Hi Reader,

Apple season is starting, wine country is heading toward harvest, the coast is still warm enough for a beach weekend, and the first fall colors can start appearing in the mountains.

Here are 9 California escapes worth saving for September:

1. Apple Hill

September is when Apple Hill starts feeling like fall. Visit the farms around Camino and Placerville for apples, baked treats and cider, with the Hard Cider Trail opening next month and more farms and seasonal activities ramping up throughout September.

2. Mammoth Lakes & the Eastern Sierra

Go later in September for your best chance at seeing the first golden aspens at higher elevations. Pair the fall colors with Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes Basin or a drive toward June Lake.

3. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

September brings cooler conditions for exploring giant sequoia groves and hiking in the Sierra. If you visit September 11 to 13, the parks are also hosting the Sequoia Dark Sky Festival with stargazing and astronomy programs.

➡️ Use my Sequoia & Kings Canyon guide to start planning your visit​

4. Monterey + Carmel-by-the-Sea

Make this an easy coastal weekend with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Carmel’s storybook streets and Carmel Beach. September also brings Festa Italia from September 11 to 13 and the Monterey Jazz Festival from September 25 to 27.

➡️ Here are 27 things to do around Monterey County​

5. Paso Robles

September puts you right at the transition into wine harvest season. Spend the weekend vineyard hopping, exploring downtown Paso Robles and pairing tastings with a good dinner, or visit September 19 to 20 for the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival.

6. Solvang

September is especially fun here because Solvang Danish Days returns September 18 to 20 with Æbleskiver breakfasts, Scandinavian music, a parade, Danish food and a Viking inspired beer and wine garden.

7. Santa Barbara

September is one of Santa Barbara’s sweet spots for sunshine with fewer summer crowds. Spend a day along the waterfront, explore the Funk Zone and State Street, then stay for sunset at Butterfly Beach.

8. Julian

Head into the mountains east of San Diego for one of Southern California’s best early fall trips. Apple season typically runs through September, so you can combine apple picking or cider making with pie, historic Main Street and a cooler mountain setting.

9. Catalina Island

September still works well for snorkeling, kayaking and beach time, but you can also build your trip around seasonal events. Two Harbors Wine Fest is September 12, with additional arts and entertainment events later in the month.

➡️ See why Catalina Island is worth visiting and what to do once you get there​

Not ready to choose yet?

I also rounded up 50+ festivals, events and seasonal things happening around California this September:

➡️ See everything happening in California this September​

Until next time,
Shreeyeh

P.S. If you're planning a trip to Napa Valley, I've created an interactive Google map with 185 pins of the best things to do in Napa Valley & a 5-day sample visual itinerary.

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