The 12 Best Fall Travel Destinations You Need to Experience This Year

With summer wrapping up, it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure! What better way to celebrate the changing seasons than by heading to some of the most beautiful fall destinations?

Over the years, I’ve grown to love the crisp air of fall and the cozy vibes it brings. Whether it’s taking a stroll through the woods to admire the vibrant fall foliage or curling up under a blanket by the fire, these moments have become truly special to me.

But hey, if cold weather isn’t your thing, you could always change it up a little. You could skip the chill in the US and jet off to somewhere warmer, like Greece!

Either way, I’m thrilled to share my top picks and recommendations for my top fall travel destinations this year.

My Favorite Fall Travel Destinations

As soon as November rolls around, I jump into full fall mode. For me, it’s all about soaking in the great outdoors, enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, exploring charming towns, and appreciating the natural beauty of places like New England.

Some of my favorites are the Finger Lakes in New York and Stowe in Vermont. You also can’t beat America’s national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite for a fall getaway! The colors of the autumn foliage and scenery are just mind-blowing, and there’s so much to explore.

Last year, I decided to shake things up a bit and headed to Greece for our fall break, and wow, it was amazing! With the summer crowds gone, we had the beaches and picturesque small towns practically to ourselves, all under fantastic weather.

Best Hotels for a Fall Vacation

Fall Travel Destinations in the USA

Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region has become my go-to spot for outdoor adventures. I love hiking through places like Watkins Glen and Taughannock Falls, where the trails and waterfalls offer a great escape. In the fall, the landscape bursts into reds, oranges, and yellows, making every hike feel like I’m wandering through a painting.

Besides the natural beauty, I’m always excited about the wine scene in the Finger Lakes. With over 100 wineries, it’s a fantastic spot for any wine lover. The region’s unique climate and fertile soil produce some amazing wines. I’ve been on many wine tours and tastings, and I have to say that Grape Escapes offered the best experience, showing us six different wine estates with a fantastic guided tour.

The small towns in the Finger Lakes, like Skaneateles, Ithaca, and Geneva, offer a close-up view of the area’s history and culture. I enjoy checking out the shops, cafes, explore charming towns and historical landmarks. Each visit is special, especially during festivals and events celebrating art, music, food, and local traditions.

Stowe, Vermont

Many of you probably know the Stowe Mountain Resort, which is extremely popular in the winter, but fall is also a great time to visit this charming town. I’ve been there a few times now, and the view from the top of Mount Mansfield is always breathtaking. The chairlift ride up offers amazing views of the fall foliage, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take one of the many hiking trails down.

Besides outdoor activities, Stowe has plenty to offer in terms of dining and shopping. The local restaurants are known for their farm-to-table approach, using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. My personal favorite is the Butlers Pantry; their French toast is to die for!

The shops in Stowe are full of unique Vermont-made products like maple syrup, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. I always make sure to grab some souvenirs for my friends and family back home.

Savannah, Georgia

If you’re on the hunt for a charming and historic city to explore this fall, then, Savannah should be at the top of your list. With its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oak trees, and stunning antebellum architecture, this city feels like a scene straight out of a storybook. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, and I can’t recommend the walking tours enough—Click here for my favorite Walking Tour!

the food scene here is also so good, From traditional Southern comfort dishes to exciting modern fusion plates, there’s something for every taste bud. You absolutely have to try the famous pecan pralines—they’re totally addictive!

Check out River Street Sweets for the best pralines in town!

New York, New York

I know this is a pretty obvious one, but hear me out—Fall in New York City is magical. The crisp air, changing leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes make this bustling city feel cozy and welcoming. Plus, there’s so much to do! From exploring Central Park with a hot apple cider in hand to catching a Broadway show on a chilly evening, the options are endless.

One of my favorite ways to experience NYC in the fall is by taking a bike ride along the Hudson River Greenway. You’ll get amazing views of the changing foliage and see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.

So, I know it’s not a hidden gem, but it’s such an iconic destination for all times of the year that I had to include it on this list, and to be honest, I’m just a sucker for New York!

Fall Travel Destinations Internationally

Kyoto, Japan

Let me switch things up a bit and tell you about my absolute favorite city in Japan—Kyoto! If you’re itching for a change this year, pack your bags and head to this amazing destination. The vibrant fall colors in the city’s gardens, temples, and shrines are simply breathtaking!

One of my top spots to soak in the gorgeous fall colors in Kyoto has to be the Imperial Palace Gardens. It’s this calm oasis right in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll while you marvel at the changing leaves.

Munich, Germany

Last, but certainly not least on my list, is Munich, Germany. While this city is famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations, it also has much to offer during the fall season. Stroll through the English Garden and take in the beautiful autumn colors, or visit one of the many traditional beer gardens and cozy up with a warm mug of glühwein (mulled wine).

If you’re interested in exploring Germany’s stunning castles, take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle for breathtaking views of the Bavarian countryside. Seeing Neuschwanstein Castle surrounded by rolling hills and fall foliage is truly amazing.

