Crisp, cool weather and brightly colored foliage make fall the perfect time to travel. Whether you head to the mountains to spot the changing leaves or flock to sunny shores to soak up a few more days on the beach before winter sets in, we've rounded up the best fall vacations for every type of traveler. Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make destinations like New York City and Maui ideal for fall getaways, and outdoor adventures await near Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Flagstaff, Arizona, where you'll be just a short drive from some of the country's best national parks.
Travel restrictions and guidelines are changing as the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, so be sure to check with any destinations, hotels, or attractions to ensure they'll be open when you visit.
Here are the 10 best fall vacations for your next autumn getaway.
Nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has everything you could want in a fall getaway. The quaint downtown area is filled with unique shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants, and you're almost guaranteed to see some local street performers as you wander around. Go for a hike in nearby Pisgah National Forest to spot beautiful waterfalls among the changing leaves, or take a scenic drive through part of the park to take in the beauty without working up a sweat. The Biltmore Estate is another popular Asheville attraction worth visiting; this Gilded Age mansion is the largest privately owned house in the U.S., complete with gardens and a winery. For private and cozy accommodations, opt to stay in a nearby tree house or cabin found on Airbnb.
Located near some of the country's best national parks and most popular ski areas, Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year-round, but fall is ideal if you want to avoid some of the crowds and see the colorful mountain foliage. The ski season typically starts at the end of November, so time your trip for early fall to enjoy milder weather without the summer season visitors. A short drive to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is truly a gateway to autumnal outdoor adventure. Take a scenic drive (and watch out for moose and bears), go for a hike, or visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. For a luxurious stay during your outdoorsy fall getaway, check out the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
With the summer heat gone, fall is a perfect time to visit New York City. Shops, restaurants, and museums are open across the city, and Broadway is slated to come back this September. Pick a hotel located along Central Park, like The Mark or JW Marriott Essex House, both of which offer park views, so you can enjoy the canopy of changing leaves from the comfort of your room. Of course, you'll want to grab some coffee and stroll through the iconic park to soak in the skyline views amid colorful trees.
If you want to escape to rolling hills of stunning fall foliage, head to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. There are several charming towns to choose from, including Lenox, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield, and at this time of year, you can drive from town to town while enjoying views of the colorful changing leaves. Blantyre, a Relais & Châteaux resort in Lenox, Massachusetts, was built in 1902 as a Tudor-style mansion and estate; today, it offers luxury accommodations for guests looking for a perfect fall getaway.
Fall is an ideal time to visit California's wine country. Wine lovers will want to tour the area's vineyards and wineries – cloaked in beautiful red, orange, and yellow foliage at this time of year — or take a ride on the open-air Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. Take a break from the wineries and go for an easy hike on the Bodega Head Trail for sweeping ocean and bay views, and be sure to grab some fresh seafood for lunch. Nearby Farmhouse Inn (voted one of Travel + Leisure's top 15 resort hotels in California) offers guests a luxurious stay in wine country, complete with sommelier-led wine tours and a Michelin-starred restaurant.