40+ Best Places to Visit in the USA This Fall

Whether you’re a leaf peeper, wine sipper, hiker, or Halloween lover, these fall destinations across the USA offer something unforgettable.

🌳 1. Fall Foliage Hotspots You Can’t Miss

Acadia National Park, Maine

Maine’s rugged coastline gets a fiery makeover in October. Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is one of the ultimate fall thing to see here.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Don’t miss fresh lobster rolls and hot clam chowder at Bar Harbor’s local shacks after a long hike.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay at waterfront inns in Bar Harbor for easy park access and cozy harbor views.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The legendary Kancamagus Highway is a fall drive like no other. Dense forests explode into color while covered bridges and small villages make it feel like a fairytale.

• Insider Tip: Go mid-October for peak colors and check out Franconia Notch for dramatic mountain views.
• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Stop at roadside maple sugar shacks for maple candy and hot cider.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book a rustic lodge in Lincoln or North Conway for a full mountain-town vibe.

Stowe & Vermont Countryside

Covered bridges, maple farms, and rolling hills—it’s the picture-perfect New England fall. Farmers’ markets brim with fresh cider and pumpkin treats.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Sip fresh apple cider and try maple donuts at local orchards.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in charming bed-and-breakfasts surrounded by rolling hills and covered bridges.

Hudson Valley & Catskills, New York

Just a couple of hours from NYC, the Hudson Valley is fall central.

Wineries, apple orchards, and cozy inns make it a weekend favorite. The Catskills add mountain hikes and waterfalls into the mix.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Sample farm-to-table meals and cider tastings at family-owned orchards.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Boutique inns and vineyard stays in Hudson or Woodstock offer a true fall escape.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Art, culture, and autumn colors combine here. Museums and outdoor concerts share the stage with scenic hiking trails wrapped in fall shades.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Warm up with homemade apple pie and seasonal brews at local taverns.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose an artsy boutique hotel or countryside inn near Lenox or Stockbridge.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Skyline Drive in October is like traveling through a tunnel of fire and gold.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Grab fresh cider and pumpkin bread from roadside stands along Skyline Drive.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book rustic cabins or lodges inside the park for ultimate views.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Smokies stretch for miles with misty ridges bursting into color. Add in historic cabins and black bear sightings.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Taste southern BBQ and hot apple cider in Gatlinburg or Cherokee after a day of exploring.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Cozy cabins with mountain views are plentiful in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

🏞️ 2. National Parks at Their Autumn Best

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Aspens shimmer in gold while elk bugling fills the valleys. Snow-dusted peaks makes it more dramatic.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Warm up with local craft beer and elk chili in Estes Park.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in mountain lodges or rustic cabins in Estes Park for easy park access.

Grand Teton & Yellowstone, Wyoming

Crisp mornings, fewer crowds, and active wildlife make this combo unbeatable.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Sample hearty Wyoming stews and huckleberry desserts in Jackson Hole.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose a lodge inside the parks or a cozy cabin in Jackson for authentic mountain living.

Zion National Park, Utah

Cooler temps make those steep red canyon hikes more enjoyable. Cottonwoods by the Virgin River add splashes of yellow.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Refuel with local Southwest flavors like Navajo tacos in Springdale.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay at boutique inns or lodges in Springdale, right outside the park gates.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Rainforests, rugged coasts, and fall foliage in one place.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try Pacific Northwest seafood and fresh-baked bread in Port Angeles.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Waterfront inns in Port Angeles or cabins near Lake Crescent offer serene stays.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

A Midwest gem with waterfalls surrounded by autumn glowing trees. The scenic train ride through the park is a fall must-do.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy fresh-baked pies and cider at family-owned farm stands near Peninsula.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in charming B&Bs or historic inns in Peninsula or Akron.

Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Remote, quiet, and full of winding roads wrapped in color—perfect for an fall road trip.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Stop for warm apple cider and homemade jams at roadside country markets.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book rustic cabins or forest lodges in Warren or Bradford for a peaceful escape.

