If you think California doesn’t have seasons, look again. Here in the San Joaquin Valley we can enjoy gorgeous fall foliage with plenty of reds, oranges, and golds that go great with all those pumpkin spice lattes.

Cooler temperatures mean great walking weather and what better way to enjoy the season’s show that by taking brisk walks in beautiful locations where Autumn is showing off her best colors. Here in the San Joaquin Valley, prime leaf-peeping season begins in late October and can go all the way through December.

If you love fall foliage and live in Visalia or the surrounding area, be sure to take a few daytrips to enjoy the show. Gorgeous colors can be found in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains east of the San Joaquin Valley. Dogwoods, black oaks, aspen and black cottonwood start showing off in August at about 10,000 feet, with colors cascading down the mountainsides for the next three months, so there’s plenty of time to visit.

Don’t forget about local vineyards, too. Vines can display some pretty eye-catching yellows and golds as they come alive with color in the fall.

How to find the best fall foliage near me

If you’re really serious about finding out where the best fall foliage is, check out this Fall Foliage Map website that tracks peak fall colors throughout the entire United States, including right here in Tulare County, Kings County and the San Joaquin Valley.

Here’s another great idea: If you can’t get enough of fall’s beautiful colors, why not create an Autumn wonderland in your own backyard? Below are a few trees we have in stock here at Luis’ Nursery, all of which grow wonderfully here in our area and can produce foliage that will wow all season long!

For bright eye-catching color, we recommend:

• Chinese Pistache ‘Keith Davey’ (red)
• Chinese Pistache seedling (orange, red, yellow)
• Maple ‘Trident’ (red, orange)
• Maple ‘October Glory’ (red)
• Maple ‘Autumn Fantasy’ (red)
• Maple ‘Red Sunset’ (red)
• Red Oak (red)

For foliage in beautiful golds, bronzes and yellows, try these:

• Redbud (gold)
• Gingko (gold)
• White Birch (gold)
• Raywood Ash (bronze)
• Flowering Pear (orange, red)
• Crape Myrtle (yellow, red)
• Chinese Elm (gold)
• Vitex (gold)
• Chinese Fringe (gold)
• Valley Oak (gold)

Here in Central California, the fall season is a great time for planting new trees. The weather, temperatures and water requirements align perfectly to give roots time to acclimate before the growing season in spring. Click HERE for more information about planting trees, and be sure to visit our nursey to check out our selection and talk to our experts about the best ideas for adding lots of fall color to your yard.