🍂 Golden Getaways: The Best Fall Drives and Leaf-Peeping Escapes Near Westlake Village & Thousand Oaks

As the heat of summer fades, the rolling hills of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties transform into a painter’s palette of soft golds, sunlit yellows, and rustic browns. While Southern California may not boast the fiery maples of Vermont, the Conejo Valley, Malibu canyons, and nearby mountain towns come alive with their own quiet autumn charm.

Here’s your complete guide to five scenic fall destinations—from quick afternoon jaunts to full weekend adventures—complete with drive directions, local eats, dog-friendly stays, and the best times to catch the golden glow.

1. 🍁 Malibu Creek State Park (Calabasas)

Drive Time: ~25 minutes from Westlake Village
Why Go: This serene canyon park blends oak woodlands, golden sycamores, and the iconic Malibu cliffs. It’s one of the most accessible spots to see a real change in color—right in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Driving Directions:

• From Westlake Village, take US-101 East toward Calabasas.

• Exit Las Virgenes Road / Malibu Canyon Road toward the ocean.

• Drive about 4 miles south; the park entrance (1925 Las Virgenes Rd) will be on the right.

What to Do:
Hike the easy Rock Pool or Century Lake trails for postcard-worthy scenery. Bring a picnic to enjoy among the oaks.

Pet-Friendly Stays:

• Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village – pets up to 15 lbs, $75 fee, luxury spa and gardens.

• Westlake Village Inn – dogs up to 50 lbs, $75 standard room / $150 suite fee.

Local Eats:

• Coin & Candor (modern California cuisine at the Four Seasons)

• Made in Italy Bistro (casual and cozy Italian on Thousand Oaks Blvd)

2. 🍎 Oak Glen – Southern California’s Apple Country

Drive Time: ~1.5 – 2 hours from Westlake Village
Why Go: Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Oak Glen is SoCal’s hidden autumn gem. Apple orchards, country bakeries, and tree-lined roads turn vibrant gold in October.

Driving Directions:

• From Westlake Village, take US-101 East, connect to I-10 East toward San Bernardino.

• Exit at Yucaipa Blvd, continue east, then turn left on Oak Glen Road.

• Follow Oak Glen Road ~6 miles into the orchard region.

What to Do:
Pick apples, sip fresh cider, hike the Oak Glen Preserve, and stop by Los Rios Rancho for homemade pies.

Pet-Friendly Stays:

• Palm Garden Hotel (Thousand Oaks) if you prefer staying near home before heading east—allows 2 pets of any size, $35 /night.

• Local Oak Glen Inns & Cabins: Check listings for rustic, dog-friendly B&Bs around Yucaipa and Forest Falls.

Local Eats:

• Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery – classic fall fare.

• Riley’s at Los Rios Ranch – BBQ and cider donuts.

Best Time: Mid-to-late October is peak color and apple harvest.

3. 🌲 Angeles National Forest (via Angeles Crest Highway)

Drive Time: ~1 – 1.5 hours from Westlake Village
Why Go: For towering pines, mountain air, and sweeping canyon views, few drives rival Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). Higher elevations show actual fall color, especially around Mount Wilson and Chilao.

Driving Directions:

• From Westlake Village, take US-101 East toward the San Fernando Valley.

• Merge onto CA-210 East, exit Santa Anita Ave (Arcadia).

• Follow signs into the forest via Angeles Crest Highway or Chantry Flat Rd.

What to Do:
Stop at scenic pull-outs, picnic spots, and short trails—try Mount Wilson Trail or the Red Box Gap overlook.

Pet-Friendly Stays:

• Hotels in Pasadena or Monrovia nearby often allow small dogs (check policies when booking).

Local Eats:

• Canyon Diner (Altadena) for breakfast before your ascent.

• Mount Wilson Cafe – simple meals, unbeatable views.

Best Time: Mid-to-late October for high-elevation color.

4. 🍂 Ojai Valley Scenic Drive

Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from Westlake Village
Why Go: Ojai’s valley is framed by oak groves and the pink-hued Topatopa Mountains. The golden afternoon light here is famous for its “pink moment”—especially in fall.

Driving Directions:

• Take US-101 North toward Ventura.

• Merge onto CA-33 North toward Ojai.

• Continue for ~15 miles into the Ojai Valley.

What to Do:
Stroll through downtown boutiques, sip wine, bike the Ojai Valley Trail, or catch sunset over the valley.

Pet-Friendly Stays:

• Ojai Valley Inn – luxury resort, dog-friendly rooms available.

• Blue Iguana Inn – charming boutique hotel welcoming pets.

Local Eats:

• Ojai Rotie (Mediterranean fare & rotisserie chicken)

• Hip Vegan Cafe – healthy, pet-friendly patio dining.

Best Time: Late October – early November when valley oaks glow gold.

5. 🌳 Gardens of the World & Conejo Valley Hills (Local Drive)

Drive Time: 5 – 15 minutes from anywhere in Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks
Why Go: When you want a simple, stress-free local outing, the Conejo Valley’s rolling hills and small parks offer lovely fall light and oak-studded scenery.

Driving Directions:

• From Westlake Village, take Thousand Oaks Blvd west to 2001 E Thousand Oaks Blvd (Gardens of the World).

• For hillside views, cruise along Triunfo Canyon Rd or Lindero Canyon Rd, stopping at Triunfo Community Park.

What to Do:
Stroll the themed gardens (Japanese, Italian, and French) or walk the local trails. Perfect for an easy morning with coffee in hand.

Pet-Friendly Stays:
All three Westlake Village hotels above are dog-friendly, making spontaneous mini-getaways a breeze.

Local Eats:

• Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant – flavorful clay-pot seafood.

• Finney’s Crafthouse – casual patio dining with local beer.

Best Time: Late October through early November for mellow golden tones.

🚗 Summary Table

🌞 Fall Travel Tips

• Best Color Window: Late October – early November.

• Golden Hour Magic: Aim for mid-afternoon to sunset when hillsides glow.

• Pet Prep: Bring extra water, treats, and check hotel pet-fee policies.

• Avoid Traffic: Depart early Saturday or Sunday morning.

• Stay Flexible: Some mountain roads (especially in Angeles Forest) may close after storms.

✨ Final Thought

You don’t have to travel far to feel the rhythm of fall in Southern California. Whether it’s a crisp morning at Malibu Creek, a cozy weekend in Ojai, or a cider-sweet afternoon in Oak Glen, every curve of the road reveals another brushstroke of gold.

So pack a light sweater, grab your camera (and maybe your pup), and chase the color—because autumn here may be fleeting, but it’s unforgettable. 🍂