New River Gorge, West Virginia

Newly crowned as a national park, this area shines in fall. Think whitewater rafting with golden forests as your backdrop.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try Appalachian comfort food and seasonal craft beers in Fayetteville.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Cozy cabins and adventure lodges around Fayetteville make great bases.

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Hidden waterfalls and scenic drives turn into autumn scenes here. It’s underrated and far less crowded than main ones.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Savor local BBQ and pecan pie at small-town diners.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose a rustic cabin or riverside lodge near Jasper or Ozark for a quiet retreat.

🏡 3. Charming Small Towns & Mountain Getaways

Asheville, North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway drives, farm-to-table eats, and a craft beer scene that pairs perfectly with crisp evenings of fall.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy apple cider donuts and seasonal craft beers at local breweries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay at boutique hotels or mountain cabins just outside town for Blue Ridge views.

Estes Park & Telluride, Colorado

Estes Park is gateway to the Rockies, full of elk and beautiful golden valleys. Telluride transforms into fall canvas with colorful peaks.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Treat yourself to hearty mountain stews and Colorado craft ales.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: In Estes, book a rustic lodge near the park entrance; in Telluride, stay in slope-side resorts or charming inns.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Rustic charm with cowboy vibes, framed by fall-painted peaks. It’s an adventure hub but also a cozy getaway spot.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try Wyoming steak dinners and huckleberry ice cream in town.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose a mountain lodge or luxury ranch stay for a true Wild West feel.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Lobster rolls taste even better with a side of autumn sea breeze. Fall brings fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Fresh lobster bisque and hot chowder are musts at seaside cafés.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in historic inns or coastal B&Bs with harbor views.

Door County, Wisconsin

Think charming lighthouses, apple orchards, and colorful lakeside cliffs—like New England but Midwest-style.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Taste fresh cherry pies and apple cider from local orchards.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Cozy lakeside cottages and boutique inns in Fish Creek or Ephraim make ideal stays.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

Classic cabins, hiking trails, and fall festivals make this the perfect couples’ or family getaway.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Don’t miss hot cider, fresh donuts, and Pennsylvania Dutch treats at fall fairs.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Rent a log cabin or stay in resorts near Lake Harmony or Jim Thorpe.

🍷 4. Wine, Harvest & Foodie Escapes

Napa Valley, California

Fall is harvest season, meaning grape stomping, vineyard tours, and golden vineyards under the sun (but not like summer).

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Indulge in vineyard tastings paired with local cheeses and farm-to-table meals.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay at vineyard resorts or boutique wine country inns in Yountville or St. Helena.

Finger Lakes, New York

Crisp wines, lake views, and foliage make it a triple treat. Bonus: hot air balloon rides add extra magic.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Sip Rieslings paired with apple cider donuts at lakeside wineries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Lakeside B&Bs or cozy vineyard cottages around Seneca Lake are perfect bases.

Half Moon Bay, California

Home to one of the biggest pumpkin festivals in the USA. The coastal cliffs glow in soft autumn light.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try pumpkin-inspired lattes, seafood chowder, and bakery pies downtown.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Oceanfront inns and boutique hotels along Highway 1 make ideal fall stays.

Portland, Maine & Portland, Oregon

Both Portlands shine in fall—craft breweries, seafood, and cozy café culture thrive in the chilly autumn air.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: In Portland, Maine, feast on fresh lobster rolls; in Portland, Oregon, explore local breweries and seasonal food trucks.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in trendy boutique hotels downtown or waterfront B&Bs for easy access to fall flavors.

Little Rock & Hot Springs, Arkansas

Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by colorful forests, then dive into hearty southern eats.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy Southern comfort food—fried chicken, cornbread, and pecan pie.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book spa resorts in Hot Springs or historic inns in downtown Little Rock.

🌆 5. Big Cities With Autumn Vibes

Boston, Massachusetts

Freedom Trail walks under falling leaves, cozy coffee shops.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Warm up with clam chowder and pumpkin spice lattes in Beacon Hill cafés.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in boutique hotels near Back Bay or historic inns in Beacon Hill.

Chicago, Illinois

Lake Michigan’s breezy fall views mix with pumpkin festivals, food fairs, and skyline sunsets.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try deep-dish pizza and seasonal craft beers from local breweries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Downtown hotels near Millennium Park or riverfront stays give you easy access to fall events.

