There’s something undeniably magical about fall, and I definitely don’t try to hide that it is my all-time favorite season. The crisp air, vibrant colors, and gentle rustling of leaves make it the perfect season for exploring new places. As the world transforms into a canvas of golden hues and bright oranges, autumn emerges as a magical time for travel! Whether it’s the allure of historic cities and towns wrapped in colorful leaves or the peaceful landscapes of national parks, the beauty of fall travel is that many popular destinations become much less crowded and more affordable than they tend to be during the summer months.
Let’s not forget how certain spots truly come alive during this season, thanks to stunning fall foliage and cozy vibes. I recently started traveling a lot more during the fall season in recent years, and I am excited to share a round-up of the best travel destinations to visit during the fall!
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15 Best Travel Destinations in the Fall
New England, USA
New England is practically synonymous with fall. This Northeastern region of the United States is famous for its stunning display of fall foliage and beckons travelers with its rolling hills blanketed in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, historic towns bustling with seasonal festivals, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. The region consists of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. If you happen to be a fan of the popular show Gilmore Girls, then this is the perfect fall destination for you!
Travel the scenic byways of Vermont, explore charming towns like Woodstock and Stowe, and indulge in fresh apple cider and pumpkin treats at local farms. Vermont’s foliage is legendary, and Massachusetts’ quaint towns like Salem and Plymouth offer rich history full of spooky season and Halloween fun. Don’t miss the iconic Acadia National Park in Maine or the historic streets of Boston.
Autumn Highlights: Iconic fall foliage in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, quaint towns, and harvest festivals. Make sure you bring your camera along to capture the many Instagram and Pinterest-famous spots!
When to visit New England: The best time to visit is late September to mid-October when the colors are at their peak.
Paris, France
Paris in the fall is pure perfection. Visiting Paris in the fall offers a blend of beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and a rich seasonal events calendar, making it a truly enchanting time to explore the City of Light. Don’t miss out on the city’s fall fashion and food festivals, and plan your trip from late September to early November for the best experience.
I visited at the very beginning of November and still can’t get over how great of an experience it was! The summer crowds had thinned, but the city was still full of charm with the cooler weather making it perfect for strolling along the Seine and enjoy the fall leaves throughout. I was pleasantly surprised at how there were a lot fewer tourists than I was initially expecting. The smaller crowds made it an ideal time to explore popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, museums, cafes, and restaurants.
The weather was very pleasant for the amount of walking around we did, and the temperatures ranged from the low-50s to high 50s. While Paris does see some rain in the fall, it’s often less frequent and lighter compared to the spring, making it easier to navigate the city. It only rained one day during our entire 5-day trip which wasn’t too bad. I highly recommend booking this Paris food tour and Seine River lunch cruise to view the sites while enjoying a meal.
Here are some great skip-the-line experiences we also enjoyed while there:
Autumn Highlights: Fall sees a decrease in tourist crowds compared to the busy summer months, which means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience at major attractions. The city’s romantic atmosphere is enhanced by crisp fall weather and beautiful autumn hues.
When to visit Paris: Late September to early November.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s famous canals and architecture are even more stunning against a backdrop of fall foliage! It is easily one of my favorite places I have ever visited during the fall. With fewer tourists compared to other seasons, you can enjoy the many museums or a canal cruise without the usual large crowds. The city’s cozy cafés and many pubs offer the perfect retreat from the crisp air.
Upon arriving, we immediately bundled up and headed to a pub nearby while walking through the canal-lined streets and taking in all the lights on our way to enjoy a fondue dinner. It remains one of my favorite more low-key nights I’ve spent traveling. One of my top recommendations for visiting is a canal cruise complete with apple pie (a must-have in Amsterdam!) and drinks.
Autumn Highlights: The city’s charming canals and historic architecture look stunning against a backdrop of autumn colors. Fewer crowds and lower temperatures make for a cozy, picturesque setting.
When to visit Amsterdam: October and November are ideal times to visit.
New York City
Fall in New York City is like stepping into a vibrant painting. Central Park transforms into a canvas of fall colors, and the city’s iconic streets take on a much cozier atmosphere. Enjoy Broadway shows, fall festivals, and seasonal treats like pumpkin spice everything. The city becomes a bit less hectic post-summer, making it easier to explore.
After doing a whole lot of research, these reasons and more are why I’ll be heading to NYC this October, and I can’t wait to experience the city during my favorite season!
Autumn Highlights: Central Park’s fall foliage, Broadway shows, Thanksgiving Day Parade, cooler weather and autumn colors.
