It’s hard to give just one specific reason to visit…
25 Best Fall Vacations in the U.S.
If you’re looking for the best fall vacations in the U.S., here are the top recommendations from experienced travel writers.
With their help, I’ve put together this list of the best fall destinations in the United States.
Autumn in the U.S. is the perfect time to travel because the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. It’s ideal whether you want to head for the hills to enjoy spectacular fall foliage or hit the beaches in the south.
Read on for 25 incredible fall vacation ideas.
Best Fall Vacations in the U.S. – Table of Contents
Northeastern fall vacations
Midwest fall destinations
Fall Getaways in the northwest
Fall destinations in the southwest
Southeastern fall vacations
Best Fall Vacations in the U.S. Northeast
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Pinnacle, Image by Kat Weiss Butler
By Kat Weiss Butler from World Wide Honeymoon
There is truly no place like Stowe, Vermont in the fall. This small, mountain town in Vermont is idyllic with jaw-dropping mountains, lovely covered bridges, and, of course, bright fall foliage. It makes for a perfect stop on a Vermont road trip!
Admire the vibrant-hued leaves while on various hikes like to the stunning Stowe Pinnacle or tranquil Sterling Pond. Sample apple cider and apple cider donuts at nearby Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Then, explore the covered bridges including the Gold Brook Covered Bridge and Red Covered Bridge before walking around the charming downtown area.
For some amazing fall foliage sightings, definitely drive through Smugglers Notch. This tight and curvy mountain road offers gorgeous views of the Green Mountains and lovely foliage in the area.
If you want a relaxing mountain town with gorgeous fall foliage, Stowe, Vermont is one of the most enjoyable fall travel destinations in the U.S.
Tip: If you plan to go hiking in Stowe, definitely get up early! The crowds can be pretty big by late morning!
Where to stay: The Trapp Family Lodge is so romantic. Set in the mountains with gorgeous views, this resort is built to look like an Austrian alpine lodge from the von Trapp family’s memory (yes, from The Sound of Music)!
White Mountains, New Hampshire
View of the White Mountains from the Omni Mount Washington Hotel
By Keri Baugh from Bon Voyage with Kids
One of the best places to visit in the fall in the U.S. is the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Specifically, if you head toward Mount Washington, you’ll capture some of the best fall foliage in the country!
There are many fun things to do in New Hampshire like apple picking at some nearby farms and enjoying a delicious apple cider donut.
But one of the not to miss highlights of the trip is to travel to the the top of Mount Washington and get an epic view! You can either take the auto road (though do check the weather, as it can change dramatically at the top of the mountain). Or, you can take the cog railway up to the top! There is an observation centre at the top as well as a weather station, and places to dine and souvenir shops.
You can also visit North Conway for shopping, dining (check out Flatbread Pizza and Zeb’s general store) and take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. There is plenty of hiking, and a unique experience. Kids will love the Flume Gorge!
Tip: Take the ski lift to the top of Mount Washington to see the foliage from above.
Where to stay: Stay at the Omni Mount Washington hotel, a gorgeous and historical inn with breathtaking views of the White Mountains. There are also plenty of activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, hiking, fly-fishing, and rock climbing at the nearby Bretton Woods ski resort, right next to the Omni Mount Washington.
Salem, Massachusetts
Witch Shops in Salem, Mass. – Image by Cami Neves
By Cami Neves from Travel Cami
Nothing says ‘fall vacation’ like a good day trip to Salem, Massachusetts.
Also known as the City of Witches, Salem gets its fame for being where the Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692. In the trials, 25 people were accused of witchcraft and killed. This dark history is what today makes Salem so popular on Halloween.
Nowadays, the town thrives on tourism, and most of its attractions revolve around honouring and explaining the history of witches and the trials. That’s why Salem is one of the best places to visit in October in the USA. For the last few years, the number of visitors to Salem on Halloween night has been around 100,000. Crazy, huh?
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Salem. When you go there, make sure to visit the Salem Witch Museum, see the Witch House, see the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, and visit the House of Seven Gables. Other fun activities include this haunt and history guided night tour and Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery if you’re a fan of horror and sci-fi movies.
Tip: If you’re visiting from Boston, the commuter rail will get you to Salem in 30 minutes!
Where to stay: The Hawthorne Hotel is fantastic and an absolute classic.
