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Plan a quick fall trip and recharge in these top-notch destinations.
Fall is the perfect time for a vacation. This list of unique autumn getaway options offers a plethora of fun ways to enjoy beautiful fall foliage, stunning beaches and seasonal festivals with exceptional weather and, in many cases, smaller crowds. Here are the top destinations for a fall weekend away.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
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Gulf Shores, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is gorgeous year-round, but the fall months bring fewer crowds and more affordable prices on both hotels and rental condos. Head to Gulf Shores for warm ocean waters and lovely white sand beaches that you may have all to yourself. There’s also plenty to do at this beach destination outside of playing in the sand and surf. For example, you can set aside a few hours to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or a downtown music venue and restaurant called The Hangout.
See more of Gulf Shores: Things to Do | Hotels
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s desert plains and stunning landscapes provide a respite for visitors year-round. However, visiting in fall allows you to enjoy the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place in October. Book a trip to Albuquerque in early October to see hundreds of brightly colored balloons dot the sky – you can even take a balloon ride yourself with a local tour operator. Because this hot air balloon festival is such a popular event, you’ll want to secure accommodations well in advance.
Sedona, Arizona
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Sedona, Arizona
Red Rock Country is surrounded by more than 1.8 million acres of national forest along with towering cliffs and multihued stone formations. Sedona is perfect if you’re seeking fall destinations for hiking, biking and exploration. Visit this rugged but exceptionally beautiful town for outdoor recreation at one of its state parks and shop for local souvenirs at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Don’t forget to book one of the Pink Jeep Tours the area is known for. These excursions take you out in the countryside and mountains, affording incredible views of the area’s glorious peaks and red rocks.
See more of Sedona: Things to Do | Hotels
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a fun place to spend a long weekend if you’re craving a fall getaway destination that excels both in natural beauty and nightlife. Around 35 miles south of Cancun International Airport, Playa del Carmen is home to a main drag known as Fifth Avenue, beautiful white sand beaches and affordable lodging options.
What’s more, during fall this beach destination sees fewer crowds and hotels offer cheaper rates. In fact, nightly rates for Playa del Carmen hotels with double occupancy start at less than $75 per night (including taxes and fees) over dates in October this year.
Destin, Florida
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Destin, Florida
Destin features stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, a family-friendly atmosphere and top-notch resorts. The weather is perfect in the fall, with highs hovering in the high 60s to 80s, and the summer crowds are long gone. What’s more, added nonstop routes to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport from many U.S. airports make this Florida city more accessible to travelers than ever before.
Aspen, Colorado
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Aspen, Colorado
The mountain hideaway of Aspen is well known for its beautiful fall foliage, with hues of yellow and gold on display during autumn months. Head to Aspen to peek at the perfectly colored tree leaves, hike the rolling hills and shop (or browse) at the many luxurious boutiques in town before winter ski season sets in.
See more of Aspen: Things to Do | Hotels
New York City
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New York City
Want to plan a weekend that’s both fun-filled and family-friendly? Consider booking a trip to New York, where everyone in your crew can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city, dine at world-famous eateries, and spend time people-watching in Times Square. If you have some extra wiggle room in your budget, you can even book tickets to a Broadway show like “Aladdin” or “Hamilton” this fall.
See more of New York City: Things to Do | Hotels
Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville, Tennessee
If you love live music, you can’t go wrong with a weekend away in Nashville. Couples, friends and families flock to this top vacation spot in Tennessee to visit famous local sights like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville’s food scene continues to gain popularity thanks to local eats like mouthwatering barbecue and green chili mac and cheese. To see the best of the city, consider taking a tour.
See more of Nashville: Things to Do | Hotels
Laconia, New Hampshire
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Laconia, New Hampshire
If you haven’t heard of Laconia before, this small New Hampshire city is mostly known for its incredible fall festivals. Perhaps you’ve gotten wind of the famous New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, which takes place here in late October. Plan a weekend getaway to check out the amazing display of jack-o’-lanterns, live music, the Children’s Costume Parade, a cornhole tournament and more.
