Many fall destinations in the USA hold a lot of fall festivals to entertain tourists and, with Halloween on its way, you don’t want to miss out on the haunted houses and pumpkin patches at these fall destinations.
You can explore outdoor activities with your family such as hiking, camping, watersports activities, bike riding, horseback riding, scenic drives, and walks in the pleasant weather that comes with fall. Your favorite places become more enjoyable, just minus the crowds, the scorching heat, or the icky snow.
Check out these Top 20 fall destinations in the USA and choose which one you like the best.
Top 20 Fall Destinations in the USA
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is the perfect fall travel destination for you if you are looking for an adventure-filled vacation with gorgeous sights around you. You can enjoy the best scenic drives here, at the home of one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural formations in the country.
The Garden of the Gods is the best place for taking a family vacation. It is famous for its red rock formations that add the excitement of adventure to your trip.
To get more out of the mountain views, you can head to Pikes Peak and then go on the Gold belt tour to trace the paths of the world’s largest gold rush.
2. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. It is one of the best fall destinations and is famous for the hikes at Tumamoc Hill and Sabino Canyon. Explore over 20 species of cactus during the guided flashlight tours and programs of Saguaro National Park at night.
Tucson’s night skies are perfect for stargazing; one can attend a Skynights program at the University of Arizona’s Mount Lemmon to experience a great stargazing experience.
Your kids can have a lot of fun while staying at a ranch that has several recreational activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and daily kids camps.
3. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls showcases spectacular fall colors that you can witness from the Niagara Gorge Trail System or during a helicopter tour. You can enjoy the scenic beauty around Niagara Falls State Park by taking the scenic trolley tour and view the beautiful falls from different angles with the gorgeous fall colors.
Kids will love sailing into the Horseshoe Falls and then going apple picking at the nearby Becker Farms. A Niagara SkyWheel spin is a must if you are in Niagara Falls, but don’t forget to bring your passport along as the SkyWheel is located across the Canadian border.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas remains very hot during summers, but as the temperature starts cooling off in the fall, it might be the perfect time to visit Las Vegas and indulge in all your favorite activities.
The best time to visit Las Vegas is in September as the tourist crowd begins to fade away. While here, you can visit the Valley of Fire State Park with your family. It is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. Here, you can explore the marvelous views of fossilized sandstone and petroglyphs at the state park with your family.
Indulge in fun activities like canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding while staying at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort located nearby Henderson. And don’t forget to take the west scenic drive to see the desert, buttes, and the Red Rock Canyon.
5. Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and as fall marks the end of the baseball season and welcomes the World Series, there is no better time to visit Coopertown than fall.
Increase your knowledge about America’s favorite pastime — Baseball at Cooperstown. Cooperstown is also called “America’s most perfect village” and it has a lot more to offer than baseball.
To view the mesmerizing sights of the fall foliage, you can opt for a ride along the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Road. You can also go on a bike ride in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains and see the vibrant fall colors along the way.
6. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is one of the best fall destinations in Vermont — a state in the New England region of the US. Also, you’d be missing out on a lot if you haven’t experienced a Vermont fall yet.
Woodstock is also known as the “quintessential New England Village” that is famous for its covered bridges surrounded by beautiful fall foliage colors. The town’s central square called the Green and Georgian homes have been lovingly restored to beautify the town even more.
Having dinner at Mangalitsa is a must-do thing if you are in Vermont, as it is said to be the best restaurant in New England. But make sure to book a reservation first if you want to get in. Woodstock is crowded at this time of the year, therefore, it is better to plan early and book your reservations if you want an experience of Vermont fall.
7. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the best US fall destinations to visit as the summer crowd has faded away and hotel rates are low. The weather is still at a comfortable warm temperature, making it fun to splash around at Volcano Bay-Universal Orlando’s new water park.
You can enjoy hiking activities at Ocala National Forest and zipline at Forever Florida with your family, — your kids will thoroughly enjoy these activities. For a luxurious stay, you can book a stay at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, which is a bungalow-style hotel.
