Top 16 Places To Visit In Fall (October)

As the summer sun begins to mellow and leaves adorn the trees with hues of gold and crimson, the allure of fall vacations beckons. Autumn is a magical season, offering a canvas of vibrant colors, crisp air, and a unique charm all its own.

Whether you seek the coziness of a rustic cabin nestled in the woods, the cultural richness of a historic city, or the adventure of exploring natural wonders, the best fall vacations promise unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Fall destinations and activities to make your autumn getaway truly remarkable.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive through fall foliage, a secluded hike through a national park, or a post-summer beach vacation, fall is a great time to travel. This season is when kids go back to school and adults go back to work.

This means that many popular holiday destinations typically have lower prices, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures. With the help of travel experts and reader feedback, U.S. News has compiled a list of ideal fall vacation ideas, taking into account seasonal festivals, weather, crowds, and more. Vote for your favorite places below to help us decide on next year’s list of the best places to visit in Fall vacations.

Introduction

Fall is one of the best times to explore the United States. As the mornings become crisper and the days become shorter, the surprising change of seasons is felt in the air. Not only because the leaves are changing, but because the festival season is just around the corner.

In the fall, head to the mountains to see brightly colored leaves or to the beach to soak up a few more days of sunshine before winter sets in. There is much to see and do in and around its bustling cities and charming villages. No matter what type of holiday you prefer, there is something for every type of traveler. To help you find the perfect destination, here are some of the best places to visit in Fall.

Find the Best Places to Visit in Fall In The USA

The fall holidays are an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. This is the time when nature displays its most beautiful colors and the weather is often ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. This guide introduces you to a variety of destinations and experiences, from immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature to discovering the city’s cultural treasures.

Whether you’re a leaf spotter, adventurer, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, there’s a fall getaway to suit your tastes. Read on to explore the possibilities and plan unforgettable places to visit in Fall vacation.

Thorough planning allows you to make informed decisions about your transportation needs, budget, and travel arrangements, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders that America has to offer. So don’t leave your fall vacation to chance, plan it today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Zion National Park

Utah’s first national park is the perfect destination for your next fall trip. As fall begins, temperatures cool in Zion National Park, perfect for activities like hiking, biking, and canyoning. Create conditions. Hike the valley floor alongside colorful cottonwoods or cross steep slopes for panoramic views of Zion’s sandstone cliffs. Some of the most popular trails in the park include The Narrows, Canyon Overlook Trail, and Angels Landing, a challenging hike that requires a permit. Temperatures drop as altitude increases, so bring extra clothing.

Hotels in Zion National Park

• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
• Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel
• Comfort Inn & Suites Zion Park Area
• Zion National Park Lodge
• Zion Canyon Lodge

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, this national park offers a variety of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and all kinds of wildlife. As temperatures cool, the park becomes the perfect place to observe leaves. Hike to various overlooks along the Appalachian and Oconalufti River trails for jaw-dropping views, or take a more relaxed yet eye-catching road trip along Clingmans Dome Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy! enjoy. You can also see fall foliage from above by riding the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
• Motel 6 Gatlinburg, TN – Smoky Mountains
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort
• The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg
• Sidney James Mountain Lodge – Downtown Gatlinburg

3. Toronto

You’ll have no shortage of entertainment options while visiting this large Canadian city in the fall. Sports fans can watch their team of choice, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, while scenery lovers can have fun at Toronto’s parks, which explode with color usually from late September to early October. You can send it. You can see the leaves in the bay. This season also features lively events, such as the Toronto International Film Festival held each September. Even as the winter chill sets in full force in November, now is a great time to visit Toronto to score affordable room rates and sample comfort food at Toronto’s mouth-watering restaurants.

Hotels in Toronto

• Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
• Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
• Hilton Toronto
• Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

4. Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled fall foliage views. Visit the city between early October and early November to see the most vivid colors of the surrounding mountains. And you can’t miss sampling the city’s delicious craft beers. Asheville is home to dozens of breweries offering everything from sours and pilsners to IPAs and porters. Even if you can’t drink it all, make the most of your time by signing up for a tour of the city’s breweries.

