Discover 20 of the best fall vacations in the US for 2025. Explore small towns with vibrant foliage, cozy cafés, and peaceful autumn escapes.
I love fall. I believe it’s a magical time of the year when leaves turn golden brown, red, and orange. And I love discovering places to go in the fall that showcase the beauty of the season. If you are also searching for places like that in the US, I’ve got the perfect list for you, especially if you want the less touristy places that are quiet and welcoming.
While many travelers flock to big cities and crowded attractions, the real magic of autumn is often found in America’s quieter corners. Small towns offer some of the best fall vacations in the US, places where you can wander tree-lined streets, sip cider at a local café, and hear nothing but the rustle of leaves underfoot.
If you’re searching for great fall vacation destinations in 2025, I want you to think beyond the usual tourist spots. The charm of a small town lies in its slower pace and authentic experiences. From historic villages tucked in the Northeast to mountain hideaways in the West, these fall vacation destinations are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy autumn’s beauty without the noise and crowds.
Here are 20 fine fall destinations in the US I’ve handpicked for you.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea looks like a fairytale village come to life, and fall is when its charm feels the most inviting. From late October into early November, the town’s tree-lined streets and flower-filled courtyards take on warm autumn colors, while the summer crowds are long gone. Start with a stroll down Ocean Avenue, where you’ll find art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and cafés tucked into whimsical cottages. For a quiet moment by the sea, head to Carmel Beach or walk the scenic path along the bluffs at sunset. Just outside town, the trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are at their best in fall, offering coastal views framed by cypress trees and a calmer atmosphere than the busy summer months. Pair the day with dinner at a local favorite like La Bicyclette, known for wood-fired pizzas and cozy fall flavors, and you’ll see why this storybook town is one of the great fall vacation destinations in the USA.
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Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is famous for its glowing red rock cliffs, but in the fall, it transforms into one of the most striking fall vacation destinations in the Southwest. From mid-October through early November, the trees along Oak Creek Canyon turn brilliant shades of gold, making a hike along the West Fork Trail one of the most popular ways to experience autumn here. The winding Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) also comes alive with breathtaking overlooks perfect for leaf peeping and photography. For a quieter experience, take a drive up Airport Mesa at sunset; the mix of glowing foliage and fiery red rocks is unforgettable. Back in town, grab a coffee at Indian Gardens Café or explore Sedona’s art galleries before ending the day with some of the country’s clearest stargazing skies.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is often called the “Fall Color Capital of the East,” and for good reason. From late September through mid-October, the town’s surrounding hills light up with every shade of red, orange, and yellow you can imagine. One of the best ways to take it all in is by driving the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road, where winding switchbacks lead to sweeping views across Vermont’s Green Mountains. For hikers, the Stowe Pinnacle Trail offers a moderately challenging climb with a rewarding panoramic view at the top. If you’d rather keep things relaxed, stroll through Stowe’s charming Main Street, lined with general stores and cafés, then stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill nearby for fresh apple cider and warm cider donuts, an autumn tradition that makes this small town one of the best fall vacations in the US.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs feels like stepping into another time, with its Victorian architecture, winding streets, and hillside cottages. Fall, especially from early to mid-October, is the best time to visit as the town glows with vibrant colors and the crisp mountain air makes walking its hilly streets a delight. Spend an afternoon exploring the shops and cafés around Historic Downtown, or take a peaceful stroll through the Eureka Springs Historic District, where every corner seems like a picture waiting to be taken. For something outdoors, the trails around Lake Leatherwood City Park are lined with brilliant foliage and offer quiet escapes just minutes from town. In the evenings, the town’s cozy restaurants and live music venues create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the kind that makes Eureka Springs one of Arkansas’s most charming fall getaways.
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Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is often called one of the prettiest small towns in New England, and in the fall it’s easy to see why. From late September through mid-October, the surrounding hillsides blaze with autumn color, making every walk or drive feel like a postcard moment. A visit to the Middle Covered Bridge, right in the heart of town, is a must for photos framed by fiery leaves. You can spend a day exploring the shops and cafés around the village green, then head to Billings Farm & Museum for a taste of Vermont’s agricultural history and homemade treats. Just outside town, the trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park are perfect for leaf peeping and quiet hikes. Woodstock offers one of the best fall vacations in the US for travelers who prefer beauty without the bustle.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a classic New England town that shines brightest in the fall. From late September through mid-October, the White Mountains surrounding the town burst into brilliant color, drawing leaf peepers from across the region. One of the best ways to experience the scenery is aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad, where vintage trains wind through valleys and over bridges lined with fiery maples. If you’re up for adventure, drive the Kancamagus Highway, famous for its sweeping overlooks and hiking pull-offs, which makes it one of the best fall vacations in the US. Back in town, North Conway offers a welcoming mix of cafés, general stores, and local shops around its quaint village center.
