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- Stowe, Vermont
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Newport, Rhode Island
- San Diego, California
- New York City, New York
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Portland, Oregon
- Yellowstone National Park
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
1. Stowe, Vermont
Average cost: $300 daily
Where to stay: The Stowe Village Inn
Ideal for: Hikers and nature enthusiasts
Stowe is a postcard-worthy place that is guaranteed to be all over your social media feed during fall with stunning scenery. It’s a classic New England experience as a town nestled amongst the mountains that comes to life during fall, from its pumpkin patches to its beautiful falling leaves and traditional farms. You’re guaranteed to spend your time indulging in homemade apple cider and picking up unique souvenirs to commemorate your time in Vermont.
Photo by Jeffrey Clayton on Unsplash
Nestled under Mount Mansfield, Stowe is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and hikers due to its proximity to Vermont’s highest peak. If you prefer to avoid long walks, you can take a scenic drive through the covered bridges and explore Stowe’s food scene, including the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Cliff House Restaurant.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina
Average cost: $150 daily
Where to stay: Princess Anne Boutique Hotel
Ideal for: Fans of scenic drives and outdoor walks who want a unique road trip.
Just outside of Asheville, you’ll find the Blue Ridge Parkway. Considered one of America’s most popular scenic drives, it stretches across almost 470 miles with stunning mountain views. If you’re a fan of public parks, you’ll want to do this pilgrimage at least once in your life, as the road connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. It’s the perfect way to tick off two national parks in just one fall vacation.
Photo by Jordan Delmonte on Shutterstock
If you’re a fan of hiking, pack your comfiest walking shoes as there are plenty of trails around the lakes that offer stunning panoramic views of waterfalls, mountains, and beyond. Travelers on a budget can also take advantage of popular picnic spots across Asheville, from Pack Square Park to Graveyard Fields.
3. Washington, D.C.
Average cost: $200 daily
Where to stay: Washington Plaza Hotel
Ideal for: Family-friendly and multi-generational trips with a focus on museum tours.
Washington D.C. is a place we always include in our seasonal guides as it’s a year-round hit. With most museums and exhibitions offering free entry, it’s surprisingly one of the more affordable weekend breaks that you can book in the fall. You’ll get to witness the beautiful foliage as the colors change during fall while immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of the nation’s capital.
Photo by J. Amill Santiago on Unsplash
Make sure to go for a walk around the National Mall and explore Georgetown’s cobblestone streets like a local. There are plenty of independent food spots to indulge at, or you can always enjoy lunch with a view of the Potomac River. Washington D.C. is a fall destination that offers something for guests of all ages, from the National Museum of Natural History to the United States Botanic Garden.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Average cost: $290 daily
Where to stay: The Bostonian Boston
Ideal for: Travelers who want to mix outdoor experiences with cultural events, while enjoying fall foliage.
If you’re looking for other vacation recommendations on the East Coast, look no further than Boston. October and early November are when this state blooms with stunning foliage. Many of the city’s historical monuments host seasonal festivals or offer unique exhibitions to commemorate specific events.
Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash
You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city by spending an afternoon at the Boston Public Garden. There are plenty of tranquil spots to simply sit back and relax as you soak up the atmosphere around you. It’s a great spot for watching the seasons change before your eyes, with over 600 different types of trees planted throughout the area.
One of the reasons why we love Boston for a fall vacation is how easily you can get to other popular places, including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Salem.
5. Newport, Rhode Island
Average cost: $200 daily
Where to stay: Cleveland House
Ideal for: Exploring Gilded Age mansions and enjoying a small coastal community.
You don’t have to wave goodbye to summer just yet. If you’re not a fan of mountain hiking, we’ve got the perfect fall option for you.
Newport is one of the most talked-about coastal communities in the United States. It’s constantly the focus of television shows and movies. If you’re a fan of HBO’s “The Gilded Age”,you’ll be familiar with Newport’s elegant past. Synonymous with the so-called preppy culture, Newport is a quintessentially American experience, famous for hosting the America’s Cup, the annual sailing regatta.