Hudson Valley, New York
View of Hudson Valley from top of Bear Mountain
The Hudson Valley in New York is an idyllic spot for the best fall vacations in the U.S. Just a two-hour drive north of New York City, the region puts on a stunning display of fall foliage between September and November, making it one of the best places to go in October.
Enjoy miles of gorgeous hiking trails and grand historic mansions. Savour the farm-to-table food options and craft beer and ciders. Stop in at Wright’s Farm in Gardiner and Hurd’s Farm in Modena to stock up on apple cider donuts.
Be sure to visit quirky New Paltz and enjoy the restaurant scene. Local favourites include Huckleberry and Mexicali Blue. The quaint towns of Beacon and Tarrytown are also worth a visit.
It’s a perfect fall weekend road trip driving north from New York City on Route 9. You can even fulfill your bucket list by taking a fall foliage helicopter tour over the Hudson Valley.
Tip: While you can get to parts of the region via public transportation, it’s best to go by car to visit the towns and attractions.
Where to stay: The Roundhouse in Beacon or the Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown are good options in the Hudson Valley.
New York City
Central Park in New York City
By Alice from Adventures of Alice
New York is one of the best U.S. cities to visit in the fall. It has a great atmosphere, amazing views of the concrete jungle and the sort of vibe that you just wouldn’t get elsewhere. It is quite an expensive city to visit but it is well worth it.
During the fall one of the most common things to do is to see the city’s autumn leaves in all their beautiful colours. A great spot to visit for fall foliage is Fort Tryon Park. This park has 8 miles of pathways that you can walk and experience the outdoors in autumn.
Of course, don’t miss Central Park in autumn. It’s absolutely stunning when the foliage is at its peak. Take a walking tour to discover the hidden gems in the Park.
Tip: If you have the time and there is one on, go and see a sports game. The atmosphere is amazing.
Where to stay: The Holiday Inn Manhattan 6th Ave (Chelsea). It is a lovely place to stay and it’s in the perfect location for getting around the city.
Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
View from Nittany Mountain, Pennsylvania – Image by Susan Decoteau-Ferrier
By Susan Decoteau-Ferrier from Gen X Traveler
Sylvan landscapes, small towns, and patchwork rural farmland make central Pennsylvania, and more specifically Happy Valley, the near-perfect destination for a fall trip in the U.S. The region offers tons of outdoor activities to experience. And for sports fans, there is Penn State Football.
Outdoor enthusiasts will never run short on things to do in Happy Valley. This area has become well-known in the off-road bicycling community. Gravel riders will want to head up Tussey Mountain for a challenging ride. Experienced mountain bikers should plan to ride at Rothrock State Forest.
If hiking is more your style, then head to Nittany Mountain, a mecca for Penn State Alumni. The roughly half-mile hike up to Mike Lynch Overlook ascends 600 feet over rocky terrain and proves to be quite a challenge. But the views over Penn States campus and the valley are spectacular.
Bald Eagle State Forest offers plenty of outdoor recreational options including, hiking, fishing, boating, and more. Of course, keep your eyes open for a chance to see a bald eagle or two.
And finally, what could be a more seasonal activity than cheering on the Nittany Lions and tailgating at a Penn State? When in Happy Valley everyone becomes a fan of the Blue and White.
Tip: After all this outdoor activity you deserve to treat yourself to one of over 120 flavors of ice cream and sherbets at Penn State’s Berkey Creamery.
Where to stay: The Queen, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast located in the quaint Victorian town of Bellefonte offers hospitality, nicely appointed rooms, and a scrumptious breakfast.
Washington, D.C.
Boulder Bridge at Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. – Image by Terri Markle
By Terri at FemaleSoloTrek.com
The nation’s capital is the ideal city getaway for a fall vacation in the United States. Two parks and one national venue offer peak fall foliage views.
Oaks, elms and maples turn crimson red, yellow and orange in the fall at the U.S. Capitol grounds. Standing on the steps, the traveler can see down to The National Monument. The Botanic Gardens offers a seasonal U.S. Capitol Grounds walking tour.
In the afternoon, head to Rock Creek Park. The 1,754-acre national park offers rock climbing, hiking, bicycling and walking on the north and south trails. The trees turn brilliant shades of fire—red, orange and gold—as winter approaches. Pack a basket to lunch near the historic Boulder Bridge.
