26 Best Places to Visit in California in November

The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, and fall colors still linger in the vineyards and mountains.

From sparkling beaches to towering sequoias and dramatic desert landscapes, November is one of the best months to explore the Golden State.

Here’s a handpicked list of the best places to visit in California in November.

1. San Diego

San Diego’s mild coastal weather in November makes it ideal for beach walks, harbor cruises, and exploring Balboa Park’s museums.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods—from Little Italy to Gaslamp Quarter—offer plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options.

November also brings quieter beaches, perfect for sunset watching at La Jolla Cove.

• Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for panoramic ocean views.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Coronado Island, La Jolla, Old Town.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: George’s at the Cove for oceanfront dining, or Hodad’s for famous burgers.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco shines in November with cooler, crisp air and fewer tourists at iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Take a cable car ride, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, or stroll through colorful neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and Chinatown.

• Insider Tip: The fog is less intense than summer, so Golden Gate photos are at their best in November.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Sausalito, Muir Woods, Napa Valley.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Boudin Bakery for sourdough, or Tartine Bakery for pastries.

3. Napa Valley

November in Napa Valley means harvest season is winding down and vineyards are painted in golden fall hues.

Wine tasting tours are less crowded, and many wineries host intimate food and wine events. Don’t miss hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards for a unique perspective.

• Pro Tip: Pair your wine tour with a meal at one of the valley’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The French Laundry for fine dining, or Gott’s Roadside for casual bites.

4. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree’s desert landscapes are most comfortable in November, with cooler days perfect for hiking and exploring its iconic rock formations.

• Insider Tip: Visit Keys View for panoramic desert vistas at sunset.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Twentynine Palms, Palm Springs.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown for live music and food, or Crossroads Café in Joshua Tree town.

5. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is magical in November. Waterfalls may be smaller, but the crisp air and fewer crowds create a peaceful, postcard-perfect experience.

Explore Yosemite Valley, hike to Glacier Point, or enjoy early snow dusting in higher elevations.

• Pro Tip: Check Tioga Pass accessibility as some high-elevation roads may close due to snow.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Mariposa, Oakhurst, Groveland.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Base Camp Eatery in Mariposa, or South Gate Brewing in Oakhurst.

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is transitioning from fall to winter in November.

You can enjoy hiking trails with spectacular foliage or get an early start on skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts.

The combination of alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and crisp air makes it a picture-perfect destination.

• Insider Tip: Drive the Lake Tahoe Scenic Byway for unbeatable panoramic views.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Truckee, Incline Village, Kings Beach.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Fire Sign Café in Truckee, or Edgewood Restaurant for lake views.

7. Big Sur

Big Sur’s rugged coastline is stunning in November. Fewer crowds make the Pacific Coast Highway drive more enjoyable, and waterfalls like McWay Falls and roadside cliffs are breathtaking.

• Pro Tip: Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for one of the most photographed spots in California.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Big Creek Bridge.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Nepenthe for cliffside dining, or Big Sur Bakery for casual meals.

8. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is much more comfortable in November, with temperatures perfect for exploring sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons.

• Insider Tip: Don’t miss Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Beatty (Nevada).
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Oasis at Death Valley for dining, or Stovepipe Wells Village Restaurant.

9. Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers sunny desert weather and plenty of outdoor activities.

Hike the Indian Canyons, explore mid-century modern architecture, or soak in the pool at one of the city’s famous resorts. Festivals and events also start picking up in November.

• Pro Tip: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for views over the Coachella Valley.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Joshua Tree, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Workshop Kitchen + Bar for upscale dining, or Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.

10. Santa Barbara

November in Santa Barbara is peaceful and beautiful.

The beaches are quieter, wine tasting is relaxed, and coastal drives are scenic.

Explore the historic downtown, enjoy local seafood, or visit nearby vineyards.

• Insider Tip: Mission Santa Barbara is a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Solvang, Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Brophy Bros. Clam Bar for seafood, or The Lark for modern American cuisine.

11. Carmel-by-the-Sea

This fairytale town is perfect for a November getaway.

Stroll through boutique shops, enjoy cozy cafés, and wander the nearby white-sand beaches.

The scenery along 17-Mile Drive is stunning with fewer tourists.

• Pro Tip: Watch for local art galleries and literary events that often take place in November.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: La Bicyclette for European-style dining, or Carmel Bakery for pastries.

12. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes offers early skiing and snowboarding opportunities, plus hiking trails in crisp mountain air.

Natural hot springs are perfect for warming up after outdoor adventures.

• Insider Tip: November is a quieter time before the winter rush, so accommodations are easier to find.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: June Lake, Bishop, Convict Lake.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Stove for comfort food, or Mammoth Rock Brasserie.

13. Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley is known for its rolling vineyards and wine tasting experiences. November is perfect for fall harvest festivals and cozy winery visits.

• Pro Tip: Combine wine tasting with a hot-air balloon ride over the valley for unforgettable views.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Maria.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Sides Hardware & Shoes for casual bites, or Ballard Inn for fine dining.