Enjoy your fullest at the fall festivals, wine events, and also by devouring on myriad food.
8. Branson, Missouri
Branson offers fall festivals, attractions, gorgeous fall foliage, outdoor activities, and a lot more entertainment for everyone in your family.
You can go on camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and more, here at Branson. Go on a scenic walk or a foliage drive tour to see the beautiful fall colors for yourself and you’ll understand why this place is a favorite of all the leaf peepers.
The festivals like Still Waters Resort Harvest Festival, Fall Roundup at Sycamore Creek Family Ranch, and Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest are some events to look into, to have an enjoyable getaway with your loved ones. Visit the famous Missouri caves just west of Branson and don’t forget to hop on a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway while you are here.
9. Texas Hill Country, Texas
Texas Hill Country is the best place to visit if you want to experience fall in Texas. The temperature here is just cooling off at a comfortable measure during fall, making it perfect for a fall getaway with your family.
You can start by visiting the Alamo city in San Antonio. Make your fall vacation epic by visiting the music capital of the world, — Austin, located here.
Texas Hill Country is full of lush landscapes, small towns, beautiful natural sights, and exploration-worthy wineries. You can also visit Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Jacob’s Well, while you are here.
10. San Diego, California
San Diego is a very popular tourist destination all year round, with the temperature remaining between the 60s and 70s. Renowned as “America’s finest city”, San Diego becomes irresistible during the fall season when the beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, and marvelous weather are combined with the fewer crowds. It is not hard to plan a quick vacation to San Diego.
In La Jolla, you can kayak in and out of sea caves, then go on a bike tour from Coronado to Imperial Beach along the routes of Bayshore Bikeway. You will also find the popular Hotel Del Coronado on this bikeway.
There are also over a hundred deals and discounts all over town for kids in October in San Diego. So what are you waiting for? Bring the family to enjoy even more discounts and offers in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
11. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is known to be a fall honeymoon destination, as this place is the most romantic getaway you can have with your partner.
Drink pumpkin beer, see cabaret performances, go hiking in the beautiful Japanese garden or Washington Park Arboretum, or check out the famous board games at Cafe Mox, while you are in Seattle during the fall.
Besides these, many hikes seem magical at this time of the year, thanks to the fall foliage. Make sure to carry your camera around as you will surely get a lot of picture-worthy spots with beautiful fall colors as your background.
12. Portland, Oregon
One of the best fall destinations to ever exist is Portland in Oregon. See the lush green trees turning orange and also check out the best view spots to see the fall foliage at Portland Ariel Tram. And don't miss out visiting the Japanese Garden.
Fall is the best time to explore Portland’s big musical production, ballet performances, independent theatre, opera, and symphony scenes. You can have your fun at the horror houses and also go pumpkin picking here in Portland.
Check out the famous haunted houses like Dick and Matt’s, Fearlandia, and Fear PDX. But before going, make sure to see the age restriction. Experience the fall festivities at Sauvie Island and feel the place come alive during the Halloween season.
13. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the best place to visit during fall as you can avoid the heat and sweat of summer and the biting snow of winter. The fall months of September and October have the most pleasant weather to have fun in Chicago.
You’ll be able to see all the tourist places, minus the crowd if you visit during the fall season. Chicago has a rich haunted history that you can explore on a tour through Lincoln Park, as the surrounding neighborhood was built on a cemetery.
You can also go apple picking with your family in the Chicagoland suburbs.
14. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a place where history meets modern. It becomes a fun fall destination when the fall weather hits. Let yourself be free and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage of Charleston.
With Halloween on its way, you can get your spooky side on by booking a ghost tour in Charleston, which is also known to be one of the most haunted places in America. Charleston is a historic place with many historic places to discover, so wear your most comfortable shoes and go on a historic tour of the beautiful city accompanied by the vibrant fall colors.
You can fly high in the Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Charleston during the fall. If you are an antique car lover, then the Freshfields Village Cars and Coffee is the best event for you to browse unique cars.
