Planning a fall vacation? These cities offer gorgeous outdoor recreation, lively downtown areas, fun fall festivities, and much more. Check out these 12 best places to go in the fall in the U.S.!
Asheville, NC
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 68°; 46°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $177
Asheville is a great place to visit in the spring—but it’s also a perfect spot for a fall getaway! Visit the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains for ideal leaf-peeping spots, hiking, and beautiful drives along the historic, 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. Admire the Asheville fall foliage in the gardens, plan an overnight stay, or enjoy sips in the winery at the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. Discover one of the best things to do in Asheville in the fall with apple-picking at nearby orchards like Coston Farm & Apple House or Justus Orchard. From late September until November, wind through the maze, take a hayride, and play games at the Eliada Corn Maze. Partake in annual Asheville fall festivals such as Asheville Art in the Park. Explore shops and art galleries like Foundation Studios or attend events and classes in the River Arts District. Relish seasonal fall favorites with rotating menus from Table Asheville or Posana Restaurant, both great farm-to-table restaurants located in Downtown Asheville. Or sip locally-crafted hard ciders like Arid Apple, Black Hole, or Ginger Campaign at Urban Orchard Cider Co.
Boston, MA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 61°; 47°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $331
As one of the best cities for outdoor recreation, you can take in the stunning atmosphere by celebrating fall in Boston. See the fiery reds and oranges of the fall leaves in Boston, visit various monuments, or rent one of the iconic swan boats at the Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden. Head for the waves on a rented boat or a guided tour to catch Boston’s whale-watching season between August and October. Experience football season at a New England Patriots (NFL) game in Gillette Stadium, or watch the Boston Red Sox (MLB) play at Fenway Park before the season ends. In October, enjoy the cool fall weather while watching the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest three-day rowing event in the world. Hear spooky tales about the most haunted places in Boston on a walking or trolley tour with Ghosts & Gravestones. Or celebrate classic literature and up-and-coming authors every October at the Boston Book Festival, complete with international presenters, book signings, and workshops.
Chicago, IL
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 63°; 46°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $397
Known for being one of the most dog-friendly cities and welcoming to tourists, Chicago is a fun fall vacation destination! Admire the city skyline, walk along Lake Michigan’s beaches, and marvel at the changing Chicago fall leaves while exploring the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Enjoy scarf weather with a stroll to see the South Lagoon Flower Garden, Buena Tunnel Gardens, and various public artworks and monuments at Lincoln Park. Bring your appetite to Chicago food events like Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest and Chicago Beer Fest—where you can eat, drink, and enjoy live entertainment. Explore the Windy City’s spooky side by hearing scary stories and visiting Chicago’s most haunted locations by foot, kayak, or bus with various Chicago Ghost Tours. Catch events like Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween, the Spooky Zoo, and professional pumpkin carving during Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. Join your fellow ghouls in costume, watch the procession, and dance the night away with the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Attend games from pro teams like the Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Bears (NFL). Or compete in the costume contest, dance in the shadows, and savor hors d’oeuvres and wine at the annual Memento Mori Gala at the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Denver, CO
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 66°; 37°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $173
As one of the best cities near the mountains, Denver is an ideal fall getaway spot! Partake in annual fall festivals in Denver like the Great American Beer Festival, Denver Oktoberfest, or the Denver Film Festival. Take the kiddos to do fall crafts, drink apple cider, and play prairie games at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival in Four Mile Historic Park. Put on by the Denver Botanic Gardens, go on wagon rides or get lost in the corn maze during the Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms. Catch exciting games from Denver’s pro sports teams like the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), or Nuggets (NBA). Warm up from the cool weather with handmade pasta dishes like Doppio Ravioli or Pasta Al Forno from Tavernetta. Or take a day trip to go horseback-riding, spot local wildlife like elk and mule deer, or walk popular lake hikes like Bear Lake or Mills Lake during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Napa, CA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 74°; 43°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $253
From late September to November, Napa Valley’s vineyards reflect shades of gold, amber, deep red, and orange, marking the start of harvest season—a perfect time for a vacation in Napa. Get hands-on experience picking grapes, tour the winery, and enjoy lunch while sipping Trefethen wines during the Hands On Harvest event at Trefethen Family Vineyards. Experience the thrill of stomping on grapes, dancing to live music, and sipping on wine during the Crush Party at Bouchaine Vineyard. Get exclusive access to the vineyards, attend events, and more at Cultured Vine. Admire the vineyards during sunrise from above with hot air ballon rides from Balloons Above the Valley or Napa Valley Balloons. Take in views of Spring Mountain, lakes, and more with stunning scenic drives along Silverado Trail, Highway 128, and more. Spend the day hiking Napa’s best trails in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest. Located in Downtown Napa, enjoy pizzas, pastas, and more from Oenotri. Or try seasonal light bites paired with a glass of wine at Bar Lucia, find a new read at Napa Bookmine, or pick up your favorite spices from Whole Spice at Oxbow Public Market.
