Some people say we don’t have fall in Southern California… and it’s true our seasons do work a little differently here. 

Because we have a Mediterranean-type climate, the time of year we call fall is really more like a shift from “hot and dry season” to “cool and wet season.” And because the cool season tends to be mild, many of our native plants are evergreen or go dormant in the heat of summer. 

But not all of them—and this time of year, there is in fact plenty of seasonal color to celebrate, from changing leaves to blooming flowers to ripening berries.

Here are a few colorful plants to keep an eye out for this autumn, and some suggestions for where to find extra-colorful leaf displays:

Native trees with fall color

• Black walnut – yellow leaves
• Western Sycamore – orange-yellow leaves
• Cottonwood – yellow leaves
• Valley Oak – orange and yellow leaves
• Black Oak – brown and yellow leaves
• Bigleaf Maple – yellow leaves

Native plants and shrubs with fall color

• Poison Oak – red leaves
• Toyon – red berries
• California Fuchsia – red flowers
• California grape – red leaves and purple grapes
• California Buckwheat – rusty red flowers
• California goldenrod – yellow flowers
• Chaparral Currant – pink flowers
• Fragrant Sumac – red, yellow and orange leaves
• Rubber Rabbitbrush – yellow flowers

Great spots for leaf peeping

Aspen Grove Trail, San Gorgonio Wilderness

Found only in California’s higher elevations, the quaking aspen tree bursts into brilliant golden color in the fall. This grove is one the only places you’ll spot this rare tree in SoCal.

Oak Glen, San Bernardino County

In addition to a stunning display of fall foliage, this charming mountain enclave offers apple picking, cider, and other seasonal staples for the whole family.

Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County

A classic getaway for Angelenos craving crispy air and colorful leaves, Big Bear is the perfect spot for hiking or cozying up in a cabin during chiller seasons.

Palomar Mountain State Park, San Diego County

To find fall foliage further south, head to this sweeping state park, where colorful black oaks abound.

To find more great spots for fall color in SoCal, check out the handy map on californiafallcolor.com!