20 Great Destinations That Are Even Better for Fall Vacations

Fewer people take fall vacations than those do in the warm months of spring and summer. This means that prices are lower and that you can score some real deals on your travel. Cooler temperatures also make many hot climate destinations much more pleasant. The season is also marked by the changing leaves that sing in orange, red, and brown. That makes hitting the road well worth your while as you can take in all of the gorgeous autumnal sights.

If you’re thinking of taking a fall vacation but don’t know where to go yet, you are in luck. US News polls readers each year to discover the best fall travel destinations each year. They have just released their latest findings. That makes these destinations the most beloved by everyday folks who took a vacation and felt compelled to tell others how great it was. Take a look at the list below to find the best place for your family to travel this fall.

San Diego

Let’s kick things off with the twentieth-best place to visit this fall. San Diego enjoys temperatures in the 70s for most of the season, making it an ideal place for outdoor excursions and activities. You can ramble through tremendous Balboa Park or soak up some sunshine on the beach or head north to hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The possibilities are endless in this area. For culture, expect to find a festival just about every weekend ranging from film festivals to holiday street fairs.

Victoria and Vancouver Island

Victoria, BC in Canada is one of the country’s finest cities. You can feel the romance floating in the air of this small city located on Canada’s Pacific Coast. In fact, the city has been ranked Canada’s most romantic for several years now. Because it is situated on the tip of an island walks next to the water can be found just about everywhere you turn. Don’t miss the Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle, or the vineyards of the Cowichan Valley. All are very much worth your time.

Boston

Beat the bitter cold by planning your visit to Beantown. The temperatures are mild in the fall, making it the ideal time for long walks across the city’s cobblestone streets. Boston is chock full of historic places for you to visit and learn more about. If you enjoy a solid walking tour, plan to explore Freedom Trail which covers many of the city’s historical sights.

San Francisco

Visit San Francisco in the fall and prepare to leave your heart there. Tourist season peaks in the bay area in the summer so you can expect lower rates and thinner crowds at all of the popular destinations. Stroll down crooked Lombard Street or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for fun. San Francisco is home to some of the best grub in the world so be sure to take advantage of all of the city’s gastronomic offerings. If you’d like to escape, visit the nearby Muir Woods National Monument.

Hawaii – The Big Island

Why, yes, you can escape to paradise during fall. Book your trip to Hawaii’s Big Island in autumn and you will be rewarded with lower room rates, thinner crowds, and marvelous weather. This island oasis is perfect for those seeking adventure. The island boasts exceptional hiking trails past waterfalls and molten lava. Hit the pristine beaches where you can try water sports like snorkeling and paddle boarding. No visit is complete without a helicopter tour of the island!

Big Sur

The fifteenth-best fall destination is Big Sur, California. Nature-lovers flock to the area year-round but there are some truly special wildlife activities to enjoy in the fall. Blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas can be spotted in the Pacific Ocean in September, US News explained. Also, hundreds of monarch butterflies return to Andrew Molera State Park around October to settle in for winter. 

Prince Edward Island

While the beaches of Prince Edward Island off the east coast of Canada are too chilly to enjoy in the fall, there’s still tons to do. Seafood lovers cannot miss the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival in September. Those PEI mussels you’ve ordered in the past come from this charming island. Also in September and October is the PEI Fall Flavours Festival. Walk or cycle the Confederation Trail or the Island Walk for some action.

Santa Fe

Fall festivals abound in Santa Fe, New Mexico, US News notes. Foodies will love sampling the region’s distinct flavors at the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta in September. After you’ve had your fill, enjoy some local culture by taking in the region’s distinct architecture. The aspens that cover the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a must-see for fall. Another way to see the sights is to take a ride on the Ski Santa Fe chairlift from mid-September to early October.

Telluride

Telluride, Colorado is renowned for its winter activities but get there in the fall and you will be treated to the mountain town’s beguiling possibilities. Take a ride on the famous gondolas for unparalleled views of the changing foliage. There are tons of great hiking trails to enjoy all through October. The town is offbeat in all the right ways and you will definitely enjoy exploring all it has to offer.

