Fall is officially here, so we’re eagerly awaiting the changing leaves. While San Francisco isn’t known for its fall colors (and SF summer is just starting), there are still plenty of places near the city where you can get a taste of the changing leaves.
Leaf-peeping season will vary depending on the place, with fall foliage often peaking earlier in the season in the Northeast and later in areas like California. This interactive map from the Smoky Mountains predicts when foliage will peak across the United States. You can slide a toggle to change the date and see the prediction for the fall leaves. While the tool can’t be completely accurate as it’s just a prediction, it’s still a helpful way to plan fall getaways.
Central California will see minimal changes in early October, and the Bay Area is expected to see the first changing leaves around October 13. The Bay Area won’t reach its peak until approximately November 10, while much of the northern United States will already be past its peak season. Between October 20th and November 10th will be the best times to see fall leaves in the Bay Area, so you still have plenty of time to plan the perfect weekend getaway or day trip. You can find the map made by the Smoky Mountains website here.
Where to see fall foliage near San Francisco
While San Francisco will have the occasional fall foliage, you might have to drive outside the city to really get in the fall spirit. Check out a few of our fall foliage destinations here:
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: This state park has beautiful fall foliage visible on its trails. Admission to the park is free, and you can stop by one of Napa’s numerous wineries on your way.
Yosemite National Park: While the drive to Yosemite can be long, it’s definitely worth it in the fall. Not only can you see iconic views of the national park with beautiful fall colors, but the park is typically less crowded in the fall compared to the summer months.
Filoli Estate and Gardens: Just 30 minutes from San Francisco, this beautiful estate and garden has plenty of fall colors, and there’s no hiking necessary.
Check out the rest of our recommendations for places to see fall foliage here.