By 
Southern California has it all: from the beaches to the mountains to the desert. I’m a sucker for a day trip, especially in the fall and winter, and Southern California is truly a magical place to experience changing leaves in mountain towns, where apple picking, local pastries, pumpkin patches, and cider reign supreme – even if it’s still 80 degrees outside.
The charm of these agricultural towns nestled in the mountains lies in their quaint downtown districts, idyllic mountain backdrops framed by vibrant foliage, and local food traditions, like apple pie — particularly in Oak Glen and Julian.
What to know
• Pumpkin patches run through the month of November.
• The attractions in these towns are very limited, but the drive is part of what makes them fun!
• If you have sensitive ears, pack earmuffs! After all, we’re in Southern California. Expect a dramatic drop in temperatures once the sun goes down.
• Leave early. With daytime savings, you want to make sure you make the most of the sun, especially when it’s a beautiful sunny day.
There are many guides online that will give you a list of at least 15 destinations for a fall or winter getaway. While Joshua Tree is my favorite place to go to, especially during winter time for those fiery sunsets and curl up by a fireplace, whenever I think of apple pies, hot chocolate, pumpkins, and fall foliage, I think of the destinations below. Of course, there’s nothing like Big Sur in the winter time, but that requires more planning and a longer stay.
Except for San Luis Obispo, all of these destinations are perfectly doable as day trips from LA. However, if you decide to stay overnight, you can use my Expedia links to book your accommodation.
Please note that if you click on my affiliate links and make a booking, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep this site running and continue providing free content for you! 🙂
Oak Glen
Approximate driving time from LA: 1 hour 25 minutes
Find accomodations in Oak Glen on Expedia.
Photos: Oak Glen
My first time in Oak Glen was this year on my way back from Joshua Tree, and… Have I been living under a rock all this time? Conveniently located just off the I-10 and sitting at roughly 4,700 feet above sea level, Oak Glen is one of the most popular apple-picking destinations in Southern California.
Orchards, mountains, and timber-clad storefronts that will transport you straight into a cozy Hallmark movie. The only downside, as is often the case with small towns that aren’t designed to accommodate large weekend crowds, is that seating at most establishments is very limited.
Eat a woodfire pizza at Wilshire’s Apple Shed
Try to enjoy your pizza outside while listening to live music. I got the Bee’s Knees, which had a marvelous combination of creamy mozzarella, pepperoni, and sausage. The teenage girl at the register told me it was their most popular item, and it was delicious! I was extremely lucky to snag a seat outside. The workers were so nice! Some people were also ordering cider flights alongside their pizza.
Pizza purists may frown upon the fact that Wilshire’s has an apple pizza on the menu, paying homage to the town’s signature fruit.
Visit Los Rios Rancho
After eating your wood-fired pizza, drive up to Los Rios Rancho. I was shocked by how big the grounds were! You could pretty much spend the rest of the day here, from apple picking and walking the trails of the Montane Botanical Gardens to perusing the different vendor tents, including a very busy barbecue stand. But first things first! As soon as you get there, have a slice of apple pie with vanilla ice cream at the Pie House’s wooden stand. You won’t miss it!
When you order your apple pie, choose the crumb crust for that extra crunch and hint of cinnamon spice!
Unfortunately, at the beginning of October Southern California experienced record-breaking heat, so I had to cut my day short. But I will definitely be back before the year ends! Due to the lack of development, there isn’t that much shade available so when you go, make sure you bring a hat and lots of sunscreen.
Other places:
Oak Tree Mountain: This 14-acre theme park features the longstanding famous Apple Annie’s, a petting zoo, and even axe throwing.
Apple Annie’s Bakery & Restaurant is known for its homestyle comfort food and Sky-High Apple Pie! Some of the food can be hit or miss, but the good news is that there’s plenty of seating available. And if you don’t want to commit to the Sky-High Apple Pie, there are plenty of other pies to choose from.
Snow-Line Orchard: Freshly made cider donuts? Yes please! I was too full to try them but I will do it next time! It is proudly advertised on their website that they grow 36 varieties of apples and three flavors of apple cider.
Casa Solano Orchards: Acquired by the Solano family in 2023, Casa Solano Orchards takes pride in its sustainable farming practices while offering a variety of apple-themed activities, from apple picking and sipping fresh cider to apple slushies!
Solvang
Approximate driving time from LA: 2 hours 20 minutes
Find accommodations in Solvang on Expedia.
Since 2017, one of my favorite things to do has been to drive up to Solvang, have an early lunch either at Via Maestra in Santa Barbara or at Industrial Eats in Buellton, and then head into Solvang to people-watch while sipping hot chocolate. My favorite is from The Solvang Bakery. Although Solvang is completely doable as a day trip, the town could double as a Hallmark movie at night, with European-style markets, streets decked out in strings of lights, and horse-drawn carriages.
