10 Best Fall Getaways In The USA - Arabella Stokes travel + lifestyle

Welcome to the best fall vacations in the USA!

Ah, fall… my favorite season.

Pumpkin spice, crisp morning air, and falling leaves…

…I’m basic, I know. But I can’t wait!

With that said, today I’ve rounded up all the most incredible fall destinations in the United States.

From New England’s fall colors to the red rocks of the Southwest, here are the best fall vacations in the USA.

1. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont is the perfect fall getaway full of New England country charm.

It’s a quaint little town complete with spectacular fall colors and postcard-worthy scenery.

Here, make sure to grab breakfast at Mon Vert Cafe, then snap a pic at the Middle Covered Bridge– a classic, New England covered bridge.

Woodstock is also home to the famous Sleepy Hollow Farm– the picturesque farm that’s been photographed the world-over!

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Visiting the Grand Canyon is a bucket list item, for sure!

Did you know it’s a mile deep, and 277 miles long? It’s so vast it almost makes you dizzy when you look at it!

That said, fall is my favorite time to experience this incredible natural wonder.

In my opinion, summer is much too hot and crowded.

The summer heat also makes hiking difficult, as there’s little shade on most of the trails.

On the other hand, winter is beautiful, but can get pretty cold. You can also run into issues with ice on hiking trails, and park services being limited.

Now don’t get me wrong, the Grand Canyon is incredible at any time of the year.

However, I think fall is when you can really make the most of your visit!

3. Salem, Massachusetts

If you’re a lover of all things spooky… visiting Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween is a must!

For a time, belief in the supernatural and witchcraft was widespread in colonial New England.

This led to the infamous Salem Witch Trials taking place in the late 1600’s.

Now, over 300 years later, Salem’s legacy still captivates the imagination!

Every year, the Haunted Happenings festival takes place in Salem throughout the entire month of October.

It’s the perfect chance to get into the Halloween spirit with events like haunted markets, seances, and costume contests.

As it’s only a 40 minute drive from Boston, Salem makes for a perfect day trip.

First, I recommend starting in Boston, then spending a day in Salem.

Make sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in Boston here!

4. Aspen, Colorado

In the fall, Colorado shimmers with dazzling fall colors.

None shine brighter, however, than the state’s signature gold Aspen tree.

Because the town of Aspen sees its highest crowds in the summer and winter, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a cozy mountain getaway here.

Take this opportunity to explore Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America.

By night, enjoy world-class dining or relax in downtown Aspen.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

You might start to notice a pattern here! Several of my favorite national parks and desert destinations have made this list.

That’s because fall makes for the best weather, lowest crowds, and best photography opportunities in a lot of these places.

Zion National Park is no exception!

Nowadays, Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the US.

Its dramatic landscape and incredible hiking, climbing, and canyoneering opportunities draw people from all over the world.

That means fall is the best time to take in the sights, or hike popular trails like Angels Landing… without the summer crowds, or dangers of winter ice.

7. North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is a charming town nestled into New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

It’s also the perfect starting point for one of New England’s most famous fall foliage drives, the Kancamagus Highway.

This drive highlights some of the region’s best fall colors, as well as some cool stops along the way.

These include waterfalls, historic sites, and a New England-style covered bridge!

For a unique experience, try taking a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, an old-fashioned train ride through the mountains.

6. Sante Fe, New Mexico

Officially known as “The City Different,” Santa Fe really is a one-of-a-kind town.

A unique blend of Anglo, Spanish, and Native cultures have shaped this city for over 400 years!

Here, you’ll find a vibrant art scene that spans from the traditional, all the way to the likes of Meow Wolf, a modern art immersive experience.

Not only that, the city’s award-winning dining scene and accommodations manage to feel world-class, yet local at the same time.

You can explore Santa Fe by way of the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Or, you can get outdoors and enjoy nearby hikes and slot canyons.

All this, plus more totally makes Santa Fe one of the best fall vacations in the USA.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

While Yosemite isn’t known for fall colors (as many of its trees are evergreen), definitely consider it one of the best fall vacations in the US!

The real reason to visit Yosemite in the fall is to enjoy it with much fewer people, while much of the park is still open.

This is the perfect time to book a cozy cabin getaway, or explore popular spots like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

9. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona is known for its stunning red rocks and being located in a spiritual vortex.

It’s the perfect place for a girls trip, or a romantic getaway.

For one, there are some really beautiful (and instagrammable) hikes in the area, like Devil’s Bridge.

Of course, fall brings the most pleasant temperatures to this hiker’s paradise.

Also, there’s a charming downtown, with shops like the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

Sedona is also home to the famous pink jeep tours, which are a super fun way to explore the surrounding scenery.

I highly recommend adding a weekend in Sedona on to an Arizona road trip!

10. Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian town is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Cascade Mountains.

Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line the town’s Front Street.

Not only that, autumn here is accompanied by the town’s Oktoberfest, rivaled only by those in Germany!

However, the Bavarian theme is only a part of what defines this quirky town.

Set on a backdrop of lush forest and a mountain river, the area is also bursting with outdoor activities.

Just over a 2 hour drive from Seattle, visiting Leavenworth makes for a perfect weekend trip.

I highly recommend starting in Seattle, exploring the incredible city, then spending a weekend in Leavenworth.

Related: 9 Best Things To Do In Seattle

In conclusion…

That’s it for the best fall vacations in the US! Have any questions? Let me know in the comments! xo

Posted By: Arabella · In: travel, usa