On Sunday morning, visit Theodore Roosevelt Island (TRI). The hike burrows deep into the historic island. See a deer. Listen to birds. Marvel at the giant trees dressed autumn finery. This is a dog friendly park so bring Fido.
Tip: Visit DC in October near Halloween and book a nighttime Haunted DC walking tour
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown is a great hotel for your autumn getaway because you can walk to Rock Creek Park and kayak to TRI. The U.S. Capitol is a quick Uber or bike ride away.
Best fall destinations in the U.S. Midwest
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County – Image by Lindsey Puls
By Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel
Door County, Wisconsin is a hidden fall gem located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The fall foliage in this area is breathtaking and there is a wide variety of things to do in Door County, no matter what you may be interested in.
Hiking in Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point County Park are great ways to enjoy the fall colours (just to name a few spots). You can also see the stunning fall foliage from above at viewing platforms, such as Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park or the newly constructed Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum Lighthouse Tower.
Fall is also a great time to visit the apple orchards in Door County and attend the famous Door County fish boils! Fish boils are entertaining to watch and delicious to eat. The best one, in my opinion, is at The Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim.
Tip: One of the best October destinations, the colours typically begin changing during the end of September and peak in mid-October.
Where to stay: The Whistling Swan Inn is a fantastic place to stay in Door County. This Inn is also within walking distance of many great restaurants and shops and also has a great restaurant and bar onsite.
Lake Superior, Minnesota
Grand Portage Waterfalls – Image by Tom Bartel
By Tom Bartel from MN Trips
The North Shore of Lake Superior features just about everything you’d need for the ideal outdoorsy fall vacation in the U.S.
If water is your thing, by all means get your views of the big lake, though for active recreation, you’re better off checking out some of the thousands of smaller inland Minnesota Lakes. Just a way off the big lake is the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, which is said to be the most pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states.
If you’re interested in hiking, there are unlimited opportunities in the nine state parks that line the North Shore from just south of Duluth to Grand Portage on the Canadian border. The parks all feature miles of hiking, mostly along the dozens of rivers that flow from the Boundary Waters into Superior.
You’ll see beautiful waterfalls in all the Minnesota state parks. If you’re up for more than day hikes, you can hike the national Superior Hiking Trail that wends its way through the Superior National Forest.
Of course, the fall colors in the hardwood parts of the National Forest are spectacular.
Tip: If you’re thinking of going in the fall, be sure to reserve early. All hotel rooms from Duluth to Grand Portage fill up fast. The same goes for the state park campgrounds.
Where to stay: The road from Duluth to Grand Portage up US Highway 61 is only 140 miles, so you can pick almost anywhere along the shore as your base. Grand Marais, just short of the Canadian border, is our favorite spot.
Best Fall Getaways in the U.S. Northwest
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park – Image by James Ian
By James Ian from Parks Collecting
Grand Teton National Park is a great place to visit in the fall.
There are groves of aspen trees around the park that turn bright yellow in September. There are trees at Oxbow Bend that make make the famous view there even more spectacular. Snake River Overlook, which is another classic view of the mountains with Snake River in front, is also especially stunning in the fall when aspen trees in front of the viewing area turn golden.
Fall is also a great time to see wildlife in Grand Teton. Elk come down from higher areas for the winter and pass right through the park in the fall. You can often hear their loud bugling, which is a part of their mating ritual. In addition, bears are feeding on berries to fatten up before winter, and moose are also mating before the winter. If you’re keen to see wildlife (at a safe distance), take this 4-hour wildlife safari adventure in Grand Teton.
Tip: Try to get up for the sunrise. The sun rises opposite the mountains and when the first light shines on the tops of the mountains, they glow a bright golden color.
Where to stay: Stay at the Bentwood Inn in Wilson, Wyoming. Each room has a cozy fireplace.
Seattle, Washingon
Seattle – Image by Karee Blunt
By Karee Blunt from Our Woven Journey
If you’re wondering where a great place to go this fall might be, a visit to Seattle needs to be at the top of your list! Not only is the weather beautiful in September and October, you’ll also be in for a treat with fall colours.
New England may get all the attention for the beautiful display of colours you’ll see there, but Seattle holds its own with fall beauty. You’ll see plenty of bright yellow Aspen, red oak, red vine maple, and multi-colored Ash. They look exceptionally stunning next to the evergreens Washington state is known for.