RELATED: 20 Autumn Garden Photos to Give You the Fall Feels

Jackson Hole

The eleventh best place to visit in the fall is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The weather is perfect this time of year for exploring the little mountain town or hiking nearby at Grand Teton National Park. Further, enjoy a nice relaxing soak in the Granite Hot Springs. Head back to town in September for the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.

Montreal

Take a trip to one of Canada’s world-class cities, Montreal, for a dose of local culture. Fall brings cold temperatures to the area but the residents don’t seem the least bothered by it. Fall festivals and events continue through fall and are worth checking out. Stroll through the quant Old Montreal for some charm. Montreal has a distinct food culture that is different from any other place in North America so prepare to take your tastes on a food adventure. When you’re finished exploring all the city has to offer, visit the botanical garden which wows thousands of visitors each year.

Charleston

If you’ve been to Charleston, South Carolina in the summer before, you know that it is the most humid place on earth, or at least, it feels like it. Skip the swampy heat by visiting in the fall instead. Then, you will get to enjoy all of the city’s Southern charms. There is so much culture to enjoy in the city including some of the best restaurants in the country, serving traditional Lowcountry fare. Stroll along the historic streets to find boutiques and shops offering all manner of goodies. The architecture in the city is also remarkable so book a tour to learn all about Charleston’s past.

Acadia National Park

Who loves a lighthouse? Enjoy a trip to Bass Harbor Head Light located in this national park on the coast of Maine. Acadia national park attracts leaf watchers from across the US each year. The leaves are typically at their height in mid-October, but the state offers a regularly updated foliage report to help you plan your scenic trip.

Sedona

Daytime high temperatures in Sedona, Arizona, begin to sail from the high 90s to the more comfortable 60s when November rolls around. If you visit in September and October you will be able to see the sycamore, oak, and maple trees with their changing leaves. There are plenty of things to do in town as well including shopping and a trip to one of Sedona’s award-winning spas.

Yellowstone

So, you’ve been binge-watching a show of the same name. Is it time to live that rugged, Western adventure for real? Absolutely! Tourist season ends as fall progresses making a visit this time of year ideal. Hiking is still enjoyable through November but take note that some of the roads do close for winter beginning in October. Fishing, hiking, and biking are all fun activities. Or, you could just take in all of nature’s splendor which will likely include a bison or two.

Kauai

The fifth best fall destination according to US News’ poll is Kauai, Hawaii. It’s best to visit in the fall because the island is far less crowded than it is in the summer months. Crowds won’t block your views of some of Kauai’s best attractions like Waimea Canyon and Wailua River State Park. The island stays warm all year long but the rainy season does kick off in November so plan the timing of your visit accordingly. Don’t miss some of the best beaches in the world such as Ke’e Beach and Tunnels Beach.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Western North Carolina is one of the most picturesque places in the country. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Great Smoky National Park which straddles the North Carolina and Tennessee border. It’s the ideal place for leaf peeping this fall. Hike the Appalachian and Oconaluftee River trails to various lookout points for arresting panoramas. If you’re not much of a hiker, no problem. Catch the views with a drive along Clingmans Dome Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for a more restful but equally beautiful excursion.

The Grand Canyon

Next up, the Grand Canyon! If you have never been, fall is the time to do it. The Arizona national park is a dream year-round but with temperate weather, fewer people, and lower room rates, US News notes. North Rim trails are very popular among hikers but you can also catch the sights by taking a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. Expect to see stunning views that include plenty of wildlife that the kids will love.

Zion National Park

The second, most popular fall travel destination according to US News can be found in Utah. Zion National Park’s declining temperatures (highs are typically in the 90s through September but they drop to the 60s by November) make the perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canyoneering in the fall. The park’s most popular hikes are The Narrows, the Canyon Overlook Trail, and Angels Landing.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 75 Stirring Fall Quotes That Celebrate Your Favorite Time of Year

Asheville

Drumroll… For nature lovers, you can’t beat a trip to Asheville, North Carolina in the fall. The city is in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail making it ideal to see the changing leaves which happens in early October through mid-November. Hike Max Patch and you won’t regret it. If you’re after some culture, you won’t be disappointed either. Tour the Biltmore Estate (really don’t sleep on this one, it’s incredible), visit galleries and museums, and so much more. Further, Asheville is a beer-lovers paradise. It is home to over three dozen breweries.