Photo by Radu Lin on Unsplash
Accommodation costs vary in Newport, and private homes, including bed and breakfasts, are often your most affordable option. Make sure to treat yourself to one of Rhode Island’s iconic lobster rolls and get your boat legs by booking a yacht ride around the harbor.
Some of the most popular events and festivals in Newport during fall include the Annual Newport International Boat Show, the Annual Wine & Food Festival, and the Newport International Polo Series. Although more likely to attract guests with an interest in sailing, Newport has plenty to offer for families, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a wellness retreat.
6. San Diego, California
Average cost: $250 daily
Where to stay: Ayres Hotel San Diego South
Ideal for: Solo travelers and groups looking for a diverse itinerary.
San Diego is one of the few fall destinations on this list that truly offers something for all travelers. Our top recommendation for a fall vacation on the West Coast is San Diego, which combines all the benefits of a coastal city with warmer temperatures and dozens of attractions to add to your itinerary.
Photo by Irina Lev on Shutterstock
The San Diego Zoo is rated as one of the best in the world, with fall being peak season. It’s easy to navigate the zoo without the summer heat, and you can even upgrade your visit with one-of-a-kind wildlife adventures and VIP experiences. If you’re visiting in October, check out the Halloween events held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm.
If you have kids or limited vacation time, you might be planning your fall getaway for close to Halloween. You can get into the spirit of spooky season by checking into Whaley House, known as the most haunted house in America. Rich in historical significance, a trip to Whaley House during fall feels like stepping into a ghost-hunting movie, making it a must-visit for tourists who aren’t afraid of the paranormal.
7. New York City, New York
Average cost: $300 daily
Where to stay: Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
Ideal for: Theatre enthusiasts and travelers who want to treat their tastebuds to something new.
No fall travel guide is complete without mentioning New York. While the city has year-round appeal, New York is at its most beautiful as it transitions from summer through to fall and winter as the leaves change color. Most tourists prefer to visit the Big Apple in fall, when you can expect weather conditions to be at their best – neither too hot nor too cold – and for the fall foliage to provide the ultimate backdrop for your vacation photos.
Photo by Look Again Digital on Unsplash
Early to mid-fall is when most new Broadway shows debut and when you can generally expect cast changes for more established productions. If you’re on a budget, look out for shows that offer discounted “day seats”, or check platforms like TodayTix for discounted tickets.
Whatever your New York plans include, add at least one afternoon at either Central or Prospect Park to enjoy the city in its autumnal foliage with the seasonally cooler weather. It’s also worth double-checking that your vacation dates don’t overlap with the New York Marathon, held this year on November 2nd.
If you’re taking an extended visit to New York, consider adding a trip to Sleepy Hollow, just a 40-minute journey on the Hudson 829. This picturesque town goes viral every year for its connection to the 19th-century story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, and sees its peak visitors in the run up to Halloween.
Looking for more advice for your fall NYC trip? Make sure to visit our travel blog, which is full of dedicated NYC guides, from the most popular day spas to the best brunch spots for your autumnal getaway.
8. Salem, Massachusetts
Average cost: $300 daily
Where to stay: Hampton Inn Salem Boston
Ideal for: Halloween enthusiasts interested in witch trials, magic, and Salem’s unique history.
Some places are more expensive to visit in fall as that’s when they experience their peak visitor numbers. This scenario doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit, but you should be prepared for the tourist crowds and higher accommodation costs. Salem, Massachusetts, falls right into this category – but fall is the most magical season to visit this colorful place.
Photo by Georgios Antonatos on Shuttertock
If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your vacation for early September or November; however, October promises to bring out the best of this unique picturesque town. Salem is perfect for a group trip with its unique blend of historic experiences, independent stores, and Halloween aesthetic.
Visitors to Salem during peak season should plan their itinerary ahead of time, as many of the most popular attractions only offer day-of tickets and can sell out quickly. The Witch House, owned by Witch Trials Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the last remaining structural tie to the witch trials, while the Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers insights into the town’s maritime history.
