The Best Places to Visit This Fall in the US

Fall is one of my favorite times to travel in the United States.

You get cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, seasonal food, and plenty of outdoor activities. Best of all, you do not need a two-week vacation to enjoy it.

I have visited every destination on this list, and many have become personal favorites. From California beaches to New England villages, these are the best places to visit this fall for an easy long weekend getaway.

If you want beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, good food, and plenty to do over a long weekend, these are some of the best places to visit this fall.

He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Jump Ahead to

Best Fall Getaways in the U.S. at a Glance

Destination	Best for	Best Fall Timing	Closest Major Airport
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California	Coastal scenery and scenic drives	September-October	Monterey
Kennebunkport, Maine	Coastal New England	Late September-October	Portland
Port Aransas, Texas	Beach and wildlife	October-November	Corpus Christi
Asheville, North Carolina	Mountains and fall foliage	Late September-early November	Asheville
Breckenridge, Colorado	Mountains and golden aspens	September-October	Denver
Stowe, Vermont	Classic New England foliage	Late September-mid-October	Burlington
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut	Scenic road trip	Late September-October	Hartford
North Conway, New Hampshire	Foliage and scenic drives	Late September-mid-October	Manchester
Boston, Massachusetts	History and city sightseeing	September-November	Boston Logan
San Antonio, Texas	Culture, food and outdoor activities	October-November	San Antonio
New Orleans, Louisiana	Food, culture and Halloween	October-November	New Orleans

Best Mountain Getaways for Fall

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is one of my favorite places for a fall road trip.

I traveled there solo after driving from Charlotte through Winston-Salem, Boone, and Blowing Rock. The route along the Blue Ridge Parkway made the trip as memorable as Asheville itself.

Western North Carolina has one of the longest and most diverse fall color seasons in the country. That’s because of the area’s changing elevations. The highest elevations can begin changing in late September, while lower elevations often reach peak color later in October and into November.

That gives you a longer window for planning a fall foliage trip.

Don’t miss: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway through Blowing Rock and into Asheville.

I stayed at Cambria Downtown Asheville and loved its walkable location, mountain views, and rooftop restaurant. For a special stay, The Inn on Biltmore Estate puts you right on the estate grounds.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge might be best known as a ski destination, but don’t underestimate it for a fall trip.

I’ve visited with my family, including Thanksgiving trips, and I love walking along historic Main Street and enjoying the mountain scenery.

Early fall brings golden aspen trees and crisp mountain air. By late November, you may trade fall foliage for snow, giving Breckenridge two very different personalities during the season.

Fly into Denver International Airport and rent a vehicle to drive into the Rocky Mountains.

Don’t miss: Ride the free BreckConnect Gondola and then spend time exploring Main Street.

I’ve typically stayed in Breckenridge vacation rentals, and I recommend staying close to Main Street so you can walk to restaurants, shops, and activities.

Read more: Thanksgiving in Breckenridge

Best New England Fall Getaways

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is almost exactly what you picture when you think of a New England fall getaway.

I visited with my sisters, and we spent our time driving through the mountains, looking for covered bridges, exploring the shops and enjoying the scenery.

Peak foliage in Stowe typically arrives between late September and mid-October, though timing can shift with the weather. The window can be short, so it’s worth checking the local foliage reports before you go.

Did you know? Stowe is home to the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the family that inspired The Sound of Music.

Don’t miss: Smugglers’ Notch. The winding mountain road and fall scenery make the drive part of the experience.

The Green Mountain Inn is a favorite for a classic Stowe stay. Top Notch Resort is another option if you want more resort amenities.

Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Litchfield Hills is the kind of place where you won’t get a long list of attractions, but you will get those autumnal views and fall activities.

My sisters and I explored this part of Connecticut on a road trip, stopping in small towns, visiting a Connecticut pumpkin farm, crossing covered bridges, and simply enjoying the scenery along Route 7.

Late September and October are ideal for a fall road trip through the area. The rolling hills, historic towns, and winding roads make it more about the drive than checking attractions off a list.

Don’t miss: Route 7 and the Litchfield Hills Scenic Byway. Give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way.

I had a lovely stay at The Litchfield Inn. For a splurge, the Mayflower Inn & Spa is a beautiful choice, even if you only stop by to enjoy the grounds or have lunch.

North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway was another stop on our New England road trip, and I quickly wished we’d planned more time there.

The big draw for me was the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England’s most scenic fall drives. The route winds through the White Mountain National Forest, with plenty of opportunities to stop for overlooks, short walks, and photographs.

Late September through mid-October is generally the sweet spot for fall foliage, but the timing changes from year to year and by elevation.

Did you know? The Conway Scenic Railroad operates from a Victorian train station dating to 1874. Its excursions range from about one hour to more than five hours.

Don’t miss: The Kancamagus Highway. Fill your gas tank before starting the drive because there are no gas stations along the highway.

For families, Residence Inn North Conway is a practical option in a great location. The White Mountain Resort offers a more intimate stay with a historic feel and fantastic views.

Best Fall Beach Getaways

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of those places that feels special any time of year, but fall is especially nice.

I traveled to Carmel with my sister, and we spent time exploring Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur and Pebble Beach’s famous 17-Mile Drive. I actually drove 17-Mile Drive twice because I enjoyed it that much.

