What to Do in Northern California This November

Napa winery

(Updated for 2023!) Even though the month is a busy time for me work-wise, I try to get out and explore the beauty of fall in Northern California. It really is such a special time in this region. Here are my picks for what to do in Northern California in November plus some tips for visiting Northern California this fall.

California fall

Check out all my California Travel Tips or these articles: 

Is November a good time to visit Northern California?

Yes! November might be my favorite month in Northern California. The leaves are finally changing, and the season’s best colors can be seen this month. It’s not crowded, and the weather is usually very nice. This is a great time to visit a place that normally gets too hot (Sacramento, Gold Country) or crowded (San Francisco, Napa Valley) in the summer.

What is the weather like in Northern California in November?

It’s finally cooled off enough to get out those sweaters and scarves, but it’s generally dry and sunny enough to spend time outdoors. The rainy season starts in November, so it is possible to have cold, rainy days. But sunny days with highs in the 60s and 70s are more likely. In the Sierra Nevada (think Lake Tahoe and Yosemite), it can be quite cold in November, so plan accordingly.

Here are my picks for what to do in Northern California in November. I’d love to hear yours!

Northern California in fall

Traveling in Northern California in November:

— Spend a few days on the coast. Try a visit to Mendocino for beautiful, rugged beaches; excellent state park; and amazing night skies. Visit the Botanical Garden. November is a great time to go because it’s usually dry and less foggy than in the summer. 

— Spend a long weekend at Point Reyes National Seashore. I love this getaway because it’s quiet, beautiful, and near other great places like Samuel P. Taylor State Park.

— Enjoy seasonal fun in the foothills and Gold Country. See how to visit Apple Hill below.

— Go leaf peeping! This is a beautiful time to see the leaves changing in Northern California. Here’s a guide to autumn leaves in California.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by This Is My Happiness 🌿 (@jennafrancisco) on

— Go to Napa Valley. Wine country needs visitors right now, and there are plenty of wineries doing outdoor wine tasting. Check out my list of 30 best wineries in Napa Valley. After the fires of the past few years, wine country welcomes visitors!

Visiting the wine country is a no-brainer for me in the fall in Northern California. The grape vines change color in November, and thanks to the color differences among grape varieties, you can see a sort of rainbow of colors in the vineyards.

For example, in some places in Napa Valley, a hilltop view allows you to see differences in the vines — patches of purple, red, orange, and yellow depending on what grapes are planted in each section. Add to that the changing leaves of the trees, and you have the most beautiful time of year to visit the wine country. Try the wineries in the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley for beautiful fall colors.

what to do California in November
Napa vineyards in November

 

Salmon spawn 

The eastern Sierra are beautiful at this time of year; aspen trees have turned bright yellow, and at Taylor Creek, kokanee salmon make their way up the creek to spawn. If you’re lucky, you can see a bear hanging out in the creek looking for his or her next meal. The hiking trails here are short and easy but a lovely way to see fall colors in the mountains–go soon for the best fall color. (Related: 8 hikes with kids at Tahoe)

In the Sacramento area, try the Nimbus Fish Hatchery or anywhere along the American River (Effie Yeaw Nature Center park is another good option) to see salmon making their way back up the river.

 

A visit to Apple Hill, near Placerville

what to do in northern california in november

I love the foothills in the fall! The air is crisp, the trees are shades of orange and red, and farms are open for visitors. Perhaps the best known place to visit is Apple Hill, a hilly area outside Placerville (about 40 minutes east of Sacramento) where farms share their bounty in the fall. Try Kids Inc for fall colors and kids’ activities, Apple Pantry Farm for amazing pie, and Rainbow Orchards for their famous apple cider donuts.

My favorite stop is 24Carrot Farm where you can buy seasonal organic produce at their beautiful farmstand and pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers. 

Find out more here: a day trip to Apple Hill. Note that this area is packed on weekends, so either go on a weekday or leave early!

What to do in Northern California in November
Don’t miss the pies at Apple Pantry Farm!

Be aware that this place gets packed on weekends! In fact, while driving by twice last week, I noticed traffic like I’ve never seen before. Go on a weekday or go very early and hit the lesser-known spots. 