Hotels in Asheville, NC

• Hampton Inn Asheville-Tunnel Rd
• Red Roof Inn Asheville – Biltmore West
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate
• The Omni Grove Park Inn
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore

5. Sedona

Fall daytime temperatures in Sedona, Arizona range from the high 80s in September to the more comfortable 60s in November. If you want to catch a glimpse of the changing leaves on the area’s sycamores, oaks, and maples, visit between late September and mid-October. This month, fall foliage takes over places like the West Fork of the Oak Creek Trail and the off-the-beaten-path Bear Sign Trail. Meanwhile, culture lovers won’t want to miss the city’s annual Day of the Dead celebrations held at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in late October.

Hotels in Sedona

• Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
• L’Auberge de Sedona
• Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit
• Los Abrigados Resort & Spa
• Desert Quail Inn Sedona Bell Rock

6. Acadia National Park

Fall in Acadia National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. Located on the coast of Maine, this national park attracts leaf-watchers from all over the country every year. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, but the state provides regularly updated fall foliage reports to help you plan your scenic trip. Cooler temperatures make the park’s challenging hikes, such as the Precipice Trail and Beehive Loop, more enjoyable. However, snow can fall in Acadia as early as November, so it’s a good idea to check trail closures before you arrive.

Hotels in Acadia National Park

• Acadia Ocean View Motel
• Acadia Hotel – Downtown
• Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor
• Best Western Acadia Park Inn
• Gallagher’s Travels Motel & Cabins Bar Harbor

7. Kaua’i

After summer, visitors can enjoy peace and quiet on this rugged Hawaiian island. Fall is a great time to visit Kauai’s major attractions, including Waimea Canyon and Wailua River State Park. Don’t let the crowds stop you from enjoying the breathtaking views. The island is warm all year round, so even in the fall you can enjoy some sunshine at beautiful beaches such as Ke’e Beach and Tunnel Beach (Makua). Make your trip early before the island’s rainy season, which usually begins in November.

Hotels in Kaua’i

• Hanalei Bay Resort
• Sheraton Kauai Resort
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
• OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
• Kauai Shores Hotel

8. Savannah

With a haunted history dating back to the 1700s, this coastal Georgia destination takes ‘spooky season’ to a new level. At night, you can enjoy Savannah’s famous nightlife by taking a ghost tour through eerie yet beautiful locations like Bonaventure Cemetery, staying in a haunted hotel, or going on a creepy pub crawl. Starting in September, as the stifling summer heat begins to fade, you can enjoy more relaxed daytime activities, such as strolling through the Victoria district with its stately homes and charming Forsyth Park or enjoying the season’s many events, including Savannah Jazz. festival.

Hotels in Savannah

• Hyatt Regency Savannah
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Savannah Airport
• Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District
• Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Downtown/Historic District
• Wingate by Wyndham Savannah/Pooler

9. Grand Canyon National Park

Travel to this Arizona national park in the fall and enjoy stunning natural scenery that wows all year long but with mild weather, relatively few crowds, and affordable room rates. Conditions are perfect for hiking, but if you plan to trek the popular North Rim Trail and want to receive full visitor services, you’ll want to arrive before mid-October. For more scenery, book a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway. Driving north from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon offers a variety of animals and landscapes.

Hotels in Grand Canyon National Park

• The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
• El Tovar Hotel
• Bright Angel Lodge Inside The Park
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon

10. Victoria & Vancouver Island

Fall in this part of Canada is characterized by cool weather and a quiet atmosphere now that summer travelers have returned home. There is plenty to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. Explore Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle, and more. Visitors will also find numerous vineyards and cideries in the area, including Merridale Cidery & Distillery (which hosts a cider harvest festival in September) and Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. The weather will be sunny and daytime temperatures will hover in the 40s to 60s, but the views from island coastal trails like the Wild Pacific Trail will make your fall vacation all the more worthwhile.

