The 12 Best Places To Visit in the Fall in the US

Autumn casts its spell across America with enchanting forests, charming towns decked out for Halloween, and festivals celebrating the harvest. Whether you're drawn to the fiery colors of fall foliage or seeking a peaceful escape from your everyday routine, the US has an autumn adventure waiting for you. This guide reveals some of the best fall getaways across the country, with something for all types of travelers.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is the quintessential New England village, especially when autumn arrives and paints the surrounding hills in a palette of reds, oranges, and golds. Historic inns and inviting antique shops line the streets, allowing you to unwind and experience the charm of a classic Vermont town. A stroll along the Ottauquechee River or a walk across one of the nearby covered bridges provides a great opportunity to soak up the scenery. If you want to explore the area's rural heritage, the Billings Farm & Museum offers a glimpse into Vermont's agricultural traditions.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a top choice for fall getaways in the US, putting on one of the most spectacular autumn displays in the Northeast. Fiery reds, oranges, and yellows paint the mountain slopes, creating a tapestry of color. You can take in the beauty of the fall foliage along the Conway Scenic Railroad as it meanders through valleys and forests. If you’re seeking a more active adventure, sections of the Appalachian Trail offer an immersive journey into the heart of this autumnal wonderland.

For a truly unforgettable experience, drive along the Kancamagus Highway during peak foliage. Known as one of the most scenic routes in New England, this 34-mile stretch offers sweeping views of the White Mountains as it winds through lush forests, past rushing rivers, and alongside towering cliffs.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires in Massachusetts offer a slower pace of life, where art, culture, and nature intertwine. Autumn brings a tapestry of color to the hills, inviting exploration along hiking trails with stunning foliage views. The region’s thriving arts scene includes renowned institutions like the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), one of the country’s largest centers for contemporary art, where you can experience diverse and thought-provoking exhibits. Foodies will appreciate the abundance of farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh, seasonal cuisine.

Acadia National Park, Maine

One of the top fall destinations in the USA, Acadia National Park showcases autumn’s beauty like nowhere else. The mountainsides are painted with shades of red, orange, and yellow, set against the deep blue of the Atlantic. The Park Loop Road winds through the incredible landscape, with views of wooded hillsides, sparkling lakes, and rocky shores at every turn.

For a memorable experience, hike up Cadillac Mountain. From the summit, you’ll have sweeping views of rugged coastlines, forested islands, and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. If you arrive early enough, you can witness the first sunrise in the country.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is famous for its Skyline Drive, a National Parkway which offers over 100 miles of incredible fall foliage views along the Blue Ridge Mountains. October is the best time to visit, with leaves in full color and mild temperatures for hiking. Popular hikes like Stony Man and Hawksbill Mountain provide ideal overlooks, perfect for photography or simply soaking up the autumn landscape. For a more relaxed day, pack a picnic and find a quiet spot in one of the park’s meadows, where you might catch sight of deer or other wildlife. 

Zion National Park, Utah

Although Zion National Park is best known for its towering red rock formations, autumn brings a unique and often overlooked beauty to this iconic landscape. As the temperatures cool, the park’s cottonwoods and maples turn bright shades of gold and orange, creating a magical contrast against Zion’s massive red and cream sandstone cliffs. Fall is the prime time to explore the park’s famous trails, as the cooler weather makes more challenging hikes more enjoyable. Angels Landing offers panoramic views over Zion Canyon via a strenuous climb, while The Narrows lets you experience the park’s surreal landscapes – including winding slot canyons and shallow river crossings – up close. Autumn is also a quieter season in Zion, making it easier to find a peaceful moment amid the towering rock formations.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona's red rock landscapes are an amazing sight at any time of year, but autumn brings a unique charm to this desert oasis. As temperatures cool and the crowds thin, hiking trails become even more appealing. The cooler weather provides more suitable conditions for exploring the area’s rugged terrain, and the changing colors of cottonwoods and aspens add striking golden and amber tones that contrast with the red rock formations. 

The Cathedral Rock trail is best known for its spires and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas over Sedona’s canyons. The 1.8-mile Devil’s Bridge trail provides a thrilling, natural rock arch popular for photos and offers incredible perspectives on the surrounding cliffs. For a more relaxed outing, head to Red Rock Crossing, where you can stroll along Oak Creek and enjoy reflections of the foliage against the red rock backdrop. 

Maui, Hawaii

While Hawaii might not be the first place that comes to mind for an autumn getaway, Maui offers a compelling alternative for those seeking an escape from cooler temperatures. As the summer crowds dwindle, the island settles into a slower pace, revealing another side to its beauty. Pristine beaches beckon with fewer footprints in the sand, and waterfalls cascade through lush landscapes refreshed by the occasional autumn rain.

With its volcanic landscapes and unique biodiversity, Haleakalā National Park offers stunning hiking trails for adventure seekers. You can also unwind by lounging by the turquoise waters, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of plumeria.

Napa and Sonoma, California

Napa and Sonoma are synonymous with world-class wine, and autumn is one of the most exciting times to visit. During the grape harvest season, or ‘crush,’ the valleys come alive as wineries are in full production, with the aroma of fermenting grapes filling the air. During tours, tastings, and harvest activities, you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of winemaking at many vineyards. The fall colors add to the charm as the vines turn shades of gold and crimson, creating a picturesque setting for tastings, picnics, and scenic drives through the countryside. 

Popular spots like the Silverado Trail and Russian River Valley offer sweeping vineyard views, while quaint towns like St. Helena and Healdsburg are great for exploring local boutiques, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Autumn’s mild weather and smaller crowds make it the best season to savor Napa and Sonoma’s beauty, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway amid California’s iconic wine country.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia feels especially welcoming in the fall. Cool breezes drift through Fairmount Park—one of the largest urban parks in the country—where grand, historic buildings peek out from a canopy of red and gold leaves. Beyond its scenic charm, Philadelphia has a thriving food scene. You can find everything from classic Philly cheesesteaks to creative dishes at cozy cafés and lively food halls scattered across the city. 

In the Old City district, historic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are surrounded by fall colors, giving the area a warm, inviting feel. And for those looking to explore further, neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties are full of unique shops, art galleries, and colorful street murals.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans takes on a different kind of magic in the fall. As the summer heat fades, the city comes alive with festivals like the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, filling the air with soulful music and the enticing aroma of smoky barbecue. This season is ideal for discovering the city’s character at a relaxed pace, free from the typical crowds. Stroll through the historic French Quarter, where iron-laced balconies overlook cobblestone streets, or wander through the city's famous cemeteries, where moss-draped oaks and intricate tombs create a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere.

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without sampling its legendary cuisine—from po’ boys and beignets to gumbo and crawfish étouffée—or soaking in the live jazz and brass bands that reverberate through the city’s many music venues.

Denver, Colorado

Denver combines the best of city life with easy access to nature, making it one of the top fall destinations in the US. In the heart of the city, vibrant neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Art District) and LoDo (Lower Downtown) brim with craft breweries, eclectic art galleries, and stylish eateries where you can sample everything from juicy bison burgers and crispy duck confit to inventive takes on Colorado classics like Rocky Mountain oysters and green chile stew. Autumn ushers in a lively calendar of festivals, from the Great American Beer Festival, celebrating the city’s rich craft beer culture, to local art shows and harvest-themed events. 

Meanwhile, the majestic Rocky Mountains loom in the background, painted in shades of yellow, orange, and deep green as autumn settles in. Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away, with sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and trails that wind through groves of glowing golden aspens. If you’re up for a scenic drive, Trail Ridge Road offers one of the best vantage points to take in the changing colors and frequent sightings of elk and other wildlife.