Cooler temps, fewer crowds, popping colors—there are plenty of reasons why autumn is a favorite (and stunning) time to travel. Whether you want to see postcard-perfect autumn leaves or squeeze in one last sun-kissed beach day, we’ve rounded up the best fall vacation spots for every type of traveler.
Those sunny days by the pool aren’t over yet, especially in the desert where autumn temperatures hover at a comfortable low 80s—perfect for sunset hikes, outdoor nightcaps, and Modernism Week.
Fall breaks are the perfect opportunity for a mini family vacation packed with outdoor adventures.
Crisp air, golden leaves, and scenic hikes make Big Bear the perfect autumn escape. Enjoy lake views, outdoor adventure, or cozy fireside moments in this charming mountain town.
Mother Nature makes a splash with autumn hues along the Wisconsin River. Go hiking, cruising on a boat tour, or zip lining through the forest.
The Adirondacks breathtaking fall foliage serves as the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, rafting, then later lounging in an outdoor hot tub.
Disney creates autumn magic like only they can, with autumn leaves, larger-than-life decor, and spooky Disney details throughout all the parks.
Celebrate the season and see the Poconos Mountains come ablaze with brilliant autumn foliage, as red, orange, and gold leaves blanket the landscape.
Fall brings a vibrant transformation to the Ozark Mountains, with fiery foliage, crisp air, and plenty of seasonal events and old-time charm.
Fall leaves, hot cocoa, crackling fireplace—you get the picture. It’s time to cue the cozy.
Autumn’s brilliant hues bring out the dramatic ruggedness of the Tetons, especially when reflected on Jackson Lake. Cool bonus: Get your cameras ready for sightings of migrating bison, elk, and pronghorns.
In the fall, Zion’s golden yellow cottonwoods, oaks, and aspen trees are a striking spectacle against the park’s red sandstone cliffs. The leaf colors change first at high elevation and work their way down, so expect a long season of leaf peeping.
Autumn travel in Belize is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Not only does it mark the end of rainy season, the weather is still warm and the beaches are less crowded. Spend fall snorkeling, cave tubing, and ziplining through rainforests.
Staying warm and cooking s’mores with family and friends—that’s something to get fired up about.
A crisp autumn night and a soak in your private hot tub. Autumn never felt so good.
At this idyllic Nantucket home, you’ll watch as the autumn leaves fall while gathered around the firepit or enjoying a large family dinner at your outdoor dining table.
Not much can top a fall cabin. Except for a fall cabin on the lake—especially those with wraparound porches, private docks, and cozy fireplaces.
Quiet, balmy beach days with no crowds and no traffic. That’s the joy of a beach getaway during the fall shoulder season.
A cozy calmness takes over the Oregon Coast in the fall, with windswept driftwood beaches, peaceful coastal hikes, and the perfect bonfire weather.
The milder fall temps are perfect for exploring Virginia Beach’s coastal preserves and parks for invigorating hikes and breathtaking autumn scenery.
Amelia Island locals have dubbed fall as the “secret season” due to cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and gentler waves—all with breezy seaside scenery.
As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, Ocean City stays vibrant with an array of autumn festivals, outdoor activities, and fun on the 3-mile ocean boardwalk.
Fall may bring slightly cooler temperatures to this tropical paradise, but the water stays warm enough for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.
Autumn is a season of contrasts here, with bright gold foliage, a vibrant blue ocean, and scarlet red cranberry bogs. Discover spectacular leaf peeping along the historic Route 6A.
The Rockies are stunning year-round, but when the aspens turn crimson and gold it makes leaf-peeping season downright magical. Even better: You’ll spot hundreds of migrating elk.
Each year, Vermont’s forests and trees put on a fiery display of reds, oranges, and golds, stretching from bucolic hills to staggering mountain peaks, to reflective lakes.
Come autumn, Colorado’s mountainsides and expansive vistas transform into vivid yellows, golds, oranges, and reds across the state. Here’s where you’ll find peak leaf-peeping.
Follow your heart (and the trail of autumn leaves) to cozy mountain cabins and scenic mountain drives to see dramatic displays of fall foliage.
Fall foliage takes over Music City, as the air gets crisper and days are packed with cultural festivals and outdoor music performances.
Hike amongst rusty orange and crimson red trees of North Carolina’s largest national forest, while exploring dozens of waterfalls and the river gorge.
An evergreen city, Charleston has an enchanting autumn of its own with lantern-lit cobblestone streets, historic estates, and a fascinating haunted history.
A brilliant array of amber, red and gold is a postcard-perfect backdrop for scenic drives, hiking, and boating on Lake Hamilton.