Fall Travel Destinations for Families

National Elk Refuge Jackson Hole

Of course, I also have some great options for families looking to travel this fall. First up, the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Not only is it a stunning natural area with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, but during the fall season, you can witness the incredible elk migration.

We did a tour when we visited the elk refuge, which was super fun. There are all kinds of different tours available. We were there in late fall, and it had already snowed, so we joined a winter wonderland tour in a carriage to see the elks, and it was magical. Click here to book the same tour!

Salem, Massachusetts

For those looking for a bit of spooky fun, head to Salem, Massachusetts. This historic city is known for its witch trials and Halloween celebrations. Take a walking tour through the streets of Salem and learn about its chilling past, or visit one of the many haunted houses and attractions in town.

We did a walking tour, and our tour guide Ryan did a great job explaining everything about the witch trials and the history behind some of the houses. Definitely a big recommendation for when you’re in Salem. Click here for our Walking Tour!

Honey Pot Hill Orchads, MA

Another great fall destination for families is Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Massachusetts. This family-owned farm offers apple orchards and apple picking and pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and more! It’s the perfect place to spend a beautiful autumn day with loved ones.

Visiting during harvest season to see all the pumpkin patches definitely makes for the best fall vacations, especially for the kids.

The Best National Parks in Fall

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is an outdoor lover’s dream, especially for hiking enthusiasts, with its many trails and rolling hills. However, I discovered that I enjoy cycling more than I thought. Cycling along the park’s scenic carriage roads is a fantastic way to soak up the autumn beauty.

Wildlife spotting is another highlight here. Whether it’s deer roaming the forests or seabirds gliding over the shores, Acadia is buzzing with life. Visiting in the quieter fall season meant I had the perfect chance to observe many of the animals in peace with fewer crowds. If that’s what you’re going for, I’d recommend early October as the best time to visit, though early November is also fine.

Yosemite National Park, California

Fall is an excellent time to visit Yosemite, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than in the summer months. The changing colors of the trees and the waterfalls are magnificent to see in person. Plus, many animals are more active in the fall, making it a fantastic time for wildlife viewing.

The biggest advantage of visiting Yosemite in the fall is definitely the reduced crowds. In the last five years, the national park has become much busier than it used to be. Visiting in the summer can be overwhelming due to the influx of tourists between June and August.

Yellowstone National Park

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and loads of animals. In the fall, the park transforms into a beautiful autumn wonderland with colorful foliage and cooler temperatures.

One of the highlights of visiting Yellowstone in the fall is witnessing the elk rutting season. Male elks compete for dominance by bugling and engaging in physical fights, creating an exciting spectacle to witness.

Click here for more information

Fall Festivals and Events

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

For art lovers, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is a must-visit. This festival showcases the best of local and national contemporary, Western, and Native American arts. The ten-day festival features live music, food tastings, artist demonstrations, and more.

Oktoberfest in Munich

If you’re a fan of beer and German culture, then Oktoberfest in Munich is an event not to be missed. This world-famous festival celebrates Bavarian traditions with plenty of music, entertainment, and, of course, beer. Join in on the fun by dressing up in traditional German clothing and trying all the German foods like sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut.

If you won’t be able to head all the way to Germany to attend the original Oktoberfest festival, don’t worry—many cities around the world also have their own versions of Oktoberfest celebrations which are just as fun.

Harvest Festivals at Local Farms

Fall is that magical time when the harvest season arrives, bringing an abundance of pumpkins, apples, and grapes! I love visiting local farms that transform into festive wonderlands. There’s nothing quite like picking your own fruits and veggies, enjoying a hayride, or getting lost in a corn maze.

I’ve shared my favorite festival in this article, but I bet there’s one nearby that you’ll fall in love with too. If you’re excited about apple orchards, apple picking, or pumpkin patches, do a quick Google search to find harvest festivals close to your home.

Fall Travel Destinations – Frequently Asked Questions

Is fall a good time to travel?

Absolutely! Fall offers cooler weather, gorgeous foliage, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for travel. Personally, the reduced crowds are one of the main reasons I prefer international travel in the fall. Early October in Europe is a fantastic time to visit countries like Italy, Spain, or Greece. By then, most of the crowds will have dispersed, but temperatures will still be moderate.

What are the best destinations for fall travel in the USA?

When it comes to fall travel in the USA, New England is hands down my favorite! There’s something magical about Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts in the autumn. The temperatures are just right, and the fall foliage is absolutely stunning. The whole region feels like it’s made for fall—cozy and inviting.

Where is the best place to see fall foliage?

While New England is known for its beautiful fall foliage, there are other destinations around the world that also offer stunning views. Some popular places to see fall foliage include Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The best time to catch peak leaf-peeping season varies from region to region, so it’s always a good idea to do some research before planning your trip.

Fall Travel Destinations – Final Words

No matter where you decide to travel this fall, make sure to take advantage of the cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage. Whether it’s a cozy weekend getaway or an international adventure, there’s something special about traveling during this time of year.

So pack your sweaters and boots, grab a warm drink, and get ready for an unforgettable trip! Happy travels!