Best Places to Visit in the Fall in the U.S.

Why fall travel just hits different

Cooler temps, bold colors, and zero sticky seats? Yes, please. Here’s 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’t forget: Those road trip snacks and drinks you grab on the way? Fetch offers help you rack up even more points.

Point-worthy fall destinations

Here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in the fall in the US:

1. New England
2. New York
3. The Smoky Mountains
4. Colorado
5. Pacific Northwest
6. Great Lakes
7. Southwest
8. California
9. Texas Hill Country
10. The Ozarks
11. Washington, D.C. & Shenandoah
12. City Breaks (Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Denver)

New England

Color that could stop traffic—and 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’s 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—the peaks don’t 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’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin’s Door County, or Minnesota’s North Shore.

Southwest

Red rock glows. Cottonwoods flash gold. And the sun finally chills—ideal 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’re wondering where where to visit in the fall for a quick weekend escape, these spots are cool, cozy, and Fetch-Point worthy.

Fall road trip essentials (and how Fetch helps you save)

Before you head out to any of the best places to visit in the fall, make sure your bag and your Fetch app are packed.

• Snacks & drinks: Energy bars, trail mix, cider, sparkling water. Earn Fetch 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 Fetch Shop = big points before the trip begins.
• On-the-go meals: Coffee stops, diner breakfasts, and quick bites—snap every receipt in Fetch.
• 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 Fetch trip

Wherever you go this fall, Fetch 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 = Fetch Points.
• Shop before you go: Stock up on water, trail mix, and other travel necessities with Fetch Shop. Points pile up before you even hit the road.
• Book smarter: Flights, hotels, and rental cars through Fetch 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—all fair game.
• Book travel with Fetch 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, Fetch makes your travel more rewarding—earning 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’s Route 100, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smokies, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula loop, and Colorado’s Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Pro tip: stock up on road trip essentials with Fetch 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’s 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 Fetch, your fall travel earns you gift cards you can use later for holiday shopping—making autumn the most rewarding season of all.