(Updated for October 2020) October is perhaps my favorite month in Northern California. The weather tends to be perfect: no rain yet, cool mornings and evenings but warm, sunny days. And fall appears with leaves changing color and all the fall traditions that I love. Ironically, I don’t usually travel much in October because it’s a month with no holidays in my teaching schedules, but even when I can’t get away for weekends, it’s a good time of year for Northern California day-trips and days out in my hometown, Sacramento. In fact, October is one of my favorite times in Northern California!
Check out all my California Travel Tips.
However, this year’s devastating fire season and Covid-19 have made traveling here much more difficult. Air quality has been very poor in much of Northern California, but as containment grows, air quality improves quickly. Most of the state has low Covid infection rates, and with the statewide mask order, it’s relatively safe to travel here as long as you are careful and abide by the local regulations regarding gatherings, indoor dining, etc.
October is a great time to travel in Northern California because of the weather. The trees are changing color in the foothills and mountains, and the coast is warmer and less foggy than in the summer. Fall is a great time to be in San Francisco or coastal places farther north like Mendocino, Bodega Bay, and Point Reyes.
And unlike September, October is a much better time to be inland. The hot temperatures of late summer have given way to breezy fall days in the 70s and low 80s, making it a perfect time to be in Sacramento, Napa Valley and the Gold Country. And in the mountains near Lake Tahoe or Yosemite, it’s starting to get cold but with beautiful fall colors and thinner crowds.
Read more: 30 FREE things to do in Northern California
Here are my picks for what to do in Northern California this month (in chronological order). I’d love to hear yours!
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, San Francisco
This totally free music festival usually spans the whole weekend and includes music on several different stages. This year the festival takes place virtually, so you can tune in from anywhere. The impressive lineup includes Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Boz Scaggs, and many more.
Where: It usually takes place at Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park (851 John F. Kennedy Dr.)
When: Oct. 3, 2-5 PM PST
Cost: Free
Museum Reopenings!
I love the idea of visiting a museum as a semblance of normalcy during this time. To be in another space with new things to look at and some other people! And of cousre, if you’re not ready or able to visit in person, you can visit virtually. Many if not all museums offer virtual tours and special events online.
Look for events and exhibitions as museums begin reopening. Expect to make reservations and follow strict guidelines for safe visiting.
More info from the SFMOMA here.
“Frida Khalo: Images Can Be Deceiving” exhibition at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. More info here
Ghost Tours and More in Sacramento
The Sacramento History Museum is hosting virtual events, like its Ghost Tour, and in-person events for small groups. Check out the Gold Game, a small group tour and game that looks like lots of fun for the whole family.
Where: Sacramento History Museum, 101 I St., Old Sacramento
When: Throughout October
Cost: Prices vary
Dia de los Muertos celebration in Sacramento
This is one of my favorite events of the season, and this year it’s been reimagined as a “moonlit slow drive through remembrance.” Considering how beautiful the altars and related events are and how wonderfully the cars are usually decorated, I expect this to be a memorable event. Attendees must make a reservation for a specific time and must remain in their cars.
Where: The Latino Center of Art & Culture, 2700 Front St., Sacramento
When: Thursday-Sunday, October 29-November 1, 2020
Thursday and Sunday: 5 pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday: 5pm-11pm
Cost: Free
Apple and pumpkin picking, 24Carrot in Apple Hill
This organic farm in the hills outside Placerville is the perfect spot for fresh products for sale at their farmstand and you-pick pumpkins and apples. Try to come on a weekday to avoid the weekend Apple Hill crowds (although I think this place doesn’t get as crowded as some of the older and better known ones just down the road). Besides their own pumpkins, apples, cherry tomatoes, flowers, and honey, they’re also selling local figs and plums/pluots.
Early October: Organic u-pick sunflowers and pumpkins
Where: 24Carrot Farm, 2731 Jacquier Rd, Placerville
When: Open Thursday-Saturday 10-5
Cost: Varies depending on what you pick and buy
More info here for 24Carrot
Apple Hill
Cider donuts, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple picking and fresh baked pies…this wonderfully seasonal mix of activities takes place in the tree-lined hills of Apple Hill, about 45 minutes east of Sacramento off Highway 50. Learn more about a day trip to Apple Hill, but please 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
Owl-O-Ween at Effie Yeaw Nature Center
This popular nature center in Sacramento is hosting a safe outdoor Halloween festival. Costumes are encouraged, and masks will be required. All groups will be safely distanced. The event includes a one-hour visit of the village exhibits and a guided hike around the nature center grounds, so dress accordingly. Reservations must be made to secure your one-hour time slot.
Where: Effie Yeaw Sacramento Nature Center
When: October 24 between 1:00 and 6:00
Cost: $40 for a group of up to 5
See the Aspen trees in the Sierra
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.
The following are favorite fall events in Northern California that have been canceled or reimagined this year:
Big Crush Harvest Festival, Amador County
This year’s festival is canceled. You can still experience one of Northern California’s most beautiful and laid-back wine regions by visiting wineries and looking for smaller crush events to take place during October.
Where: Amador County area wineries
Jack London State Park events, Glen Ellen, Sonoma County
Jack London State Historic Park hosts regular events (think nature hikes and tree talks) for the public in the fall, but sadly the park is closed for now due to wildfires.
Where: Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen
More info here
Fleet Air Show, San Francisco
(Canceled for 2020) This famous event in San Francisco draws big crowds for a reason. It’s a family-friendly fun-packed day that brings locals and visitors for a big air show on the water featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Snowbirds. Tip: there are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can watch the show for free, especially along the waterfront. Just expect crowds.
Where: Marina Green, San Francisco
When: Oct. 11-13
Cost: $75-85
Read more: Fall festivals and craft shows in the Bay Area
San Francisco Street Food Festival, San Francisco
(Canceled for 2020) With more than 50 local chefs, including James Beard winners, celebrating the diverse foods and immigrant influences that make up American cuisine, this festival “promotes equity for women, immigrant and POC-owned food businesses.” Sounds amazing!
Where: Potrero Power Station, 420 23rd St., San Francisco
When: Oct. 12 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 pre-sale, $10 at the door, kids 5 and under free
Salmon run at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe
This wonderful outdoor event is canceled this year due to the effect of overtourism on the bears and the potential for Covid spread.) Every year the salmon spawn in Taylor Creek near Lake Tahoe, and the crystal clear waters make it easy to watch. If you’re lucky, you can watch local bears feasting on the salmon in the creek! The Rainbow Trail is short and easy, and includes aspen trees in beautiful fall colors, especially as it gets closer to November.
Where: Taylor Creek Visitor Center, South Lake Tahoe, California
When: Through Oct. 31
Cost: Free
More info here and here and in this article of 8 easy hikes at Lake Tahoe
What ideas do you have for things to do in Northern California in October?
Hi dear,
My husband n me r traveling to USA in November.we r fm India.we will be on a month long vacation to usa.pl guide me
Hi Nutan,
How exciting that you will be here for a month. I am not sure how I can guide you because the U.S. is such a large country, and there are many factors that can influence travel decisions, such as budget, interests, etc. If you are coming to Northern California, you can find a lot of information on my site https://thisismyhappiness.com/category/california-u-s/ or you can ask me for some suggestions.
Have a wonderful trip!