What to do
Walk around town and soak in the Danish architecture: the windmills, thatched rooftops, half-timbered houses, and storefronts that will make you feel as if you’re in a Disney movie. Some of my favorite things are sitting on a bench with a hot chocolate, people-watching, browsing books at The Book Loft, and popping into the souvenir shops.
Before stopping in Solvang, have lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton, away from the tourist crowds and just a 10-minute drive from Solvang. It has a very local vibe, with communal tables and a big fire pizza oven. The last time I was there I had their BBQ brisket sandwich, which was excellent — but I really want to try their pizzas next!
Visit Ostrichland, where you can feed the ostriches!
Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, a world-renowned wine-growing region. If you’re into wine, there are plenty of wineries to visit nearby. For a more upscale dining experience, consider Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos or the renowned Bell’s in Los Alamos, both known for their seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. For something more casual with a Western vibe, head to Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez.
If you want to eat in Solvang, a visit to Copenhagen Sausage Garden is a must for their sausages. I highly recommend getting there early because it gets very crowded! Peasants Feast, known for its artisan sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, is on my list of places to try. Bob’s Well Bread in Los Alamos is another great option, especially for bread and breakfast.
Stop by the Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch where you can enjoy freshly popped kettle corn made with corn grown right on the farm!
I’m going to be completely honest: despite all the times I’ve been to Solvang, I’ve never been particularly blown away by the pastries, with the exception of the adorable and delicious gingerbread cookies. Most bakeries cater to tourists, and the Danish pastries I’ve tried have been either dry or hard, including a Danish Crown and a cinnamon roll I had on my last two trips.
Aside from grabbing a hot chocolate, if you’re craving something sweet, I recommend a gingerbread cookie from Olsen’s or The Solvang Bakery, or treating yourself to a gelato from Alessio Artisanal Gelato. While writing this article, I found out that the Kardashians order their annual gingerbread houses from The Solvang Bakery, with prices ranging from $255 to a whopping $1,775!
What I like to do after spending half the day in Solvang is drive down to Santa Barbara, park at Paseo Nuevo and watch the sunset from Stearns Wharf.
Julian
Approximate driving time from LA: 2 hours 30 minutes
Find accommodations in Julian on Expedia.
Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the charming town of Julian is famous for its rich mining history dating back to the 1870s. By the early 1900s, as the gold rush faded, the town’s economy began shifting toward what it’s best known for today: apples. Just like Oak Glen, Julian’s high elevation and mountain climate create ideal conditions for growing apples.
In 2021, Julian was designated an International Dark Sky Community. My first time in Julian was in 2017 with my dad, when we went specifically for the stargazing experience. I came back in the winter of 2024 for a day trip, and I’ll be making the drive again this year! Driving past the yellow fields and winding up in this quaint town with vibrant foliage was just what I needed to satisfy my winter wanderlust.
Something to note is that Julian’s attractions are pretty limited compared to the amount of driving involved, but it’s totally worth it for the pie alone.
What to do
Eat apple pie! These are the most popular spots: Julian Pie Company, Mom’s Pie, famous for its apple dumpling, and Apple Valley Bakery.
Because Main Street was so busy that day, I went to Julian Pie Company’s second location in Santa Ysabel instead, and there was no line! I was just getting over a cold, so I didn’t have the biggest appetite that day, but man, does that apple dumpling pie from Mom’s Pie look good.
In Julian, many places serve apple pie with homemade cinnamon ice cream. The best! It was sold out when I went to Julian Pie 😭, so they replaced it with vanilla instead. It was still good, but not the same! The cinnamon is what gives it that extra richness, creaminess, and touch of spice. If you want to try a second pie, boysenberry pie is also widely available in town.
Walk on Main Street: the earlier you get here the better because finding parking in the afternoon was no easy feat. The street gets very crowded and even browsing the stores properly becomes a challenge. So try to go early!
The lively Main Street boasts restaurants for every occasion. Popular options include Julian Beer Co for barbecue, or Romano’s for Italian American. I personally prefer eating outside of the bustle of downtown. The last time I went, I had an amazing sandwich from Dudley’s Famous Bakery and Cafe in Santa Ysabel while looking out at the golden fields.
Of course, alongside apple pie, cider is one of the town’s specialties. Options include Calico Cidery, Julian Hard Cider, and Julian Beer Company, but really, almost any bakery in town will sell fresh cider by the gallon. If you want to drink apple cider along with your pie, hot cider is a popular choice.
Go apple picking at Julian Farm & Orchard.
Step back into the Gold Rush era by taking a guided tour at Eagle Mining Co.
Redlands
Approximate driving time from LA: 1 hour 20 minutes
Find accommodations in Redlands on Expedia.
