From crisp mountain air to small towns glowing with fall color, these places turn autumn into something magical. Whether you want scenic drives, cozy getaways, or harvest festivals, these U.S. spots make the most of sweater season.
As many regions consider fall to be an off-season for tourists, this time period is the perfect season for visitors to experience various parts of the US with lower hotel rates. Take a look at a few fall vacations in the USA to take on your next trip.
1. Maine
Yes, the entire state. I know it’s large and there’s lots of area to cover here, but autumn is one of the cheapest times to visit this Atlantic Coast gem. The off-season provides more affordable accommodation and fewer lines at major attractions. The weather is good and the fall foliage is bursting around you. Maine showcases some of the best fall foliage in the United States. For that reason, a fall foliage tour through Maine is a fantastic idea.
2. Upstate New York
Upstate New York in the fall is like stepping into a painting. The rolling hills and mountains explode in shades of red, orange, and gold, making scenic drives and hikes unforgettable. Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and farmers markets bring harvest season to life, while charming small towns add cozy cafés and historic inns to the mix. From the Adirondacks to the Hudson Valley, fall here feels crisp, colorful, and full of seasonal traditions you’ll want to come back for year after year.
3. Vermont
Vermont is iconic for fall foliage, with winding country roads framed by fiery maple trees, covered bridges, and charming small towns like Stowe and Woodstock. The season here is also packed with cider mills, harvest festivals, and scenic drives through the Green Mountains. It’s one of the most photographed fall landscapes in the U.S. and captures everything people love about the season.
4. Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Instead of fiery maples, Colorado’s fall color comes from endless groves of golden aspens that shimmer against snow-dusted peaks. Scenic drives like the Million Dollar Highway or Trail Ridge Road turn into unforgettable leaf-peeping routes, and mountain towns like Aspen, Telluride, and Crested Butte feel extra cozy this time of year. The crisp air, striking landscapes, and chance of early snowfall make Colorado a unique spin on fall travel.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
With frosty weather in winter, dangerous climbing conditions in spring, and scorching temperatures in summer, fall is the perfect time to visit Zion National Park. During fall, average temperatures in Zion range from low 40s to mid 70s. Visiting Zion in fall is like stepping into a vivid painting. The colors are stunning and the sunlight isn’t so harsh, so the contrasts between the trees and the rocks is more vibrant. You can take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive through the park or head out onto some of the trails like Watchman Trail, Cable Mountain and Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyon.
6. Williamsburg, Virginia
An enduring piece of US history, the city of Williamsburg will make you feel like you’ve entered a different time period. Fall in Williamsburg is one of the best times to visit because of fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage. In the fall, you can take plan all of those outdoor activities you don’t want to do in the heat of summer, like a picnic, hiking, and bike riding.
7. Albuquerque, New Mexico
When looking for the perfect fall destination to visit, the first thing that comes to mind is a nice cool temperature with perhaps a little chill in the air. Albuquerque fits that bill with its famous Indian summer. Albuquerque has an abundance of fall activities to enjoy. Go pumpkin picking at McCall’s, go on a ghost tour of Old Town, or visit the Corrales Harvest Festival, a two day event in September with live music, arts & crafts shows, a pet parade, hay rides, food tasting, and a beer garden.
8. Napa Valley, California
One of the best times to visit Napa Valley is during fall, when the harvest season commences (August to early November). This destination is known for its top-class wineries and wines and fall is a rare opportunity to see the grape picking and wine making in action. The vines begin to change colors in the vineyards as well, painting the entire region in yellows and reds. It’s a sight you must see. The temperature in fall still hovers around 80 degrees, but with cooler nights that make it very pleasant.
9. San Diego, California
Even though San Diego doesn’t experience a fall season like many of the other places on this list, there are many reasons to head there in the fall. Fall in San Diego is a time to enjoy mild weather, uncrowded beaches, a variety of festivals, Halloween celebrations, and plenty of outdoor activities. One of the biggest perks for families visiting San Diego in fall is Kids Free San Diego. For the whole month of October, kids get free admission to 85+ museums, theme parks, tours, and attractions.
10. Big Sur, California
With dazzling redwoods and waterfalls, Big Sur promises a fall vacation in some of the most captivating natural landscape. The fall foliage in Big Sur is some of the best in the state, albeit not nearly as dramatic as on the East Coast. The scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and waterfalls are all at their best in the fall months, from September to November. Activities such as hiking and backpacking, highway and trail bicycling, fishing, and hot springs are in full swing still, before the end of the season, and camping is at its best, when you can enjoy the cool fall nights.
11. New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the best times to visit New Orleans is in the fall, from October to November. These months offer the best sightseeing weather and less crowds, along with the spirit of the season with great festivals taking place. If you’re not keen to visit New Orleans in the height of the summer heat and humidity, when it only feels good to be inside an air conditioned building, fall is your chance to get outside and see more of what the area has to offer.
12. Connecticut
A top contender for the best fall vacation spot in the U.S., Connecticut knows how to embrace the cozy pleasures of what this season brings. From apple picking to leaf peeping, fall in Connecticut is as close to perfect as you can get! You can easily spend a fall weekend going to festivals or enjoying the fall produce at a local farm. The only issue will be deciding where to go. Practically the entire state is awash in red, yellow, and orange.
13. Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the most popular attractions in the country, the Grand Canyon is sure to top any USA bucket list. The autumn season is the perfect time to make a trip to this natural phenomenon, as this generally means fewer crowds and cooler days. Fall is a great time to hike the South Rim’s Inner Canyon trails due to milder temperatures and reduced crowds. There is also more wildlife present for the same reasons as mentioned above. And though it’s not a great place for fall foliage, there are some brighter colors along the trail to enjoy.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.