Fall is such a beautiful time in Northern California. The temperatures are starting to drop but the rain usually hasn’t arrived yet, and in many parts of this region, you can be treated to spectacular fall colors. It’s lovely! Here are my picks for what to do in Northern California in November plus some tips for visiting Northern California this fall.
Check out all my California Travel Tips or these articles:
- 30 Favorite Things to Do in Northern CA
- What to do in Napa Valley
- What to do in the Monterey Bay area
- What to do in Lake Tahoe
- What to do in San Francisco
- What to do in Sacramento
- What to do in Sonoma County
- What to do in Mendocino County
- What to do in Lodi
- Free things to do in Northern California
- Affordable family travel ideas in Northern California
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.
Where to travel 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.
— In early November, head to the mountains for either late season leaf peeping or early winter snow and possible salmon spawn.
— 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.
— Go to the wine country for beautiful fall colors on the vines. To get started, check out my list of 30 best wineries in Napa Valley.
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 in Northern California 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
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.
Note that this area is packed on weekends, so either go on a weekday or, on weekends, 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
(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.
See the sandhill cranes
These huge birds make the Sacramento area their winter stop on their migration from November through March. It’s an exciting sight to watch flocks of them fly in at sunset before settling in for the night. Cosumnes River Preserve, just 10 minutes south of Sacramento, is one of the best places to see a variety of birds including sandhill cranes, although the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve near Lodi is even better for seeing them close up.
Note that parking is usually easy, but this place can get busy with photographers and bird watchers. No pets allowed at the preserve. More info here.
Where: Cosumnes River Preserve, south of Sacramento
When: November through the winter
Cost: Free
Read more: Where to see sandhill cranes in 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
Visit Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley
One of my favorite day trips in the fall is to Empire Mine State Historic Park for both history and nature. Besides the gold mine (which is one of the deepest and most successful mines in the West) and the beautiful grounds and buildings, which are on the National Register of Historic Places, there are fourteen miles of trails for easy, quiet hikes. The fall colors here are beautiful.
However, it does get busy on weekends, so I recommend arriving close to opening time (at 10:00) and saving time to walk the trails where there are very few people.
Outdoor tables provide plenty of space for a picnic lunch.
When: Winter hours (Nov. 1 – Feb 28): 10AM – 4PM although the trails are open until sunset
Cost: children 5 and under are free, all others pay $5
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.
Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 22 2024
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.
Read more: What to do in Northern California in December
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. 22-24, 2024
Cost: $5 and up depending on the day
David Černý “Rebellion,” Sacramento
The work of David Černý (pronounced “Cherny”), the Czech Republic’s most famous contemporary artist, is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable for public viewing. His enormous sculptures challenge authority and often comment on the current political climate. Besides seeing the work of an important figure in the contemporary art scene, you can enjoy the diverse collection of the Crocker Art Museum in both the 19th century historic mansion and the bright contemporary space.
Where: Crocker Art Museum, downtown Sacramento
When: through January 12, 2025, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open late on Thursdays
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $8 for children ages 6-17
Bird Walk, Mushroom Walk, or a visit to Soil Born Farms, Sacramento
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
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
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!
I love those two regions, too. I’ve been to Mendocino only once but it is a special part of our beautiful state.
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.