When to visit New York: Aim for October for the best mix of mild weather and autumnal events.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is a hidden gem in the fall. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers breathtaking views of fall foliage, especially from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The city’s artsy vibe is complemented by a wide variety of breweries and farm-to-table restaurants. While I have previously visited during the springtime, I could tell that this place would really shine during the fall season.
Visiting again during the fall is definitely on my to-do list, and I highly recommend a horseback riding excursion through the mountains for some pretty scenic views! Some of my favorite spots include Highland Brewing, Antidote at Chemist Spirits, and Asheville Brewing. Another popular attraction is The Biltmore Estate.
Autumn Highlights: Blue Ridge Parkway views, fall foliage, vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the mountains, Asheville offers stunning leaf-peeping opportunities and a lively cultural scene.
When to visit Asheville, NC: October is the prime time to visit for the full display of vibrant leaves and local festivals.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills is a midwestern fall paradise! Its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and caves, are especially beautiful with the autumn foliage. Popular spots like Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave offer some of the most breathtaking views of autumn colors. The cooler weather makes hiking the trails more enjoyable, and the region’s cozy cabins are the perfect retreat.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of cozy cabin getaways, and I absolutely loved our visit to Hocking Hills! We visited in October, and it was the perfect time to go for a relaxing weekend. Some of my favorite things we did there included zip-lining through the treetops with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, and relaxing with a view in the sauna pods. I also highly recommend the cabin rental company we used, Cabins by the Caves. They have a variety of options on their site ranging from cabins to lodges, including some pet-friendly ones.
Late September through October is ideal for experiencing Hocking Hills in full beauty of the fall colors. For more details to help plan your trip to Hocking Hills, you can check out my full Hocking Hills Travel Guide here.
Autumn Highlights: Breathtaking fall foliage, outdoor adventures, and a tranquil cabin atmosphere.
When to visit Hocking Hills: The best time to visit Hocking Hills in the fall is mid to late October for peak fall foliage and pleasant weather.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is a charming city that really comes alive in the fall. The historic district’s beautiful squares, moss-draped oaks, and stunning gardens are even more enchanting. Fall in Savannah brings cooler and more comfortable temperatures, with daytime highs in the 70s and low 80s. Compared to the hot and humid summer heat, fall offers lower humidity, making it more comfortable for walking around and enjoying the city’s outdoor spaces and sights.
I visited in mid-November and enjoyed how nice the weather was for walking around and exploring. Some of my favorite things we did during our short visit were enjoying brunch at Collins in Forsyth Park and taking a tour of the Prohibition Museum.
Highlights: Historic district, picturesque squares, mild weather.
When to visit Savannah: For visiting Savannah, Georgia in the fall, the best time is typically from late September through November.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the best fall foliage experiences in the country. The diverse landscape means you’ll see a kaleidoscope of colors, and the cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring more comfortable.
I visited during the winter and wish I would have during the fall for sure! I enjoyed the hikes we did, including Laurel Falls, and one of their very few dog-friendly trails: The Gatlinburg Trail. Some areas you can stay are either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and I highly recommend staying in a cozy cabin! You can check out my full Gatlinburg Area Travel Guide here.
Autumn Highlights: Vibrant fall foliage, diverse wildlife, scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road, and numerous hiking trails.
When to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Late September through early November is the best time to witness this natural wonder.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards are bathed in golden light during the fall harvest season, offering the most romantic and picturesque setting! It’s harvest time for grapes, olives, and truffles, making it an excellent time for food and wine enthusiasts to visit. Many agriturismos and wineries offer special tastings and tours. In mid-October, the temperatures can be cooler and pleasant, with averages in the mid-50s to low 60s, making it the perfect time to enjoy the fall colors and the harvest season.
While I have personally only visited the Tuscan countryside in the spring season so far, I could only imagine just how much more stunning the vineyards are when the fall harvest is in full swing. We stayed in the Chianti region when visiting, and I absolutely adored our stay at Castello Vicciomaggio. My favorite vineyard tour and tasting experience was at Castello di Verrezzano and it included a multi-course lunch with wine pairings overlooking the vineyards. You can also book a stay there here.
Some things to do in Tuscany during the fall would be to explore medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano, visit wineries for tastings of Chianti and Brunello wines, and attend local festivals celebrating olive oil and wine production. If you are staying in Florence and short on time, you could take a day trip to the countryside like this one.
Autumn Highlights: Mild to cooler temperatures, stunning autumn views of the vineyards, and seasonal harvest events.
When to visit Tuscany, Italy: Late September to Early November.