14. Big Bear Lake

This mountain retreat offers a mix of fall colors and early snow fun. Hiking, fishing, and scenic drives are ideal in November, and the lake reflects the surrounding peaks beautifully.

• Insider Tip: Check out Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a family-friendly experience.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Running Springs, Skyforest.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Peppercorn Grille, or Saucy Mama’s for casual Italian.

15. Disneyland Park (Anaheim)

Disneyland starts gearing up for holiday decorations in November, making it a magical time to visit. Crowds are smaller than summer, and you can enjoy cooler weather for outdoor attractions.

• Pro Tip: Weekdays are the best time to visit for shorter wait times.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney, Anaheim GardenWalk.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Blue Bayou Restaurant inside Disneyland, or Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel.

16. Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers iconic attractions from Hollywood to Santa Monica Pier. November weather is perfect for outdoor exploring, from Griffith Observatory hikes to beachside strolls.

• Insider Tip: Take a drive along Mulholland Drive for panoramic city views.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Malibu.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Bestia for Italian, or Grand Central Market for eclectic food choices.

17. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is perfect for rock climbers, hikers, and wildlife watchers. November weather makes exploring the spires and caves much more comfortable.

• Pro Tip: Spot California condors soaring above the cliffs for a unique wildlife experience.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Soledad, Salinas, Hollister.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Cork and Cork Wine Bar in Salinas, or Pinnacles Bistro.

18. Laguna Beach

This coastal town is famous for art galleries, stunning beaches, and cliffside walking trails. November brings fewer tourists and cool, pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.

• Insider Tip: Visit Heisler Park for ocean views and tide pools.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Newport Beach, Dana Point, Crystal Cove.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Driftwood Kitchen, or Las Brisas for ocean-view dining.

19. Mendocino

Dramatic coastal views, towering redwoods, and peaceful retreats make Mendocino a must-visit in November. Hiking trails are quiet, and the fall colors are still visible.

• Insider Tip: Stop at Mendocino Headlands State Park for cliffside ocean views.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Fort Bragg, Navarro Vineyards.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Café Beaujolais, or The Ravens Restaurant.

20. Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes is ideal for wildlife spotting, coastal hiking, and visiting the historic lighthouse. November offers crisp air and clear skies for photography.

• Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for tule elk and migrating whales along the coast.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Inverness, Olema, Tomales Bay.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Cowgirl Creamery for cheese, or Osteria Stellina for local Italian.

21. Eastern Sierra (Hope Valley, Bishop Creek Canyon, June Lake Loop)

The Eastern Sierra in November shows fall colors and early snow at higher elevations. Lakes reflect surrounding mountains perfectly, and hiking is comfortable in cooler weather.

• Insider Tip: Stop by June Lake Loop for scenic drives and quiet lakeside walks.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Lee Vining.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Whoa Nellie Deli in Lee Vining, or Whiskey Creek Restaurant in Bishop.

22. Sequoia National Park

November is quieter in Sequoia, allowing you to enjoy towering giant sequoias and forest trails without crowds. Early snow may dust the ground, making the forest even more magical.

• Pro Tip: Don’t miss General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Three Rivers, Visalia.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Gateway Restaurant in Three Rivers, or Sequoia Brewing Company in Visalia.

23. Point Lobos

This marine reserve is a haven for hiking, photography, and spotting sea otters, seals, and migrating whales. November brings cooler temperatures and calm trails.

• Insider Tip: Visit Cypress Grove Trail for ocean views and dramatic cliffs.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Fish Hopper in Monterey, or Big Sur Bakery.

24. Monterey

Monterey Bay offers aquarium visits, coastal drives, and fresh seafood. November is quieter, giving a more relaxed vibe to Cannery Row and Pacific Grove.

• Insider Tip: Whale watching tours are still active in November, offering early-season sightings.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Carmel, Pacific Grove, Big Sur.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Schooners Coastal Kitchen, or Monterey’s Fish House.

25. Paso Robles

Paso Robles is famous for its wine country and hot springs. November is perfect for winery tours, tasting events, and enjoying vineyard scenery.

• Insider Tip: Pair a wine tour with a visit to nearby mineral springs for a relaxing experience.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Templeton.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: Thomas Hill Organics, or The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar.

26. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz’s surf culture, boardwalk, and coastal scenery are enjoyable in November with fewer crowds. Hikes along the cliffs and beaches are peaceful in the cooler weather.

• Insider Tip: Take a stroll along West Cliff Drive for ocean views and seals basking on rocks.
• Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Capitola, Davenport, Monterey Bay.
• Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Crow’s Nest for seafood, or Laili Restaurant for Mediterranean cuisine.

Conclusion

November is one of the best months to explore California.

With fewer crowds, mild weather, and stunning landscapes—from deserts to coasts, mountains to wine valleys—travelers can enjoy the Golden State at its most peaceful and colorful.