November turns California into a bit of an outdoor playground—mild temps, clear skies, and a vibe that just begs for exploring before the chill of winter sets in. Whether you’re cruising Big Sur’s legendary coastline or hiking under those impossibly tall redwoods, it’s all on the table. Plus, harvest season brings a bounty of food and wine that’s honestly hard to beat.

California's November weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities, with Southern California enjoying comfortable 60s to low 70s temperatures and Northern California offering crisp days perfect for wine tasting and hiking. This time of year is sort of a sweet spot—you get California's diverse climates without the summer crowds or that relentless heat.

From wandering Death Valley in its surprisingly pleasant November warmth to sampling autumn flavors in a golden-lit Napa Valley, California’s got adventures for every kind of traveler. National parks, wild coastlines, and mountain escapes all come alive with hiking, wildlife, and some genuinely festive seasonal happenings. No wonder November’s a favorite month to see the Golden State at its best.

11 Must-Do November Adventures in California Before Winter Hits

Top November Travel Destinations Across California

California in November? It’s a whole different scene. Picture perfect hiking weather in the Sierra, vibrant fall colors painting the wine country, and comfortable temps from the LA beaches up to the misty Santa Cruz coast. From Sonoma’s grape harvest to the Eastern Sierra’s first dustings of snow, there’s something for every mood.

Northern California Highlights

Napa Valley is a stunner in November, with temps in the mid-60s and vineyards blazing in reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s prime time for wine tasting and just being outside, honestly.

Sonoma County is right up there too—cooler evenings mean you’ll want a sweater, but that’s half the fun. Hike in the day, then settle in for world-class wines when the sun dips.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge looks even more iconic backed by those golden hills. The air’s crisp, perfect for photos or just a long walk with a view.

Northern California November Temperatures:

• Daytime: Mid-50s to upper 60s°F
• Evening: Can drop into the 40s°F
• Conditions: Some rain here and there—layers are your friend

Santa Cruz is a solid pick for coastal hiking, with fewer crowds and that classic, cool-but-not-cold beach weather. Mountain trails give you those sweeping Pacific views you see in postcards.

Southern California Getaways

Down south, it’s all about that mellow weather—daytime highs in the 60s and 70s make LA and San Diego way more enjoyable than in the sweaty months.

Santa Monica Pier is at its best, honestly, with sea breezes and perfect conditions for a boardwalk stroll. The rides, the ocean, the energy—it just works in November.

Death Valley National Park actually becomes pleasant, which is saying something. Trails like Badwater Basin and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are finally hikeable, and the weird, otherworldly vibe is still there.

Joshua Tree National Park is a must if you’re after clear skies and those surreal rock formations. The stargazing? Next level.

Hidden-Gem Escapes in November

Big Sur’s cliffs and endless ocean views get even better with autumn colors along Highway 1. McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a dreamy spot for a picnic—waterfall and all.

Catalina Island is great for adventure, with weather that makes the Trans-Catalina Trail and local snorkeling spots really inviting. Casino Point and Lover’s Cove are both worth a look if you’re into the underwater scene.

The Eastern Sierra starts hinting at winter, with a little snow on the peaks but still plenty of good hiking weather down below. Those mountain views? Unreal.

Lake Tahoe chills out after summer, giving you that crisp air and a blend of fall colors with the first touches of winter. Roads are open for scenic drives, and most trails are still good for a peaceful hike.

Signature November Outdoor Adventures Before Winter

November is when California’s wild places really shine. You get comfortable temps for exploring granite cliffs, alpine lakes, and those strange desert landscapes. The skies are extra clear, and it’s just the right time for a longer adventure—if you can swing it.

Iconic National Parks to Visit

Yosemite National Park is something else in November—days around 56°F, granite peaks dusted with early snow, and waterfalls like Bridalveil still flowing. It’s way less crowded, too.