Tip: Spend some time exploring places downtown like Pike Place Market. You’ll see a sampling of seasonal flowers, fruits and vegetables that only can only be had in the fall. This chef-guided tour of Pike Place Market is really fun.
Where to stay: The Staypinapple – Maxwell Hotel is a great choice for where to stay in Seattle. Not only does it get great reviews, the location is perfect for exploring places like Seattle Centre and the Space Needle.
Mount Ranier National Park
Mount Ranier National Park – Image by Jessica Schmit
By Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler
While many areas of the United States have beautiful fall foliage, parts of the Pacific Northwest, like Mount Rainier National Park, experience a special explosion of colour come autumn. Not only do the leaves of its grand trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange, but so do the wildflowers, shrubs, and succulents carpeting its rolling meadows.
One of the best ways to explore the fall colours in Mount Rainier National Park is to lace up those hiking boots. Some great trails to consider are Skyline Trail, Naches Peak Loop, and Tolmie Peak Lookout, all of which boast spectacular fall foliage.
Looking instead for a more chill way to enjoy the park? Consider driving the Chinook Scenic Byway, a 107-miles drive snaking its way through the park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, weaving past waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and the Cascade Mountains’ best autumnal colors.
Tip: While the colours’ peak varies each year, your best bet to see vibrant fall foliage is the very end of September through the beginning of October. You should get to see the trees at their most magnificent, while also avoiding Rainier’s quickly approaching snowfall! If you’re short on time, consider a day tour to Mount Ranier from Seattle.
Where to stay: For a bougie respite during your stay, consider Stormking Cabins and Spa, a rustic chic resort offering private hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, and even an onsite spa.
Best Fall Vacations in the U.S. Southwest
California Wine Country (Napa + Sonoma)
Napa Valley, California
By Allison Green, California Crossroads
One of the best places to travel in the fall is in Northern California’s Wine Country: in particular, Sonoma County and Napa Valley.
For one, the weather is just about perfect in the fall. Napa Valley tends to be blisteringly hot during the summer, with temperatures in the 90s and 100s during the day, and Sonoma a little less so due to its proximity to the coast. Fall is still quite warm in Napa and Sonoma, but it’s much milder than the summer.
Another reason to visit in fall is that the vineyards change color! While you won’t get the same rainbow of warm colors that you get in the Northeast, the vineyards in California turn orange, yellow, and sometimes even red.
You can also find hikes with fall foliage in Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen and Shiloh Ranch Regional Park in Windsor.
If you only have one day, you might enjoy this small group day tour from San Francisco – – it’s perfect for tasting, without driving.
Tip: For the ultimate fall experience, head to Sebastopol for apple picking! They’re famous for their Gravenstein apples. There are also many excellent wineries in Sebastopol off of Highway 116.
Where to stay: Indian Springs Resort in Calistoga is perfect for a Napa Valley getaway, with volcanic mud baths on-site, an outdoor pool, and access to some of the best Napa wineries at your fingertips, including Otra Vez and Vincent Arroyo Wineries.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco – Image by The Diary of a Nomad
By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad
There’s no better time to visit San Francisco than in the fall, when the tourist crowds of the summer have gone home, and when the weather is actually pretty warm. In fact, temperatures range from 51° and 65° F in the fall, which is only a tiny bit colder than during the summer.
Some of the top things to do in San Francisco include biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, taking a stroll at the Embarcadero Pier, visiting the colorful Painted Ladies, and touring the beautiful Palace Of Fine Arts.
For the most relaxing atmosphere, head over to Dolores Park and have a picnic there. Or see the fall foliage from the water on a cruise along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tip: Some of the best secret vacation spots in the US are just a short couple of hours from San Francisco. This includes the stunning Carmel Beach and Redding, which is home to six waterfalls and two volcanoes.
Where to stay: Hotel Fairmont San Francisco, which has a spa and beautiful sea views.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe – Image by Noel Morata
By Noel Morata of Visit California and Beyond
Lake Tahoe located in the Sierra Mountains of California is a year-round destination to visit and enjoy. But one of the most underrated times to visit the lake area is in fall time with the change of seasons. The fall time is not so busy so it’s great to enjoy road trips around the lake and visit some of the popular beaches, picnic areas and hiking spots without the massive summer crowds.