Camden, Maine
Camden combines coastal beauty with small-town charm, making it a perfect place to experience fall in Maine. Peak foliage usually arrives in mid-October, when the hills above town glow with brilliant reds and oranges that spill down toward the harbor. The best view is from the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, where you can look out over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay framed by autumn color. In town, you can stroll the harborfront, browse local bookstores and galleries, or grab a seat at a waterfront restaurant for fresh Maine seafood. A fall sail aboard a traditional windjammer is another unforgettable way to see the coastline, with the crisp air and colorful backdrop making Camden one of Maine’s most stunning autumn destinations.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, and fall is when both the town and the park are at their most breathtaking. Peak colors typically arrive in mid-October, when the mix of bright foliage, rugged cliffs, and ocean views creates unforgettable scenery. Drive the Park Loop Road for classic fall landscapes, or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, where sunrise paints the coastline in warm light. Back in Bar Harbor, the downtown streets offer cozy cafés, local shops, and waterfront spots perfect for a bowl of New England chowder after a crisp autumn hike. With its balance of coastal charm and access to one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Bar Harbor stands out as one of the best fall vacations in the US.
Lake Placid, New York
Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is a fall favorite for travelers who love both outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Peak foliage usually arrives in early to mid-October, when the hillsides around Mirror Lake and High Falls Gorge explode in color. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake for postcard views of the reflections, or ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain for sweeping vistas across the Adirondacks. The town itself offers a relaxed pace, with inviting cafés, Olympic history to explore, and plenty of cozy inns that make autumn nights especially memorable. Lake Placid is sure one of the most inviting fall vacation spots in New York.
Saranac Lake, New York
Just a short drive from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake offers a quieter, more down-to-earth experience of the Adirondacks in the fall. Peak foliage arrives in early to mid-October, when the surrounding lakes and trails glow with fiery reds and oranges. A walk along the Saranac Riverwalk is an easy way to enjoy the season right in town, while the nearby Baker Mountain Trail gives hikers a rewarding view over the village and lakes below. For a unique fall outing, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle across the still waters of Lower Saranac Lake, where the reflections of autumn leaves are unforgettable. Afterward, you can warm up in one of the town’s local breweries or cafés, making Saranac Lake a relaxed but beautiful place to savor fall in upstate New York.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is known for its history, but in the fall it also offers one of the most atmospheric small-town getaways in the Northeast. Peak foliage usually arrives in mid to late October, when the rolling fields and historic battle sites are framed by golden leaves. You can explore the Gettysburg National Military Park by car, bike, or on a guided tour, where the autumn colors add a striking backdrop to the monuments and open landscapes. In town, walk along Lincoln Square to browse antique shops and cafés, or stop into the Gettysburg Heritage Center for stories that bring the past to life. Add a seasonal twist with a ghost tour through the old streets at night, and you’ll find out why Gettysburg is one of the best fall vacations in the US.
Ticonderoga, New York
Ticonderoga sits between Lake George and Lake Champlain, giving visitors double the fall scenery in one small town. Peak foliage usually comes in early to mid-October, when the rolling hills and lakesides glow with brilliant color. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga is a must, not only for its Revolutionary War history but also for the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains framed by autumn leaves. The fort’s gardens are especially pretty this time of year. Scenic drives along Route 9N or the Champlain Bridge give travelers stunning glimpses of the season, while Lake George offers calm boat rides under a canopy of fall color.