Nashville, TN
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 72°; 49°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $198
Not only is the city of Nashville one of the top places to live in the Southeast, but it is also a top destination for a fall vacation. By visiting Nashville in the fall, you can view 75,000 pumpkins, take a walk through the Bradford Robertson Color Gardens, and more at the annual Cheekwood Harvest at the Cheekwood Estates & Gardens. Enjoy weekly live music in Centennial Park during the Musicians Corner Fall Series through the end of September. Enjoy the vibrant foliage and mild weather by walking the trails at Radnor Lake State Park, Warner Parks, and Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Learn about Music City’s dark side with tours of the most haunted locations with Nashville Ghost Tours. Sample German beers, partake in the Pup Parade, or devour brats during the Brat Eating Contest during Nashville Oktoberfest every October. Or spend a cozy day drinking a Navel Gazer Imperial Stout, Nothing Fancy Blonde Ale, or West Coast IPA at New Heights Brewing, one of the best breweries in Nashville.
New York, NY
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 65°; 50°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $350
New York City is a popular year-round destination, but The Big Apple is a truly magical place to visit in the fall! View the beautiful autumn foliage, visit red pandas and sea lions at the Central Park Zoo, and ride on the Carousel in Central Park. Explore 250 acres of seasonal plants and flowers, enjoy Fall-O-Ween activities, and catch rotating exhibitions like Van Gogh’s Flowers at the New York Botanical Garden. Grab a seat to watch your favorite pro team play, like the New York Yankees (MLB), New York Giants (NFL), or New York Rangers (NHL). See your favorite comedian perform live at your choice of over 300 shows during the 10 day-long New York Comedy Festival. Drive to Long Island to see vibrant fall colors, sample seasonal wines at Jamesport Vineyards, or go on a fall hayride at Harbes Family Farm. Or kick off the holiday season by bundling up to watch the amazing floats, Broadway performances, and bands during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Portland, ME
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 59°; 39°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $229
Though it’s a great summer vacation destination, visiting Portland, Maine in the fall—especially during Maine’s peak fall foliage season in October—offers something truly special. Hike to enjoy the best of New England leaf-peeping at Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary on Georgetown Island. Catch stunning views of Casco Bay and the Portland Head Light perched on Cape Elizabeth at the 90-acre Fort Williams Park. Drive less than an hour away to walk on the beach at Reid State Park. Book a tour for Maine whale-watching—making sure to also look out for seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and more—with Odyssey Whale Watch. Savor cocktails and wine, enjoy appetizing food pairings, and watch the lobster cooking competition at the annual Harvest on the Harbor. Sip seasonal beers like the Haunted House at Allagash Brewing Company—or try the Oktoberfest or Six Grain at Austin Street Brewery. And you can’t leave without enjoying Portland, Maine lobster! Try favorites like Lobster Stew and Lobster Roll at Portland Lobster Company, or Lobster Scampi and the Maine Lobster Dinner at J’s Oyster.