Shenandoah National Park
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Shenandoah National Park
Located around 75 miles southwest of the nation’s capital is Shenandoah National Park, a great place for leaf peeping and exploring the outdoors in autumn. This national park encompasses more than 200,000 acres of forest, waterfalls, flower fields and plenty of wildlife. For example, you can spot black bears, deer and birds galore throughout the national park. Not only can you find a range of affordable campgrounds in the area, but the park itself has lodges and cabins you can book for accommodations within the park grounds.
Antigua
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Antigua
Dreaming of a beach escape before the dreary winter weather arrives? Antigua makes for an ideal fall trip, thanks to smaller crowds and the potential for deals on hotels and flights. Antigua offers stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters open to the public – as well as a surprising selection of hotels, resorts and all-inclusive properties to choose from. Keep in mind, June through November falls within the Atlantic hurricane season, so make sure to buy travel insurance if you plan an autumn trip here.
Tulum, Mexico
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Tulum, Mexico
Tulum has everything you could want in a weekend getaway: dazzling beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and exceptional local cuisine. Fall is a smart time to visit Tulum, as you can expect lighter crowds and lower prices on hotels and resorts. You may even be able to find all-inclusive resort stays in Tulum this fall with nightly rates as low as $200 per night (including taxes and fees) for double occupancy. Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration in November also keeps the area lively during fall months.
Washington, D.C.
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Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is only a few hours away from many cities along the East Coast by car and easy to fly to thanks to its three nearby airports. The nation’s capital is perfect for an educational fall trip, with autumn foliage serving as a backdrop to the city’s landmarks. Pack up the kids for a whirlwind tour of famous monuments along the National Mall and check out the numerous Smithsonian museums found within the city.
See more of Washington, D.C.: Things to Do | Hotels
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
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The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains are exceptionally beautiful during the fall when the area comes alive and leaves seemingly change colors at every turn. The Poconos encompass more than 2,400 square miles of rolling hills and lush greenery. There are all kinds of hikes here, whether you want a family-friendly walk through the forest or a heart-pumping climb to the top of a mountain peak. The region is also home to a wide variety of hotels and incredible resorts, ranging from kid-friendly properties with family amenities to romantic lodges.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells boasts a flurry of activity all year long due to its many attractions, such as theme parks and water parks that surround the area. In fall, many parks offer deals on admission and travelers will encounter fewer crowds since local schools are in session. Check the Wisconsin Dells official website for vacation packages and discount packages.
Read: The Top Wisconsin Dells Resorts for Families and Adults
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach sees temperatures hovering between the high 60s and low 80s in the fall, and accommodation prices tend to be lower compared to the rest of the year. Visit Panama City Beach for its breathtaking white sand beaches, affordable condo rentals and fun activities for kids, including the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum and WonderWorks amusement park.
See more of Panama City Beach: Things to Do | Hotels
Beaver Creek, Colorado
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Beaver Creek, Colorado
While Beaver Creek is popular during the winter for skiing, summer and fall are also great times to visit to go hiking or mountain biking and explore nature. Autumn months also usher in amazing fall foliage as the leaves turn from green to golden yellow in a spectacular fashion.
Mazatlán, Mexico
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Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán is a quick flight south from the western U.S. Fall in this Mexican resort town ushers in affordable room rates and balmy weather in the 70s and 80s. Head to Mazatlán to sample fresh seafood dishes, shop in local markets like Mercado Pino Suarez, go snorkeling and visit famous Deer Island.
Seattle
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Seattle
Seattle may have dreary weather for a good chunk of the year, but fall is a great time to visit since temperatures often reach into the 70s. In addition to encountering a bit more breathing room at Seattle’s most popular haunts, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, you’ll enjoy good deals on lodging during this time. Be sure to check out seasonal events such as Bumbershoot, an annual music and arts festival that takes place in early September in 2023.