15. Aspen, Colorado
If you want to experience an unforgettable fall experience, then Aspen is one of the best fall destinations you must visit, while in the US. The warmness of the day followed by the light snowing in the nights make the vegetation change colors majestically.
This ski-resort town offers a variety of activities. The forest adventures like ziplining, wall climbing, mountain climbing, and hiking can be enjoyed at their best here while being surrounded by the beautiful fall foliage.
Maroon lake and Maroon bell are known to be the most photographed spots in the US when the golden Aspen leaves surround them during fall.
16. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is in its most gorgeous state during the fall season. The historic architecture combined with the breathtaking parks makes a great sight for the eyes. Witness the leaves change their color from green to gold and relish in the beautiful weather of Boston during fall.
Fall is the best time to explore the Faneuil Hall marketplace as the weather is crisp and less crowded. The abundance of trees, beautiful waterways, and intricate bike paths welcome you to explore the outdoors of Boston.
The Public Garden, Boston Common, Boston Esplanade, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, and Back Bay are some of the best places to see if you want to witness the fall foliage at its peak.
17. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a cheap travel destination that attracts football and basketball lovers from all over the world during the fall. You can go on gorgeous scenic drives to see the beautiful fall foliage. Also, enjoy delicious food and drinks while you explore Oklahoma. You can have fun at the university football games happening during fall here. To get out and see the countryside, you can take a day trip to Talimena.
Feel the beauty of vintage crafts and get in the flow of folk music, while enjoying the many festivals that Oklahoma city holds. Also, don’t forget to visit the pumpkin patch while you are here.
18. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque in New Mexico is one of the best places to visit in the fall season in October.
Every year, the largest hot-air balloon festival is held in Albuquerque, known as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It is truly a sight to hold in your memories forever. People come here from all parts of the world to witness the balloon festival wherein the balloons come in different shapes and sizes, from a fish to a cat.
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and has many wonderful museums like the Albuquerque Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that show the glorious history of the place.
19. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is known to have one of the most jaw-dropping displays of fall foliage in the country. The extremely elevated deciduous trees show gorgeous shades of orange, green, red, and yellow, and make blue ridge mountains a must-see place during fall.
Head out for a scenic drive on the Ashville roads surrounding the mountains and witness for yourself the beautiful trees changing colors in the early fall. The blissful mountain air will calm your senses, and the hiking activities available in the mountains will charge up your adventurous side.
The leaf peepers keep visiting Ashville every year during fall, to witness the fall foliage.
20. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park comes in the top 10 most-visited places in the US. It is an important cultural heritage site and holds abundant habitats.
This place is more than just a park. It is a magical place to visit during the fall. The vibrant colors of the leaves, crisp weather, and lesser crowd make it a perfect place to spend quality time with your family on the weekends.
By coming here during fall, you avoid the mud and the snow and can enjoy the fall foliage at its peak. The Night Sky Festival that is celebrated here at the end of September is a true delight for the stargazers.
Where can I check the status of fall foliage 2021?
You can check the status of fall foliage 2021 here and get to know when the leaves will start turning and when fall colors will peak. Check out all the locations that are the best fall destinations and the variations of leaves’ colors at different places. Plan a trip during fall so you don’t have to worry about hot summers, snowy winters, or the rainy season. The weather is crisp and the colors of nature are in their most beautiful state. We, at Voyayge, can help you plan a quick weekend trip to the best US fall destinations that you wouldn’t forget in a long, long time.
Have fun at these best fall destinations as much as you can…
Fall is all about bringing new changes into your life and having fun while doing it. As the weather is perfectly crisp and cool, and the colors of the leaves are mesmerizing during fall, it becomes the best time to visit all your favorite fall places to indulge in all the mazing fall activities.
Plan a quick fall weekend with your family to see the beautiful fall foliage of the country, and get your mind refreshed. Our expert travel designers at Voyayge can help you create a detailed travel itinerary for your fall vacation so that you can have the most fun without any hassle.2021