Half Dome and El Capitan look dramatic against the changing leaves. The valley floor is perfect for hiking while the sun’s up, but you’ll want to bundle up at night. If you’re camping or stargazing, those layers are a must. Or just book a room at The Ahwahnee and call it a day.

November Yosemite Highlights:

• Valley hiking temps: 40-56°F
• Waterfalls from alpine snowmelt
• Popular trails are peaceful
• Clear air for photos

Death Valley National Park is finally accessible after the brutal summer. Badwater Basin’s salt flats are wild to walk on, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are perfect for a sunrise photo session. Dante’s View? Can’t miss those panoramas.

Epic Mountain and Lake Activities

Lake Tahoe in November is all about quiet drives and peaceful lakeshore walks. The leaves are still going, with a dusting of snow on the peaks for good measure.

Trails around the lake are pretty empty, so you get the mountain air and sunshine mostly to yourself.

Lake Tahoe November Activities:

• Scenic lakeside drives
• Hiking with room to breathe
• Photo ops with fall colors
• Stargazing on clear nights

The Alabama Hills near Lone Pine are a playground for photographers and climbers—those weird granite boulders against the Sierra backdrop are just epic. Sunrise and sunset light up the rocks, and temps stay comfortable for camping if you’re up for it.

Bucket-List Desert Experiences

Joshua Tree National Park is at its best after summer’s heat breaks. The twisted trees, the boulders—it’s like nature’s own sculpture park.

Arch Rock trails are easygoing and let you get up close with the wild geology. And at night, the stars really put on a show.

Desert Adventure Essentials:

• Daytime: 60-75°F
• Night: 40-50°F
• Skies so clear you’ll want to stay up late
• Hiking without the sweat

The Mojave Desert is full of hidden slot canyons and volcanic landscapes. November’s mild weather means you can explore all day without worrying about the heat getting to you.

Climbers get great conditions for big routes, and if there’s been a little rain, you might even spot some late-blooming wildflowers in the quieter corners.

Best Outdoor Activities in California in November for Food Lovers

November’s basically a food lover’s dream—harvest season meets perfect weather, and California’s wine regions are buzzing. Farmers markets are overflowing, and there’s a festival or tasting event somewhere every weekend.

Wine Tasting Getaways and Food Festivals

Sonoma County is ideal for outdoor wine tasting right now. Cooler weather makes vineyard strolls way more comfortable, and the harvest parties are still going strong.

Cuvaison’s tastings in Napa pair small-lot wines with glassware demos, and Sterling Vineyards mixes in Día de los Muertos celebrations—think art installations and food stations, all outside.

The Big Sur Food & Wine Festival is a three-day affair, with events like Sip & Saunter at Post Ranch Inn. You get al fresco dining and that wild Big Sur backdrop—hard to top, really.

Central Valley’s Whole Vine Festival at Fresno State is a free, outdoor celebration of table grapes, raisins, and wine grapes, with tastings and live music to keep things lively.

Up in the foothills, there are specialty events like the Mountain Mandarin Festival in Roseville, where you can try mandarin-inspired dishes and wander citrus groves.

Farm-to-Table Experiences and Local Markets

Ventura County Farm Day is a chance to meet the growers—tractor rides, olive oil tastings, and even some hands-on harvesting if you’re up for it.

The Madera Pomegranate, Fruit, and Nut Festival highlights pomegranates, almonds, and pistachios, with cooking demos showing off ways to use the season’s best. 

Santa Cruz farmers keep the markets going through November, thanks to the mild climate—so you’ll find leafy greens and root veggies well into the month.

In Yolo County, you can tour The Hive in Woodland for honey tastings and a peek into local beekeeping. And on the Central Coast, farms near Oxnard are open for pick-your-own strawberries and artichokes, even as the weather cools down.

