Autumn weather in California? Find a place to stay for your fall getaway!

October 5, 2021

California has beautiful weather. Not exactly a hot take, right? Okay, maybe not in Death Valley or the desert, but if you polled The Golden State’s 39.5 million residents, we bet most of them would say they love living here because of the weather.

However, let’s be honest; SoCal is summer all year long (62 degrees in January doesn’t count as winter). Meanwhile, San Francisco and Sacramento aren’t exactly Vermont when it comes to blissful fall escapes.

Personally, we like the seasons. One of our favorites? Autumn.

Fall over the Clear Lake
Fall over the Clear Lake. Photo Credit: Ron Keas

Yes, Lake County actually has autumn weather. Crisp. Cool. Colorful. Perfect for cardigan sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes. No, we may not be New England, but when it comes to Northern California, we humbly submit Lake County as tops when it comes to fall.

Want to bask in the beauty that is Lake County in the autumn? You’re going to need a place to stay. We made it easier for you with this list. The only hard part is figuring out your favorite!

Hotels, Motels & Inns 

 

Thorn Hill Luxury Villa in Lake County, California
Luxury Villa at Thorn Hill Vineyards

 

Thorn Hill Villas boasts luxury villa suites surrounded by panoramic vineyard and volcano views. Located in Lower Lake, you may not want to explore beyond  travertine stone floors, Murano glass chandeliers, Jacuzzi tubs, private patios with fireplaces and on-site chef. For a rustic stay in the heart of nature, clear your mind and soak up the fresh air with the cheery and peaceful atmosphere of The Lodge at Blue Lakes. And of course, if you prefer national chains, we’ve got those too. 

Bed & Breakfasts (and house sharing)

There’s no place like home, even if it’s somebody else’s. Besides an abundance of beautiful homes to rent on Airbnb and other platforms, we’ve got old-fashioned B&Bs too. The Bed & Barrel at Stonehorse Cellars offers seclusion and sips with chic modern rooms above an old-school winery. Ever dreamed of sleeping on a train? You don’t have to hop the rails. Just take your caboose to Featherbed Railroad Caboose B&B. Spend the night in one of nine antique railroad cabooses, each with its own unique theme. 

Vineyards

The loft at Ripe Choice Farms
The Loft at Ripe Choice Farms

Find a wonderful place to visit wine country’s fastest-growing region (that’s us). The Ripe Choice Farm is a 100-year old barn that has been renovated into a remarkable and modern studio space. Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Chef’s Table where owner and Chef Tammy Lipps whips up delicious meals using local produce for her guests. And the Studio Cottage on Peace & Plenty Farm is a tranquil location offering stunning sunset views of the neighboring vineyards. Bonus: It’s only a mile from a state park!

Lodges & Cabins

Goat yoga at Reese Ranch Retreat
Goat yoga at Reese Ranch Retreat

Experience breathtaking views of Clear Lake and Mt. Konocti from a legendary waterfront setting at Skylark Shores Resort. Meanwhile, The Villa at Reese Ranch Retreat provides the perfect space to relax and rejuvenate. From goat yoga to the custom animal experiences (wait until you see the mini donkey and the zebra), there’s no shortage of unique ranch experiences and country beauty to soak in.

Stay…wherever

Camping under the stars
Camping under the stars in Lake County.

Sleep under the stars at one of our many campgrounds. Catch some Z’s before you hit the road in our RV parks. Or bring your pooch along for the fun at one of our dog-friendly lodging options, all of which we’d rate (ca)nine out of ten!

We highlighted a few of our favorites up above, but you can’t go wrong with any place in Lake County. 

Check out all of the places to stay for your fall getaway, and we’ll see ya when ya get here!