Who says that we don’t have seasons in California? The simple fact of the matter is. . . we have it all (if you know where to find it)! If you want some spectacular fall color—try out one of these California locales.

North Yuba River Canyon and Sierra City

The Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway (Highway 49), northeast of Sacramento, takes you through California’s historic Gold Country, over dramatic river chasms and through charming mountain towns like Downieville and Sierra City. The blazing gold of creekside dogwood trees set beneath the dramatic Sierra Buttes is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Julian

If you are heading south this fall, why not take a drive to the charming goldmining town of Julian in the back country of San Diego. Julian’s “Fall Apple Festival”, a tradition begun in 1909, runs from mid-September to mid-November. While the leaves are changing to beautiful shades of deep red and gold the local residents of the town are working away to make some of the best homemade apple cider and pies around! The streets are filled with charming shops and cafes.

June Lake

The June Lake Loop (Hwy 158 off of Hwy 395, just north of Mammoth) runs along the edge of five alpine lakes and offers stunning vistas of high Sierra peaks. The area is know as the “Switzerland of the Sierras”. The Aspen trees that line the lakes and streams turn a glorious gold this time of year.