Who said that the warm and sunny summer days were the only best ones for travelling? The Fall season, with its windy and sometimes chilly days, its comfortable sunny mornings and brownish and golden foliage is also a great time of the year for those who love travelling. In fact, some cities simply glow and look more charming during Autumn than in any other season of the year.
In addition, the fall season means that some of the most popular destinations are less crowded now that the school period is starting and prices are usually lower, meaning that you can get more for your money.
That said, having to wear gloves or a coat doesn’t mean that your travel plans need to be put off until next July or August. This article is packed with the most inspiring destinations in the US and abroad to visit in the coming months!
If you are American, travelling locally offers you the advantage of feeling at home anywhere you go. You’ll discover that many of the cities listed are probably close to your hometown. This makes it definitely easier for you to plan a weekend getaway, grab your car at the splurge of the moment or simply plan your fall trip with a little bit more of detail and rent a car for an exciting road trip. Going abroad, on the other hand, expands your horizons both physically and emotionally and nurtures your need for adventure. Simply remember to look for the most affordable insurance policy for your rental!
Staying Local
Orlando, Florida
Parents of prescholers or simply adults interested in riding the different attractions in the theme parks without hundreds of kids around should definitely head to Orlando, in Florida in the fall months. The world-famous theme parks are less crowded and, needless to say, you’ll have more chances to enjoy what the city has to offer.
Orlando’s exciting dining scene in downtown invites you to discover the various delicious dishes that are awaiting you.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe becomes absolutely mesmerizing in the fall as it is that time of the year when its trails, mountains and fields are painted in yellow, gold, brown, red and orange. It is a delightful experience for adults (photography fans will just love it!) but it’s also a great destination for families. It’s extremely kid-friendly and packed with various attractions that the younger members of the family will enjoy. Percy Farm Corn Maze or the Cold Hollow Cider Mill are some of them. In addition, Stowe is known for its great restaurants, various theaters and shopping and strolling facilities.
Are you adventurous? Then you’ll enjoy renting bikes and riding it through winding meadows and arched bridges toward the Maple Outlet in Jeffersonville where you’ll learn about the process of making maple syrup.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, in Maine, ranks as one of the best places in the US where to appreciate fall foliage. Acadia Byway will keep you at awe with its autumn hues as it stretches along 40 miles. Hit the trails by bike or foot and get ready for an abundance of color and stunning views.
Woodstock, New York
Woodstock is only 2.5 drive away from NYC and it is a wonderful place to visit in autumn. The first week of October is probably the best time to visit it as the town’s country village and the nearby mountain trails surprise visitors with colorful leaves. Amongst the various attractions you can’t miss in Woodstock is the family-friendly Catskill Mountain Railroad Scenic Tour. It’s a railroad ride that lasts for an hour and a half in nearby Kingston!
Park City, Utah
Known for being one of the top skiing destinations in the US, Park City is also a very attractive destination in autumn. According to locals, it has the best fall foliage! The diverse variety of trees offer a stunning view: from red maples to aspens fading to yellow, will keep you exploring the wonderful views around you.
And there is plenty to do as well! Adrenaline seekers will get their rush while riding the alpine roller coaster, mountain biking or hiking through any of the varied mountain trails.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem is filled with restaurants, shops and, obviously, things to do, many of them! Fall makes Bethlehem glow with harvest festivals. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway that extends from Port Clinton into Jim Thorpe will definitely attract everybody’s attention. Views are stunning and children will enjoy the railride. Easton, a town nearby, will surprise children with the Crayola Experience. If they can spend hours on end drawing and coloring, they’ll have a blast! And curious little minds will enjoy the 10K square feet of science and technology activities that are offered at the Da Vinci Science Center. We bet you’ll also learn something!
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a historic coastal town that is delightful in autumn. Visitors can easily move around on foot. Portsmouth offers plenty of dining opportunities and there are many shopping alternatives as well.
Prescott Park invites you to spend some time enjoying the falling leaves and the nature around you.
Santa Barbara and San Diego, California
Santa Barbara and San Diego are two locations in California that are definitely enjoyable in autumn.
Santa Barbara is a very popular destination in summer time. Known as the American Riviera, it surprises visitors with its stunning beaches and glamorous atmosphere. But as soon as the summer starts to fade and the cooler fall months arrive, you don’t need to say goodbye to Santa Barbara! Hotel fees tend to plummet and (shhh! Don’t tell anyone!) you may even get better weather than in summer. And, being so close to Santa Ynez Valley wineries, don’t miss the chance to visit any of the grape-harvest friendly tasting rooms in the area.
San Diego is another destination in California that you can’t miss in autumn. Surfers, for instance, are convinced that autumn is the best time to hit the waves. Not so fond of water? Don’t worry! You’ll be arriving just in time fo the San Diego Beer Week, where you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most delicious and acclaimed local craft brews.
Enjoying Fall Abroad
Bavaria, Germany
German autumn is definitely romantic and Bavaria has every single ingredient to make it the perfect destination for an autumn trip. This region in the SE of Germany seduces visitors with fairytale like castles, breathtaking mountainous landscapes, picturesque towns, ever-green forests, some of the most world-famous cities in Germany and jaw-dropping buildings. As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do so you are bound to enjoy your stay in Bavaria.
It’s one of the most beautiful regions in Germany. If you make up your mind and decide to visit it, don’t miss the chance to deeply enjoy the breathtaking views of the German Alps and the magnificent Zugspitze, feel one with nature in the Tree Top Walk in Neuschonau (a 44-meter-high and 500-meter-long wooden ramp leading through the forest to the base of a wooden tower that is built over trees). Renting a car here is definitely a great idea! You can drive to the beautiful city of Munich, drive along the German Alpine Highway, spend some time in beautiful and picturesque towns such as Berchtesgaden, Königssee or Lindau by Lake Constance. Bamberg Cathedral, the ancient town of Nuremberg, the Imperial city of Regensburg on the Blue Danube or the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.
Athens, Greece
Even though spending the summer in Athens is probably everybody’s dream, autumn is a time of the year that you shouldn’t dismiss at all. In fact, Greece is magical during the fall season. Prices drop, temperatures are still warm except for the heat stroke and crowds thin out: the perfect combination to be able to enjoy the streets of Athens or go swimming off an island in the Aegean sea. Besides, it’s harvest season, what makes it the perfect time to plan a visit to any of the many local wineries or ask to participate in the harvesting of olive groves.
You definitely won’t regret discovering Greece’s new personality!
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
As the calendar announces the arrival of September, exploring the English countryside is not only joyful but also charming. You can say goodbye to crowds and renting a car and exploring the English countryside can be a wonderful experience. Snowdonia National Park, in Wales is the largest one in the country and it is definitely worth exploring. With wild landscapes and villages steeped in history, Snowdonia in general is a breathtaking destination for activity holidays or short breaks. It’s a great travel destination to create wonderful memories with friends and family.
You’ll discover waterfalls, lakes, world-class mountain biking and get inspired and re energized for the months ahead.
About the author: Mariana Sarceda writes about travelling. She loves discovering new destinations or re-visiting those places that she liked the most. From luxurious retreats to trips on a budget, she’s always ready for an adventurous experience. When she’s not packing and unpacking, you can find her working in the PR department of Bonzah
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