What’s one to do as the weather cools down at home? Embark on an autumn adventure of course!Fall is shoulder season in most places around America meaning milder weather, less crowds and lower airfare and accommodation prices. Plus, festivals galore!
Today we have rounded up our favorite destinations for your fall getaway, broken down by mountains, beaches, and cities. There’s a place for everyone to enjoy!
Named for its eerie, smoky haze, the Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to behold all year round. Spanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, it is the most popular national park in the USA, with more visitors than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined! But, don’t let that scare you away... When you visit outside of peak season, you won’t have to fight with quite so many crowds.
Main draw in Autumn: The park boasts over 100 different species of trees which put on an autumn display of vibrant gold, orange, crimson, and purple. You’ll also come across more active wildlife as the weather cools down.
Autumn climate: Dry, cooler and foggy. September highs are in the 80’s, with lows in the 50’s. In November, daytime highs are in the 60’s with lows in the 30’s. Temperatures can change by 20 degrees from the base to the mountaintop, so be sure to pack layers.
What to do in Autumn:
This impressive, mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River stretches for 227 miles along northern Arizona. You will find yourself captivated as the reds and oranges in the valley are accentuated by the low autumn light.
Main draw in Autumn: The scorching hot summer months lead way to more comfortable temperatures.
Autumn Climate: September highs are in the 70’s, with lows in the 40’s. In November, highs drop to the 50’s with lows in the 20’s. Weather can be unpredictable so be sure to bring warm clothes and rain gear.
What to do in Autumn:
Acadia National Park is a lesser known gem off the coast of Maine that can’t be missed this season! Set on Mt. Desert Island, it boasts a landscape of rocky beaches, pine trees and granite peaks.
Main draw in Autumn: The crowds have dissipated and weather is crisp but not yet below freezing. You will find the trees ablaze in vibrant colors.
Autumn Climate: September highs are in the 70’s, with lows in the 50’s. In November highs fall to the 40’s with lows in the 30’s.
What to do in Autumn:
Let’s be real, Hawaii boasts warm weather all year round. But you will find fall is less crowded than the summers and the holiday season, making it the perfect time to visit Oahu (or really any of the islands)!
Main draw in Autumn: Oahu becomes a cultural paradise with festivals featuring food, fashion, film and Hawaiian heritage. Accommodation prices are also lower with less crowded beaches and little rainfall.
Autumn Climate: Temperatures stay about the same all year round with highs in the 80’s and lows in the 70’s.
What to do in Autumn:
Nothing beats the soft white sand and crystal clear waters tracing Alabama’s southern border to the Gulf of Mexico. This charming resort town can be busy in peak season, but you will experience less crowds as autumn arrives.
Main draw in Autumn: Fresh, cool ocean breezes, food festivals and of course oyster season!
Autumn Climate: Daytime temperatures in the 70’s, with lows in the 50’s.
What to do in Autumn:
Clearwater is a barrier island with a 3-mile stretch of white sand beaches in Florida's Tampa Bay area. This region is known for year-round sunny weather, so enjoyable any time you visit.
Main draw in Autumn: The weather is still warm enough to go swimming in the fall, and it’s dry season.
Autumn Climate: September highs are in the 80’s, with lows in the 70’s. In November, highs are in the 70’s with lows in the 60’s.
What to do in Autumn:
The rest of the USA may be cooling down, but in San Francisco, there is an Indian Summer which leaves lots more time for outdoor activities! The City by the Bay is calling your name this fall.
Main draw in Autumn: While the actual summer months are chilly and foggy, fall tends to be warm and sunny with less crowds. There is also a peak in events to attend.
Autumn Climate: Warm days, foggy and chilly evenings and mornings. Highs around 70 and lows in the 50’s.
What to do in Autumn:
Hello historic Savannah! You will feel whisked away in time with the cobblestone streets, perfectly manicured gardens, and horse-drawn carriages.
Main draw in Autumn: Say goodbye to the summer humidity. Expect lots of sun but crisp and cool temperatures. It’s also spooky season in this city of haunted history.
Autumn Climate: September highs are in the 80’s and drop to a comfortable 70’s by November.
What to do in Autumn:
Welcome to Music City, known for its rich country music culture, friendly locals and southern farm to table cuisine. Whether you are a country music lover or not, the variety of live music and delicious comfort food will sweep you off your feet!
Main draw in Autumn: The toasty weather has cooled down and it’s festival season!
Autumn Climate: September highs are in the 80’s with lows in the 60’s and in November fall to highs of 60’s and low of 40’s.
What to do in Autumn:
Where are you headed this autumn? We would love for you to share your favorite fall destinations in our Facebook Community!
