Plan a short fall trip and recharge your batteries at these top destinations.
Autumn is the ideal time for a vacation. This list of unique fall travel options offers many fun ways to enjoy beautiful fall foliage, gorgeous beaches, and seasonal festivals with exceptional weather and, in
Gulf Coast, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is beautiful year-round, but the fall months bring fewer people and more affordable prices for both hotels and apartment rentals. Head to the Gulf Coast to enjoy the warm ocean waters and beautiful white sand beaches you can visit. There’s more to this beach holiday than just playing in the sand and surfing. For example, you might set aside a few hours to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or downtown music venue and restaurant The Hangout.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s desert plains and dramatic scenery provide year-round respite for visitors. However, a fall visit will allow you to enjoy the famous Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which takes place in October. Book a trip to Albuquerque in early October to see hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. You can even take a hot air balloon ride with a local tour operator. Because this hot air balloon festival is a popular event, you should reserve your accommodation in advance.
Sedona, Arizona
Red Rock Country is surrounded by more than 1.8 million acres of national forest, as well as numerous large cliffs and rock formations. Sedona is perfect if you’re looking for a fall destination for hiking, biking, and exploring. Explore this rugged but strikingly beautiful city by relaxing outdoors at one of its state parks and shopping for local souvenirs at the Tlaquepaque Market Village.
Be sure to book one of the pink jeep tours that the area is famous for. This excursion takes you through the countryside and mountains, offering incredible views of the region’s majestic peaks and red rocks.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a great place to spend a long weekend if you’re looking for a fall getaway that’s perfect for both natural beauty and nightlife. About 35 miles south of Cancun International Airport, Playa del Carmen is home to a main street called Fifth Avenue, beautiful white sand beaches and affordable lodging options.
In addition, in autumn this beach is less crowded and hotels offer cheaper prices. In fact, nightly rates for double-occupancy Playa del Carmen hotels start at $75 per night (including taxes and fees) for October dates this year.
Destin, Florida
Destin has stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, a family atmosphere and upscale resorts. Best in the fall, with peaks in the 60s to 80s, and the summer crowds are long gone. What’s more, direct routes have been added from many U.S. airports to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, making this Florida city more accessible than ever for travelers.
Aspen, Colorado
Spain’s mountain refuge is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage, with hues of yellow and gold that emerge during the autumn months. Head to Spain to see the perfectly colored leaves, hike the hills, and shop (or browse) the city’s many luxury boutiques before the winter ski season begins.
Want to plan a fun weekend for the whole family? Consider booking a trip to New York City, where each of your employees can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city, dining at world-famous restaurants and people-watching in Times Square. If you have some extra wiggle room in your budget, you can also book tickets to a Broadway show like Aladdin or Hamilton this fall.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you love live music, you can’t go wrong with a weekend in Nashville. Couples, friends and families flock to this top Tennessee vacation spot to visit popular local attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville’s food scene is gaining popularity with local dishes like mouth-watering barbecue and green chile mac and cheese. To see the best of the city, consider taking a tour.
Laconia, New Hampshire
If you haven’t heard of Laconia before, this small town in New Hampshire is best known for its incredible fall festivals. You may have heard about the famous New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, which takes place here in late October. Plan a weekend trip to see jack-o’-lanterns, live music, a kids’ costume parade, a cornhole tournament and more.
Shenandoah National Park
About 75 miles southwest of the nation’s capital, Shenandoah National Park is a great place to view fall leaves and explore the great outdoors. This national park encompasses more than 200,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, flower fields and rich wildlife. For example, black bears, deer and birds can be seen throughout the national park. Not only can you find a variety of inexpensive campsites in the area, but the park itself has cabins and cabins that you can book to stay within the park.
Antigua
Dreaming of escaping to the beach before the dreaded winter weather sets in? Antigua is the perfect fall destination for its low crowds and great deals on hotels and airfare. Antigua offers stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters open to the public, as well as a stunning selection of hotels, resorts and all-inclusives. Keep in mind that June to November is Atlantic hurricane season, so be sure to purchase travel insurance if you plan to visit in the fall.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum has everything you could need for a weekend getaway: stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and exceptional local cuisine. Fall is a great time to visit Tulum as you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices at hotels and resorts. This fall, you can even find resort accommodations in Tulum for as little as $200 per night (including taxes and fees) based on double occupancy. Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations in November keep the region alive throughout the fall months.
