There’s nothing quite like autumn in the good ole’ US of A. The leaves are vibrant reds, warm yellows, and shimmering golds, the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, warm and woodsy scents fill the air, it’s hands down one of our fave times of the year!
Not only is it the best time to travel because the cooler temperatures make it more inviting, but the autumn inspired colors are unbeatable. From charming small towns to the large national parks, fall transforms every destination into a breathtaking, instagram-worthy backdrop.
In order to truly celebrate our USA pride and take advantage of the fall foliage our country has to offer, we’ve come up with a list of US fall destinations that need to be on your bucket list this season!
Andddd once you’ve decided on your fav destination, make sure you hit our SHOP for all the best outfit inspiration, all made in the USA ofc! 😉
20 Best Fall Destinations In the US
It’s important to know exactly when fall starts, so you can plan accordingly! Especially because the best times to visit can fall (no pun intended, LOL) anywhere from late September to late November.
This helps with setting travel dates, asking your besties or your bf if they’ll be in attendance, and it can help with maybeeee even squeezing in a fall vacay shopping trip beforehand? (You deserve it 😉).
When Is Fall In The US?
The first official day of fall this year lands on Sunday, September 22nd so mark your calendars baddies!
Here’s Exactly Where To Travel In The US In The Fall
Best Fall Activity Destinations
If you want to celebrate the Halloween season with everything spooky, fall related, and pumpkin spice flavored, check out these places we’ve found!
Salem, Massachusetts
Who would we be to not mention Salem first and foremost??? September-October is the BEST time to plan a trip to Salem if you realllyyy wanna celebrate the season it is crowned as having the largest Halloween celebration in the WORLD, after all.
They offer haunted houses, museums, attractions, psychics, faux Salem witch trials, even ghost tours and ghost hunts there’s really no better destination to visit when it comes to celebrating spooky SZN, babe.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Savannah, Georgia, our best advice is to wait until the fall. Not only do you beat that southern humidity and get to enjoy cooler temps, you also get to participate in some of the most popular fall inspired and Halloween-themed events of the year.
If you plan to visit in September, enjoy the Savannah Jazz Festival while ooh-ing and awe-ing at all the beautiful fall foliage. If your trip is booked for October, you can take part in holiday themed activities like Oktoberfest and the Ghosts and Gravestones tour.
Legend has it that Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the country, so you’re in for a treat!
New York City, New York
When you think of fall, New York City probably isn’t the first place to pop into your mind. But, believe it or not, New York is famous for its invigorating events all throughout the fall season.
The bustling city is the perfect place to fill up your itinerary with exciting costume parties, thrilling haunted houses, and parades consisting of more than 50,000 Halloween-themed costumes. There’s ALWAYS something to do during the season in this city.
And lucky for you, mid-September through October is considered shoulder season for New York, so you’re less likely to run into giant crowds or super expensive plane tickets!
Orlando, Florida
If you’re a fan of theme parks, Universal Studios hosts one of the most EPIC Halloween adventures money can buy Halloween Horror Nights. There’s also stricter rules on the age limit for this event, so it’s not as “family-friendly” as it is in other seasons.
You’ll get to experience 10 different haunted houses, 5 sinister scare zones, live entertainment, unique Halloween-themed dining experiences, anddd rides and attractions, of course.
Even if you haven’t been to a theme park before, now’s the best time to visit! You’ll need to visit their website for more in-depth info, but trust us, it’s 100% worth it.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Because New Orleans is well-known for its haunted history, naturally it has to be included on our list, right?
You’ll get to experience the ornate Halloween decorated houses lining the streets of the city, you can visit haunted houses, and you can even visit the NOLA Motorsports Park where you’ll take part in an interactive Zombie Apocalypse.
New Orleans isn’t just known for Mardi Gras, gf, they’re also one of the hottest fall destination spots.
Best Fall Foliage Destinations
If you’re looking for destinations that provide breathtaking fall views, here are some of our fave recommendations!
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to all the beautiful colors and sights that fall has to offer, Acadia National Park in Maine NEEDS to be on your itinerary. It’s actually home to the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard, so you can only imagine the miles and miles worth of reds, oranges, and yellows you’ll see when you visit.
The best time to visit is mid-October, so keep this in mind when planning! You’ll also want to take a look at their website before booking, just so you have allll the info you may need!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
If you plan to be in or around Virginia in the fall months, we hope it’s to visit Shenandoah National Park. This destination is home to waterfalls, miles worth of fields, wooded hollows, and some of the best fall views you can find.
A huge benefit to this area is that their peak foliage time is anywhere from late September to early November, so you have tons of time to book a trip! But before booking anything, take a look at some basic information so you can be in the know for your itinerary!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is most famous for the views it offers, and that’s amplified during the fall time. When you book between mid-October and early November, you’re bound to see some of the most beautiful fall colors this country has to offer.
Tennessee is also no stranger to a scenic drive it’s truly an adventure from start to finish. Look at some more info from the NPS when planning your trip!