The lake is quite spectacular year round but fall season is different with the crisp mountain air, still sunny warm days but very cold nights. All around the coastline and up to the mountain areas, you’ll see some gorgeous fall foliage with local trees that are changing their leaves from the yellows of cottonwoods and shades of orange and reds from low lying shrubs dotting the countryside. The remainder tend to be the typical alpine trees of pine.
You’ll love visiting Lake Tahoe during the fall season and enjoy the beauty of the lake and fall colours without the crowds and hassles of driving around the Lake Tahoe Loop area.
Tip: Explore the trails that take you to beautiful parks of the lake and forested mountains like Emerald Bay, the Tahoe Rim trail, the Incline Flume trail, the Rubicon trail and other wonderful coastline trails around the lake. Or take a cruise of Emerald Bay at sunset.
Where to stay: There are plenty of Inns and hotels around the lake at all price levels but my favorite is the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, right at the Stateline location. It’s a wonderful luxury hotel, lake front with great amenities, plush rooms and excellent food and service.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes – Image by She Dreams of Alpine
By Kate from She Dreams of Alpine
Mammoth Lakes is a mountain town in the Eastern Sierras that makes a great U.S. fall getaway when the aspens, cottonwoods, and willows explode with colour. While the leaves begin to change in mid-September, plan for an October vacation to truly appreciate the fall foliage framing the mountain peaks.
The town of Mammoth is well-known for outdoor adventure, and you can explore the gorgeous landscape by hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. Or take a ride along Mammoth Lakes Scenic Drive to really get your fill of fall colours in the area.
Yosemite National Park is just a short drive away from Mammoth Lakes, and it is simply stunning in the fall. It’s definitely worth the detour to visit the park and check out some of the best hikes in Yosemite, including the iconic Half Dome. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point offer incredible view points of the fall colors in the Valley.
Tip: If the fall weather starts to feel a bit chilly, you can warm up in one of the many hot springs near Mammoth Lakes. Check out Shepherd Hot Springs for great views of the Sierras while you soak.
Where to stay: Red’s Meadow Resort has rooms, cabins, and a campground, and makes a wonderful base camp for all your adventures in Mammoth Lakes.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix – Image by Brittany Sawyer
By Brittany Sawyer from Travel by Brit
When the rest of the country is bundled up and preparing for a cold, snowy winter, Arizonians are gearing up to enjoy the most beautiful season of the year—fall! With average temperatures in the mid-80s, autumn is the perfect time to visit Phoenix, Arizona, to enjoy warm weather and sunshine.
During your trip, you can challenge yourself with some of the best hikes in Phoenix, like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Or shop at the farmer’s markets across the Valley, like Uptown Farmer’s Market and Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. You can enjoy outdoor dining at popular restaurants, like Cibo Urban Pizzeria or Postino WineCafe, or discover native plants at the Desert Botanical Garden.
You may also want to take a day trip from Phoenix to Sedona, Prescott, or Flagstaff to explore the diverse, beautiful terrain in the Grand Canyon State. This one day tour from Phoenix or Scottsdale through to the Grand Canyon is very popular.
Tip: Phoenix is extremely spread out—you’ll need to rent a car to experience all the city has to offer!
Where to stay: The Scott Resort & Spa, a luxury resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, just miles from downtown Phoenix
Best places to visit in the fall in the U.S. Southeast
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville skyline – Image by Lance Longwell
By Lance and Laura Longwell from Travel Addicts
Nashville, Tennessee is a fantastic fall vacation destination.
Fall is festival season in Music City and and there are two popular events you shouldn’t miss. One is the annual Americana Music Festival, honouring the best singer songwriters who blend country, folk, and bluegrass into popular music. Not to be overlooked, the annual Beer Festival draws legions of fans from around the country.
But this city isn’t just about the festivals because there are lots of great things to do in Nashville all year long. True to its music heritage, the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame are always popular. Enjoy this backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry.
Nashville’s foodie scene is also buzzing with activity. From southern BBQ and hot chicken, to new American and Asian fusion, there’s something for everyone. And of course, after dinner, chase it down at one of the local watering holes. Beyond the popular bars on Broadway, there’s also a ton of breweries and whiskey distilleries in the area to explore.
Nashville also makes a great base to explore the region. In the fall, the trees change beautiful colors, which is especially true along the Natchez Trace Parkway and in the Tennessee whiskey country. Consider spending a day outside of the city for some leaf peeping.
