Contrary to popular opinion, the West Coast still has fall foliage and plenty of changing leaves. While it may be hard to catch the changing foliage in SF, aside from occasional trees, there are some particular places you can look to embrace the season. Fall colors are currently peaking in the Bay Area due to the recent rain and colder temps, so now is a great time to go leaf peeping. Here are a few excellent local spots to enjoy this seasonal show!
1. SF Botanical Garden
The SF Botanical Garden is one of the best and most convenient places to catch fall colors in San Francisco. This sprawling green space contains 8,000+ plants across 55 acres, with several areas that truly shine in Autumn. The Moon Viewing Garden is the best place to catch a glimpse of these golden leaves, but every corner of this little oasis is worth a visit. Admission is free for SF residents.
📍 Location: Golden Gate Park • 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
2. Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is one of the most tranquil and picturesque areas in San Francisco and is host to a dazzling display of fall color. Take time to stroll along the numerous koi ponds, visit the newly-restored pagoda, and grab a drink at their traditional tea house. Admission is free to SF residents.
📍 Location: Golden Gate Park • 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
3. Filoli Estate & Gardens
Filoli Estate & Gardens in Woodside, CA, is home to immaculate gardens and an array of deciduous trees that might feel like the closest thing we have to a New England-style fall. The estate covers 654 acres, with 16 acres occupied by the historic house and gardens. The gardens offer a variety of seasonal events to capitalize on the beauty of their fall foliage.
📍 Location: Woodside • 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
4. Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden
Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park is a spectacular 2,079-acre forest with numerous deciduous trees across this hilly park. The best foliage can be seen at the park’s botanic garden, which contains numerous cottonwood, dogwood, and other deciduous trees that look spectacular in the fall. Admission is free.
📍 Location: Berkeley • 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA
5. Mount Tamalpais
There’s no bad season to visit Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam), but fall is beautiful. The numerous Coast Live Oak and Bay Laurel Trees aren’t known for their brilliant color change, but the golden grasslands along the mountainside provide an extraordinary backdrop for your hike. Admission is free, with a fee for some parking areas.
📍 Location: Mill Valley • 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA
6. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Located in the heart of Napa Valley wine country, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is an ideal place to hike, picnic, bike, or even set up camp for the night. For fall color, the Redwood Trail offers the best views of the park’s numerous and colorful Maple Trees. Admission is free.
📍 Location: Calistoga • 3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA
7. Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve
Another excellent spot in the South Bay is Rancho San Antonio Preserve, which offers visitors a unique experience with a sampling of diverse environments and various activities. The area features over 25 miles of trail throughout the 3,988-acre open space preserve and adjoining 165-acre county park. The color-changing Oak, Persimmon, and Maple trees can be seen from various trails that wind through the preserve. Admission is free.
📍 Location: Cupertino • 22500 Cristo Rey Dr Cupertino, CA
8. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samual P. Taylor State Park is located north of San Francisco, roughly an hour and a half drive from the city. The park is most well-known for its majestic redwoods, but the hiking trails offer the chance to see some color-changing trees. The park has paved trails that allow bikes, dogs, and several campsites if you want to extend your trip into a weekend getaway. Parking at the park costs $8, and campsite fees are $35.
📍 Location: Lagunitas • 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938
9. UC Berkeley Campus
Fall and going back to school often go hand in hand, and luckily, UC Berkeley’s campus has a few great spots to see some fall foliage. The campus is easily accessible from San Francisco, and it’s always well-maintained and a great place to walk around. Plus, you can bring a book and enjoy the green under the fall leaves.
📍 Location: Berkeley • University Avenue and Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94720
10. Yosemite National Park
If you’re up for a longer drive, Yosemite National Park also features plenty of beautiful fall foliage. The good news is the park doesn’t just offer vibrant foliage; you also can see breathtaking natural wonders. Visiting Yosemite in the fall is also a great time to explore the park before the winter, and you’ll miss the major summer crowds.
đź“Ť Location: Yosemite National Park, CA
11. Henry W. Coe State Park
Did you know that this park in Morgan Hill is the largest state park in California? Explore 87,000 acres of rolling hills and mostly undeveloped land, which is stunning to witness in every season. Fall is a great time to visit, not just for the colors, but also for the temperate weather. Dress in layers and get ready for a memorable hike less than 2 hours from SF.
đź“Ť Location: 9000 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
12. Anderson Valley
As if we needed another reason to visit wine country, Anderson Valley always puts on quite a show of fall colors visible from the 128 freeway. Visit to see hundreds of rows of grape vines changing color during the fall season and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting while you’re at it.
đź“Ť Location: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, CA
By Grant MacHamer and Dana Flynn