Smugglers Notch State Park, Vermont
Vermont is a top destination for fall travel, offering an unparalleled autumn experience with 70% of the state covered in forests, providing you with a full 360° view of vibrant foliage around the clock.
Smugglers Notch State Park provides the perfect mix of calm fall festivities with relaxing autumn hues. From scenic hikes to cozy apple picking, you’ll be booked and busy with harvestful activities.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana is suuuper underappreciated when it comes to fall foliage. Their vast landscapes and endless larch trees transform the western side of the state into a stunning gold wonderland which makes it the perfect autumn destination spot.
This is also one of the best places to camp, which we’ll dive further into next. For what to expect when visiting this national park, view their extra info here!
Fall Camping Destinations
When it comes to camping, the fall season may be the most ideal time to do it so you get comfortable temps and stunning views. Let’s look at our options!
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
There’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in the woodsy warmth of the Grand Teton than to go camping in it. With stunning views everywhere you look, this experience is automatically elevated due to the harvest palette for as far as the eye can see.
We recommend visiting in October to get the most of your experience. Look at the NPS site to take a look at all your camping options!
Gunnison National Forest, Colorado
From plateaus to peaks, you can view copper-kissed tones from tons of different elevations. Due to its expansive land (3,000 miles worth, to be exact) you can soak in the season with trails, hunting, fishing, backpacking, or even mountain biking.
This is another location that you may enjoy more in mid-October. For more information on different campsite locations, check out this source!
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
If you really want to connect with nature’s authentic fall beauty, White Mountain National Forest is a must. You have the option to visit its peaks for panoramic mountain views, or stick to the flatter woodland areas to look up at the beauty around you.
While you’ll get autumn hues throughout the entire season, you can enjoy a smaller crowd throughout the month of October.
With optional s’mores by the campfire or nights laying under the star-filled sky, you can review alllll your options on their site!
Mohican State Park, Ohio
Something unique about this destination can be credited to its impeccable views of both land and water. Similar to other destinations, there are tons of activities you can do here. Fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, sightseeing you can have it all.
Not only will it provide an incomparable experience, it’s also full of unique history. Johnny Appleseed allegedly frequented this state park likeee how cool is that!
Mohican State Park is especially breathtaking in November, so keep that in mind when planning your travels!
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, but it’s also a prime camping destination for those looking to experience stunning fall foliage. A visit during autumn offers an unforgettable experience, as the waterfalls are framed by the vibrant amber hues of the season.
This area is a super popular spot, so you’ll wanna book ASAP!
Best Fall Honeymoon Destinations
Most people think of luxurious beaches and tropical resorts for their honeymoon, but that’s because not everyone knows how lavish a fall honeymoon can be!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you’re looking for a unique and encapsulating honeymoon vacation that provides all the best fall scenery, look no further than Jackson Hole.
Four Seasons in particular is super accommodating when it comes to honeymoons. With unmatched valley views from your room, cozy dining opportunities, endless couple adventure options, and tons of spa experiences, you’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t honeymoon here!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
You may be surprised to hear this, but Gatlinburg is actually one of the most popular honeymoon spots in the US! Andddd for good reason. It has the scenery, the romantic restaurants, the shopping opportunities, endless attraction opportunities you’ll never be bored.
Whether you want to lay back and admire the copper-kissed tones from your bed with your new spouse, or you want to appreciate the fall foliage in open air on the SkyLift, there’s endless ways to enjoy the season on your honeymoon.
Aspen, Colorado
If you want a mix of fall foliage and modern luxury, Aspen should def be one of your top choices. You get the comforting small town vibe with all of the lavish amenities that you deserve on your honeymoon!
Even though Aspen is an incredible choice for any time of the year, going in the fall creates those stunning backdrops for any and all outdoor experiences. You can’t beat it!
Bar Harbor, Maine
If you can’t decide between oceanic views or an autumn landscape, why not do both??? Bar Harbor is the perfect blend of romance and relaxation.
You can take walks along the ocean with brisk breezes and warm hints of sun in the morning, while enjoying the harvest canopy surrounding you during outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking in the afternoon. So technically, it’s a 2-in-1 honeymoon option!
Lake Placid, New York
If you wanna skip the price of a beach town while still getting waterside views with that touch of the autumn landscape you’re looking for, you’ll looove Lake Placid.
It’s perfect for honeymooners who want a little bit of solitude nestled into a cozy, romantic town. By staying lakeside, you can enjoy nights out on the dock with your loved one, star-gazing until your heart’s content. You’re also right next to tons of activities perfect for couples who enjoy that outdoor feel.
Hike amongst all of the fall leaf tapestry in the morning, and cozy up in an outdoor restaurant at night. What more could you want?
The US has endless unique, special, and outstanding destination options for fall views.
We don’t just love American-made products, we also love American-made views! No matter what the trip is for, you can travel the country for all sorts of fall foliage, ideal camping spots, desirable honeymoon extravaganzas, and exciting fall-themed activities.
If you’ve got the traveling bug and don’t wanna stop here, we also found the best places to travel for Halloween, annddd the best places to travel during Thanksgiving. You only live once, baddie! Go explore!
