You don’t really need to travel abroad for an amazing vacation, despite what your Instagram feed would suggest. Furthermore, we contend that fall is the ideal season for trip planning, particularly in the US, even though summer may be the most popular time of year to travel. Chunky sweaters, hot cider, and sentiments of nostalgia accompany the crisper, cooler air, making us all want to buy new textbooks and act as though we’re going back to school.
Travel expenses decrease as the seasons shift, crowds begin to disperse in well-known tourist locations, and the fall foliage enhances the beauty of any place. This list of the top fall getaways in the United States includes plenty of travel-loving-editor-approved destinations, whether you’re searching for a traditional fall family weekend of apple picking, cider donuts, and hayrides, or a warm, romantic spot to huddle up by the fire.
Destinations That Are Way Less Crowded in the Fall
1. Redwood National Park, California
- Getting There: 6-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Why We Recommend It: Not too crowded, cooler weather, fall foliage
- Where to Stay: Gasquet House (from $406/night, sleeps 6); Trinidad Cliff House (from $188/night, sleeps 4); Turtle Rocks Oceanfront Inn (from $335/night)
“This is one of the more underappreciated national parks, in my opinion as a native Californian,” says Marissa Wu, associate SEO editor. “The size and scope of the forests are absolutely astounding—I am filled with awe and wonder as I stand among the trees.” The Redwoods are usually stunning, but they’re even more so in September when the weather is perfect and there are less tourists.That’s one of the best things about fall, isn’t it? You’ll want to bring some light clothing. This one is ideal for an early fall trip when you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the weather in the 60s to 70s, as the rainy season starts in October. Although the redwoods don’t change color, the trees around them do, creating breathtaking views.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Getting There: 1.25-hour drive from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
- Why We Recommend It: Not too crowded, national park, cooler weather
- Where to Stay: Sunset Ridge Log Cabin (from $240/night, sleeps 8); Grand Canyon Stargazer (from $131/night, sleeps 2); Yavapai Lodge (from $139/night)
Do not visit the Grand Canyon during the summer if you wish to avoid the intense heat and large people. Extreme heat and a large number of tourists are brought by June, July, and August. The monsoon season in September brings with it torrential rainfall and less-than-ideal trekking conditions. The best time to go is in the fall, when the kids are back in school, the crowds are much smaller, and the temperature is a little lower. Fall hiking is ideal, but be aware that the North Rim closes in mid-October, so you’ll want to stay on the South Rim trails.
Best Destinations for Fall Foliage
3. Acadia, Maine
- Getting There: 1.25-hour drive from Bangor International Airport (BGL)
- Why We Recommend It: Less crowds, crisp weather, excellent hikes, incredible fall foliage
- Where to Stay: Madawaska Lake Getaway (from $175/night, sleeps 6); Shelby’s Shangri-La Lakefront Cabin (from $104/night, sleeps 6); The Elmhurst Inn (from $174/night)
Fall is the ideal season to visit Acadia, Maine, because of the stunning colors and reduced tourists. Rachel Gulmi, operations director of branded content, adds, “It’s absolutely stunning in the fall.” We went around Jordan Pond and made a stop to see their renowned popovers because I’m not much of a hiker. It resembled a painting and was incredibly lovely. The people of Bar Harbor are really amiable, and the town is the cutest. The cuisine is fantastic, and the unmatched greenery of Maine is unmatched.Hike the well-known Beehive Loop trail if you’re feeling really daring. It leads up a little rock scramble, but the expansive vistas at the top make it worthwhile. After admiring the breathtaking views, you can tour Bar Harbor’s downtown, visit neighborhood coffee shops, and indulge in a well-earned lobster roll—trust us, it’s practically a must-do while in Maine.
4. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
- Getting There: 2-hour drive from Laguardia Airport (LGA)
- Why We Recommend It: Incredible fall foliage, vibrant colors, outdoor activities
- Where to Stay: Poconos Tree House (from $519/night, sleeps 10); Tranquil Chalet (from $135/night, sleeps 6); Inn at Jim Thorpe (inquire for rates)
The Pocono Mountains, which are in Pennsylvania, are renowned for their stunning lakes, valleys, and wooded peaks that *literally* come alive with color in the fall. Visit the Delaware Water Gap on the New Jersey–Penny border to be surrounded by stunning, tumbling waterfalls and the most amazing vistas. Mid-to-late October is the best time to see the colors.
Stephanie Maida, senior business editor, adds, “I adore the Poconos in the fall.” For a weekend getaway from the city, my friends and I typically book a large group Airbnb around October or November. We spend the time hiking, picking pumpkins, and simply lounging by the fire pit in the middle of nature. The mountains create the ideal fall scene, so it’s undoubtedly a terrific site for leaf-peepers to view the foliage.