Related: Check out my ultimate list of Italy Travel Tips here.
Napa Valley, California
For similar reasons that Tuscany is on this list, Napa Valley in the fall is a wine lover’s dream! The vineyards are bursting with color, and harvesting season means that plenty of wine festivals and events are going on. The weather is ideal for exploring the region’s scenic beauty and indulging in wine tastings.
Autumn Highlights: Vineyards turning color, wine harvest events, scenic drives.
When to visit Napa Valley: September and October is perfect for experiencing the valley at its best.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the most popular travel destinations in Scotland due to its rich history and stunning architecture, and it is especially stunning in the fall. Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, and the fall colors make the hike particularly beautiful. The city is bustling with various festivals and events during this time of year. Edinburgh is also considered to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe, which makes it the perfect place to visit during Halloween.
The Scottish Highlands are another popular fall travel destination in Scotland. Fall temperatures in Scotland are generally mild, ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring.
Autumn Highlights: Historic architecture, surrounding landscapes, and seasonal festivals. It is also one of the most haunted cities in Europe, which is perfect for spooky season!
When to visit Scotland: The best time to visit Scotland in the fall is typically between late September and October.
Banff, Canada
The Canadian Rockies offer breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and shimmering lakes framed by autumn foliage, making the entire area an autumn lover’s paradise. Here you should plan to explore national parks like Banff National Park or Jasper National Park where you can enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints such as Moraine Lake, or take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway to look out for wildlife. When staying in Banff, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at a mountain lodge and enjoy a hot spring surrounded by fall’s natural beauty.
Autumn Highlights: Fall foliage, scenic drives, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, hot springs, and wildlife viewing.
When to visit Banff, Canada: The best time to visit Banff, Canada in the fall is typically late September to mid-October.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan, is a fantastic fall travel destination due to its stunning fall foliage, historical attractions, and seasonal festivals and events. Kyoto’s temples and gardens are transformed into a serene palette of reds and yellows during Japan’s vibrant fall foliage season. Pack your camera and plan to stroll through iconic spots like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Kiyomizu-dera Temple as maple leaves create a stunning backdrop.
Autumn Highlights: Unique seasonal experiences and beautiful autumn foliage in gardens and temples.
When to visit Kyoto, Japan: The best time to visit Kyoto during the fall is typically late November for peak foliage.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe is stunning year-round, but the fall season definitely adds a special touch! The surrounding mountains are painted in fall colors, and the lake’s clear blue waters provide a striking contrast. It’s a quieter and less busy time, so you can enjoy hiking and kayaking without the summer crowds. Some popular spots to check out are Emerald Bay and Eagle Lake where the shorelines offer spectacular views of the fall colors against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.
Autumn Highlights: Breathtaking fall foliage, pleasant cooler weather, outdoor activities, and fewer crowds.
When to visit Lake Tahoe: The best time to experience Lake Tahoe’s fall beauty is typically mid-September to mid-October.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City, Canada, transforms into a picturesque autumn paradise each fall, offering a blend of vibrant colors and lots of historic charm. With its cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and lively events, Quebec City is a must-visit destination during the fall season! The historic parks and streets are painted in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The crisp air and clear skies provide perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities during fall. Depending on when you visit, you could check out the annual Quebec City Film Festival and enjoy a range of films that highlight the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Autumn Highlights: Historic architecture surrounded by fall foliage and lots of seasonal festivals.
When to visit Quebec City: For peak fall foliage plan to visit in late September to mid-October:
How to choose a travel destination:
Choosing the perfect fall travel destination can be as delightful as the journey itself. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Consider your interests: Are you a leaf peeper, a foodie, or a history buff? Your interests will guide you to the destination that suits you best. If you prefer to spend most of your trip hiking outdoors to see the fall foliage then your ideal destination may be different from someone who is looking to experience city views and cozy cafes.
- Think about the weather: Check the typical weather for your destination during fall and confirm what it will be like during the dates you plan to go. Some places might be cooler or rainier than you expect.
- Crowds and costs: Fall can mean fewer crowds and lower costs, but it’s always good to double-check if there are any major events or holidays that might affect your travel experience before booking.
- Activities and events: Look into local events and activities that happen during your visit. Some places have fall festivals, harvest events, or special seasonal attractions that you may want to align your schedule with.
I’d love to hear what your favorite fall destinations are! Did I leave any out? Where do you love to travel in the fall? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
If you are interested in more resources to help plan your trip check out my other blog posts, like my Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard guide, and things to do during fall in Indiana here. You can also follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity.
Happy autumnal adventures!
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