I don’t think most of us realize just how geographically diverse San Bernardino County is. Encompassing two deserts — the Mojave and Colorado — and much of Joshua Tree National Park, the region boasts a variety of microclimates, charming mountain towns like Oak Glen and Big Bear, and historic cities like Redlands.
Nicknamed the Victorian Jewel of the Inland Empire, Redlands is the perfect destination to dive into the fall festivities. Although Redlands has palm trees due to the Mediterranean climate, there are parts that resemble New England. Think Pretty Little Liars or Gilmore Girls (fun fact: both shows were filmed on the same backlot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank): tree-lined streets, a beautifully manicured downtown, historic architecture, brick sidewalks, quaint mom-and-pop shops, and charming low-rise 19th century buildings. I was mesmerized when I visited it for the first time a couple years ago, also on my way back from Joshua Tree.
What to do
Visit the Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm, open through November 2. Spanning approximately 100 acres, Live Oak Canyon is the largest pumpkin patch in Southern California! Expect corn mazes, over 70 rides and attractions, a petting zoo, train rides, and whimsical decorations that light up at night.
One thing to keep in mind is that Live Oak Canyon can get quite expensive, especially with admission fees and additional charges for rides and food vendors. Parking is free on weekdays but costs $20 on weekends (in addition to the $20 admission fee). 😬😬
For a more budget-friendly alternative, many locals recommend Greenspot Farms in nearby Mentone. With free admission and free parking, this smaller yet charming pumpkin patch offers farm animals, horse rides, hay mazes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. They also sell freshly baked pumpkin bread straight from their farm kitchen, but they close at 6pm! I will report back.
A great itinerary would be to spend the first half of the day in Oak Glen and then drive to either one of these pumpkin patches.
Citrus is so deeply embedded in Redlands’ identity that the city proudly showcases its agricultural heritage on its flag. Around 1850, early settlers cultivated a variety of crops, but it was the introduction of citrus groves in the late 19th century that propelled Redlands into becoming one of the country’s leading orange-producing regions.
During my visit, I remember having the best citrus ice cream of my life at à la Minute Ice Cream. They even have a chocolate-orange flavor! Besides its charming downtown, Redlands is also a wonderful destination for agritourism, with farms scattered throughout the area where visitors can explore and purchase fresh, locally grown produce.
Stroll around downtown Redlands. This includes the famous Orange Street Alley, dotted with hundreds of multi-colored umbrellas that are changed every year.
Take a tour of the historic Victorian mansion Kimberly Crest.
Built in 1897, this stunning French château-style mansion is a designated California Historical Landmark and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996. Afterward, take a walk on the enchanting Prospect Park — where you’ll find citrus groves, a rose garden, a bamboo forest, and even an outdoor theater used for live shows and community events. If you don’t take a guided tour of the mansion, you’re more than welcome to walk on the premises, but they close at 4pm, so plan accordingly!
Visit the Smiley Library and peruse their impressive book inventory, as well as the grounds. It’s been a Redlands landmark since 1894!
Immerse yourself in Abraham Lincoln’s history by visiting the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.
Where to eat
Martha’s Greens for homestyle American comfort food, including sweet treats.
In business since 1936, Gerrard’s Market is a historic grocery store that also features a buffet and deli counter, best known for its sandwiches and soups.
Carolyn’s Cafe. I remember stopping here last year for the town’s famous coffee cake! I wouldn’t come back for the food, but I would for the coffee cake! Go early.
I’m a sucker for pumpkin pie, and unfortunately, I couldn’t find a place that sells individual slices in downtown Redlands. However, I found The Original Mommie Helen’s Bakery in San Bernardino, about a 15-minute drive away. They sell pumpkin pie by the slice starting the first week of November, but on any given day, you’ll find slices of sweet potato and sweet potato pecan pie!
Founded in 2000 by Dorothy Pryor Rose, this beloved Black-owned, family-run bakery is famous for its sweet potato pies, peach cobblers, and banana pudding. Following Rose’s passing in 2016, her family has continued her legacy of making irresistible pies and offering heartfelt hospitality.
Ojai
Approximate driving time from LA: 1 hour 30 minutes
Find accommodations in Ojai on Expedia.
Every time I go to Ojai, the song “California” by Joni Mitchell comes to mind. The healing energy vortices in the area are just what I need when I need a short getaway from LA.
The beauty of Ojai is that it can be enjoyed all-year round, but there’s something special about Ojai in the colder months: the crisp air and the soft light that hits the Topatopa mountains creating the “Pink Moment”. This phenomenon is due to the mountains’ location on the eastern side of the Ojai Valley, where the sun casts a warm pink and reddish glow across the peaks. The best time to experience it is during the cooler months!
What to do
Walk alongside Ojai’s downtown village and peruse the hand-crafted jewelry shops, souvenir and clothing boutiques.
