How to Experience California's Best Autumn Escapes
Autumn is a great time for a California road trip, with the summertime and holiday crowds away and generally mild weather all over the state. Here are some of the Golden State's finest fall diversions, from striking gold to sipping wine.
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Things You'll Need
- Layered clothing for sometimes unpredictable climes
- Camera for fall foliage and other sights
Instructions
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Head for Northern California's wine country-aka Sonoma and Napa Counties-for a wine harvest that runs through October and shows off harvesters at work, and the chance to stomp some grapes and make your own vintages. Sonoma County also has a lively Harvest Fair each year in early October highlighted by fine food, music and of course, wonderful wine.
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The Bay Area is at its best in the fall, particularly the East Bay, which often stays warm and sunny through much of November. Berkeley is particularly enjoyable, enlivened by returning University of California students; and make sure to make a trip to sprawling Tilden Park in the hills, with hiking trails, a famed old-time carousel and some perfect places for a fall picnic.
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Half Moon Bay, on the San Mateo County coast south of San Francisco, is at its most rustic and unspoiled in the cool autumn weather, an ideal place for a quiet weekend along the coast. If you're seeking a livelier time, plan ahead for its annual Art & Pumpkin Festival in mid-October, a mammoth shindig of parades, pumpkin-carving, endless live entertainment and plenty of food-including, of course, plenty of pumpkin pie!
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Mendocino is always a great getaway, but fall is especially a good time, with the summer tourism seriously dissipated and the winter rains still on the horizon. Checking out the crisp autumn air at one of the superb state parks such as Van Damme (3 miles south of town) or Russian Gulch (2 miles north of town) is about as good as it gets for a fall hike.
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Lake Tahoe is also a treasure any time, but can be a bit of a madhouse on a summer or ski-season weekend. Fall is a perfect time to chill by the lake, wander the extensive hiking and cycling paths and hit the numerous casinos on the south shore.
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Gold Country, around Sacramento, shines brighter than ever in the fall. Its inland setting means some excellent autumn foliage, and the often-intense heat of summer has faded. Check out the Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley to truly appreciate the region's heritage.
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Down south, Pasadena is a perfect pick for an autumn outing. The city's popular Craftsman Weekend, held in mid-October, is the most spectacular tribute to the Arts & Craft movement in America; early October's Garfield Heights Home Tour is another unforgettable way to savor the amazing architecture. Bargain hunters should head to the Rose Bowl for its gigantic flea market (the West Coast's largest) the second Sunday of each month-where more than 2,500 vendors purvey everything imaginable.
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Tips & Warnings
Even in autumn, try to plan ahead to ensure your top choices of lodging and other travel essentials.
