Ahhhh, October! The Monterey Peninsula experiences cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. And, while we generally think of the east coast when we think about fall color, we do get some color changes here in Monterey Couny. Here are our top recommendations for viewing fall color in Monterey County:
CARMEL VALLEY
Located inland of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley offers stunning views of the changing leaves. There are many parks to hike to see the leaves, including the popular Garland Park. There is parking available, along with restrooms and easy-access trails for kids. The trees will display an array of fall foliage to enjoy. Stop to take photos or just keep exploring! You can also take the family to the Carmel River to enjoy the beauty of the fall setting. Many of the trees lining the river will change color with the fall season. If you just want to drive around, follow the main road to see the decorated hillsides.
FORT ORD NATIONAL MONUMENT
Located between Salinas and Monterey, this park offers easy hiking trails and stunning vistas for you and your little ones to enjoy the fall foliage. This park is not to be confused with Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina; they are entirely different! The area of the national monument is located along Route 68, and you can find many parking spaces and restrooms available at the main entrance. While walking the trails, be on the lookout for the display of fall colors lining the trails. If you reach the pond at the top of the mountain, you can see the entire valley below filled with autumn sights!
TORO PARK
Located in Salinas, Toro Park has many trees that showcase fall foliage. The county park has been designed with over 20 miles of hiking trails guaranteeing great viewing spots to see the autumn display. You can either park outside of the park or drive along the entrance road to the back of the park, which offers restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the kids to be entertained. Along the road and trails, enjoy stunning views of the sprawling landscape dotted with yellow, orange, and red fall colors. Some of the trails reach higher elevations for viewing these colors spread along the park. We recommend visiting the park in the morning when crowds are fewer and parking is more available.
Here are five options within 200 miles of Monterey:
1. HENRY W. COE STATE PARK
- DISTANCE: About 50 miles from Monterey
- BEST TIME: Mid-to-late October
- HIGHLIGHTS: This park near Morgan Hill features oak woodlands and riparian corridors, creating a stunning mix of golden and rust colors. Its rugged terrain provides sweeping views of the fall colors.
2. LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
- DISTANCE: Around 65 miles to closest entrance
- BEST TIME: October to early December
- HIGHLIGHTS: Stretching across multiple counties, this forest offers beautiful fall foliage, especially near the rivers and in higher elevation oak forests. The Santa Lucia Range near Paso Robles is a top spot for autumn colors.
3. HEALDSBURG, SONOMA COUNTY
- DISTANCE: About 180 miles from Monterey
- BEST TIME: Late October to early November
- HIGHLIGHTS: Napa Valley’s vineyards turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold during the fall. Along with wine-tasting, the scenic views of the valley’s colorful grapevines make it a great destination.
4. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
- DISTANCE: About 180 miles from Monterey
- BEST TIME: Late October through November
- HIGHLIGHTS: Yosemite’s iconic landscapes come alive with fall colors, especially in areas like the Merced River and Yosemite Valley, where dogwoods, maples, and oaks change color in the fall.
5. MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK
- DISTANCE: About 130 miles from Monterey
- BEST TIME: Late October to early November
- HIGHLIGHTS: Located in the East Bay, Mount Diablo offers breathtaking fall foliage with its mix of oak, sycamore, and buckeye trees. The panoramic views from the summit allow you to see fall colors stretching across the region.
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