Whether you’re looking to hold on to summer a bit longer or eager to carve pumpkins surrounded by fall foliage, this guide will take you to the 10 best Fall destinations in the US for 2019.
Oh hello, Fall. How I’ve missed you. The beanies, light jackets, and boots oh my! These are a few of my favorite things. Don’t get me wrong, I love warm summers, but I LOVE fall. Mostly because I look better in fall attire and my makeup doesn’t sweat off my face as fast. That’s reason enough to jump on a plane to somewhere exciting.
Someplace full of gorgeous autumn colors, or if you’re the opposite of me, someplace to hold on to summer. This guide is the ying-yang of fall travel destinations around America, so open up a separate window in your browser and see which of these is the cheapest for you.
Hopefully, by the end of this post, you will have booked yourself on a fine fall getaway!
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What Should I Pack for a Fall Trip?
I love shopping for Fall outfits and swapping out the clothes in my closet from summer tanks to cozy sweaters. Over the years, I’ve managed to gather a few essentials I think are perfect for a fall getaway.
Yes, you fellas are included. More times than none, I end up helping my boyfriend pack his suitcase so I know a thing or two about men’s fashion. These are the items I currently own or recently bought.
Ladies:
Jackets: Khaki open front jacket, hunter green cardigan, classic jean jacket
Vests: Black and Yellow down vest
Shirts: Hunter green blouse, cheetah 3/4 sleeve
Bottoms: maroon corduroy skirt, mom jeans, black denim, wrap snake print skirt, white and orange plaid trousers
Sweaters: classic white off-the-shoulder sweater tunic and caramel brown sweater.
Dress: maroon skater dress, orange maxi dress
Shoes: Brown suede booties, White ankle bootie with a chunky heel
Accessories: yellow pom-pom beanie and black boater hat
Gents:
Pants: Black, Maroon, Dark Demin
Shirts: I love these classic v-necks in rich fall colors
Sweaters: Pullover sweater and fall striped knit.
Jackets: I love this washed brown leather jacket. Makes a nice street look for fall.
Shoes: Fresh fashion sneakers
Accessories: Love a good beanie
10 Best Fall Travel Destinations in the US
You can say I get around the seasons. I’ve traveled to many of these places at different times of the year and can say with absolute certainty, they are the best in the Fall. Shall we begin? *clears throat* “Number 1. . . ”
#1 Chicago, Illinois
The city of Chicago is nothing short of beautiful during the fall season. The brisk air and autumn colors make strolling through the city highly enjoyable. My favorite spot to visit is the millennium park area. Between the gorgeous leaves and city backdrop, you will fall in love. No pun intended. Ok, that was totally intended.
Where to Stay:
I’m going to be a little bias and tell you to stay at the Publishing House Bed & Breakfast. We stayed here on our last visit to Chicago, which to happened to be Fall of ’18. Anyways, this place is not what you would expect from a B&B. It’s fresh and modern, centrally located, and home to two adorable pugs.
If you want to see more of this B&B, watch my guide to Chicago.
Viva Las Vegas in the Fall!
#2 Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the best choice for travelers who came late to the summer party and prefer the warmer temperatures. You can find tons of pool clubs open for business well into October. The best part is you might have a shot at getting in since the summer crowd went home.
The weather is equivalent to summer temperatures in the rest of the country AND the hotels are cheaper. Yes, my friend. Fall in Las Vegas is the perfect time to visit.
Where to Stay:
I’ve had more staycations in Las Vegas than I can count, which means I know a thing or two about which hotels are the best. Here are my top 3:
SLS Las Vegas for affordability and location.
Cosmopolitan for ballers who want to live their best life.
The Downtowner for low maintenance rebels who are here for the local way of life.
#3 Portland, Maine
If you are serious about fall foliage then Maine is the state for you. It’s home to colorful places and all the pumpkin spice one can hope for. And if you think men don’t get down to some pumpkin spice lattes, think again.
Where to Stay
The Danforth for gorgeous views and five-star living.
Pomegranate Inn to feel as though you’re visiting grandma with warm meals and cozy rooms. A great spot near major tourist attractions.
A flower stand at the Pecan Street Festival in downtown Austin. This festival happens every fall.
#4 Austin, Texas
Also known as, my new city. That’s right. Ya girl is officially a resident of ATX. If this is the first time you’re hearing this, then watch my announcement video.
Austin is similar to Vegas as far as temperatures and amount of bars go, but there are a few things Austin does differently than Vegas when it comes to fall.
For starters, they throw one hell of an Oktoberfest (aka Austoberfest). This might not be the true Oktoberfest in Munich, but they are recognized as “the best Oktoberfest in America”, according to Food & Wine Magazine.
If you don’t have the time or the funds to fly to Munich, then Austoberfest is a promising alternative.
Austin is also surrounded by outdoor pumpkin patches, wine country, and the annual ACL music festival that takes place in October. If that doesn’t scream perfect weekend getaway, I don’t know what does.
