Top 10 Fall Viewing Attractions in California
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Top 10 Fall Viewing Attractions in California

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yosemite National Parktop_1
    󰺂7.6
    Mariposa County>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    See Valley Flowers from the Observation Deck
    󰋄Glacier Point overlooking the spring flower scenery
    󱨠Saved by 145 users󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    印象西南印象西南

    A Natural Epic Hidden in Time – A Travelogue of Yosemite After a four-hour drive deep into the mountains of California, the outline of Yosemite gradually comes into view. This land, chosen by Apple as the name for its operating system, holds a miracle sculpted by the Earth over millions of years; every step forward is a gentle embrace of nature's power. Entering the park on a sunny day, the Tunnel View observation deck was a delightful first impression. The silhouette of the Half Dome in the distance was sharp and distinct, El Capitan's granite cliffs pierced the clouds, Bridal Veil Falls cascaded like a veil, and the valleys and peaks unfolded like a flowing painting under the sunlight—no wonder it has become a classic filming location for countless people. Strolling slowly along the park's loop road, the Cook Meadow's boardwalk is lined with lush vegetation. Looking up, you can see the magnificent Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in the United States. The spray from its cascading water creates shimmering light in the wind. Reaching the valley floor and looking up, the roar is a testament to nature's overwhelming power. The most unforgettable experience was an afternoon on the Merced River, renting a raft and drifting along. The clear water carried us past verdant banks, occasionally catching glimpses of deer drinking. In the distance, the redwoods swayed gently in the wind, their bark etched with the marks of time. As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the granite cliffs in warm orange hues, and the silhouette of the semi-domed building was reflected in the river beneath the Sentinel Bridge, creating a scene of tranquility and gentle beauty. As night falls, the clear night sky is studded with stars. Undisturbed by city lights, the Milky Way's outline is clearly visible. The evening breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and earth, allowing one to forget all the hustle and bustle. Hiking is the perfect way to connect with this land. The Mist Trail's stone steps, though steep, offer close-up views of the waterfalls' coolness. The mist dampens your clothes, and the joyful song of the flowing water fills your ears. Reaching the top, you'll overlook the valley, a vast and clear panorama stretching out before you. Along the way, you might encounter climbers with backpacks, steadily making their way to the summit of El Capitan. Their silhouettes on the rock face are the best testament to courage and passion. Lively creatures abound in the park: squirrels dart through the trees, eagles soar in the sky, and occasionally, you might catch a glimpse of a black bear, stopping to observe from a distance, respecting the unspoken harmony with nature. Yosemite boasts a unique charm in each season, and in this warm, sunny weather, there is both the brightness of summer and the slight chill of early autumn. Every scene here needs no deliberate seeking; whether it's the breathtaking view from the glacier, the tranquility beneath the redwood forest, or the brilliance under the starry sky, they all speak of nature's inclusiveness and grandeur. Looking back at the mountains as I leave, my heart is filled with reluctance. This land not only possesses magnificent scenery but also an awe-inspiring vitality. The peaks I've seen, the waterfalls I've heard, and the gentle breezes I've felt have become the most precious imprints of time, awaiting our next reunion.

  • Lombard Streettop_2
    󰺂7.0
    San Francisco.San Francisco Downtown>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    󱨠Saved by 310 users󱨠982 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    泰迪小熊泰迪小熊

    Came here on September 24, 2017. This attraction is unique, beautiful and interesting, and is definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting San Francisco. Lombard Street is actually a section of Lombard Street, located between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. This section of the road is a steep slope, but it is designed into eight hairpin turns, and flowers are planted on both sides of the road. If you need to take a nine-turn effect, you must stand on Leavenworth Street, which is low in terrain. Chinese people can drive in the western United States where San Francisco is located with a translated driver's license. If you can drive in San Francisco, you might as well go and experience the feeling of driving through Lombard Street yourself.

  • Angeles National Foresttop_3
    󰺂4.9
    Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Golden autumn leaves in October
    Hike & bike for fall views
    4.8/5
    TodemmyTodemmy

    If you like hiking... If you like hiking in the outdoors, this is a must. It's suitable for all different types of hikers, beginners. Bring the right gear and lots of water when you come here. This is the best of LA's natural environment.

  • Stanford University
    4
    󰺂6.6
    Stanford>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠130 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    吴乔乔吴乔乔

    At Stanford University in California, the Stanford couple's only son, Leland Stanford, died of typhoid fever in 1884 while traveling in Europe, aged just 15. In grief, the couple decided to spend their accumulated wealth on building a university to honor their son and provide educational opportunities for California teenagers. The world's best university ranking: #3, after Harvard and MIT, remained in the top three for years. In 2015 and 2018, respectively, the second tour of Stanford University, 2018 entered the famous memorial church on the campus.

  • Lake Tahoe
    5
    󰺂5.8
    Placer County>100 km from downtown
    4.6/5
    道

    太浩湖给人的感觉就像大海,有的湾看起来像加勒比海那样的碧绿,有的地方看起来又像金州湾一样蓝,四个小时只看了东边,下次还会去看看太浩湖其它地方

  • Redwood National and State Parks
    6
    󰺂5.9
    Humboldt County>100 km from downtown
    4.9/5
    XuefeiXuefei

    Recommended index: It has the world's tallest plant - a redwood tree that can grow up to 350 feet It has the world's largest existing redwood forest, of which more than 170 square kilometers of old forest areas over 100 years old It is said that redwood trees take 400 years to mature, and the oldest known redwood is about 2,200 years old The steam train in the park takes tourists through the redwood forest, with a train conductor explaining the entire 80-minute journey. It is a great experience not to be missed❗ Detailed address: 1111 Second Street Crescent City, CA 95531 Transportation strategy: self-drive or charter ⏰Opening hours: The park is open all day, the visitor center is 09:00-17:00 Tickets: Free to enter the park, 29 dollars for a steam train (80 minutes), and tickets can only be purchased on site. Estimated duration: If it is a one-day tour, if there are other attractions later, it will stay for about 2 hours. If you drive by yourself, you can stay here for most of the day.

What Fall Viewing Attractions are there in California?
These are all Fall Viewing Attractions in California:Yosemite National Park, Lombard Street, Angeles National Forest, Stanford University, Lake Tahoe
What are some highly-rated Fall Viewing Attractions in California?
Some highly-rated Fall Viewing Attractions in California include:Yosemite National Park:4.5, Lombard Street:4.6, Angeles National Forest:4.8, Stanford University:4.8, Lake Tahoe:4.6
At what locations in California can Fall Viewing Attractions in California be found?
The Fall Viewing Attractions in California are mainly located in:Yosemite National Park:Mariposa County, Lombard Street:San Francisco, Angeles National Forest:Los Angeles, Stanford University:Stanford, Lake Tahoe:Placer County
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