September and October bring some of Carmel’s nicest weather, with average highs around 72 degrees. You get beautiful coastal scenery without the heat you might encounter farther inland.

One of the things I love about Carmel is how easy it is to explore on foot. The entire city is only about one square mile, and the downtown area doesn’t have traditional street addresses, parking meters, or streetlights.

That quirky detail is part of Carmel’s charm.

For a splurge stay, I loved Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley. For a more affordable hotel option, consider Carmel Mission Inn.

Don’t miss: Drive 17-Mile Drive and stop at the Lone Cypress. Stay for sunset at Spanish Bay when the bagpiper plays along the beach.

Read more: Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea

Read more: The Best Stops on 17-Mile Drive

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport was one of my favorite stops on a New England fall road trip with my sisters.

We spent time wandering around Dock Square, shopping in the small stores, eating our way through town, and driving along the coast. It has the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes you want to slow down for a few days.

Late September and October are a great time to combine the coastal scenery with New England fall foliage. The exact timing varies each year, but you’ll often find color arriving in the inland and higher-elevation areas before it reaches the coast.

Did you know? Kennebunkport is home to Walker’s Point, the longtime summer home of former President George H.W. Bush and his family.

Take Ocean Avenue toward Walker’s Point for beautiful coastal views, then spend some time exploring the town.

Don’t miss: Walker’s Point and the scenic drive along Ocean Avenue.

I recommend staying at the Kennebunkport Inn or The Nonantum Resort.

The Texas Gulf Coast

For a completely different kind of fall getaway, head to the Texas coast.

Port Aransas and Rockport have been family favorites for me since I was a child. Both are an easy drive from San Antonio, making either a great choice for a quick long weekend.

Fall is when the temperatures finally become more comfortable after a long Texas summer. October and November are great months for beach walks, outdoor activities, and enjoying the coast without the intensity of the summer heat.

Did you know? The Coastal Bend is an important habitat for endangered whooping cranes, which return to the Texas coast each fall.

You don’t have to fill every minute of a beach trip. Sometimes the best plan is simply to spend the day at the beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy a good seafood dinner.

Don’t miss: Rent a golf cart and explore the charming town and Port Aransas Beach.

I’ve stayed at Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla Beach, which are great options if you’re looking for a vacation rental. For a traditional hotel, the Best Western Port Aransas is a family-friendly choice.

Best Big-City Fall Getaways

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston proves that a fall getaway doesn’t have to mean leaving the city.

I’ve visited Boston several times, including solo trips, girls trips and trips connected to cruises and road trips. Fall is one of my favorite times to explore the city because the cooler weather makes walking from one historic neighborhood to another much more enjoyable.

Don’t miss: Walk the Freedom Trail. It’s one of the easiest ways to see some of Boston’s most important historic sites while enjoying the city on foot.

The Dagny Boston and the Renaissance Boston Seaport District are both solid options for your Boston getaway.

Read more: How to Spend a Weekend in Boston

San Antonio, Texas

As someone who lives in San Antonio, I may be a little biased, but fall is my favorite time to show off my city.

After a long, hot Texas summer, cooler October and November temperatures make it much easier to spend a full day outside. You can walk the River Walk, explore the historic missions, visit the Pearl, and enjoy some of San Antonio’s best restaurants.

Fall also brings one of San Antonio’s biggest cultural celebrations.

Did you know? San Antonio is home to one of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States. The city hosts events throughout the season, including celebrations at Historic Market Square and the Pearl District.

The San Antonio Missions are another reason to visit. They are the first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

Don’t miss: Take a River Walk boat ride, then return early the next morning for a quieter walk along the River Walk before the crowds arrive.

A stay at The Omni La Mansion Hotel on the Riverwalk puts you right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. For a relaxing resort stay, choose the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort near SeaWorld San Antonio.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is always a good idea for a long weekend, but I especially enjoyed visiting during Halloween.

The city goes all out for Halloween. You’ll find elaborate decorations, parties, costumes and plenty of reasons to stay out later than you planned.

shopping at French Market on girls trip to New Orleans

Fall also brings cooler weather, making October and November much more comfortable for walking around the French Quarter and exploring the city.

Did you know? New Orleans is widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz, and its St. Charles streetcar line has operated continuously since 1835.

The city’s above-ground cemeteries are another reminder that New Orleans has a history unlike anywhere else in the country.

Don’t miss: Explore the French Quarter, walk around Jackson Square, and stop at Café du Monde for beignets. The Garden District goes all out with its spooky decorations.

For a historic stay, Hotel Monteleone is right in the French Quarter. Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a luxury hotel near Bourbon Street, letting you explore easily without a car.

Start Planning Your Fall Getaway

The best places to visit this fall don’t all look alike.

You can spend a weekend watching the waves in Carmel, driving through New England foliage, walking historic streets in Boston, exploring the mountains of North Carolina or celebrating Halloween in New Orleans.

That’s what I love about fall travel. You can make a long weekend feel like a real escape without needing a two-week vacation.

Pick a destination that fits the kind of fall you’re craving, check the foliage timing, book the hotel and start planning.

The Best Places to Visit This Fall in the US

Best Fall Getaways in the U.S. at a Glance