Where to Stay:
Austin Motel: A super colorful hotel in the heart of the popular South Congress Avenue. They also have one of the best hotel pool parties in town and a central location to shops, bat bridge, and downtown. It’s a city favorite.
Aloft Downtown: Where art, trendy cafes, and central downtown living meet. I love the vibrant colors found all throughout the property. They also have a great restaurant, Carolines, downstairs that has a good lunch menu at surprisingly affordable prices.
#5 Colorado Springs, Colorado
There’s no prettier time of year to visit Colorado Springs than in the fall. A perfect escape for the adventurous soul looking to hike while taking in the gorgeous autumn views. You can drive, hike, or even soar above in a hot air balloon. Discover the wilderness by day and enjoy the craft beers by night.
Where to Stay:
The Cliffs House at Pikes Peak: Too charming not to mention.
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club: For the ultimate romantic retreat.
The enchanting entrance to the NoMad hotel in New York City.
#6 New York City, New York
Honestly, I’m not sure when it’s best to visit NYC. Their weather has been so unpredictable this entire year. Seems like the whole city has been heating up. Good thing fall weather is just as unpredictable. For that, NYC stays on the list.
Central Park is just as beautiful in the fall as it is in the spring and the people are still happy from summer. The vibes all around are great.
Where to Stay:
The NoMad Hotel if you’re looking to have your Carrie Bradshaw moment.
The Ludlow for super photogenic spots.
I’m not trolling you. Seattle in the Fall is a great time to visit.
#7 Seattle, Washington
From late September through Thanksgiving, you can see the gorgeous fall foliage surrounding the city of Seattle. The Japanese Gardens are a must-visit. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous and offers plenty of insta-worthy photo opportunities.
But that’s not the only reason to come here. The city finds tons of ways to celebrate the season such as pumpkin beer found at tons of local breweries, Oktoberfest celebrations, Halloween parties, and Seattle Seahawks football. Did you know they are the loudest fans? They’ve broken records.
Where to Stay:
I stayed downtown at the Motif Hotel. It was super nice with a fabulous rooftop bar. We had no problem walking to nearby attractions, plus, you get free wine nightly in the hotel lobby. It sounds like a winner to me.
#8 Half Moon Bay, California
The biggest reason to visit Half Moon Bay in the fall is for their Art & Pumpkin Festival. They are the pumpkin capital of the world and they show it. Every year they throw one hell of a pumpkin bash with live music, food and drinks, pie-eating contests, and more.
If you want to surround yourself with small-town vibes and celebrate the season like no other, then Half Moon Bay is easily the best fall travel destination in the US.
Where to Stay:
San Benito House for a unique stay at one of the oldest buildings in town. This hotel was built 114 years ago. Due to proper maintenance and TLC, the hotel is functioning better than ever offering guests classic comfort in a lively atmosphere.
Best Western Inn Cameron’s Inn for modern comfort that’s close to the beach and nature trails.
Downtown Charleston, SC. Can we all agree this looks like a page from a Nicholas Sparks novel?
#9 Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is nice to visit any time of the year, but if you’re not one for humidity in the summer, why not visit in the fall? They are voted one of the best cities in America for a long weekend getaway. The best part about visiting in the fall is it’s not too cold yet and everything gets cheaper.
Oohh we love discounts around here!
You can take a day trip to the gorgeous plantation homes, stroll through the heart of downtown, do some shopping on King Street and see what old southern money looks like in the historic Battery neighborhood. These are just a few ideas.
Charleston offers tons of history, monuments, and modern marvels to keep you busy.
Where to Stay:
The Vendue Art Hotel for art and modern amenities with a rooftop bar overlooking the water. This hotel is very sexy.
Mills House for pink lovers who want a central location in a quintessentially Charleston hotel. This is where I stayed when I was last there. Super-duper cute. P.S. the lobby bar makes the best Bee’s Knees. Dangerously good.
#10 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota has brutal winters but there is a short window in the year where everything is pure perfection. That window is Fall.
There are three things you have to do when you get here: bike around Boom Island Park for incredible views of the city paired with fall leaves, explore the art and museums downtown, and visit the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which features over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins.
Where to Stay:
Aloft Downtown: A great spot if you’re looking for nightlife and culture. It’s near popular museums Institute of Art and Mill City Museum.
The W at Foshay: A shabby chic hotel offering celebrity treatment in the heart of downtown.
This post makes me love Fall even more because there are so many wonderful places to visit here in the USA. Just like the changing of the seasons, change your surroundings and book a flight to one of these destinations.
Psst. . . Looking for more US getaways? Check out these guides:
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If You Like Fun, This Is Where to Go in Denver
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A Not So Secret Photo Guide to Los Angeles
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Scottsdale Girls Weekend: 5 Top Things Not To Miss
Which US fall destination sounds the most fun to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you purchase through these links, which helps me keep my lights on and order pizza from Dominos! I am extremely grateful. Thank you.
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