Where will you be going this fall? We hope we gave you some intriguing ideas. If you know where you are going, keep reading. We have a list of the best travel products to make your journey much more pleasant. You’re welcome!

10 Travel Products That Will Make Your Journey Much Easier:

Mamas Uncut is a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including Skimlinks, ShareASale, Commission Junction, and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Mamas Uncut may earn a percentage of revenue generated from purchases made via the links in this post.

Stojo On The Go Coffee Cups – 12 oz

$15 at the time of publication.

This cup is created by a company called Stojo. And the most amazing thing about it is that the silicone material it is made out of allows it to be folded up when it’s not being used. If you are trying to reuse and be more eco-concious this product is a real winner for traveling.

Buy Now

Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow | Solid Moisturizer Stick

$14 at the time of publication.

One of the things that often gets neglected while traveling is our skin. Most of us can’t pack all the body lotion we need in a carry on bag, but a solid, moisture stick can easily be thrown in. This option from Pixi offers the moisture you need for your skin and all you have to do is roll it on. This one’s a gamechanger.

Buy Now

Ostrichpillow Go – Luxury Travel Pillow with Memory Foam

$60 at the time of publication.

Yes, there are more affordable neck pillows on the market but none of them deliver like this dreamy one from Ostrich.  “Crafted with an elegant design and high-density memory foam, this travel pillow offers 360º natural ergonomic neck support, this makes it the ideal travel companion for the modern nomad that wants to be like home anywhere,” the brand says.

Buy Now

hello Antiplaque & Teeth Whitening Eco Friendly Toothpaste Tablets

$8 at the time of publication.

How about some all-natural toothpaste tablets so that you can skip packing tubes that can leak, and instead opt for a mess-free and plastic-free option? To use, just pop a pre-portioned tablet in your mouth, wet your toothbrush, and scrub your way to a clean mouth.

Buy Now

Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger

$26 at the time of publication.

Outlets are coveted in airport terminals and nonexistent in most cars. This external battery, on a single charge, can charge your phone three times. It is compact and easy to carry in your purse or carry on bag.

Buy Now

Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Makeup Organizer Cosmetic & Toiletry Bag 

$30 at the time of publication.

Do you hate digging through your bag to find the right shade of lipstick? Have you ever dumped out the contents of your toiletry bag on a hotel floor to be able to find what you need? The lay-n-go cosmetic organizer is the product for you! It allows you to organize your makeup and other toiletries and you can lay it open to find exactly what you need. It comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns so be sure to check those out on Amazon.

Buy Now

MZOO 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask

$20 at the time of publication.

If you hate your sleep mask or need a new one, this 3D mask puts all others to shame. With over 75,000 glowing reviews on Amazon this is the best-selling and best-rated sleep mask they offer. The innovative design blocks out much more light than the competitors and it is comfortable as can be! You will definitely be able to catch a few Z’s with this bad boy on.

Buy Now

Sleepy Ride – Airplane Footrest

$22 at the time of publication.

Kick back on your next flight with an airplane-ready foot rest. It easily mounts onto the seat tray, and not only ups that cheap seat comfort, but can also reduce in-flight foot swelling. Yes, you will love a little hammock for your feet on your many travels.

Buy Now

ZOPPEN Travel Wallet

$14 at the time of publication.

In this wallet, you can shove money, cards, boarding passes, passport, whatever, all protected with RFID-blocking tech. It has a spot for all of the things that get jumbled up in a standard wallet and keeps you organized and sane while you make your way through the airport.

Buy Now

Steamfast Mini Steam Iron

$20 at the time of publication.

After a 10-hour flight, shoved in your suitcase, you could be forgiven for having some wrinkled clothes. But, if that does not fly with you, we’ve got just the product for you. This is a mini steam iron that can be packed in your carry on and used to iron out all of those wrinkles. It is easy to use and very convenient.

Buy Now

Now you know exactly what to buy ahead of your next adventure. These travel products really do make the whole ordeal much easier and provide comfort, usability, and even style. Get your travel items today and you will see why so many love these amazing products!