13 Best Fall Vacations in the United States

4 Best Fall Vacations In The Northeast US

Fall is a great time to travel because the crowds have thinned out from summer, and there are still plenty of places and things to do. If you’re looking for some ideas for the best fall vacations in the United States, here are four great options in the Northeast.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine 

Acadia National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maine, and for a good reason. The park is beautiful year-round, but it shines in the fall when the leaves start to change color.

Plenty of activities keep you busy, like hiking, biking, and kayaking. And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try rock climbing!

2. Lake Placid, New York 

Lake Placid is a great place to visit in the fall because it’s less crowded than in winter and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities that the area has to offer!

You can go hiking, biking, canoeing, or even white water rafting. And, of course, no trip to Lake Placid would be complete without visiting one of the Olympic sites from the 1980 Winter Olympics.

3. Hartford, Connecticut 

When you’re thinking about vacation destinations, Hartford might not be top of mind, but it should be! The city has a lot to offer, including world-class museums, historical landmarks, and beautiful parks.

Plus, Hartford is a great place to eat, with many restaurants serving everything from traditional New England fare to international cuisine.

4. Vermont, New England

Vermont is one of the best places to visit in the fall, especially if you love leaves! The state is covered in beautiful trees that change color as the temperature drops.

Vermont is also home to many great activities, like hiking, biking, and skiing, so you’ll never run out of activities. And, of course, no trip to Vermont would be complete without visiting a maple sugar shack and trying some of the delicious syrup!

3 Best Fall Vacations In The Southeast US

What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than taking a weekend trip to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country? Here are three suggestions for the best fall vacations in the United States, southern area.

5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to enjoy all that autumn offers. Take a stroll down Riverwalk, where you can admire the turning leaves while doing some window shopping along the way.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. And don’t forget to sample some of Gatlinburg’s world-famous moonshine while you’re in town!

6. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is another excellent option for those who love being outdoors.

The city is surrounded by peaks and valleys, making it a veritable playground for hikers and nature lovers. But even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, Asheville is still worth a visit if you’re looking for stunning fall vacation ideas!

Stroll downtown and check out some of the unique shops and boutiques, or take a tour of one of the many local breweries. And be sure to drive out to Biltmore Estate, a 250-room mansion that is truly a sight to behold!

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for more metropolitan fall vacation ideas. This historic city is brimming with character and charm, making it one of the best fall vacations in the US!

Walk along Rainbow Row, a stretch of colorful Georgian houses dating back to 1740, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride downtown. For a taste of Charleston’s culinary scene, be sure to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many award-winning restaurants!

And no trip to Charleston would be complete without taking a gander at Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

3 Best Fall Vacations In The United States (Midwest)

Something about fall makes us want to take a vacation, and we can’t think of a better place to fulfill our fall vacation ideas than in the Midwest. From exploring charming small towns to taking in the natural beauty of the changing seasons, there are endless possibilities for a perfect fall getaway in this region of the country. Here are three of our favorite best fall vacations in the US Midwest!

8. Door County, Wisconsin

Another of the best fall vacations in the US is Door County! One of the best things about Door County is that it has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to relax, you can spend your days exploring the quaint shops and cafes in towns like Fish Creek and Ephraim.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. And no matter what you do, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.

9. Black Hills & Badlands, South Dakota

The Black Hills & Badlands region is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in the fall if you love the outdoors! With its dramatic canyons and rocky peaks, Badlands National Park is truly one of a kind.

And just a short drive away is Mount Rushmore National Monument, where you can see the faces of some of America’s greatest presidents carved into a mountainside.

Head to Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, for breathtaking views and big-city excitement. But don’t miss out on the area’s natural beauty by spending all your time inside!

10. Mackinac Island, Michigan

For new fall vacation ideas, Mackinac Island is nestled in Lake Huron between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. It’s a small island village that feels frozen in time!

A horse-drawn carriage is still the preferred mode of transportation here (no cars allowed!), so it’s easy to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Stroll along Mackinac Island’s 3.8-mile boardwalk that encircles the island or explore its many shops and galleries.

You’re sure to find something special to take home with you! If you’re planning a last minute vacation with your family, this guide can help you arrange it well.

3 Best Fall Vacations In The United States (Southwest)

If you’re looking for some inspiration on the best fall vacations in the US, look no further than the American Southwest. From breathtaking national parks to charming small towns, there’s something for everyone in this region of the country. Here are three fall vacation ideas to consider taking in the United States Southwest!

11. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best places to visit in the fall in the Southwest. The park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and stunning red, orange, and white cliffs.

Visitors can hike through the canyon, ride horseback, or take a scenic drive through the park. Bryce Canyon is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color!

12. Santa Fe, New Mexico

For more urban fall vacation ideas, visit Santa Fe, New Mexico. This picturesque city has art galleries, museums, and great restaurants!

Santa Fe is also home to several annual events like the Indian Market and the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. When you need a break from all the sightseeing, take a drive out of town to see the brilliantly colored Aspen trees that line the roads leading into Santa Fe!

13. Prescott, Arizona

Prescott is a small town located about 100 miles northwest of Phoenix and one of the best places to visit in the fall. Tall pines and rolling hills surround this quaint community, making it one of the best places to visit in the fall!

In Prescott, you can go hiking or cycling in the woods or play golf at one of the many championship courses in the area. You can even simply stroll down Montezuma Street to window shop and people-watch!

The moderate temperatures make Prescott an ideal getaway destination any time of year, especially in the fall when most of Arizona is unbearably hot.

Final Thoughts

The leaves may change color, and the weather is getting cooler, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Some of the best places to visit in the fall can be found here in the good old USA.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a vacation you won’t forget!

What do you think are the best fall vacations in the United States? Let us know in the comments below!

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