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. It’s a great time of year for Northern California day-trips and days out in my hometown, Sacramento. In fact, this month is one of my favorite times in this region with many ideas for what to do in Northern California in October.
Check out all my California Travel Tips.
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!
What to Do in Northern California in October
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. 3-5
Cost: Free
Museum Exhibitions!
This new exhibition at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco focuses on two Impressionist masters, Manet and Morisot. With works on loan from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, this promises to be a rare occasion to see these works outside of France.
This exhibition explores the long friendship between Manet, the pivotal artist who began the transition to Impressionism, and Morisot, the best known woman artist of Impressionism, and how their relationship influenced their art.
Where: Legion of Honor in San Francisco
When: October 11, 2025-March 1, 2026
Cost: $35 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, and youth
More info here.
Read more: Legion of Honor and de Young Museums in San Francisco
Ghost Tours and More in Sacramento
The Sacramento History Museum hosts its Ghost Tour every October for a spooky way to get to know local history. Even if you don’t catch a ghost tour, Old Sacramento is fun at this time of year with fall and Halloween themed decorations.
Where: Sacramento History Museum , 101 I St., Old Sacramento
When: October 10, 11, 24, and 25
Cost: $35
Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Sacramento
This is one of my favorite events of the season considering how beautiful the altars are and how wonderfully the cars are decorated. Various events take place and all are family-friendly.
Start with the Dia de los Muertos Fiesta at the California History Museum on October 11 with access to the new exhibit, sugar skull making, live music and much more.
Look for free outdoor celebrations in Oak Park and Midtown on Sat, Nov 1, 2025 – Sun, Nov 2, 2025.
Where: Various locations in Sacramento
When: Throughout October and Sat, Nov 1, 2025 – Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Cost: Varies
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
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
You can 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
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
San Francisco Street Food Festival, San Francisco
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
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 in this article of 8 easy hikes at Lake Tahoe
What ideas do you have for what 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!