Have lunch at Boccali’s in their beautiful garden. Order the lasagna, and, without a doubt, their homemade apple cobbler, served from November through mid-February. In 2023, when I interviewed the manager, Marde Boc, he said: “Apple cobbler started with our own homegrown apples (now it is so popular we do have to buy some apples). It has a pie crust bottom, freshly peeled apples, and a crumble on top. Most people opt to add vanilla ice cream. It is served hot so it is a perfect winter dessert.”
It is in Boccali’s well-preserved garden that they have hosted the town’s annual pumpkin patch since 1976!
Walk the grounds of Ojai Valley Inn. Exuding luxury and timeless elegance, the Ojai Valley Inn is one of California’s most iconic luxury resorts. Spanning 220 acres, with extensive gardens, a golf course, restaurants, and a renowned spa, it’s one of my favorite places to stop whenever I’m in Ojai. There’s no need to purchase a pass. Just let the security guard know you’re only there to see it, and they’ll direct you to the self-parking lot.
On the left, 200-year-old oak tree at Ojai Valley Inn features an illuminated art installation called Illume by Paul Ferrante.
Browse the shelves at Bart’s Books – the world’s largest outdoor bookstore – which has been serving the Ojai community since 1964!
My two other favorite places to eat in Ojai are Ojai Rotie and Ojai Tortilla House, where I had the best burrito in 2021. Their hours are extremely limited and they’re also closed if it’s a holiday. Nonetheless, you have plenty of options to choose from! People also love The Dutchess and Rory’s Place, which I have yet to go to! Ojai Ice Cream is another beloved business in Ojai, and I really wanted to like it by trying it at least three times, but I just don’t find the ice cream particularly memorable.
Drive up to the Meditation Mount for a sound bath and calmly stroll through the gorgeous grounds. Reservations are required in advance, otherwise, you’ll be required to pay a donation at the entrance.
Watch the pink moment from the Scenic Overlook on Dennison Grade, north of Boccalis. A local told me this is the best spot to watch it from!
Ojai does not offer apple picking, although apple orchards were once part of the valley’s agricultural landscape.
San Luis Obispo
Approximate driving time from LA: 3 hours 5 minutes
Find accommodations in San Luis Obispo on Expedia.
In 2024, while writing an article about the pink champagne cake at the iconic Madonna Inn, I made the round-trip drive from LA to San Luis Obispo (also known as SLO) three times. It’s doable, but exhausting if you’re not used to long drives.
That’s why, last October, I decided to stay overnight and ended up spending the perfect two-day fall weekend in San Luis Obispo. From a peaceful sunset in Morro Bay while sipping hot chocolate to walking around downtown SLO browsing the shops and soaking up the college-town atmosphere.
Of course, no trip to SLO is complete without a stop at the world-famous Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach, and the Madonna Inn for their one-of-a-kind pink champagne cake! I highly recommend getting the cinnamon roll for breakfast, and then stopping at the Madonna Inn the following day on your way back to LA. Pismo Beach is also worth a stop. I love the Central Coast’s beach towns, with their police stations, piers, and quaint downtown districts — just like a small-town detective movie.
Explore downtown San Luis Obispo. My hotel was within walking distance, which was perfect! The downtown area is incredibly walkable and surprisingly large, with plenty of streets to wander, shops to browse, and restaurants to discover. Did you know that in 2011, Oprah declared San Luis Obispo ‘the happiest place in North America’ on her talk show?
Head to Morro Bay for a hot chocolate at Kelli’s Candies, then take a short drive to Morro Strand State Beach and go for a walk!
If you can, catch a show at the historic Fremont Theater, built in 1941!
Experience the coastal’s local atmosphere at Beerwood in Los Osos.
Visit Sensorio in Paso Robles after dark to experience its magical art installations in the rolling hills. I can’t wait to see them for myself next time! This exhibition is open year-round, but I can imagine it must be extra special on a crisp fall or winter evening.
Bubblegum Alley is one of downtown San Luis Obispo’s quirkiest (and grossest) attractions — a 70-foot-long alleyway covered in chewing gum, a tradition believed to have started in the 1950s. The story is actually pretty interesting!
For more recommendations in SLO, read my interview with Audrey Pearce, the granddaughter of the Madonna Inn’s founder. For dinner, I went to Giuseppe’s, where I had amazing pasta with meatballs. As an appetizer, I had their olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip, which was definitely one of the best I’ve ever had.
San Luis Obispo and neighboring Santa Barbara County are famous for its tri-tip sandwiches, thanks to the Central Coast’s longstanding barbecue tradition. As Audrey mentioned during our interview, “Firestone is a local legend for tri-tip sandwiches.” High Street Deli is another wildly popular spot. It was also within walking distance of my hotel, but I ultimately skipped it because I wanted to indulge in the pink champagne cake instead. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the Madonna Inn afterward!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy these destinations! 🙂
