Discover the Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Your Autumn Getaway

Autumn is a great time for an end of summer getaway. The season’s temperate climate, colorful landscapes and cool breezes are welcoming and soothing for the soul. Whether you're a leaf-peeper, a hiker, or simply someone who loves the crisp fall air, there's a destination for you. We’ve assembled a collection of autumn getaway destinations that will be sure to excite your wanderlust.

Planning an Autumn Getaway Destination

The sky’s the limit when choosing where to go on your autumn getaway, especially when you have a few flying hacks under your belt and you know which travel apps to download ahead of time. Here are some best places for fall travel for planning your autumn getaway:

•  Make your budget - Knowing how to save while traveling is one thing, but you also should look at tips on saving money on air travel . The more you save on getting there, the more you have to spend while you’re actually there.
•  Consider a flight pass - Trusted flier and global flier passes can help you streamline the airport security , which is really convenient when you’re traveling with kids .
•  Pack snacks to stave off hunger - Save money by packing a few healthy travel snacks in your travel backpack. This is great for when you’re part of a tour and it’s not yet time to stop and eat, but the kids’ stomachs are already growling.
•  Reserve a parking spot - Finally, be sure to reserve a parking spot ahead of time with The Parking Spot . You’ll enjoy no-stress parking, secure parking, and free shuttle service to your terminal.

Now, let’s get to that list of gorgeous fall destinations!

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. It also tops our list of best places to travel in the fall, scoring high for diversity, walkability, scenic beauty, low crime rates, and more. As a fall travel getaway, you can’t get much better than Asheville.

The vibrant downtown scene here is an eclectic experience that will have you dancing in the street to a busking band, choosing a souvenir from a local street vendor selling handcrafted wares, to window shopping fine jewelry and handmade furniture.

Be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate , a Gilded Age mansion where you can tour the interior as well as the stunning gardens surrounding the home. Biltmore is the largest privately-owned house in the United States, complete with extensive gardens and a winery.

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer an unparalleled autumnal experience, especially when paired with the serene beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee. As the leaves begin to change, the mountains transform into a tapestry of vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to golden yellows.

The Kancamagus Highway, often referred to as the "Kanc," provides one of the most scenic drives in America, especially during the fall.

Lake Winnipesaukee, nestled among these majestic mountains, adds an extra layer of allure with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the autumnal hues. You and your family can hike one of the many trails, rent a boat to take out on Lake Winnipesaukee, or go apple picking in the surrounding orchards.

To make sure you have everything you need on your day excursions, use the same suitcase packing tips for your backpack. For the more adventurous, zip-lining through the colorful canopy offers an adrenaline-pumping perspective on the area's natural beauty.

Boulder, Colorado

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains lies Boulder, Colorado, about an hour northwest of Denver. Boulder is a great base from which you can enjoy many of the fall experiences available in the region.

Rock Creek Farm is in nearby Broomfield, where you and the kids can visit the pumpkin patch, go on a hayride, pet the farm animals, and make your way through a corn maze.

Boulder is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts . The town is interwoven with well-maintained bike trails, some of which run along Boulder Creek. Rent a bike from a shop on the Pearl Street Mall, a paved, outdoor pedestrian mall. This is a great way to get your exercise while traveling .

One of the most iconic hiking spots is the Flatirons, a series of slanted, reddish-brown sandstone formations that offer both moderate and challenging trails. When hunger strikes, visit Sushi Zanmai , by far the best sushi east of the Rockies, and a lively, authentic Japanese restaurant with Karaoke.

Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon has been a special place to go for years, but on Oct. 14, 2023, an annular "ring of fire" solar eclipse will make its way from Oregon to Texas, and Bend is strategically located just north of its path. This rare astronomical event is one of many great reasons to visit Bend, which is often mentioned as a travel destination due to its abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

In fall, the trees along the Deschutes River transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows that’s impossible not to marvel over. The river itself is ideal for kayaking and fishing, which gives you the time and solitude to really appreciate the landscape. Bring your phone or camera because the natural light is perfect.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you’ve ever thought about traveling to New Mexico, autumn is the perfect season to visit Albuquerque. The International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes place every October for a week. You don’t have to go up in a balloon, since the spectacle of 800 balloons taking flight is amazing from the ground. But if you do go up, know that it’s an experience you won’t forget. The propane burner is only on for a little bit; the vast majority of the time aloft is silent, save for the sounds of nature drifting up from below.