Exploring Nature's Wonders: Sequoias, Redwoods, and Unique Landscapes

California’s ancient forests are worth the detour—massive trees, quiet trails, and November’s mild weather make for perfect hiking. Waterfalls pop up in unexpected places, and the whole landscape feels a little more magical this time of year.

Giant Trees and Awe-Inspiring Forests

November’s just about perfect for wandering among California’s legendary giant trees. Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, which—by volume—is the biggest tree anywhere on the planet.

The park’s cool, mellow November weather makes hiking beneath these ancient giants a real treat. You can stroll paved trails to reach the massive sequoias, and you won’t have to elbow your way through summer crowds or worry about winter snow blocking your path.

Coastal redwoods are a different story up along California’s northern coast. These trees shoot up over 380 feet, making them the tallest living things on Earth. Pretty wild, honestly.

Redwood National and State Parks stretch from the coast to inland forests, with a bunch of scenic drives that wind right through old-growth groves. You don’t even have to leave your car to get that first jaw-dropping view.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a good bet if you want easy access to big trees. The Big Tree Trail leads you to a coastal redwood that’s over 300 feet tall and 21 feet wide—hard to really picture until you’re standing next to it.

Key differences to keep in mind when planning:

• Sequoias: Sierra Nevada mountains, thick trunks, pyramid-like shape
• Redwoods: Coastal, taller, more slender and straight

Waterfalls and Scenic Hikes

November’s when California’s waterfalls start to wake up again, thanks to autumn rains. Streams that dried up in summer come back to life, and the trails feel a bit more alive too.

Sequoia National Park has Tokopah Falls, which you’ll reach after a 3.4-mile round-trip hike. The waterfall itself plunges 1,200 feet and is usually strongest in late fall and spring.

Mist Falls in Kings Canyon is another good one—a moderate 5.5-mile hike with granite scenery and, in November, a nice break from the heat you’d get earlier in the year.

Up north in the redwoods, you can combine waterfall hikes with forest walks. Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is famous for its 50-foot fern-draped walls—feels almost prehistoric.

Gold Bluffs Beach is nearby, so you can catch ocean views and redwood forests in one go. There are plenty of trails that link the beach to the forest, so you can mix it up depending on your mood.

Why hike in November?

• Cooler temps make for comfortable walks
• Way fewer people on the most popular trails
• Waterfalls are actually flowing
• Clear, crisp mountain air—great for photos

November Events, Seasonal Experiences, and Festive Adventures

California really leans into celebration mode in November. Harvest festivals pop up all over, and early holiday lights start to sparkle from LA to San Francisco. There’s a quirky mix of cultural events, light shows, and seasonal stuff that captures that fleeting moment between fall and winter.

Holiday and Harvest Celebrations

November is peak harvest party time. Día De Los Muertos in Downtown LA is a standout, with 50 altars and art installations by local artists and community groups.

The Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival celebrates the pomegranate season near Yosemite. There’s fruit tasting, cooking demos, and kids can hop a mini train while sampling all sorts of nuts.

Feast Mendocino up north mixes mushroom foraging walks with winemaker dinners, beach horseback rides, and even mushroom ice cream. (It’s… an experience.)

The Ventura County Farm Day is all about farm tours and goat meet-and-greets. You can finish the day at a farm-to-table spot like Paradise Pantry for some cheese and wine.

Christmas Light Displays and Parades

Holiday lights go up early here. Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside flips the switch right after Thanksgiving—5 million lights, 200 animated figures, and the world’s largest mistletoe. It’s a lot.

Beverly Hills gets festive with the Rodeo Drive Lighting Ceremony on November 15th—live music, fireworks, and late-night shopping. It officially kicks off the BOLD Holiday season.

San Francisco’s Illuminate SF Festival of Light starts November 22nd, with 37 light installations scattered from the Castro to Yerba Buena. The displays run through New Year’s.

The San Rafael Parade of Lights (39th year!) brings tree lighting, holiday markets, and snow-sledding for kids.