Autumn color on cherry trees with the Washington Monument in the background in Washington, DC
Washington, DC.
Washington, D.C. is just a few hours by car from many East Coast cities and is easy to fly into with three nearby airports. The nation’s capital is ideal for an educational fall trip, with autumn leaves providing a backdrop to the city’s attractions. Take the kids on a whirlwind tour of the famous monuments along the National Mall and explore the many Smithsonian museums located in the city.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are exceptionally beautiful in the fall, when the area comes alive and the leaves seem to change color at every turn. The Poconos are over 2,400 square miles of rolling hills and lush greenery. There are hikes of all kinds, whether you want a family walk through the woods or a heart-warming climb to the top of a mountain peak. The region is also home to many hotels and incredible resorts, from family-friendly kid-friendly hotels to romantic lodges.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells boasts a bustling activity year-round with numerous attractions such as theme parks and water parks surrounding the area. In the fall, many parks offer specials at entry, and travelers will encounter fewer people because local schools are open. Visit the official Wisconsin Dells website for vacation packages and discounts.
Panama City Beach, Florida
In Panama City Beach in the fall, temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees, and home prices are lower than the rest of the year. Visit Panama City Beach for charming white sand beaches, affordable apartment rentals, and fun activities for kids, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and amusement park “Miracles”.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Although Beaver Creek is popular for winter skiing, summer and fall are also great times for hiking or mountain biking and nature viewing. The fall months also usher in amazing fall foliage, with leaves changing spectacular colors from green to golden yellow.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Mazatlan is a quick hop south from Western Falls to this Mexican resort town that offers cheap room rates and balmy weather in the 70s and 80s. Head to Mazatlán to sample fresh seafood, shop at local markets like Mercado Pino Suarez, go scuba diving, and visit the famous Deer Island.
Seattle
Seattle can have terrible weather most of the year, but fall is the best time to visit as temperatures often reach 70 degrees. In addition to giving you a little more respite from some of Seattle’s most famous attractions, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, you’ll also be able to take advantage of great lodging deals during this time. Be sure to check out seasonal events such as Bumbershoot, an annual music and arts festival taking place in early September 2023.
Washington, DC.
Washington, D.C. is just a few hours by car from many East Coast cities and is easy to fly into with three nearby airports. The nation’s capital is ideal for an educational fall trip, and fall leaves provide the backdrop for a city tour. Take the kids on a whirlwind tour of the famous monuments along the National Mall and visit the many Smithsonian museums throughout the city.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are exceptionally beautiful in the fall, when the area comes alive and the leaves seem to change color at every turn. The Poconos are over 2,400 square miles of rolling hills and lush greenery. There are hikes of all kinds, whether you want to take a family walk through the woods or an energetic climb to the top of a mountain. The region is also home to many hotels and incredible resorts, from family and children’s hotels to romantic lodges.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is filled with year-round entertainment and offers many attractions such as theme parks and water parks. In the fall, many parks offer specials at the entrance and open local schools, so the crowds are smaller. Visit the official Wisconsin Dells website for vacation packages and discounts.
Panama City Beach, Florida
In Panama City Beach, fall temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees, and home prices are lower than the rest of the year. Visit Panama City Beach to enjoy charming white sand beaches, affordable apartment rentals, and fun activities for kids, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and amusement park “Miracles”.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Although Beaver Creek is best known for winter skiing, summer and fall are also great times for hiking or mountain biking and exploring nature. The fall months also usher in stunning fall foliage, with leaves changing vibrant colors from green to golden yellow.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Mazatlan is a quick flight from Western Falls to this Mexican resort town, offering cheap rooms in the 70s and 80s and pleasant weather. Head to Mazatlan to sample fresh seafood, shop at local markets like Mercado Pino Suarez, go scuba diving, and visit the famous Deer Island.
Seattle
Seattle has great weather year-round, but fall is the best time to visit as temperatures often reach 70 degrees. In addition to getting a little more respite from Seattle’s most popular attractions, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, you’ll also be able to take advantage of great lodging deals during this time. Be sure to check out annual music and arts festivals like Bumbershoot in early September 2023.