The temperatures in Albuquerque in autumn are extremely pleasant, with no hot day temps and no freezing night temps. Shop and dine in nearby Nob Hill or Old Town for evening entertainment.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is an idyllic New England town, rich with history, charm, and beauty. This coastal town is on Aquidneck Island, just west of Buzzard’s Bay on the east coast. With only about 25,000 year-round residents, Newport definitely has that small-town feel that people crave. There’s lots to do here, including walking around the town appreciating all the majestic mansions, many of which belonged to captains and ship builders back in the day.

In the autumn, there are harbor cruises, ghost tours, and pick your own orchard experiences abundant with many varieties of apples. The most popular walking tour is the Olde Town Ghost Walk, but there are several others to choose from. It goes without saying that the fall foliage is its own spectacle, with colors and hues that excite and inspire awe.

In mid-October, enjoy Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival and the Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival , both of which are outdoor events that take advantage of the gorgeous autumn weather in Newport. The craft beer festival is a lot like an Oktoberfest event that you might find in Germany.

Charleston, South Carolina

Autumn in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, historical richness, and a touch of the supernatural. As the sweltering heat of summer gives way to milder temperatures, the city's cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture take on a new allure.

Fall is the perfect time to explore Charleston's historic district, where you and your loved one can take a romantic carriage ride beneath canopies of trees adorned in autumn colors.

Autumn also brings a sense of mystery to the city, known as one of America's most haunted locations. Ghost tours are especially popular, providing a chilling yet fascinating look into Charleston's storied past. There are several to choose from, according to your preference.

Whether you're strolling along the Battery promenade to catch the golden sunset over the harbor or savoring Southern comfort food at a local eatery, Charleston in the fall offers an experience that combines natural beauty, history, and Southern charm in a way that's uniquely its own.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a quintessential New England town that deserves to be considered for your autumn getaway. This town is known for its skiing, but it starts to come alive during the fall season. As the leaves turn into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, the town transforms into a picturesque autumnal paradise.

One of the must-do activities is taking a scenic drive through Smugglers' Notch State Park , where winding roads are flanked by stunning fall foliage. If you plan ahead, you and your family can even camp overnight inside the park.

Consider hiking the Pinnacle Trail, which gives you panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are lots of opportunities for you to pick your own apples and indulge in freshly made cider donuts and warm apple cider.

If you're a fan of craft beer, a visit to The Alchemist Brewery is in order. Its world-renowned Heady Topper is a local treasure. To cap off your day, take a leisurely gondola ride up Mt. Mansfield to witness the sunset, as the sky takes on hues that complement the fall foliage below.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine is a 47,000-acre wonderland that comes alive in the fall with colorful autumn leaves. With a 27-mile park loop and 120 miles of trails, you can spend an entire weekend soaking in the vibrant hues of maples and birches.

The park's Cadillac Mountain offers a panoramic view that's hard to beat. Hiking trails like Jordan Pond Path and Precipice Trail offer varying levels of difficulty but guarantee stunning views.

Try not to miss the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain; it's the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October to March.

Tips to Make Your Autumn Getaway a Runaway Success

Download the App

The Parking Spot app makes things even simpler. You can enjoy contact-less payment, reserve your spot, get directions to your spot and earn points toward free parking.

Accessorize

We’re not talking about matching earrings with your fall outfits. But there are some really handy travel accessories that can make a world of difference in your travel experience. For example, you can get lightweight, portable and reusable water bottles, a portable charger, and similar items to make life easier on the road.

Manage Time

An autumn getaway should be a time for re-energizing and relaxing as much as anything else. Don’t try to pack all of your events into one day. Spread out the activities so you have time to rest in between.

Use The Parking Spot

While other people are standing at the shuttle stop wondering if their ride will ever arrive, The Parking Spot shuttle van comes along right when you need it. The recognizable spotted shuttle van pulls up, handles your luggage and gets you to your vehicle or brings you to the terminal.

Travel is easier with The Parking Spot. Sign up today for excellent service, dependability, and convenience!