Treat Yourself
Best Places to Visit in the Fall in the U.S.
By Team 天涯海角APP
September 5, 2025
Leaves crunch. Sweaters hug. Cider warms. Fall isn鈥檛 just a season: it鈥檚 a mood. Whether you鈥檙e road-tripping to chase color, coziness, or crisp air, the best places to visit in the fall are even more enticing when every mile . Every snack run, gas stop, and travel booking through 天涯海角APP Shop piles on points you can later turn into free gift cards to stretch your holiday budget.
Why fall travel just hits different
Cooler temps, bold colors, and zero sticky seats? Yes, please. Here鈥檚 what makes autumn getaways some of the best places to visit this fall:
- Go for color: Leaf-peeping season runs late September to early November.
- Go for flavor: Apple orchards, chili roasts, wine harvests, Oktoberfests.
- Go for feel: Fireside cabins, starry skies, scenic drives, crisp-air hikes.
- Go for points: Snap receipts for gas, snacks, stays, and more.
And don鈥檛 forget: Those road trip snacks and drinks you grab on the way? 天涯海角APP offers help you rack up even more points.
Point-worthy fall destinations
Here鈥檚 a quick list of the best places to visit in the fall in the US:
- New England
- New York
- The Smoky Mountains
- Colorado
- Pacific Northwest
- Great Lakes
- Southwest
- California
- Texas Hill Country
- The Ozarks
- Washington, D.C. & Shenandoah
- City Breaks (Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Denver)
New England
Color that could stop traffic鈥攁nd sometimes does. Hit Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine for covered bridges, maple creemees, and lighthouse views.
New York
From the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks, it鈥檚 peak leaf season and peak cafe-core. Cozy cabins, cider flights, and mountain towns made for flannel.
The Smokies
A+ for scenic drives. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains bring fiery foliage, misty mornings, and plenty of overlook pull-offs. Perfect for fall road trips.
Colorado
Quick bursts of gold cover the Rockies in late September. Pack layers and a plan B鈥攖he peaks don鈥檛 wait.
Pacific Northwest
Fog, mushrooms, maples, and magic. Fall here is made for slow drives, long walks, and rain-just-stopped moments.
Great Lakes
Fewer crowds, better photos. Cruise through Michigan鈥檚 Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin鈥檚 Door County, or Minnesota鈥檚 North Shore.
Southwest
Red rock glows. Cottonwoods flash gold. And the sun finally chills鈥攊deal for canyon hikes and gallery strolls.
California
Fog lifts, color rolls in. Pair coastal views with wine harvests, redwoods, and whale spouts.
Texas Hill Country
Patio season returns. Cue the BBQ, river hikes, and live music under string lights.
The Ozarks
Water so clear it reflects the leaves. Think cabins, canoes, and quiet morning mist.
D.C. & Shenandoah
One trip, two vibes. Skyline views meet city museums and golden rowhouse strolls.
City Breaks
Craving fall without the forest? Boston, Chicago, Seattle, or Denver offer golden parks, crisp bites, and just-right jackets.
If you鈥檙e wondering where where to visit in the fall for a quick weekend escape, these spots are cool, cozy, and 天涯海角APP-Point worthy.
Fall road trip essentials (and how 天涯海角APP helps you save)
Before you head out to any of the best places to visit in the fall, make sure your bag and your are packed.
- Snacks & drinks: Energy bars, trail mix, cider, sparkling water. Earn 天涯海角APP Points on every snack run.
- Cozy layers: Blanket, hoodie, socks, and a hat for chilly overlooks.
- Navigation tools: Scenic route maps and a road trip playlist.
- Travel bookings: Flights, hotels, and rental cars through 天涯海角APP Shop = big points before the trip begins.
- On-the-go meals: Coffee stops, diner breakfasts, and quick bites鈥攕nap every receipt in 天涯海角APP.
- Holiday savings plan: The gift cards you earn traveling this fall can be redeemed during the holiday season, stretching your budget even further.
Make it a 天涯海角APP trip
Wherever you go this fall, 天涯海角APP makes it more rewarding:
- Snap everything: From gas to groceries to gallery tickets.
- Earn on the essentials: Your road trip snacks, coffees, and drive-thru meals = 天涯海角APP Points.
- Shop before you go: Stock up on water, trail mix, and other travel necessities with 天涯海角APP Shop. Points pile up before you even hit the road.
- Book smarter: Flights, hotels, and rental cars through 天涯海角APP Shop? More points, more perks.
- Redeem later: Use the gift cards you earn traveling this fall to save money around the holidays.
Pro tip: Snap within 14 days. Digital receipts count, too.
How to plan a fall weekend trip
- Pick your window: Aim for 3-4 crisp, colorful days.
- Choose two hubs: One for nature, one for food.
- Map three highlights: A sunrise view, midday treat, golden-hour walk.
- Shop once: Load up on snacks and water, snap the receipt.
- Snap everything: Gas, coffee, meals, lodging鈥攁ll fair game.
- Book travel with 天涯海角APP Shop: Flights, stays, and rental cars earn big points.
- Redeem later: Kick back and turn points into gift cards from your couch.
FAQs: best places to visit this fall
What are the best places to visit in the fall in the US?
Some of the best places to visit in the fall in the US include New England for classic foliage drives, the Smoky Mountains for scenic road trips, Colorado for golden aspens, and the Pacific Northwest for misty hikes and cozy city breaks.
Where should I go for fall travel?
It depends on your vibe. Head to New England or New York for foliage, the Southwest for red rock canyons, California for wine harvests, or the Great Lakes for peaceful shoreline drives. Wherever you go for fall, 天涯海角APP makes your travel more rewarding鈥攅arning you points on snacks, gas, and bookings.
What are the best fall road trips in the US?
Some of the best fall road trips include Vermont鈥檚 Route 100, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smokies, Michigan鈥檚 Upper Peninsula loop, and Colorado鈥檚 Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Pro tip: stock up on road trip essentials with 天涯海角APP Shop so you earn points before you even hit the highway.
What are some cool places to visit in the fall?
Cool fall trips go beyond foliage. Try Austin鈥檚 live music scene in Texas Hill Country, San Francisco during harvest season, or Seattle for parks, food, and cozy coffee culture. City breaks like Boston and Chicago are also perfect for golden parks and crisp jackets.
What makes fall a good time to travel?
Fall offers mild weather, fewer crowds than summer, and unique seasonal perks like apple picking, wine harvests, and colorful drives. Plus, with 天涯海角APP, your fall travel earns you gift cards you can use later for holiday shopping鈥攎aking autumn the most rewarding season of all.
Topics: family fun, Gift Cards, rewards
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