The 41 coziest U.S. fall vacations [+ map]
Vibrant foliage, crisp air and fewer vacationers make autumn the perfect time for travel and adventure. To help you make the most of this enchanting season, we've curated a list of the 41 best fall vacation destinations across the United States. And if one of them feels like home, we can help you co-own a vacation home to love all year round. 1. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania The Pocono Mountains are a paradise for hikers who love the brisk autumn temperatures and the foliage along the Appalachian Trail is breathtaking. Explore charming towns like Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg as you travel through the region. If hiking isn’t your cup of tea during a 2. Woodstock, Vermont Take a scenic drive along Route 100, where the rolling hills are ablaze with the fiery hues of fall foliage. Explore the charming streets of Woodstock, where you'll find artisanal shops and cozy cafes. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk through the 3. Hudson Valley, New York Drive along Route 9W, where the rolling hills are painted in vibrant autumn colors. Indulge in local apple picking at orchards like Fishkill Farms, enjoying freshly pressed cider while you’re there. Explore historic sites like Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate and Washington Irving's Sunnyside. 4. New York City, New York To kick off a great fall vacation in New York City, stroll through Central Park, where the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange. Then head to Greenwich Village and pop into cafes as you wander the charming streets. Don't miss the chance to take a scenic ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty against the crisp autumn skyline. Warm up in one of the city's world-class museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim or MoMA. 5. Long Island, New York Long Island has charming towns like Greenport and Southold, perfect for browsing in antique shops and boutiques. Families will enjoy visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, and adults will savor local wineries adorned with fall colors. As the sun sets, dine at a waterfront restaurant. 6. Catskill Mountains, New York Drive along Route 28 to see the rolling hills and vibrant foliage create a picturesque fall setting. Explore the hiking trails in the Catskill Forest Preserve, such as Kaaterskill Falls and Overlook Mountain, to witness the fall colors in all their glory. Nearby, small towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia offer a variety of art galleries, cozy cafes and farm-to-table dining. 7. Salem, Massachusetts The rich history of Salem, Massachusetts, comes alive in autumn. Begin your journey with a visit to the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the infamous witch trials. Stroll along the historic streets and visit the House of the Seven Gables, an architectural gem. There are many Halloween festivities — including haunted tours and ghostly reenactments — to enjoy as the sun sets. Immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere of Salem's candlelit cemeteries and historic sites, making your fall getaway a truly bewitching experience. 8. Boston, Massachusetts Immerse yourself in Boston’s rich history and vibrant autumn ambiance with a stroll through Boston Common and the Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the country. The leaves transform into a tapestry of reds and yellows — perfect for fall photoshoots. Take a leisurely walk along the Charles River Esplanade to witness the city's skyline ablaze with autumnal colors as the day ends. 9. Chicago, Illinois No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Millennium Park, where the Bean and surrounding gardens are adorned with fall colors. Take a scenic stroll along Lake Michigan's shoreline, where the crisp breeze and changing leaves create a serene atmosphere. As evening approaches, the city's skyline lights up along the Chicago Riverwalk, and the city’s legendary jazz clubs come alive. 10. Black Hills, South Dakota Autumn is the perfect time for a scenic drive through the Black Hills National Forest, where the vibrant fall foliage paints the landscape in a mosaic of reds, yellows and oranges. After a hike or two, catch a glimpse of the free-roaming buffalo herds at Custer State Park. End your fall getaway with a visit to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. 11. Door County, Wisconsin The Door County Coastal Byway showcases the shores of Lake Michigan in gorgeous fall foliage. Hike the trails at Peninsula State Park, taking in breathtaking views from Eagle Bluff. Stop by small villages like Ephraim and Fish Creek for a charming day trip. Visit a local orchard for apple picking to indulge in the seasonal harvest. End the night with a glass of wine and local cheese as a reward for your hard work adventuring. 12. