11 Fabulous Fall Weekend Getaways in California for 2025
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11 Fantastic Ideas for Fall Weekend Getaways in California
I don’t know about you but I’m pretty excited about the fall season. Yes, I’m a huge fan of summer and of the heat, but I also really love the fall. The sky is bright, the crowds are gone, and there are three 3 day weekends!
We say that fall in California is pretty much just like summer, except there are fewer crowds and better weather!
Fall is not always about the changing of the leaves and leaf peeping, although that’s a nice addition, but it’s also about a change in schedules, a shift in the weather, fresh beginnings, and transitions. These are always great reasons for a fall weekend getaway, with friends, by yourself, or with the family.
I’ve had a ton of great fall weekend getaways in California that I want to share with you. These are all places where I’ve made awesome memories. Some for a long weekend, some for a romantic getaway, and some for just a spontaneous escape.
Use these travel guides to get inspired and make a plan! Maybe it’s a road trip to a few places, or for an epic hike, or maybe you just want to pause and unwind for a few nights. Either way, get out of the usual and go somewhere fun!
Let’s start our fall weekend getaways with these trip ideas in my home state of California. I’ve written more about most of these suggestions, so when you get inspired, click around and learn more!
Short on Time? Here’s My List!
- San Francisco
- Carmel
- Laguna
- Palm Springs
- Cavallo Point
- Monterey
- Truckee
- Calistoga
- Old Sacramento
- Point Reyes
- Santa Cruz
Carrie’s Quick & Easy Links
🌍 Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
🏠 Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
🚘 Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
🌐 Tours: I recommend Viator
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#1 A Golden Gate Getaway in San Francisco
I might be biased because I live here, but San Francisco in the fall offers everything you want in a weekend getaway. Always filled with unique charm, the weather in the Bay Area in the fall can’t be beat. The city is less crowded, and you’ll have a break from the fog to be able to see the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sailboats on the Bay, and the waves of the Pacific .
San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods have something for everyone. Take advantage of the world-class dining and tons of fun fall cultural events. Plus, you can enjoy all the usual highlights like the iconic cable car rides, Golden Gate Park, and the premiere museums.
Where To Stay In San Francisco
The Hotel Drisco, is a five star, luxury hotel, at the top of Pacific Heights overlooking the San Francisco Bay. It’s a turn of the century Edwardian building with gorgeous detailing. The rooms are beautifully renovated and the staff are lovely.
#2 A Storybook Romantic Getaway to Carmel
Carmel is by far our most favorite Northern California spot for a relaxing fall weekend getaway. We absolutely love it there and go as often as we can because we are lucky to be so close. Only a short ride from San Francisco, Carmel is the picturesque coastal town known for its storybook cottages, pristine beach, quaint streets, and upscale boutique shops and galleries. It’s a perfect day trip from San Francisco too if you only have a short time.
We love the “park the car once and don’t drive again” feature of a Carmel weekend. You can be in casual clothes, barefoot on the beach, and take naps in the warm sun, and walk everywhere. The air cools down in the evening, just in time to sit by a fire pit for cocktails and dinner. In the fall, the mild weather and fewer tourists make it an ideal time to explore the scenic 17-Mile Drive, visit Point Lobos State Park, and watch the sunset.
Where To Stay In Carmel
La Playa Carmel is a beautifully restored hotel close to the beach. Enjoy afternoon Sangria and evening cookies by the fireplace, and a champagne brunch on the patio, overlooking the ocean. The property includes a pool and magnificent gardens.
#3 A Lovely Low Key Getaway in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is our go-to Southern Cal spot. South of LA, Laguna is the ideal fall weekend getaway because you’ll be just about guaranteed to have perfect weather. You might be tempted to live there forever! The beaches are wonderful and the vibe of the town is very laid back and low key. Flip flops are welcome all year long and you’ll fill the days with relaxing on the beach and playing in the waves, or surfing and playing beach volleyball.
Our favorite tide pools are there, along with many favorite restaurants. You’ll get some great after the summer sales in the boutiques and hotels. There is also the Laguna Art Museum, a Marine Mammal Center, and the Fall Art and Music Festival.
Where To Stay In Laguna Beach
The Pacific Edge is our no frills, go-to, family friendly, dog friendly hotel. The hotel has two pools, a hot tub, two restaurants on site, rooms with views of the ocean, and best of all, a private section of the beach with beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels at your disposal.
#4 A Perfect Getaway in Palm Springs
Ahh! Palm Springs in the fall! Picture perfect weather in the mid century modern capital of the world! The desert summer heat is unbearable, but this oasis is a dream in the fall. The days are sunny and the evenings cool just enough to sit by the firepit. My girlfriends and I spent the days hiking and lounging in the pool and the evenings dining and shopping in the upscale boutiques.
Palm Springs is surrounded by mountains, is close to Joshua Tree National Park, and is filled with historical architecture and a lively art scene. Take the Aerial Tramway to catch the breathtaking views or just soak up the autumn sun.
Where To Stay In Palm Springs
Sparrows Lodge, originally built in 1952, this luxury, Michelin Key hotel is a fully restored retreat with all the elegance of old Hollywood. This is a weekend getaway spot for a special occasion and a real break from your usual reality! The reviews are amazing. Pricey, but apparently worth it!
#5 A Carefree Getaway at Cavallo Point
Cavallo Point, located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Baker, is a luxury retreat with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and the bridge. On the surface, the lodgings look rustic and historic from the era when they housed the military base, but you’ll be surprised at how beautifully renovated they are. The restaurants on site are superb and Cavallo Point offers full spa packages. Yes, you’re in charming Sausalito and across the bridge from San Francisco, but you could actually just spend the whole weekend right here, hiking, lounging, and eating!