See more of Seattle: Things to Do | Hotels
The Catskills, New York
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The Catskills, New York
Come fall, New York’s Catskill Mountains are awash in an array of colors, but there’s plenty to do here aside from leaf peeping. October kicks off the region’s Oktoberfest celebrations at Hunter Mountain, with four weekends of authentic German cuisine, beer, craft vendors, games and other kid-friendly activities.
Las Vegas
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Las Vegas
The sights and sounds of Las Vegas buzz all year long, and the hotels and resorts are always angling to fill their rooms. The weather is hot, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s during fall months – perfect for soaking up the sun at the last pool parties of the season. You can also hit the numerous casinos, book a Cirque du Soleil show, or explore the many indoor and outdoor aquariums and attractions.
Bar Harbor, Maine
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Bar Harbor, Maine
As the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a natural paradise with waterways, rolling hills, and foliage that comes alive with fall colors in September and October. Head to this area for birding, whale watching or simple relaxation among alluring natural scenery.
See more of Bar Harbor: Things to Do | Hotels
Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Mackinac Island, Michigan
Michigan’s Mackinac Island is home to quaint shops, bed-and-breakfasts and beautiful Lake Huron views to boot. There are no cars on the island, so you can traverse this destination by bicycle, on foot or even by horse. This must-visit Michigan vacation spot is also easy to reach from the mainland and only a simple drive and ferry ride from much of the Midwest, making it a frugal option for a romantic getaway or family fun.
Duluth, Minnesota
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Duluth, Minnesota
While Minnesota is known for its cold, lengthy winters, the great outdoors and crisp lake air beckon travelers in the autumn months. Head to this family-friendly town on Lake Superior for charter fishing and sailing as well as strolls down its famous lakefront boardwalk. Then, head to Canal Park to watch the ships come in and pass under the city’s famous lift bridge.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
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Montego Bay, Jamaica
You can leave the U.S. first thing in the morning and sip a cold rum punch on the beach in Jamaica by the afternoon. That’s part of the allure of Montego Bay, along with its ample all-inclusive resorts, beautiful white sand beaches and Caribbean hospitality. It doesn’t hurt that the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is only about a 20-minute drive from the main stretch of resorts in the area.
See more of Jamaica: Things to Do | Hotels
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
It’s easy to hop on a flight from the western U.S. and land in Cabo San Lucas within a few hours, which makes this destination a good option for a short autumn vacation. Book a quick fall weekend here to go whale watching, snorkeling and sightseeing. You may even find you’re rewarded with lower room rates at hotels than in the peak winter season.
San Diego
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San Diego
San Diego is perfect for a weekend getaway since there’s so much to see and do. You can check out one of the area’s many beaches, such as Coronado or La Jolla. Then, visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or roam the Gaslamp Quarter for an unforgettable night out on the town. And with the kids back in school, you’ll also able to enjoy a more relaxed experience at family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo.
See more of San Diego: Things to Do | Hotels
Park City, Utah
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Park City, Utah
Park City is a picturesque getaway year-round, but fall’s colors and changing leaves make for spectacular views. Book a trip to this top Utah vacation destination to spend your days driving through beautiful, leafy scenes along Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway or exploring the town’s Main Street Historic District.
See more of Park City: Things to Do | Hotels
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Just a short flight or drive from much of the Midwest and East Coast, Pigeon Forge is a great spot for a weekend getaway. This region boasts top-notch restaurants, the Dollywood theme park, arcades, Broadway-style shows and close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, come autumn the area hosts Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, with fishing fun for all ages.
See more of Pigeon Forge: Things to Do | Hotels
North Fork, New York
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North Fork, New York
The North Fork of Long Island is a wonderful fall getaway destination for couples and groups of friends who want to have some fun. After all, this region of New York is home to more than 60 vineyards as well as craft distilleries and breweries galore. There are also more than 100 farm stands and active farms, which can be fun to visit during the autumn harvest. Plan a weekend here in fall to experience the leaf-peeping season and the incredible natural beauty of the area.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
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Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. She has also visited more than 30 different states and has extensive experience profiling hotels, resorts, theme parks and various other destinations throughout the U.S.
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