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana Bask in the geothermal wonders of Old Faithful where steam mingles with crisp fall air. Explore the park's diverse landscapes, from the colorful canyons of Yellowstone to the fiery hues of aspens and willows along the Lamar Valley. Watch for the park's wildlife, including elk and bison. Stop by the thermal pools at the Mammoth Hot Springs, where the fall colors contrast beautifully with the clear water — making it the perfect place to end your day of autumn adventure. 13. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 14. Seattle, Washington A good first stop is Pike Place Market, where you can sip on warm apple cider and explore stalls brimming with seasonal produce and artisanal crafts. After, stroll through the lush Washington Park Arboretum and its Japanese maple grove to witness the trees painted in stunning shades of red and gold. For photo ops, ride the Seattle Great Wheel on the Elliott Bay waterfront, then check out one of the city’s many independent coffee shops. 15. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Eagle Creek and Multnomah Falls burst with vibrant autumn colors that pop against the lush greenery, making them the perfect fall hiking destinations. Explore the charming towns of Hood River and Cascade Locks, known for their local cideries and wineries. For panoramic views of the Columbia River framed by golden foliage, take a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway. 16. Portland, Oregon Portland’s unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in the fall. Visit Powell's City of Books, one of the world's largest independent bookstores, then explore the city's lush parks, like Forest Park or Washington Park, where the fall foliage is on full display. As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront of the Willamette River to see the city’s illuminated bridges. 17. McKenzie River, Oregon Start your journey on the Historic Columbia River Highway, where waterfalls and colorful foliage line your path. To see lava fields framed by golden trees, explore the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. Along the way, visit charming small towns like Hood River and Sisters, where local harvest festivals and cozy cafes await. 18. Napa Valley, California As the 19. San Francisco, California With a warm cup of coffee in hand, take a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, where the fog adds an enchanting atmosphere to your journey. Head to Golden Gate Park to witness the trees adorned in fall colors and visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a serene escape. Don't miss a drive down scenic Highway 1 to admire the rugged coastline and colorful autumn hues of nearby vineyards. 20. Redwood National Park, California Few places compare to the splendor of these ancient giants. Explore the park's scenic coastal trails, like the Fern Canyon loop, for a blend of lush greenery and vibrant fall colors along the Pacific coastline. To see some of the tallest trees on earth, visit the Tall Trees Grove. At dusk, witness the park's starry skies, free from light pollution, for a truly mesmerizing experience. 21. Yosemite, California Hike to iconic sites like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome for amazing views of the changing leaves. Now is your chance to capture stunning photographs of the changing leaves reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Mirror Lake. If you’re thinking of camping, plan ahead because reservations are required and sell out quickly. 22. Livermore, California Soak up the region's wine country charm and scenic beauty in Livermore. Savor wine tastings and learn about the winemaking process amidst the gorgeous fall colors. Explore the Livermore Valley Wine Country Trail, taking in the breathtaking views of rolling hills and grapevines. Adventurers can take a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape. Savor farm-to-table cuisine at local restaurants and cafes. 23. Mammoth Lakes, California Enjoy California’s crisp autumn weather during a hike along Eastern Sierra trails like the Crystal Lake Trail, where the aspen groves burst with brilliant fall colors. Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin for sweeping views of the natural landscape. For even better views, take a gondola ride up to the Mammoth Mountain summit for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, ablaze in autumn hues. 24. Lake Tahoe, California 25. Palm Springs, California Though most think of it as a prime 26. Park City, Utah 27. Ouray, Colorado Hot springs and hikes make Ouray, Colorado, one of the best fall vacations in the U.S. Hike in the nearby San Juan Mountains, where aspen trees blaze with golden foliage. Don't miss a drive on the Million Dollar Highway, known for its dramatic vistas and winding roads. After a day full of adventure, relax in the soothing hot springs Ouray is famous for. 28. Colorado Springs, Colorado Begin your Colorado Springs adventure by exploring nearby trails, like the Manitou Incline or Barr Trail, for scenic hikes amidst the vibrant foliage. Don't miss a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys dressed in fall colors. Then, stargaze at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park for an amazing celestial experience. 