Tip: Parking is notoriously difficult and expensive in Nashville. Instead, head to the library. The Nashville library parking garage has some of the cheaper rates in town.
Where to stay: Staying outside of downtown is much cheaper, but also misses the point of being in the city. Instead, look to the Hilton Hotel Downtown, which offers a lot of stay and play packages that can be quite reasonable.
Key West, Florida
Key West – Image by Lori Sorrentino
By Lori Sorrentino from Naples Florida Travel Guide
Whether you go for a few days or longer, Key West is one of the best fall vacations in the US and a definite bucket list destination in southwest Florida. In the fall months, the temperatures are cooler (a balmy mid-80s F), the humidity is low, and the Gulf of Mexico is still warm and inviting.
Key West is always in motion so there’s plenty to see and do. Take a sunset snorkeling cruise, go parasailing, or chill out on Smathers Beach for the day. There’s also a festival or two every month of the year.
For a great vacation in September, visit during the Musician’s Festival. Or plan your fall trip around FantasyFest, the Conch Republic’s most colorful festival with a crazy fun parade.
Tip: You don’t need a car in Key West. Even if you’re road tripping, turn it in when you arrive. Parking in Old Town is limited and fines can be heavy. Your best option is to fly in and take a taxi to your hotel. You can walk or rent a bike to get anywhere worth going.
Where to stay: Heron House and Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages are both great choices and allow an easy walk to Duval Street and Mallory Square.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Mississippi Gulf Coast – Image by Charles McCool
By Charles McCool from McCool Travel
Coastal Mississippi is one of the best places to visit in October in the USA. The summer humidity has broken and the hurricane potential has ended. The fabulous weather invites visitors to savour the magnificent beaches and participate in countless outdoor adventures.
Try kayaking to Deer Island from Biloxi, down Wolf River in Pass Christian, or along the Ocean Springs shoreline and bayous, along with fishing, golfing, or splashing in the comfortable Gulf water off some of USA’s prettiest beaches.
Early October in Coastal Mississippi means the region’s largest annual event—Cruisin’ the Coast, also called America’s Largest Block Party. A 30-mile stretch of the scenic coastal highway is jam-packed with thousands of hot rods and antique or classic vehicles for an entire week. Cruisin’ the Coast. celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021.
Many of our favorite Coastal Mississippi hidden gems include secret spots to watch the soul-filling sunsets.
Make sure you savor creative Gulf coastal cuisine from James Beard award-winning chefs at Vestige (Ocean Springs) and White Pillars (Biloxi). But you also can’t go wrong with local fresh shrimp dishes anywhere or a po’ boy from Le Bakery Cafe (Biloxi) or Bozo’s Grocery (Pascagoula).
Tip: October temperatures in Coastal Mississippi are ideal for kayaking the plentiful waterways and bayous.
Where to stay: The Roost in Ocean Springs
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah – Image by Erin Clarkson
By Erin Clarkson from Savannah First-Timer’s Guide
Fall is such a beautiful time of year to visit Savannah! The weather is mild, the humidity low, and the Historic District looks beautiful when decorated with seasonal décor.
Savannah is known for being one of the most haunted cities in America, so it’s practically a tradition to do a ghost tour when you’re in the area. You can also visit beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery or stop in any number of haunted homes and businesses throughout the city. The Sorrel-Weed House is a good option!
A few popular fall festivals and events include Wag-O-Ween (picture adorable pets in cute costumes!), Savannah PRIDE, the Savannah Film Festival, and the Jazz Festival. The Rock n’ Roll Marathon typically occurs in the fall, too.
Tip: Be sure to take a stroll along historic River Street to duck into one of the adorable candy shops for a seasonal treat or two. Then take a sunset stroll along Jones Street, since it’s considered one of the prettiest streets in the U.S. Here are a few other can’t-miss fall activities in Savannah.
Where to stay: The Marshall House is centrally located and within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and landmarks.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville – Image by Julia Williams
By Julia Williams from The Cure for Curiosity
Asheville, North Carolina is one of the best places to visit in the fall. This quaint mountain city is nestled into the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers vibrant fall colors and amazing hiking!
If that’s not enough to tempt you, it is also home to the Biltmore Estate, America’s Largest Home, and offers a thriving art scene and over 40 craft breweries. Whether you plan a weekend in Asheville or a full week, you’ll be busy!