More info here and a day trip to Apple Hill

 

See the Aspen trees in the Sierra

What to do in Northern California in October

(Check the status before you go–these trees may drop their leaves by early November). Drive up to Lake Tahoe or Hope Valley to see the beautiful yellow leaves of the aspen trees. Not only is the yellow color striking against the white trunks and blue sky, but also the way the leaves vibrate in the breeze is mesmerizing! 

Normally I’d recommend going to Taylor Creek at Lake Tahoe to see the aspen and the salmon run, but as mentioned below, that area has been closed this fall. Try the Lam Watah Nature Trail and the loop around Spooner Lake.

Here are more tips for fall color in Northern California.

 

Nature Events at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento

I love this nature center located in a quiet corner of Sacramento on the American River. Here you can see the salmon going back up the river to spawn in November after walking the trails and maybe spotting deer and turkeys. The visitor center holds regular events for kids, teens, and adults, especially on weekends.

Where: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento

When: various dates in November

Cost: $5 and up

 

Festival of Lights, Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden

If you have not been to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, put it on your list. Visiting on a sunny day was one of our favorite travel experiences in Northern California! Not only are the gardens beautiful and interesting, but you’ll also be treated to amazing views of the sea from the cliffs.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden’s Annual Festival of Lights takes place every weekend from late November through mid December. Tens of thousands of lights arranged in artistic displays transform these beautiful garden into a place of wonder. Don’t miss the succulent garden, which morphs into an underwater scene. Note that no dogs are allowed at the festival, and reserving advanced tickets is required. 

Slideshow image
Photo courtesy the Mendocino Botanical Gardens

Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

When: Nov. 24-Dec. 17 2023

Cost: Prices not announced yet, but in the past, they were $10 per adult, free for kids

If you go, consider staying at Little River Inn (one of my favorite California hotels!) and check out my 30 Things to Do in Mendocino

What to Do in Northern California November

 

Read more: What to do in Northern California in December

 

What to do Northern California November

Mountain Mandarin Festival

An annual event celebrating one of the season’s favorite fruits, the mandarin, the festival includes live music, kids’ events and cooking demos.

Where: Auburn

When: Nov. 17-19, 2023

Cost: $5 and up depending on the day

More info here

 

Bird Walk (or a visit to) Soil Born Farms, Sacramento

Soil Born Farms

One of my favorite things to do in fall is explore local farms. The changing leaves and seasonal produce make them so beautiful. One easy stop is Soil Born Farms, right off Highway 50 in Sacramento. If you’re passing by the city or staying in the area, make time for a visit to this farm, which is open to the public daily except Sunday but has special events on Saturdays. 

Saturday mornings at the farm include freshly-baked goods, live music, yoga, produce from the farmstand, and locally roasted coffee. 

Their guided bird walks take you around American River Ranch where you’ll observe a variety of resident and migrating birds and possibly other critters and plant life along the way. This morning walk is perfect for families and beginner to intermediate birdwatchers.

Where: Soil Born Farms, 2140 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova (Sacramento)

When: Weekly in the fall

Cost: $10, more info here

 

Napa Valley Film Festival

Besides being a world-class festival, it’s a cultural celebration of the art of film, food, and wine. Plus, you can’t go wrong visiting Napa Valley in the fall. Besides the less crowded wineries and incredible seasonal food, fall in Napa is so beautiful with the grape vine leaves changing colors. 

Where: the beautiful CIA at Copia in Downtown Napa

When: Nov. 11-12

Cost: Passes start at $125

More info here

 

Find much more about what to do in Northern California here and here

What ideas do you have for what to do in Northern California in November? 

Photo credit: Mandarins by Gary Stevens on Flickr

 
Join the Conversation

4 Comments

  1. says: Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

    You don’t have to sell me on Northern California! I love how it has a completely different feeling than So. Cal! Mendocino and Napa are two of my favorite places! I’d love to go back to Mendocino in the fall for some autumn color!

    1. says: Jenna

      I love those two regions, too. I’ve been to Mendocino only once but it is a special part of our beautiful state.

  2. says: Sarah

    Thanks for sharing! I agree that November is a great time to explore Northern CA. It’s also a great time to go camping at one of the hundreds of beautiful parks, especially in early November. I have been to the Hip Hop Dance Fest many times and it is amazing! It has become a pre-Thanksgiving tradition in my family.

  3. says: CJ

    Your guide on What To Do In Northern California This November is just what I needed! Excited to explore your recommendations and make the most of November. Thanks for the autumnal insights! 🍁🍂

Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.