29. Aspen, Colorado Embrace the enchanting beauty of the Rocky Mountains in 30. Vail, Colorado Sitting in the Rocky Mountains, 31. Telluride, Colorado Indulge in the breathtaking autumn beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the charming mountain town of 32. Flagstaff, Arizona Flagstaff is more than a quaint town near the Grand Canyon — it’s the jumping-off point for lots of outdoor adventures. Hiking in the Coconino National Forest is the best way to enjoy the vivid colors of maple trees in fall. Take a scenic drive along the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Byway to see the volcanic peaks and autumn colors amidst breathtaking views. Consider visiting the Lowell Observatory for stargazing under the clear autumn skies. 33. Santa Fe, New Mexico The adobe buildings and vibrant fall colors of the Southwest create a unique atmosphere to explore. Experience the city's renowned art scene with visits to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and local galleries. Drive through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to see golden aspens, and end your day by stargazing under the clear desert skies. 34. Albuquerque, New Mexico Witness the fiery hues of sunrise and fall foliage from above with a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Valley. Explore Old Town Albuquerque, where adobe buildings and artisan shops create a charming atmosphere. And spend a day at Petroglyph National Monument, where you can witness ancient rock carvings. 35. Austin, Texas This capital city is lively year-round, but fall is special. Visit to the Texas State Capitol, where you can learn about the state's history and enjoy the picturesque grounds. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Lady Bird Lake to watch the sunset over the city skyline. Ride bikes along scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt, where fall foliage lines the trails. And no trip to Austin is complete without checking out a live music performance at venues like the Continental Club. 36. Dallas, Texas Head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, where the foliage is a spectrum of fall colors. Grab your cowboy hat and head to the 24-day State Fair of Texas, a quintessential fall event full of rides, food and lively entertainment. Nature lovers can enjoy the mild weather with a picnic at White Rock Lake or a hike in the nearby Cedar Ridge Preserve. Don’t miss trying a seasonal craft beer at one of the local breweries. 37. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a feast for the eyes during fall. Or head to the scenic Oklahoma River, where you can take a stroll or rent a kayak or paddleboard for an adventure on the water. Get a taste of local cuisine and enjoy live music in the always-vibrant Bricktown district. 38. Asheville, North Carolina Asheville is a stunning destination, especially in the fall. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the foliage explodes with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. Enjoy a leisurely hike in the Pisgah National Forest, surrounded by the beauty of changing leaves. Afterward, sip on local craft beers at one of Asheville's many breweries and dine on farm-to-table cuisine in the charming downtown. 39. Williamsburg, Virginia Step back in time and relish the charms of this historic town. Watch costumed interpreters bring the 18th century to life amidst the backdrop of autumn leaves in Colonial Williamsburg. Explore the Governor's Palace gardens or drive along the Colonial Parkway, which offers picturesque views of the James River and surrounding woodlands. 40. Gatlinburg, Tennessee Ready to embrace the autumnal splendor of the Smoky Mountains? Begin your day with a drive along the Newfound Gap Road to get a dose of fall colors. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking trails, like Alum Cave or Laurel Falls, to bask in the colorful foliage. Visit the quaint shops and restaurants of Gatlinburg– one of the 41. Charleston, South Carolina To have the best fall vacation in Charleston, immerse yourself in the city's historic charm and coastal beauty. Stroll through the historic district, where centuries-old oak trees are adorned with Spanish moss, creating a magical autumn ambiance. Take a boat tour to nearby barrier islands like Morris Island, where you can enjoy serene beaches. Savor local cuisine, like shrimp and grits, at nearby restaurants. Experience the sunset over Charleston Harbor for a perfect ending to your fall getaway. Fall in love with a Pacaso vacation home Does one of these autumn destinations feel like it could become your With a Pacaso home, you just show up, unpack and make memories. We take care of maintenance, bills and management.
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