Portland, OR
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 64°; 46°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $194
Experience fall in Portland, Oregon, complete with colorful foliage and crisp mountain air. Take in the serene atmosphere while walking through the Japanese gardens, stop by the Umami Cafe for tea and snacks, and more at the Portland Japanese Garden. Celebrate harvest season with corn mazes, hayrides, and fall food at pumpkin patches in Portland like Plumper Pumpkin Patch and The MAIZE at the Pumpkin Patch. Admire Portland fall leaves while exploring outdoor spaces like Hoyt Arboretum, Laurelhurst Park, and Forest Park. Listen to polka music, try German beers and ciders, and watch the wiener dog races at Oaks Park Oktoberfest. Learn about Portland’s haunted past when going on a Portland ghost tour. Or watch costumed characters paddle in giant pumpkin boats, partake in the 5K Regatta Run/Walk, and more at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in nearby Tualatin.
Salem, MA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 61°; 41°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $147
Though Salem, MA has a history of witchcraft persecution, this fall destination now celebrates its witchy roots, becoming one of the best Halloween towns in America! Find everything spooky in Witch City with haunted happenings like the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and the Salem Night Faire. Schedule a daytime or nighttime Candle-Lit Ghostly Walking Tour of the most haunted places in Salem with the Salem Wax Museum. Stop by iconic landmarks like The Witch House, The Salem Witch Museum, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial for a deep-dive into local history. Walk the streets of Pioneer Village, and drive around to see filming locations from the popular Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus. Hunt for souvenirs from local witch-themed shops such as Crow Haven Corner and Hex Old World Witchery. Or try out some of the best Salem restaurants—with fare like Mac to the Future and a slice of Mars Attacks at Flying Saucer Pizza Company or a Soft Pretzel with a Cosmic Shift IPA at Gulu-Gulu Cafe.
San Diego, CA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 66°; 53°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $229
Looking to visit California during the autumn? San Diego in the fall offers sunny skies and warm temperatures, along with numerous fun fall activities. Spend the day along the water at one of many San Diego beaches, such as La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, or Pacific Beach. Walk the shoreline of Torrey Pines State Beach and admire the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from one of the many trails and overlooks while visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. See the La Jolla Caves with a kayak tour with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks. Go for a ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Train, see bonobos and a two-toed sloth or attend the Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo. Mark the birthday of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps by touring a military ship, partaking in the Boot Camp Challenge, or watching the procession of decorated boats during the annual Fleet Week San Diego. Or celebrate the Day of the Dead with live mariachi, traditional foods, and more at the annual Día de Los Muertos event in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Sedona, AZ
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 77°; 48°
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $185
Sedona is one of the most romantic cities in the U.S., and with many Sedona activities in October, it is also a great place to visit in the fall with your sweetheart! Enjoy Sedona’s mild autumn weather by harvesting fruit in the apple orchard at Oak Creek Canyon. See the red rocks in comfort with Red Rock Western Jeep Tours. Hike up to Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge for the best Sedona sunset views or enjoy fresh air at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site in Coconino National Forest. Take in stunning aerial views of Sedona with a hot air balloon ride from Red Rock Balloons. Pick up new art pieces from local artisans during October’s Sedona Arts Festival. Relax with a Creekside Massage or a holistic experience from L’Auberge de Sedona Spa. Connect your mind, body, and soul with a Yoga Hiking Tour from Vita Pura Yoga. Or visit the research library, learn the history of the various museum buildings, or attend the Fall Arts & Crafts Fair at the Sedona Heritage Museum.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s seasonal Best Vacation Destinations selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to travel. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of accommodations, local attractions, tourist seasons, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Travel and weather statistics from Budget Your Trip and U.S. Climate Data.
