September, October, and November. They might not be the most popular months to travel in the United States, but they’re certainly some of the most underrated.
Fall is shoulder season, which means lower prices, smaller crowds, and cooler weather – perfect for hot ciders, pumpkin picking, and snuggling up around a fire. It’s also drop-dead gorgeous. The foliage becomes a kaleidoscope of colors that creates breathtaking scenery across the country.
Want to experience the very best of America at this special time of year? Read on for 14 ideal fall vacation destinations.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Vibrant fall foliage, 158 miles of hiking trails (don’t miss the Beehive Loop trail), and gorgeous coastal views make Acadia National Park a dreamy fall destination.
Bar Harbor acts as its gateway, but the town itself is also worth exploring. From the spectacular views and welcoming locals to the great bars/cafes and award-winning restaurants, you’ll instantly see why people love it. The cherry on top is that Acadia’s a short drive from Bangor International Airport, making it easily accessible from other parts of the country.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Ghost tours, Civil War-era forts, Oktoberfest, and a historic district full of mansions, monuments, and cobblestone streets make Savannah a joy to visit in the fall. Cooler temperatures add to the coastal city’s appeal – especially because it’s best explored on foot. Stroll through parks tinted crimson and gold, visit the local markets, do a sunset cruise down the Savannah River, and eat your fill of traditional Southern fare.
3. Aspen, Colorado
For many people, Aspen is a mountain getaway synonymous with expensive ski trips. However, its forest-strewn peaks and valleys are a playground for outdoorsy folks year-round. Go between mid-September and mid/late October to gawp at the beautiful foliage, enjoy smaller crowds and lower prices, and have temperate conditions ideal for hiking and biking.
4. Stowe, Vermont
New England is an ideal autumn location for leaf-peepers, and Stowe is right at its center. Throughout fall, the forests around this small Vermont town are a patchwork quilt of scarlet and gold. Spend your days enjoying scenic drives, eating apple cider donuts at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, hiking up the state’s highest mountain (Mount Mansfield), walking through Smugglers Notch State Park, and so much more.
5. Woodstock, Vermont
For a fantastic alternative (or addition) to Stowe, drive just over an hour south to Woodstock. It’s another postcard-worthy town with glorious fall foliage, classic New England architecture, and abundant country charm. Explore its historic buildings, visit beautiful farms in the area, and spend happy afternoons strolling through scenic woodlands and meadows.
6. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs is a small town in the Ouachita Mountains packed with historical, outdoorsy, and aesthetic appeal. It’s home to the eponymous National Park, famous for being both the smallest and oldest in the US.
Historic bathhouses like The Buckstaff let you soak in the glorious thermal waters for which the area is known. Trails crisscross the landscape, too, and the food scene is incredible (don’t miss the fried pies!).
7. Redwood National Park, California
Imagine walking across a damp forest floor. Mist hangs in the air. You can hear the soft pattering of falling rain, but otherwise – silence. The trees around you rise like giants, drawing your eyes skyward. If that magical scene sounds appealing, don’t miss Redwood National Park in the fall. The mystical vibe and smaller crowds make it an excellent time to see these awe-inspiring trees.
8. Sonoma, California
A Sonoma vacation in the fall involves lazy days sipping vino while overlooking a landscape cloaked yellow and red. This place is a gem in California’s viniculture crown, so expect no shortage of picturesque and prestigious wineries. Other highlights include the charming town of Sonoma itself, visiting Sonoma State Historic Park, hiking in the Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and/or enjoying a coastal break at beautiful Bodega Bay.
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Temperate weather, seasonal markets, and the world’s largest hot air balloon festival (which takes place in early October) make this a special time of year in Albuquerque. The cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande turn bright yellow in autumn, too, and there’s much more fall foliage to enjoy in the nearby Sandia Mountains. Elsewhere, you’ll find countless outdoorsy opportunities, a Historic Old Town to explore, 19 different museums, and an excellent food scene.
10. Greenville, South Carolina
People love Greenville for its perfect mix of big-city life and small-town charm. It’s also located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so residents and visitors enjoy easy access to outdoor opportunities. Come fall, the city and surrounding area have apples and pumpkins to pick, state parks full of waterfalls and hiking trails, several autumnal festivals, and farmers markets galore.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers an ultimate New England city break in the fall. The streets are lined with trees tinged with autumnal hues, and places like Boston Common and the Public Garden are ablaze with color, too. Orchards let you pick apples and pumpkins. And you can even go whale watching! Join a boat tour in October for a chance to see humpbacks, minke, and other incredible species off the coast.
12. The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania’s popular Pocono Mountains, rivers wind through picturesque valleys, and peaceful lakes sit below forested peaks.
It’s one of the state’s prettiest places, and it’s at its most vibrant from mid-September through November. Pick pumpkins (don’t miss the annual Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival), see the spectacular fall foliage from the comfort of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and hike until your heart’s content.
13. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Fall is an ideal time to tick this infamous Arizonan attraction off your bucket list. While summer at the Grand Canyon is sweltering and overcrowded, the temperature and tourist numbers dwindle in the months thereafter.
That gets truer the longer you wait, just be aware the North Rim closes overnight from October 15 each year. Stick to the South Rim if you want to go hiking and stay in the Grand Canyon later in the season.
14. New York City, New York
There’s never a dull moment in New York, but it feels particularly special autumn. It’s like something from a movie, with the city streets and Central Park draped in trees turned auburn and gold.
The crowds have thinned after the summer rush, but all the usual Big Apple attractions are there to enjoy. Add in farmers markets selling apple cider donuts, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, and events like the Morningside Lights procession, and NYC in the fall is hard to beat.
