Planning a fall getaway? These cities offer gorgeous outdoor recreation, lively downtown areas, fun fall festivities, and much more. Check out these 13 best U.S. fall destinations!
- Albuquerque, NM
- Asheville, NC
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- New York, NY
- Portland, ME
- Salem, MA
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, DC
- Williamsburg,VA
- Woodstock, VT
Albuquerque, NM
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 69 degrees; 46 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $138
Locals call fall in Albuquerque the “magical season” because of the wonderful weather, autumn leaves, and bright colors of harvested chiles and fruits, which all make for a perfect fall vacation. Ascend more than 11,000 feet up the mountains for panoramic views of autumn leaves on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. Pick your own pumpkins, chiles, and sunflowers while attending an open-air market and posing for photo opportunities at Big Jim Farms. View seasonal plants and flowers in gardens like the Old World Walled Gardens and Sasebo Japanese Garden, sign up for bird watching, or attend the Harvest Festival for fall fun at the Botanic Garden in Albuquerque Biological Park. Attend live concerts, rodeos, animal races, or contests at the annual New Mexico State Fair. Be enchanted by hot air balloon-filled skies, drone light shows, and skydivers at the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Experience the spooky side of Old Town Albuquerque by walking the historic streets and hearing eyewitness accounts of spirits with an Old Town Ghost Tour. Or order fall-themed drinks like a Pumpkin Spice Coffee or Maple Walnut Latte from Pinon Coffee House before grabbing a Green Chile Cheeseburger and Caramel Apple Shake from 66 Diner.
Asheville, NC
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 68 degrees; 46 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $177
As one of the best cities near the mountains, Asheville is an ideal fall getaway spot! Visit the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains for ideal leaf-peeping spots, hiking, and beautiful drives along the historic, 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. Plan an overnight stay and enjoy lunch 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 or Justus Orchard. Wind through the maze, take a hayride, and play games at the Eliada Corn Maze. Experience the River Arts District, where there are tons of shops and art galleries like Foundation Studios and trendy tasting rooms like the Pleb Urban Winery. Relish seasonal meals like Roasted Chicken & Dumplings and Barbarella Eggplant from Table Asheville or rotating dishes like a Grilled Pork Chop with Cheddar Biscuits from Posana Restaurant, both great farm-to-table restaurants. Or sip locally-crafted hard ciders like the Mish-Mash Frankenstein, Arid Apple, or Blue Moon Rizin’ at Urban Orchard Cider Co.
Boston, MA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 61 degrees; 47 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $331
As one of the best cities for outdoor recreation, you can take in the stunning atmosphere of fall in Boston. See the fiery reds and oranges of Boston’s fall foliage, visit various monuments, and 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. Enjoy the cool fall weather while watching the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest two-day regatta 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 presenters from around the world, book signings, and workshops.
Chicago, IL
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 61 degrees; 47 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $387
Known for being one of the most dog-friendly cities and welcoming to tourists, Chicago is a fun fall vacation idea! Admire the city skyline, walk along Lake Michigan’s beaches, and marvel at the changing leaves while exploring Chicago’s 15-mile Lake Shore Drive. Stroll through the South Lagoon Flower Garden and Buena Tunnel Gardens, and see various public artworks and monuments while enjoying scarf weather at Lincoln Park. Bring your appetite to Chicago food events like Lincoln Square 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 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.
Dallas, TX
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 80 degrees; 52 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $168
Due to Dallas‘ warm autumn weather, it’s a perfect fall vacation idea if you’re not so keen on cooler temperatures—and if you end up loving D-Town, it’s also one of the most affordable cities to live in! Plan a picnic, take a walk, or go canoeing among the autumn colors of oak, elm, and ash trees in the Great Trinity Forest. Explore the maze and Pumpkin Village made of over 100,000 real pumpkins and gourds during Autumn at the Arboretum. Check out acrobats, the Starlight Parade, animal shows, over 70 rides, and more at the State Fair of Texas. Cheer on the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) at AT&T Stadium, or the Texas Rangers (MLB) at Globe Life Field. Enjoy “German fare with a side of Texas flair” and drink beer, listen to live music, and dance at Addison Oktoberfest. Play over 140 retro and modern arcade games, grab food truck bites, and order a Sour Cider or Zombie Attack at Cidercade. Or drive to nearby Grand Prairie for the Lantern Parade, cultural performances, and dancing at the Mid Autumn Festival.
New York, NY
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 65 degrees; 50 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $331
New York City is a popular year-round destination, but The Big Apple is a truly magical place to visit in the fall! Tour the beautiful autumn foliage while leaf-peeping, 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 Forest Bathing 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 100 shows during the week-long New York Comedy Festival. Take a drive to see vibrant fall colors, sample seasonal wines at Jamesport Vineyards, and bring the kids to fall festivals at Harbes Family Farm in North Fork on Long Island. Or kick off the holiday season by bundling up to watch the amazing floats, Broadway performances, and bands at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Portland, ME
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 59 degrees; 39 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $229
Though it’s a great summer destination, Portland is also one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. for the fall, thanks to its mild weather before the freezing winter arrives! New England leaf-peeping is some of the best in the country, so you’ll want to check out Maine’s peak fall foliage season in October. Book a tour for some Maine whale-watching along with 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. Drive less than an hour away to walk on the beach at Reid State Park. Hike to admire the bright colors of Maine in the fall at Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary on Georgetown Island. Sip seasonal beers like the Haunted House or Gatherwell at Allagash Brewing Company—or try the Oktoberfest or Six Grain at Austin Street Brewery. And you can’t leave without enjoying Maine lobster! Try favorites like Lobster Stew and Lobster Rolls at Portland Lobster Company, or Lobster Scampi and the Lobster Dinner at J’s Oyster.