Unique Local November Events

Palm Springs Pride lands in November when the desert finally cools off. There’s a Spirit of Stonewall Street Party, music, and a 5K run—lots going on.

The Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival puts the spotlight on ancient Native American rock art. Tours to the Coso Petroglyphs show off artwork that’s over 10,000 years old.

Art lovers can wander the Placer Studio Tour in Gold Country towns—watercolors, glass-blowing demos, and crafty shops from Auburn to Colfax.

San Diego’s Maritime Museum is running Star of India Companion Sails for the first time in five years. Book a full-day cruise on historic ships like the Californian or the San Salvador replica. Not something you do every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

November weather in California is just right for patio dining and poking around places you might usually overlook. Folks do have questions about what’s open, what the weather’s really like, and where to find those under-the-radar gems this time of year.

What are the top outdoor activities for food lovers in California during November?

Harvest season in Napa Valley is still in swing, with comfy mid-60s temps—perfect for vineyard tours and outdoor wine tastings. Foodies can seek out farm-to-table meals at open-air restaurants all over the state.

Down by the coast, Santa Monica’s beachside dining is a solid bet, with daytime temps in the 60s and 70s. Cooler evenings mean it’s a good time for farmers markets and food truck nights, too.

Central Valley towns throw olive harvest parties and food events in November. You might even find a cooking class or a hands-on harvest at a working farm if you’re up for it.

Which hidden-gem destinations in California are ideal for a visit in November?

Catalina Island is a classic—scenic trails, clear water, and way fewer people than in summer. The weather’s mild, so hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail or snorkeling is still on the table.

Eastern Sierra spots like Mammoth Lakes are showing off fall colors and crisp air, with great hiking before the snow really sets in.

Cambria and Cayucos over on the Central Coast are quiet, with empty beaches and small-town restaurants. It’s a sweet spot before the holiday rush kicks in.

What is the best area in California for a romantic winter getaway?

Big Sur’s rugged cliffs and autumn colors set the mood for couples in November. There are cozy inns tucked into the redwoods, and the ocean views are tough to beat.

Mendocino County is another favorite—secluded coastal towns, Victorian B&Bs, wine tastings, and peaceful beaches. The weather’s usually mild enough for a stroll, too.

Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a storybook, with fairy-tale cottages and intimate restaurants. Cooler evenings just make it cozier for a romantic dinner.

Where can you find warm weather in California for a November vacation?

Southern California stays the warmest—LA and San Diego are usually in the 60s and 70s during the day. You can still hit the beach or grab a meal outside, no problem.

Death Valley is finally bearable in November, with pleasant temps for hiking and exploring. The desert skies are super clear, too.

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley hold onto warm days—great for golf, pools, and just hanging out outdoors. Resorts keep their pools heated, so you’re set for a dip anytime.

How does the weather in California in December affect tourist activities?

December usually means more rain up north, especially in San Francisco and wine country. Some outdoor plans might need backup options or rain jackets.

Southern California stays pretty mild, though you’ll get the occasional shower. Most attractions are open, but evenings get chilly, so bring a sweater.

In the mountains—think Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada—snow starts to pile up. Winter sports kick off, but some trails are off-limits unless you’re geared up for snow.

What are some family-friendly winter vacation options in California?

Santa Monica Pier offers year-round entertainment—think amusement rides, arcade games, and that classic beachside vibe, even when it’s technically winter. The weather? Usually pretty mild, so you won’t be shivering as you wander the boardwalk.

Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios go all out for the holidays, decking the halls, adding special shows, and rolling out limited-time treats. It doesn’t really matter if it’s chilly or not; there’s plenty to do both inside and out.

San Diego’s zoo and safari park don’t slow down for winter, either. With temperatures staying comfortable, you can spend the whole day exploring animal exhibits, catching a keeper talk, or just watching the giraffes do their thing. It’s a solid pick for families who want something a little different from the usual holiday fare.