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Galena, Illinois
Galena feels like stepping back into the 19th century, one of the best fall vacations in the US, with its brick-lined Main Street, historic buildings, and riverside views. Fall is one of the best times to visit, with peak foliage usually arriving in mid-October and painting the rolling hills of northwest Illinois in warm shades. Spend the day browsing the shops and restaurants along Main Street, often decorated with pumpkins and fall displays, or tour the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site for a dose of history. For scenic views, head to Horseshoe Mound Preserve, where you can see the Mississippi River Valley framed in autumn color, or take a leisurely drive along the Great River Road.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, perched on the shores of Lake Superior, is one of Wisconsin’s most scenic fall destinations. Peak foliage usually arrives in early to mid-October, when the mix of hardwood forests and lake views creates brilliant color contrasts. The town is especially known for its apple orchards, and the Bayfield Apple Festival each October is a highlight, drawing visitors with cider, pies, and local crafts. For a quiet outdoor adventure, take a drive along the Bayfield Peninsula Scenic Byway or explore the shoreline trails at Big Bay State Park on nearby Madeline Island. A crisp fall boat ride across the lake to the Apostle Islands offers unforgettable views of both the water and the glowing treetops.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains, and fall makes it even more enchanting. Peak colors usually arrive in early to mid-October, when golden larches and bright maples surround the town and nearby mountains. Leavenworth is one of the best fall vacations in the US, famous for its lively Oktoberfest celebrations, where you can enjoy music, German food, and seasonal beer against a backdrop of fall foliage. For outdoor scenery, take a walk along the Waterfront Park Trail by the Wenatchee River or head into the Icicle Gorge Trail, where fiery leaves line the rushing waters. The downtown area, with its alpine architecture, bakeries, and boutique shops, feels straight out of Europe, but with the added glow of Pacific Northwest autumn.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River sits along the Columbia River Gorge and is one of Oregon’s most colorful towns in the fall. Peak foliage usually shows in mid-October, when the hillsides and orchards surrounding the town light up in shades of gold and red. A highlight this time of year is driving the Fruit Loop, a 35-mile route lined with apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and farm stands serving fresh cider and pies. Outdoor lovers can take in the autumn scenery on the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway, with its waterfalls and overlooks, or hike trails like Punchbowl Falls for quieter views. After a day outside, the breweries and cafés downtown offer the perfect spot to relax with local beer or cider while watching the sun set over the Gorge.
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Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, one of the best fall vacations in the US, is best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but in the fall, the entire town feels like a stage set with its brilliant autumn backdrop. Peak colors usually arrive in mid-October, when the streets and parks glow with shades of red, orange, and yellow. A stroll through Lithia Park is a must. The 100-acre park sits right in the heart of downtown and becomes a kaleidoscope of color, with easy walking paths and quiet spots by Ashland Creek. Visitors can also explore the boutique shops, cafés, and bookstores lining Main Street, many of which lean into the cozy fall atmosphere. If you’re up for a day trip, the nearby Rogue Valley wine country offers tastings and vineyard views surrounded by rolling hills in their autumn hues.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos combines adobe architecture, mountain landscapes, and vibrant fall colors into one unforgettable getaway. Peak foliage typically runs from late September through early October, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains glowing in shades of gold thanks to their vast aspen groves. A drive along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is one of the best ways to see it all, an 83-mile loop that winds past mountains, valleys, and charming villages like Red River and Eagle Nest. For hiking, the Williams Lake Trail offers a moderate climb with dazzling fall views at nearly 12,000 feet. Back in town, wander the historic Taos Plaza, filled with galleries, shops, and cafés, or visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that adds rich cultural depth to your trip. In autumn, Taos offers both quiet mountain beauty and experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
Ouray, Colorado
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is surrounded by dramatic peaks that blaze with golden aspens each fall. The best time to visit is late September to early October, when the mountainsides turn brilliant yellow and orange. A drive along the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) offers some of the most jaw-dropping foliage views in the Rockies, with winding roads carved into cliffsides. For a closer look, hike the Perimeter Trail, which circles the town and provides panoramic views of waterfalls and mountains dressed in autumn color. After a day outdoors, soak in the Ouray Hot Springs, where the warm pools feel even better with crisp fall air all around. Ouray is one of Colorado’s most memorable fall destinations, undoubtedly one of the best fall vacations in the US.
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Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands sits high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the South’s most spectacular places to see fall color. Peak foliage usually arrives in mid-to-late October, when the mountainsides around town glow with fiery reds and golds. The area is famous for its waterfalls. A short drive leads to Dry Falls, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of water, or Bridal Veil Falls, which you can view right from the roadside. For sweeping mountain views, head to Whiteside Mountain, a moderate hike with dramatic cliffs and colorful valleys stretching below. Back in town, stroll through Highlands’ boutique shops and art galleries or settle into a cozy café along Main Street.
Where is Your Next Fall Adventure?
Every fall getaway has its own magic, but there’s something especially memorable about experiencing the season in a small town. From wandering the cobblestone streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea to hiking golden aspen trails in Ouray, these destinations remind us that the best fall vacations in the US are often the quietest ones. They’re the places where you can sip cider at a local café, watch the leaves change on a scenic drive, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of life.
What kind of autumn escape speaks to you most: a coastal retreat, a mountain hike, or a historic town rich with character? With so many best fall vacations in the US to choose from, the real question is: where will your next fall adventure take you?