A must-do during your time in Asheville is to check out the countless hiking trails throughout the mountains. They almost all lead to waterfalls and scenic lookout points. In the fall they are even more beautiful as the colourful leaves really bring the mountains to life. The fall temperatures are also ideal for hitting the trails.
Close out your days by tasting delicious southern food and local craft beer. Try this downtown brewery tour or to really celebrate the fall, seek out breweries with outdoor fire pits to enjoy the crisp air as sip your cold beer.
Tip: If you wish to tour the Biltmore Estate, book your tickets in advance. Not only will you secure your spot, but they’re cheaper online!
Where to stay: Omni Grove Park Inn.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina / Virginia
Linn Cove Viaduct – Image by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett
By Bret Love & Mary Gabbett from Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
If you’re looking for one of the best fall getaways in the U.S., there’s no better fall destination than the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This sensationally scenic road trip takes visitors 469 miles through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It goes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee NC to Shenandoah National Park in Waynesboro VA (where the road changes names and becomes the equally beautiful Skyline Drive).
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests; numerous impressive state parks and countless hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams.
There are 200 breathtaking overlooks along the way. Don’t miss the charming Blue Ridge Mountain towns such as Asheville, Banner Elk, Boone, and Roanoke. The best attractions offer opportunities to savour the sheer beauty of America’s wilderness. These include Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, Mabry Mill, and the Shenandoah Valley.
Note that there is virtually no commerce on the actual Parkway: For hotels, restaurants, and gas stations, you’ll have to exit the scenic road and head into a town.
The North Carolina section is home to some of the best Blue Ridge Parkway hotels.
Tip: If you can make the journey during the week, you’ll likely have a little more space at the popular overlooks. Also, note that the autumn leaves change colour at the higher elevations earlier in October than the valleys, so plan your trip accordingly!
Where to stay: The Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock or the historic Engadine Inn near Asheville.
Roanoake, Virginia
Roanoake – Image by Erin Gifford
By Erin Gifford from Go Hike Virginia
In southwest Virginia, Roanoke dazzles as one of the best fall vacation spots for outdoor enthusiasts.
As America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, it’s a must to ride across nearly 60 foliage-filled miles of mountain bike trails bursting with pops of fiery orange, persimmon and golden yellow at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. At Explore Park, look for hiking and biking trails, disc golf, camping, kayaking and tubing on the Roanoke River.
Tip: While in Roanoke, you won’t want to miss the Roanoke Star, the world’s largest man-made star that stands 100 feet tall. Hike the Star Trail or drive to the overlook that wows with views across the Roanoke Valley. Some even call the Roanoke Star the Hollywood Sign of the East Coast.
Where to stay: Stay the weekend in-town at the centrally-located Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Downtown. It’s a stone’s throw from Center in the Square — home to attractions like the Roanoke Pinball Museum and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. From the sixth-floor rooftop, revel in all the views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park – Image by Julie McCool
By Julie McCool, Fun in Fairfax VA
Autumn is a beautiful time to vacation in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Colourful fall foliage covers the mountains, and cool temperatures with low humidity make for pleasant exploring. The leaves generally begin to turn in early October and pretty golds remain into November.
It is easy to enjoy fall colors in Shenandoah National Park from Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that stretches north to south through the park. The drive follows a ridgeline where 75 overlooks offer both eastern and western views.
Stop at either of the park’s two lodges for a meal with a view. The Skyland dining room is lined with giant windows and the patio at Big Meadows commands a beautiful western view. When you’re ready to explore on foot, 500 miles of trails include everything from short, easy hikes to longer, steeper climbs.
Tip: Fall is a busy time at Shenandoah so arrive early, especially if you plan to hike popular trails like Mary’s Rock, Stony Man, or Bearfence. The park is generally less crowded south of Big Meadows.
Where to stay: Stay in one of the condos at nearby Massanutten Resort (20 minutes west of the Swift Run Gap Entrance) and you’ll have a full kitchen and room to spread out.
With so many choices for places to visit in the fall, where will you go?
More information:
Tourism Info: Visit the USA
Car Rental: Compare prices at Auto Europe (not just for Europe!)
Pin it:
You may also like:
The Best Things to do in the Hudson Valley, New York – Tips from a Local
New England Road Trips – 10 Spectacular Routes + Where to Stay
The Best Things to do in Portland, Maine
15 Romantic Getaways in Upstate New York & Long Island
