Fall is a glorious time just about anywhere. The autumn colors, shifts in weather, warm cider and fall soups, cozy nights in front of the fire, and fun of the holidays make it a special season, but to me, fall in Northern California is hard to beat. If you can spend some time here in October and November, you will be rewarded with a treat for the senses. Here is why:
1) The produce
Fresh persimmons, new citrus, apples from the foothills, pineapple guavas, and delicious squashes are just some of the fruits and veggies that abound here. Because many people have fruit trees, it’s easy to get a hold of fresh, organic produce, often for free. YUM.
In Napa Valley and other areas, you stop the car, put your money in the box, and walk away with bags of fresh fruit
Late-season nectarines in October at the Davis Farmers' Market
Because of the warm weather in October, we have summer garden produce even in the fall. You can enjoy the tasty produce by visiting the many farmers’ markets and restaurants that use local, seasonal ingredients.
Last picks of the summer garden in October
2) The weather
Speaking of the weather, that is another reason I love fall in Northern California. Though the weather does gradually change and a crispness begins to invade the mornings, it doesn’t really get cold until December. Who can complain about that?
Wine tasting on November 26 on a 65+ degree sunny day
3) The colors
The fall colors may not be as intense as in other areas like New England, but … match them with the blue sky that is a norm in the valley and foothills, and the colors are gorgeous. Local favorites like the Japanese Maple and Chinese Pistache offer some of the most striking shades.
Grapevines in the last week of November, Napa Valley
Chinese pistache seeds turn dark pink in fall
4) The wine culture
Fall is harvest time in California’s wine country, which means harvest celebrations, festivals, and special tasting days. Wineries turn out unique blends that celebrate the grape varietals grown in the areas of Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, and the Sierra foothills. It’s my favorite time of year to enjoy California’s wine culture.
5) San Francisco!
Fall is the best time to visit San Francisco. This famously cold and foggy city enjoys lots of warm, sunny days from September to November. In fact, it was named the top fall destination by U.S. News & World Reports.
These are my reasons to spend time in Northern California in the fall. What is your favorite place to visit in the fall?
As you know, Fall is my favorite time of year here! And yes, October is the perfect time of year in San Francisco. I don’t go to Napa much but everywhere in northern California is beautiful in the Fall. I love to try and discover new places every year!
I agree, everywhere around here is beautiful in the fall. I also try to find new places every year. Maybe next year I will get to the places you photographed this year– they look so beautiful!
Looks fantastic. I love buying vegetables and fruit from stalls at the side of the road. Always satisfying!
Me, too, and I love how this one (and many others) have just a box where you put in your money.
I agree with all of these points – northern California is amazing! We’re a little biased towards the region because we love San Francisco, but there really are a lot of great places around there as well.
And I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I ate a persimmon for the first time only a few months ago in Prague. It was delicious!
You might be biased, but the region really is wonderful!
Gorgeous colours! We’re going to San Francisco next weekend. Can’t wait!
Ya! I hope you have a great time.