Salem, MA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 61 degrees; 47 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $147
Though Salem 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 walking tour of the most haunted places in Salem with a Haunted Neighborhood Tour. 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 Salem 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. 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 Hindsight IPA at Gulu-Gulu Cafe.
San Diego, CA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 66 degrees; 53 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $229
Though Salem 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 walking tour of the most haunted places in Salem with a Haunted Neighborhood Tour. 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 Salem 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. 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 Hindsight IPA at Gulu-Gulu Cafe.
Seattle, WA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 60 degrees; 46 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $240
As one of the most romantic cities in the U.S., Seattle is a lovely place to visit in the fall with your sweetheart! Tour the Woodland Garden to see the giant collection of Japanese Maples, or take a rowboat out on the lake at Washington Park Arboretum. Ride your bike or take a stroll with a cup of coffee to enjoy all of Seattle’s fall foliage in spaces like Green Lake Park or Volunteer Park. Kick off football season with the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) at Lumen Field—or catch one of the final games of the season for the Seattle Mariners (MLB) at T-Mobile Park. Browse fresh fall produce, ciders, flowers, and more at various Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets. Sample nearly 100 beers from local breweries, bring your furry friend to Dogtoberfest, and enjoy live music from the DJ tower at Fremont Oktoberfest. Rock out to over 100 bands—where artists like Belle and Sebastian and The Seeds have performed—in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood at Freakout Festival. Peer into Seattle’s history with scary stories, haunted locations, and a few surprises with the Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour. And try seasonal dishes like the Indian Tacos with Sweet Potato Salad from Seattle’s first Native Food Truck, Off the Rez Cafe—or the Chicken Pot Pie with Apple Crumble for dessert at Pie Bar.
Washington, DC
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 67 degrees; 48 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $226
A great vacation spot for any season, Washington, DC in the fall is an excellent autumn getaway idea because you can visit all the area’s monuments in comfortable weather. Play golf, go horseback riding, or canoe to take pictures of colorful trees in the 1,754-acre Rock Creek Park. Find the most haunted places in DC’s historical neighborhoods and hear spooky stories with a Washington DC Ghost Tour. Sample Virginia wines and take a sunset tour at the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival. See over 30 musical artists like Lorde and Foster the People at All Things Go Music Festival. Go trick-or-treating, see the animals after hours, and enjoy fun Halloween decor during Boo at the Zoo at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Stroll along the King Street mile to dine in restaurants like Hank’s Oyster Bar or T.J. Stone’s, and visit historical sites like George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Old Town Alexandria. Or celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, delicious food, and live music at German-themed spots like Wunder Garten and Sauf Haus Bier Hall. With so many fun fall things to do and more, it’s no wonder why Washington, DC is one of the best places to own an Airbnb.
Williamsburg, VA
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 70 degrees; 50 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $132
With plenty of historic sites and gorgeous fall colors, Williamsburg ranks as one of the best fall vacations in the U.S.—particularly if you’re looking for an RV-friendly trip! Hike Lookout Tower Trail, rent a canoe, go fishing, or play disc golf while admiring the scarlet, amber, and golden fall leaves at Waller Mill Park. Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month in November with The American Indian Experience—or check out the Living History Museum and events like the Haunted Williamsburg ghost tours at Colonial Williamsburg. Scare yourself silly at Howl-O-Scream with haunted houses, spooky shows, and the DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Browse art and crafts for sale, see your favorite local musicians, and grab food truck favorites from March through December during Second Sundays. Sample house-made wines and dine in the Gabriel Archer Tavern at Williamsburg Winery. Test out local brews like a Pale Ghost while playing vintage arcade games at Precarious Beer Project or sip a Festbier while listening to live music at The Virginia Beer Company.
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h2>Woodstock, VT
- Average High & Low Temperature in Fall: 58 degrees; 34 degrees
- Average Nightly Hotel Cost: $162
Fall comes alive on the East Coast—especially in Woodstock, which also ranks as one of the prettiest towns in the U.S.! Hike the Green Mountains, explore the gardens, and go leaf-peeping during the Forest Festival in September at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Attend the Harvest Celebration for a barn dance and pumpkin bowling—or drop by A Family Halloween for hayrides and trick-or-treating in October at Billings Farm & Museum. Learn how maple syrup is made, walk the nature trail, and sample farm-made maple syrups and cheeses at Sugarbush Farm. Try the Autumn Salad and Pretzel Bites at farm-to-table restaurant Worthy Kitchen—or sample rotating menu items like Braised Cloudland Farm Pork Shoulder and Crabapple Tart at Cloudland Farm. Sample one-of-a-kind beers like the seasonal Shrumkin Pumpkin Amber Ale or Crow’s Provender – India Pale Ale at Woodstock Brewhouse. Or head to “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” for camping and boating at Quechee State Park.
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Travel and weather statistics from Budget Your Trip and U.S. Climate Data