5. Eastern Shore, Maryland
- Getting There: 2-hour drive from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
- Why We Recommend It: Fall foliage, cooler weather, rich history
- Where to Stay: Tropical Oasis Townhouse (from $650/night, sleeps 5); Midtown Oasis Condo (from $141/night, sleeps 8); Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City (from $97/night)
With all the crimson, gold, and golden foliage you can imagine, Maryland’s Eastern Shore transforms into a mystical and colorful vacation spot as the heat subsides. Stay for the rich history and warm atmosphere, but come for the greenery. To sample regional wines and participate in one of the many seasonal events, you can also travel to the Chesapeake Wine Trail.
6. Woodstock, Vermont
- Getting There: 1-hour drive from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD/KSHD)
- Why We Recommend It: Fall foliage, apple picking, museums, country charm
- Where to Stay: Cozy Little Spot (from $136/night, sleeps 2); Woodstock Barn Home (from $625/night, sleeps 6); Woodstock Inn & Resort (from $465/night)
Make plans to visit Woodstock, Vermont, in the fall for a picture-perfect town. In addition to the unparalleled foliage, a trip through historic Woodstock Village, the most quaint area of downtown Woodstock, will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. Visit any of the neighborhood cafes, eateries, and country stores while you’re down there. There are also several lovely farms in Woodstock. Visit a nearby orchard to select your own apples, try some cheeses at Sugarbush Farm, or play a game of pumpkin bowling at Billings Farm.
Best for Hiking and Adventuring
7. Sedona, Arizona
- Getting There: 2-hour drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Why We Recommend It: Excelling hiking, plenty of things to do, beautiful scenery
- Where to Stay: Sedona Yurt (from $109/night, sleeps 2); Red Rock Trail House (from $107/night, sleeps 6); The Wilde Resort and Spa (from $366/night)
Although Sedona is stunning throughout the year, the fall foliage and milder temps elevate this popular hiking and adventure destination to a whole new level. Philip Mutz, vice president of news and entertainment, believes that Sedona is “so gorgeous and definitely worth the trip.” Even in the fall, there are hikes with breathtaking views for adventurers of all skill levels. Just remember to bring drink and sunscreen. While there, make sure to see the well-known Sedona vortexes.There are several beautiful drives with equally amazing vistas if you wish to get off your feet. For an off-road trip to the most well-known Sedona locations, you may even enroll in a Sedona Pink Jeep tour. “Sedona has a special place in my heart since I went there after my wedding,” Gulmi continues. Even though it was still really hot during the day, I would strongly advise traveling in late October if you can’t handle the heat.
8. Yosemite, California
- Getting There: 3-hour drive from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
- Why We Recommend It: Not too crowded, excellent hiking, ideal weather
- Where to Stay: The Beechwood Suite (from $223/night, sleeps 2); Yosemite Shuteye (from $207/night, sleeps 2); Rush Creek Lodge (from $310/night)
According to fashion editor Abby Hepworth, “Yosemite is by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and the weather was perfect when I was there last fall.” “There are hikes for every skill level and a ton of things to discover. Additionally, you can upload to observe climbers along the well-known El Capitan. Additionally, Yosemite is still a very popular location even if it is less busy in the fall than it is in the summer.In order to see all you want to see, I strongly advise making reservations as soon as possible and making sure you don’t need to apply for a permission in advance. There are more lodging alternatives and excellent trekking conditions in October in especially. Although the majority of the trees are evergreen and won’t change color, if you go in October, you might be able to see some of the nearby trees’ fall foliage. Aside from its colors, Yosemite is a must-see.
9. Aspen, Colorado
- Getting There: Fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
- Why We Recommend It: Mountains, ideal weather, excellent hiking
- Where to Stay: Downtown Aspen Home (from $999/night, sleeps 10); Aspen Condo (from $830/night, sleeps 6); The Inn at Aspen (from $180/night)
Plan a trip to Aspen, Colorado, for a mountainous vacation with plenty of fall foliage. There, you can enjoy the vibrant colors, snow-capped mountains, and milder weather, as well as the reduced crowds and cheaper prices. For the most breathtaking views, schedule your trip for early fall, as Aspen’s colors tend to peak in mid-September, unlike in some other parts of the Northeast.
Destinations That Are Perfect for Families (& Literally Everyone)
10. Orlando, Florida
- Getting There: 30-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Why We Recommend It: Family-friendly, warm weather, amusement parks
- Where to Stay: Storey Lake Villa (from $119/night, sleeps 14); Disney Davenport Resort Gem (from $118/night, sleeps 16+); The Grove Resort & Water Park (from $169/night)
“If you’re interested in going to the theme parks, fall might be the best time of year to visit Orlando,” says Candace Davison, vice president of editorial, who is from the Sunshine State. “The weather is a little cooler, the roads (and parks) are less crowded because everyone is back to school, and even though it is hurricane season, the area is typically less affected than the coastlines because it is fairly far inland.”Orlando’s fall weather is still pleasant enough for long days at the pool, but not so hot that you’ll be soaked in perspiration while standing in line for the newest Disney attraction. The Magic Kingdom has something to offer everyone, and October offers an even greater array of events, including horror nights and haunted houses.
