With the crisp fall air and cooler weather comes the urge to travel. Not just to travel but to visit a city where you can go leaf peeping or enjoy the autumn colors as you stroll the streets.
The United States offers all kinds of locations where you can see fall leaves, from the East Coast to the West and everywhere in between. This can make choosing where to travel this fall difficult.
If that’s your struggle, you clicked on the right post. In it, we share the top seven fall destinations in the US. You’ll get our personal city recommendations and ideas for what to do while you’re there to kick-start your itinerary.
Williamstown, Massachusets
You may not recognize the name Williamstown, but it’s one of the small towns that make up Massachusetts’ beautiful Berkshire County. All the nature you could want is a short drive from this New England college town, known for its great hiking and art scene. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the bustle of a larger city.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Hike Mount Greylock
Not far from Williamstown is Mount Greylock, home to some of the best views in the area. This makes it the perfect place to hike and take in the fall colors. Trails range from casual strolls along the lower slopes to challenging hikes to the summit so that you can enjoy the mountain no matter your skill level.
2. The Clark Art Institute
The Clark, as it’s more casually known, is one of the best art collections in the United States. They have a vast collection of pieces from famous artists, including John Singer Sergent, Winslow Homer, and Edgar Degas. The institute is also home to its own college, with extensive grounds you’re free to explore.
3. Images Cinema
Take a step back in time by catching a movie at this non-profit, single-screen theater in downtown Williamstown. They show indie, foreign, and classic films that align with their mission of sharing the art of cinema.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
On the left side of Wyoming is Jackson Hole, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountain peaks. It’s mostly known for its skiing and wild natural beauty. The titular city, Jackson, is a classic, old West-style town with plenty of shopping and eating.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Grand Teton National Park
To get out and immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty, including fall leaves, you have to visit Grand Teton National Park. It’s named for the mountain range running through it and is one of the largest draws in the area for a hike, boating, fishing, or even just driving.
2. Wyoming Stargazing
The Western states have a view of the night sky that can’t be missed. Wyoming Stargazing has a free astronomy event every Thursday night where you can use professional telescopes to view stars, planets, and galaxies.
3. Jackson Town Square
The Jackson Town Square, formally called George Washington Memorial Park, is a small park filled with antler archways. It’s surrounded by local businesses, making it the perfect spot to stop and relax or do a little shopping.
Denver, Colorado
Denver stands exactly one mile above sea level, earning it the nickname “Mile High City”. It’s the state capital of Colorado, known for its beer, theater, and sports. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind for fall, it’s surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, home to a gorgeous array of autumn colors.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Rocky Mountains
At Rocky Mountain State Park, you can see rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, and even glaciers. There are 350 miles of hiking trails to choose from, as well as scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities. And you can’t forget the swaths of trees displaying their fall foliage across the slopes.
2. Denver Botanical Gardens
For those wanting an outdoor experience without the wilderness, visit the Denver Botanical Gardens. The 24-acre gardens hold carefully cultivated plants from around the globe, neatly organized into beautiful sections. They even have a 7-acre corn maze to get lost in during the fall.
3. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is the largest art museum between Chicago and California, with over 70,000 words in its collection. Kids 18 and under get in free, making this a perfect family stop.
Portland, Maine
This historic sea town is home to one of the last working waterfronts in America. Portland is known for how it brings together the artsy and outdoorsy crowd, along with the foodies. It’s been mostly under the radar until recently, meaning you’ll deal with fewer tourists, especially since fall is an off-season.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Portland Head Light
This iconic landmark stands on Cape Elizabeth, just outside Portland. While you can’t climb the lighthouse, you can explore the surrounding park, where you’ll find historic structures, sports facilities, and hiking opportunities.
2. Portland Museum of Art
This museum may be small, but it’s the oldest art museum in Maine. They have 19,000 works in their collection, ranging from Winslow Homer to Claude Monet. There are plenty of free days and times, so check their website before planning your visit.
3. Hoyt Arboretum
One of the best places for fall foliage in Portland is Hoyt Arboretum. The location’s 190 acres have thousands of tree species and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. It’s so immersive you won’t believe it’s only 2 miles from downtown Portland.
Providence, Rhode Island
Another great capital to visit in the fall is Providence, Rhode Island. It’s small but filled with history since it’s one of the oldest cities in the United States. You also won’t have to deal with many other tourists, even during peak fall foliage.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Burnside Park
This park is located right in the middle of downtown Providence. It has two main attractions– the Bajnotti Fountain and the General Ambrose Burnside statue. It’s worth a walk-through on your visit, especially to see the colorful autumn leaves.
2. RISD Museum
The RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) Museum is an art museum with a collection of over 10,000 works, ranging from ancient pieces to recent creations. It’s one of the biggest draws in Providence and is considered a must-visit by locals.
3. Providence Ghost Tour
For those who love spooky season, consider taking a ghostly walking tour through Portland’s east side. Even if you don’t see a spirit, you’ll get to learn a lot about the city’s history from knowledgeable tour guides.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Those familiar with horse racing have probably heard about Saratoga Springs. Horse racing is one of their biggest attractions, and it’s home to the Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sporting venue in the United States. There’s a lot of other history here, and the natural hot springs the city is named for.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park has something for everyone, whether you want to relax or hike. Enjoy a spa trip with mineral baths, go swimming, or visit one of the on-site museums. The fall foliage here isn’t to be overlooked either.
2. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
You can’t visit Saratoga Springs and not see the racing museum while you’re here. You’ll learn about the sport’s history, famous racehorses, and jockeys. You can also browse the Hall of Fame and see the top racehorses over the years.
3. Saratoga Performing Arts Center
This performing arts center is located right in the Saratoga Spa State Park, where you can see live music, dance performances, and more. There’s always something going on, so check their website during your visit to see what performances are planned.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids has held the title of Beer City for ten years, making it the perfect fall travel destination for pub crawlers. Despite the moniker, it’s also known for being extremely family-friendly for those who want to take their kids on an autumnal adventure. While you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy the fantastic art, culture, and food scene.
Top 3 Things To Do:
1. ArtPrize
ArtPrize is an annual art competition hosted by Grand Rapids each September. What makes it unique is that the art isn’t displayed in a museum but scattered throughout businesses around the city. You can even help vote for the winner!
2. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Robinette’s Apple Haus is a must-visit for the ultimate fall experience. You can pick apples, do wine tastings, and explore their corn maze all season long. Don’t forget to stop by their bakery for sweet treats and fun gifts while you’re here.
3. Explore Beer City
If you’re a craft brewery aficionado, you can enjoy Beer City by visiting some of the 40 breweries located within 25 minutes of the downtown area. Download their app for maps, prizes, and beer deals.
There are so many more wonderful US cities we wish we could feature on this list. Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of where to start your fall travel adventures.
No Comments