9. Portland, Oregon
Average cost: $210 daily
Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Ideal for: Travelers who want an urban retreat with a diverse range of outdoor activities.
If you want to escape to the tranquility of nature during fall without going into the countryside, Portland ticks all the boxes. Located at the foot of the Tualatin Mountains, this city always sees an uptick in visitors during fall, attracted to the area by its colorful foliage, outdoor lifestyle, and milder temperatures.
Photo by Nadia Yong on Shuttertock
We recommend bringing your car or renting a vehicle if you’re planning a visit to Portland. Some of the top festivals and destinations are just a short drive from the city, including St. Helens, famous for being the set of Disney’s “Halloweentown”. Every year, the town hosts a month-long celebration for Halloween, making it a more whimsical alternative to Salem if you want to plan a themed trip.
There are also several iconic hiking trails close to Portland, including around the Columbia River Gorge, where you can expect to see the warm autumnal foliage illuminated against waterfalls, cliffs, and spires. This river canyon runs for 80 miles, and you can explore it either on foot or with a scenic drive. Another place worth adding to your itinerary is Mount Tabor Park, which offers a breathtaking view of the Portland skyline and is famous for being located within a dormant volcanic cinder cone.
10. Yellowstone National Park
Average cost: $350 daily
Where to stay: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Ideal for: Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a once-in-a-lifetime fall experience.
We’ve rated Yellowstone National Park as one of our favorite must-visit destinations for 2025 and beyond. The original national park, Yellowstone, has seen a boom in popularity thanks to the success of the CBS show of the same name, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Photo by Danita Delimont on Shuttertock
Spread across 2.2 million acres, it stretches from Montana to Idaho and Wyoming, consisting of forests, mountains, hot springs, and alpine lakes. Eagle-eyed visitors might get lucky in spotting elk, moose, bears, or bison along the trail. The park also reintroduced wolves to the wild in the late 90s within its Lamar Valley region, one of the most popular parts of Yellowstone.
If you’re considering visiting your first park this fall, Yellowstone is the perfect option as it offers a variety of lakes and hiking trails to suit all abilities, from multi-day hikes to short walks that take less than an hour. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy at Yellowstone, including hiking, boating, and fishing. Whatever your itinerary includes, you’re guaranteed to capture some of the best pictures of this park in the fall foliage. With milder temperatures, it’s also a great opportunity for stargazing.
Aim for at least three days at Yellowstone during fall and choose a particular area to focus on, depending on your interest in the park. It would be easy to spend weeks here, so it’s best to focus on what interests you most to stop you feeling overwhelmed.
11. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Average cost: $300 daily
Where to stay: Snow King Resort Hotel & Luxury Residences
Ideal for: An outdoor thrill and seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is where every wildlife and outdoor enthusiast must visit at least once – especially if you want to see the fall leaves changing color in real time. If you’re not ready to commit to a trip to Yellowstone, this is a great alternative. You’ll get the best weather in September and early October, before temperatures start to drop, giving you ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, including at Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Photo by Lindsay Garrett on Shuttertock
Take the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Tram for views that will make you fall in love with nature, and stop off at Bar Enoteca before making the trip back down. If you want to try hiking, Grand Teton National Park is just 10 miles from Yellowstone and connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway.
If you’re looking for something more elevated, book a hotel in Jackson and explore everything the ski resort town has to offer. Many of the local boutiques specialize in Western-inspired clothing and accessories, while there’s no shortage of eclectic restaurants to tickle your taste buds during the fall.
Plan your American getaway this Fall with ZenHotels
Fall is the perfect season to go on vacation, whether you’re heading out on a solo adventure or bringing your family together for a multi-generational holiday. You can enjoy activities and see popular attractions in fall without the soaring heat of summer and take advantage of more competitive rates.
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you curate your fall vacation, wherever it takes you in the United States or beyond. Still not sure where you want to travel this fall? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by reading our blog.