#6 A Fun Filled Family Getaway in Monterey
Monterey is a Northern California historic gem. This coastal town offers a terrific mix of natural beauty and historic charm, with that great fall weather! The iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the scenic coastline are perfect for exploring with friends and family. There are lots of fun tourist shops, a beautiful promenade walk, and so much to learn about the early days in California’s history. Fall is also a great time to visit for whale watching as the migration season begins.
Where To Stay in Monterey
The Portola Hotel is located in downtown Monterey, and is in a perfect location with access to all the best activities in Monterey. It’s literally within walking distance to all the historic landmarks, shops, and restaurants in town.
#7 A Terrific Time in Truckee
The Sierra Mountains are ideal for a fall getaway because the foliage, the temps, and the scenery are all simply divine! I have been to this area many times during all the seasons, and I can tell you the fall visits have been favorites. The crowds are gone and the hiking is some of the best in Northern California. Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake are truly magnificent. The water is chilly in the fall but paddleboarding and swimming is not out of the question!
The cute town of Truckee has everything an old western town should have, great food and drinks, and fun shops. Tahoe has casinos, lakeside activities, and you can even take the gondola up the mountain and catch the breathtaking views before the snow and ski season arrives.
Where To Stay In Truckee
The Northstar Hyatt Vacation Club is the perfect place to stay in the fall! Get all the amenities of a full luxury spa resort without all the skiers and crowds.
#8 A Spa Weekend Getaway in Calistoga
Calistoga, is nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, and is one of my favorite true hidden gems of the region. Napa and Sonoma are great, but have you been to Calistoga in the fall? It’s as serene and rejuvenating a destination as you can get. Known for its natural hot springs, Calistoga is the home of famous mud baths and spa treatments. The charming town is delightful with great restaurants and shops, but the real draw is the mud and massages, followed up with wine tastings.This is a romantic getaway or perfect for the girlfriends’ weekend.
The golden hues and cooler fall weather, harvest festivals, and quiet have always been just what I was looking for, every time, without fail!
Where To Stay In Calistoga
Indian Springs is my favorite spot in Calistoga, maybe in all of Napa Valley! It’s a beautiful 17 acre, spa resort right in town with lovely cottages, a lodge, and bungalows, an olympic pool, surrounded by olive and palm trees. Go for the mud baths and stay for the relaxation!
#9 A Fall Weekend Getaway in Old Sacramento
Consider our state capital as a fall destination! Not only are you going to find pumpkin patches, apple picking orchards, and fall festivals in nearby Folsom, Dixon, and Elk Grove, but the ever charming Old Sacramento is right here by the river! The California Historical Landmark of Old Sacramento is home to the first transcontinental railroad, the first transcontinental telegraph, the Pony Express,, and all the best Gold Rush stories. About 28 acres along the east side of the Sacramento River near Downtown are designated as the historic Old Town Sacramento and Waterfront.
Enjoy so many historic museums, great food, horse and buggy rides, and explore the state capital.
Where To Stay In Old Sacramento
The Sterling Hotel was built in 1897, and is still a beautiful Victorian mansion that combines old world charm with modern amenities. There are 16 rooms, each uniquely decorated. It’s an affordable hotel with great reviews and a lot of interesting history.
#10 A Delightful Weekend in Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore, north of San Francisco, is some of the most spectacular coastline that you will ever see. While Northern California is notorious for its fog and microclimates, the fall will bring some of Point Reyes clearest skies. The area is a paradise for hikes, watching elephant seals, and seeing the protected Tule Elk herds that live here. The Elk mating season is through October, so don’t be surprised if you hear some wild bugling! We love the hikes along the water and of course, taking the steps down to the lighthouse. Alamere Falls is also along the Point Reyes National Seashore, which is an epic hike.
The charming town of Point Reye Station is a great spot for wine and cheese and boutique artisan shopping. It’s also a great romantic getaway spot!
Where To Stay In Point Reyes
Olema House is in the quaint, historic town of Olema. The Inn has twenty-four beautiful rooms and a popular restaurant next door. Tucked into the countryside, close to Point Reyes and all that the region has to offer.
#11 A Central Coast Getaway in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, south of San Jose, in the fall is a perfect blend of coastal charm and outdoor adventure. Known for its hip and easy going culture, Santa Cruz is a very casual scene all year long. The summer crowds have faded and you’re likely to have a lot more room to roam on the famous Santa Cruz beaches and the bustling amusement park of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Add to this, one of the surfing capitals of the coast and hiking in the region’s mountains and parks, and you’ve got plenty to keep you busy all weekend.
We especially love the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary at Bridges State Park beach. The fall is monarch season and you won’t want to miss the beautiful sight of them flying amongst the trees as the sun peeks through.
Where To Stay In Santa Cruz
Sea and Sand is a great beach Inn very close to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz and within walking distance to the beach. Enjoy the balconies, the patio and of course the ocean!
Inspired to plan a fabulous fall weekend getaway in California?
In a nutshell…
As the autumn air rolls in, California is filled with perfect weekend getaways that offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re after the laid-back vibe of a coastal retreat, the charm of historic towns, or a luxurious spa escape, there’s a spot just waiting for you to explore.
These destinations are all about unwinding, having fun, and making memories, so why not take a break from the usual and dive into one of these fall adventures?
Pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the best of California this season!
xx,
Carrie