New York City, New York

Central Park in October is iconic. Add in fall parades, Broadway, and rooftop vibes.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy warm bagels, apple cider, and pumpkin cheesecake from famous bakeries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in Midtown hotels for Broadway access or boutique stays in SoHo for fall charm.

Washington, D.C.

The National Mall framed by golden leaves makes monuments look even grander.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Taste seasonal cupcakes and hearty chili from D.C.’s popular food trucks.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book hotels near Dupont Circle or boutique stays in Georgetown for a leafy backdrop.

San Francisco & San Diego, California

Sunny autumn escapes—perfect if you want warmth with a touch of fall charm.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: In San Francisco, try sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder; in San Diego, enjoy fresh fish tacos by the beach.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose boutique hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco or beachside resorts in San Diego.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The desert cools down, making it ideal for Red Rock hikes and exploring beyond the Strip.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Savor seasonal cocktails and world-class dining experiences on the Strip.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in themed luxury hotels on the Strip or boutique resorts near Red Rock Canyon.

🌊 6. Coastal Escapes & Southern Charm

Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestone streets and pastel houses glow in the softer autumn light. Ghost tours add a spooky twist in it.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Indulge in shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and spiced cocktails at waterfront restaurants.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in historic inns or boutique hotels in the French Quarter for easy walking access.

Savannah, Georgia

Spanish moss + fall festivals = autumn romance. Don’t miss the famous ghost tours also.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try pralines, pecan pie, and southern-style fried chicken at local eateries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book a room in a historic mansion inn or riverside boutique hotel along the Savannah River.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Skip the summer crowds and enjoy mild temps with warm Gulf waters.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Feast on fresh oysters, crab cakes, and seafood gumbo at beachfront restaurants.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Choose a beachfront condo or resort with Gulf views for a relaxing autumn escape.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Halloween vibes, jazz festivals, and world-class food.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Savor beignets, jambalaya, and seasonal cocktails in the French Quarter.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in boutique hotels near Bourbon Street or historic inns in the Garden District.

🌄 7. Desert & Southwest Adventures

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the skies with color every October—a must-see bucket list event.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy green chile stew, sopapillas with honey, and fresh-roasted chiles at local markets.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in Old Town boutique hotels or modern resorts with balloon fiesta views.

Flagstaff, Arizona

A mountain town where golden aspens mix with Route 66 nostalgia. It’s also a gateway to the Grand Canyon.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Try craft beers, Navajo tacos, and pumpkin-spiced treats at downtown cafés.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Cozy up in mountain lodges, rustic cabins, or historic Route 66 inns.

Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

Iconic red mesas glow even deeper at sunset during fall. Cooler temps make exploring much more comfortable.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Sample Native-inspired dishes and hearty stews at local trading posts.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in Navajo-run lodges or unique cliffside cabins with mesa views.

🎃 8. Haunted & Spooky Fall Destinations

Salem, Massachusetts

Halloween capital of the USA. Witch history, haunted houses, and street festivals take over the entire town.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Warm up with pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apples, and cinnamon donuts from local bakeries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in historic inns or boutique hotels near downtown Salem for easy festival access.

Nashville, Tennessee

Beyond music, Nashville has a haunted past. Ghost tours and candlelit mansions give the city an eerie autumn vibe.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Enjoy hot apple cider, seasonal southern desserts, and comfort food in downtown cafés.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Book historic boutique hotels or downtown inns close to Broadway and ghost tour routes.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Known for voodoo history and some of the spookiest ghost tours in the country. Pair it with jazz and food for an unforgettable trip.

• Seasonal Food & Drink Stops: Taste seasonal beignets, spiced cocktails, and classic jambalaya at French Quarter eateries.
• Local Lodging Recommendation: Stay in historic hotels on Bourbon Street or charming garden district inns for an authentic experience.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Fall in the USA is a season of endless possibilities. From the New England and the Hudson Valley to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Colorado, Wyoming, and the Smokies, every corner of the country transforms into a breathtaking autumn playground.