Discover Bay Area Fall Colors: A Guide for Leaf Peepers
The Bay Area may not boast the endless waves of fall foliage like the East Coast, but if you know where to look, you’ll find some stunning spots that are just as magical. Consider this your go-to local guide for Bay Area fall colors!
Starting with one spot I’m excited to share, I’ll be adding more as I discover new hidden (and not-so-hidden) autumn gems over the next few weeks. So check back for updates and get ready to make the most of the Bay Area’s colorful season!
When do Bay Area fall colors peak?
Fall arrives fashionably late in the Bay Area compared to most of the country. Our mild Mediterranean climate — with warm days and cool, but not freezing, nights — slows the shift in leaf color. While much of the U.S. is already blanketed in autumn hues by mid-October, our trees are still soaking up the last bits of sunshine.
The first to turn are the Chinese pistache trees, which start showing fiery reds and oranges right after Halloween. Soon after, maples and ginkgos trees follow, painting streets and parks in rich shades of gold and crimson. Peak color typically hits between the first and third weeks of November, depending on the species and microclimates.
Bowdoin Lane, Stanford
Kicking off with a hidden gem: Bowdoin Lane at Stanford University. Located towards the south side of the campus, this spot comes alive in autumn, with rows of trees bursting into deep reds, oranges, and yellows. It creates a glowing canopy that feels straight out of a fall postcard.
A few things to note if you go: parking isn’t available on campus unless you own a permit, so you’ll need to park outside in nearby residential streets and walk in. Also, to keep things respectful, please avoid trespassing into campus housing or other buildings, and stick to the footpath while enjoying the colors. This way, everyone can soak up the beauty without disruption!
Residential streets in Palo Alto and Menlo Park
While native trees may not turn fiery shades, many residential streets in the Bay Area light up in the fall thanks to non-native species like maples, ginkgos, and Chinese pistache. These vibrant trees are often planted along streets in affluent neighborhoods to create those picture-perfect autumn scenes.
If you’re up for a leisurely drive, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and Los Gatos are great places to explore. Two of my personal favorite streets worth checking out:
- Greenwood Avenue, Palo Alto – Known for its striking ginkgo trees.
- Cotton Street, Menlo Park – Maple trees here put on a gorgeous display.
I’ve also marked a few other streets with brilliant fall colors on this map. Have a favorite leafy street of your own? Drop it as a reply at the end of this post, and I’ll happily add it to the list!
Napa Valley
Just an hour’s drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley is a stunning fall escape where rows upon rows of vineyards turn golden. In peak season (usually the first two weeks of November), the yellow leaves glow under the sun, creating a magical, golden landscape. Some wineries have picture-perfect driveways and landscapes lined with fall-colored trees, making them prime photo spots for leaf-peepers. A few favorites include Far Niente Winery, Chateau Montelena, and Trefethen Family Vineyards, all of which look especially beautiful in autumn and are perfect stops for a fall-inspired day trip to wine country.
Golden Gate Japanese Tea Garden
The Golden Gate Japanese Tea Garden is such a vibe in the fall! The maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange, perfectly complementing the elegant pagodas and stone lanterns scattered throughout the garden. The reflections in the koi pond are absolutely stunning. Don’t skip the tea house—treat yourself to a warm cup of sencha and a sweet treat, all while soaking in the serene views of the waterfall and koi pond. My favorite thing to do? Head there early in the morning for some zen time with a steaming cup of tea—it’s pure magic.
Pro tip: Entry is usually $12–$16, but here’s a hack: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, it’s free from 9–10 AM. San Francisco residents get free entry anytime with valid ID.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
For a different take on fall colors, head to the Bay Area’s wineries, where the vineyards offer spectacular autumn hues. Thomas Fogarty Winery is a hidden gem nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains offering stunning views of the redwoods, vineyards and the Bay Area beyond. Here, you can enjoy a tasting in their scenic tasting room or even join an off-road ATV tour. The tour comes complete with wine tastings and a cheese and charcuterie board, adding a memorable touch to your visit. Be sure to call ahead or check their website for tasting room hours!
More fall spots to come, each offering its own slice of Bay Area autumn magic! If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to get notified whenever I publish new posts and guides!
