Looking for a perfect road trip adventure this autumn season? If you love hopping in the car and heading to new and scenic places, then you’ll want to take a look at this road trip that will take you to SoCal’s most beloved mountain towns. Fresh air, pine trees, and lots of home cooked meals like mom used to make await you on this journey.
A refreshing mountain town road trip! Just click on this interactive map and plug in your destination and create your very own Southern California mountain adventure.
Google Maps If you can’t get enough of Southern California’s mountain towns this time of year, then you may just want to hop in the car and try to hit as many of them as possible during the crisp and cool fall season. Whether you make it a weekend trip or you take a lot more time and spread it out over an entire week, this one road trip will show you a new side of SoCal.
- Wrightwood
wikimedia commons No matter what time of year you visit Wrightwood, you simply can’t go wrong. Although there’s just something about the fresh mountain air during the autumn season that makes the fall our favorite time of year to visit. You’ll find charming local restaurants, great hiking trails, and small-town charm nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Crestline
yelp/brandi v. Although most people think of Crestline as a town to visit during the summer for a day at nearby Lake Gregory, we find that Crestline is a perfect destination for a mountain getaway throughout the entire year. Whether you love to see the fall foliage or you enjoy a stroll down the main street to check out the local shops, this is a great place to add to your SoCal mountain road trip.
- Lake Arrowhead
yelp/photo by clees This scenic mountain resort located in the San Bernradino Mountains is just one of the many reasons we love exploring Southern California. From boat rides on the lake to hikes up in the mountains, nothing is more picturesque than a stroll through Lake Arrowhead.
- Running Springs
facebook/running springs chamber Located in San Bernardino County, Running Springs is a quaint mountain destination that has some of the best mom and pop restaurants in SoCal. From a cozy coffee shop to a tasty pizza parlor, this is one destination on the map where you’ll definitely want to show up hungry.
- Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake Village/Facebook Another cozy mountain getaway in the San Gabriel Mountains is Big Bear Lake. From shopping to dining and outdoorsy adventures, this is one spot where you’ll want to linger a while and spend a lazy day or afternoon exploring.
- Forest Falls
wikimedia commons Forest Falls may be off the radar when it comes to SoCal mountain towns, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Whether you’re here to hike the trails, check out the waterfall, or devour some tasty Mexican food, you will be refreshed after visiting this gem of a town in SoCal.
- Oak Glen
facebook/oak glen When you can’t get enough of SoCal’s fall foliage and apple orchards, you’ll want to make a stop in the town of Oak Glen. You’ll find beautiful countryside with tons of places to pick local SoCal apples in some of the prettiest farmland in SoCal. And, if you love local shops and restaurants, make sure to head to nearby Oak Tree Village where small town charm comes to life.
- Mt. Baldy
yelp/kristin b. Tucked inside the Angeles National Forest, you’ll find the perfect spot to stretch your legs in the fresh mountain air. Mt. Baldy is a favorite spot to head for a day hike and a bite to eat at the Mt. Baldy Lodge Restaurant. Whether you stop here for a meal or you choose to spend an overnighter, this is one place in SoCal that you will want to return to again and again.
Are you ready to hit the road? Which mountain town is your favorite on this list? Even if you’re not able to go to all of them, just pick a few favorites and spend a day or two exploring, strolling and hiking.
Google Maps
If you can’t get enough of Southern California’s mountain towns this time of year, then you may just want to hop in the car and try to hit as many of them as possible during the crisp and cool fall season. Whether you make it a weekend trip or you take a lot more time and spread it out over an entire week, this one road trip will show you a new side of SoCal.
wikimedia commons
No matter what time of year you visit Wrightwood, you simply can’t go wrong. Although there’s just something about the fresh mountain air during the autumn season that makes the fall our favorite time of year to visit. You’ll find charming local restaurants, great hiking trails, and small-town charm nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains.
yelp/brandi v.
Although most people think of Crestline as a town to visit during the summer for a day at nearby Lake Gregory, we find that Crestline is a perfect destination for a mountain getaway throughout the entire year. Whether you love to see the fall foliage or you enjoy a stroll down the main street to check out the local shops, this is a great place to add to your SoCal mountain road trip.
yelp/photo by clees
This scenic mountain resort located in the San Bernradino Mountains is just one of the many reasons we love exploring Southern California. From boat rides on the lake to hikes up in the mountains, nothing is more picturesque than a stroll through Lake Arrowhead.
facebook/running springs chamber
Located in San Bernardino County, Running Springs is a quaint mountain destination that has some of the best mom and pop restaurants in SoCal. From a cozy coffee shop to a tasty pizza parlor, this is one destination on the map where you’ll definitely want to show up hungry.
Big Bear Lake Village/Facebook
Another cozy mountain getaway in the San Gabriel Mountains is Big Bear Lake. From shopping to dining and outdoorsy adventures, this is one spot where you’ll want to linger a while and spend a lazy day or afternoon exploring.
Forest Falls may be off the radar when it comes to SoCal mountain towns, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Whether you’re here to hike the trails, check out the waterfall, or devour some tasty Mexican food, you will be refreshed after visiting this gem of a town in SoCal.
facebook/oak glen
When you can’t get enough of SoCal’s fall foliage and apple orchards, you’ll want to make a stop in the town of Oak Glen. You’ll find beautiful countryside with tons of places to pick local SoCal apples in some of the prettiest farmland in SoCal. And, if you love local shops and restaurants, make sure to head to nearby Oak Tree Village where small town charm comes to life.
yelp/kristin b.
Tucked inside the Angeles National Forest, you’ll find the perfect spot to stretch your legs in the fresh mountain air. Mt. Baldy is a favorite spot to head for a day hike and a bite to eat at the Mt. Baldy Lodge Restaurant. Whether you stop here for a meal or you choose to spend an overnighter, this is one place in SoCal that you will want to return to again and again.
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