The United States has plenty to offer travelers year-round, but the fall months (September to November) are a special time in America. Many parts of the country experience stunning fall foliage during these months, along with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Whether travelers are seeking a cozy fall getaway or an extended summer vacation, the United States is the place to visit during autumn. These are the ten best vacation spots to book this fall when traveling the U.S.
10 New England
New England is a region in the northeast of the United States comprising six states: New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Travelers looking to get a glimpse of America’s fall colors cannot choose a better destination for stunning autumn foliage. Planning a road trip through England in October is the perfect time to see the trees at their most vibrant while enjoying stops in Boston, Portland, and Lake Champlain along the way.
9 Maui, Hawaii
In many parts of the US and Canada, fall means cooler temperatures and bundling up in warm layers. Travelers who aren’t ready to say goodbye to summer yet can book a flight to Maui this fall for a taste of island life in the Pacific Ocean. Fall is the best season to visit Hawaii because of the warm temperatures, clear skies, and lower prices because summer tourists have already come and gone.
8 New York City, New York
New York City is a great destination at any time of the year, but fall brings new energy to the streets as the leaves turn orange and temperatures become more comfortable following the summer heat. Mid-September to late October in New York City brings crisp, dry air and sunny weather with little humidity. It’s the perfect time to stroll through Central Park or explore new areas of the city on foot with a coffee or latte in hand.
7 Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Wyoming is a northwestern state in the US and is well known for its incredible wildlife. Photographers and hikers will want to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the fall when the trees turn beautiful colors, the summer crowds disperse, and temperatures remain comfortable, sitting in the 40-60ºF range. For the best prices, visit in October, which is the start of the “off-season.”
6 Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a gorgeous city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The iconic structure of the city is the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence, which, along with the bustling art scene and historic district, are some of the many reasons to visit any time of the year. The fall is considered the best season to experience Asheville, from mid-September to early November, when the fall foliage is at its most beautiful and temperatures are in a comfortable range of 50-75ºF.
5 Taos, New Mexico
Taos is located in the high desert of New Mexico and is bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is an artist’s town with many galleries and museums to explore. September and October are the best times of year to visit Taos, New Mexico, because the scorching summer temperatures have petered out and so have the tourist crowds. Not only is the weather more pleasant here during the fall months, but the prices of flights and accommodation are more affordable since there is less demand.
4 San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a popular travel destination for both Americans and international visitors; it has an incredible food scene, diverse cuisine options, lots of shopping, and is in proximity to many vineyards. There is beautiful architecture like the Golden Gate Bridge to admire, and travelers can tour the infamous Alcatraz prison. While San Francisco is temperate year-round, the fall months of September to November are the best time to visit. September is the hottest month of the year in San Francisco, with comfortable temperatures of 72 °F-58 °F.
3 Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and is a beautiful place to visit year-round. It’s got mountain views in the distance and incredible dining options that are sure to make travelers fall in love with this city. While it’s a great option for travelers at any time of the year, fall is the best time to visit for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The summer rush is over during September and October, but vacationers visiting for skiing have yet to arrive, ensuring visitors during this time secure lower prices and have an authentic, local experience.
2 Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Travelers who want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee can head to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge during the autumn months of September to November. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers incredible hiking opportunities but is extremely busy in the summer with families and their kids on break from school. Visiting in the fall, specifically from late September to October, means fewer crowds and colorful fall foliage.
1 Salem, Massachusetts
Travelers who want a unique and spooky fall travel experience should head to the town of Salem, Massachusetts, in October as Halloween approaches. North of Boston, Salem is known for being the home of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, in which many locals believed to be practicing witchcraft were executed. The town has embraced its history, and decorations for Halloween can be seen as early as October 1st.
