12 California Bakeries That Make Pastries Worth Driving For This Fall
Fall in California brings cooler mornings, changing leaves, and the perfect excuse to seek out flaky croissants and cinnamon-spiced treats. I’ve spent countless weekends chasing down the state’s best bakeries, and trust me, the journey is half the fun.
When you bite into a perfectly laminated pastry or a warm apple tart, you realize some things are absolutely worth the drive. Let’s enjoy some of the best pastries in the state that can make the autumn even more magical.
1. Tartine Bakery, San Francisco
Morning bread lines here stretch around the block, but nobody complains because what awaits inside is pure magic. Tartine’s country bread has achieved legendary status, but their morning buns steal the show during the autumn months.
Flaky layers get coated in orange zest and cinnamon sugar, creating a pastry that practically melts on your tongue. The bakery uses organic flour and a natural starter that gives everything a subtle tang.
Plan to arrive early because popular items vanish by noon. Their pumpkin bread pudding appears seasonally and converts even the pickiest eaters into devoted fans.
2. Porto’s Bakery, Multiple Locations
Cuban pastries meet California convenience at this beloved chain that started as a tiny shop in Silver Lake before expanding to Glendale.
Their cheese rolls are addictive little spirals of cream cheese wrapped in buttery pastry that somehow taste even better the next day.
I once bought a dozen thinking they’d last the week, but my family demolished them in two days flat. The potato balls offer a savory option that pairs perfectly with their strong Cuban coffee.
Lines move surprisingly fast despite the crowds. Their fall pumpkin empanadas bring seasonal flavor to traditional recipes, blending sweet squash with warming spices.
3. Republique, Los Angeles
This La Brea spot transforms a historic building into a French pastry paradise where every item looks too beautiful to eat. Spoiler alert: you should definitely eat them anyway.
Their kouign-amann achieves the impossible balance of crispy caramelized exterior and tender buttery center. Seasonal fruit tarts showcase California produce at its finest, with figs and persimmons making regular autumn appearances.
The space itself feels like stepping into a Parisian cafe. Weekend brunch gets busy, so weekday morning visits offer a more relaxed pastry-browsing experience without sacrificing quality.
4. Manresa Bread, Los Gatos and Los Altos
Chef David Kinch’s bakery brings Michelin-starred attention to detail to everyday bread and pastries. Their croissants require three days of careful preparation, and you taste every minute of that effort.
Buttery layers shatter perfectly with each bite, releasing a subtle fermented aroma that comes from slow fermentation. The almond croissants get topped with sliced almonds and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Fall brings apple galettes made with heirloom varieties from local orchards. Everything sells out quickly, so calling ahead or ordering online saves disappointment and ensures you snag your favorites.
5. Arsicault Bakery, San Francisco
This tiny Richmond District shop earned the title of best croissant in America, and the hype is completely justified. Owner Armando Lacayo spent years perfecting his technique, and it shows in every flaky layer.
The croissants here are smaller than typical American versions but pack incredible butter flavor into each bite. I visited on a foggy October morning and watched them pull fresh batches from the oven every twenty minutes.
Their almond and chocolate variations are equally impressive. The shop has limited seating, so most people grab their pastries and enjoy them while strolling through nearby Golden Gate Park.
6. Bouchon Bakery, Yountville
Thomas Keller’s bakery brings French precision to Napa Valley with pastries that rival anything you’d find in Paris. Their TKOs are a playful take on Oreos, featuring chocolate shortbread cookies sandwiched with vanilla cream.
The seasonal fruit tarts change with what’s ripe, and autumn brings pear and quince combinations that taste like edible poetry. Everything here maintains the exacting standards you’d expect from a world-renowned chef.
Their brioche is impossibly soft and rich. Pair your pastry selections with a coffee and enjoy them on the outdoor patio while planning your next Napa Valley adventure.
7. B. Patisserie, San Francisco
Belinda Leong’s Pacific Heights bakery has become a destination for pastry enthusiasts seeking authentic French techniques with California ingredients.
Her kouign-amann is widely considered the city’s best, featuring caramelized sugar that crackles when you bite through the layers.
The bakery case changes daily based on what’s fresh and seasonal. Fall brings persimmon danishes that combine sweet fruit with tangy cream cheese and buttery pastry.
Their savory options shouldn’t be overlooked either. The ham and cheese croissants make a perfect lunch, and everything gets made fresh throughout the day to ensure maximum quality.
8. Proof Bakery, Atwater Village
Natural fermentation is the star at this Atwater Village spot, where everything rises slowly and tastes intensely of real ingredients. Their sourdough croissants combine two beloved techniques into one incredible pastry.
The slight tang from the starter balances perfectly with rich European butter. I stumbled upon this place during a random drive through the neighborhood and immediately became a regular customer.
Their morning buns get studded with seasonal additions like roasted squash or spiced apples during the fall months.
The cozy space fills up on weekends, but the staff keeps things moving efficiently while maintaining their friendly neighborhood vibe.
9. Marla Bakery (Marla SR), Santa Rosa
Rustic meets refined at this Santa Rosa bakery, where everything gets made by hand using traditional methods. Their twice-baked almond croissants achieve legendary status among locals who know to arrive early for the best selection.
The pastries here taste distinctly of butter and flour rather than just sugar, which makes them feel more satisfying and less cloying. Seasonal scones incorporate local pumpkin and cranberries during autumn.
Their savory hand pies filled with mushrooms and herbs make excellent lunch options. The bakery sources ingredients from nearby farms whenever possible, supporting local agriculture while ensuring peak freshness in every bite.
10. Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe, Santa Monica
Zoe Nathan’s Santa Monica bakery captures the essence of California baking with its focus on seasonal ingredients and approachable elegance. Her maple bacon biscuits have achieved cult status, combining sweet and savory in perfect harmony.
The bakery case overflows with muffins, scones, and pastries that change based on what’s ripe at the farmers’ market. Fall brings pumpkin cream cheese muffins that taste like autumn in baked form.
Everything here feels wholesome without sacrificing richness or flavor. The attached cafe serves excellent coffee and full breakfast options if you want more than just pastries for your meal.
11. Acme Bread Company, Berkeley
Berkeley’s bread pioneer has been setting standards for artisan baking since the eighties, and their commitment to quality hasn’t wavered. While primarily known for bread, their sweet batards and morning pastries deserve equal attention.
The walnut bread makes incredible toast for fall mornings when slathered with butter and jam. Their levain undergoes long fermentation that creates complex flavors and excellent texture.
Visiting the Ferry Building location lets you combine pastry shopping with exploring one of San Francisco’s best food markets.
The staff knows their products inside and out and happily offers recommendations based on your preferences.
12. Gjusta, Venice
This Venice warehouse bakery produces some of Los Angeles’s most impressive breads and pastries in a space that feels more like an artisan workshop than a typical shop. Their laminated pastries shatter into countless buttery shards with each bite.
The bakery section shares space with a full deli and cafe, making it easy to build an entire picnic around your pastry selections. Seasonal fruit galettes showcase whatever’s ripe, with fig and apple versions appearing as temperatures cool.
Weekend mornings get crowded with locals loading up on provisions. Their smoked fish and excellent coffee make great companions to whatever pastries catch your eye in the impressive display cases.