Hotels in Victoria & Vancouver Island

• Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites
• Fairmont Empress
• Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
• Red Lion Inn & Suites Victoria
• Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown

11. The Berkshires

No fall vacation list is complete without a quintessential New England vacation. The idyllic small towns and rolling hills of western Massachusetts and Connecticut are a fall lover’s dream. In addition to the region’s famous fall foliage, which is at its most colorful in mid-October, the Berkshires are dotted with apple orchards and pick-your-own pumpkin patches. Meanwhile, Massachusetts cities such as Lenox (home to Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount) and Stockbridge (home to the Norman Rockwell Museum) have plenty of historic architecture and quaint B&B accommodations.

Hotels in The Berkshires

• Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa
• Courtyard by Marriott Lenox Berkshires
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Great Barrington Lenox/Berkshires
• Holiday Inn & Suites Pittsfield-Berkshires, an IHG Hotel
• The Black Swan Lee – The Berkshires

12. Charleston, SC

Now that the humidity has dropped, it’s even more enjoyable to stroll the historic streets of The Battery or dip your toes in the sand at Folly Beach. Even in the fall, this South Carolina city hosts numerous events, fairs, and festivals. During your visit, you can relax at Boone Hall Fright Nights and get a taste of culture at the MOJA Arts Festival, held from late September to early October. If you want to participate in traditional fall activities like tractor rides, pumpkin picking, and corn maze trekking, head to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in October.

Hotels in Charleston, SC

• Charleston Marriott
• Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston
• Best Western Charleston Inn
• Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview
• Comfort Suites Charleston West Ashley

13. Jackson Hole

Fall weather in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley is truly beautiful. Average high temperatures range from the low 70s in September to the high 30s in November. Animal lovers can stop by the National Elk Refuge in September and October to hear male elk “bugle” as they search for a mate. Several events are also held in the fall, including the Fall Arts Festival. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike the aspen-filled mountains of nearby Grand Teton National Park or take a relaxing soak in Granite Hot Springs.

Hotels in Jackson Hole

• The Lodge at Jackson Hole
• Hampton Inn Jackson Hole
• Super 8 by Wyndham Jackson Hole
• The Jackson SouthTown Motel
• Grand Targhee Resort

14. Hawaii – The Big Island

Traveling to the Big Island in the fall means cheaper room rates, fewer crowds, and sunny weather until the rainy season begins in November. A popular destination for adventure seekers, this Hawaiian island offers impressive hiking trails. Pass the waterfalls of Akaka Falls State Park or the must-visit lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The island also has pristine beaches where visitors can try water sports activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, travelers can sign up for a helicopter tour of the island.

Hotels in Hawaii – The Big Island

• Hilton Waikoloa Village
• Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii
• Royal Kona Resort

15. Yellowstone National Park

Come October, Yellowstone is ready to see the beautiful transition from summer to fall uninterrupted (except for a bison or two) in Yellowstone, free of camera-toting tourists. Yellowstone’s animals become active in the fall, so you may see elk, eagles, and even bears preparing for hibernation. Biking and fly fishing are great activities to enjoy in September and October, and hiking remains a popular pastime in November. But keep in mind that amenities at this park, which stretches across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, become more limited as the season progresses and roads begin to close for the winter starting in mid-October.

Hotels in Yellowstone National Park

• Old Faithful Inn
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Island Park Yellowstone
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel
• Yellowstone West Gate Hotel
• Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, an IHG Hotel

16. Prince Edward Island

Crisp daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the low 70s are the hallmark of a Prince Edward Island fall vacation. It may be too cold to enjoy the Canadian island’s red-sand beaches, but there are plenty of events to keep you busy, including the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival in September and the PEI Flavors of Fall Food and Drink Festival on Prince Edward Island. First half of October. After filling up delicious local food, take a stroll along one of the island’s walking trails to admire the stunning fall foliage. The island’s trees are typically at their most colorful in October.

Hotels in Prince Edward Island

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlottetown, an IHG Hotel
• Dalvay By the Sea
• Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottetown
• Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)