare for the winter!
Location: Alden Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. See it on Google maps.
[Featured Image: @clyphered]