10 Best Fall Getaways: Real US & Europe Trips Worth Taking in 2026

Having grown up in Southern California, distinct seasons aren’t a normal occurrence. We have sunny and warm, sunny and chilly, and sunny and freezing (that’s in the 50’s for us ;)). Maybe that made Fall getaways all the more intriguing to me, because it’s become one of my favorite seasons to travel. Seeing leaves in every color, wearing cozy sweaters and boots, reading by a fire – fall getaways are the perfect escape.

Having also lived in cities like Seattle that have that distinct fall feel, I appreciate it even more. At those times, though, my fall escapes were to warmer destinations. I guess it’s about mixing it up, giving yourself a little variety that makes your vacation feel different from home.

Having traveled to 20+ destinations in fall over the years, I’ve learned that autumn offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re chasing foliage or fleeing from it, here are some of my favorite fall getaways that I’d return to again and again.

I’ve often taken hiking trips in the fall, and it’s the perfect time to go. The weather is a little cooler, the trails are a little quieter, and you can feel, see and smell nature transitioning. Crisp air, bright leaves, and a horizon glow that lets you know it’s autumn.

The Northeast is known for its brilliant fall leaves, and Maine definitely pays off on that. A group of friends and I love to meet for hiking trips, and we particularly enjoy visiting National Parks we haven’t been to. Acadia National Park fit the bill on all accounts – stunning scenery, great hiking, and a cozy cabin where we could all catch up.

This made for the quintessential fall getaway, the perfect picture of what you’d imagine when you hear ‘autumn vibes.’ We would wake up, have coffee overlooking the bay while seals played in the water. Each day we’d visit different trails and parts of the area. Meals included lobster, of course, as well as other local delights.

If you go, definitely book reservations for the Cadillac Mountain Sunrise. Only a certain number of cars are allowed up each day. While we were lucky enough to score a reservation, we went on a day when the mountain was completely socked in with fog. While we didn’t get the sunrise we were hoping for, we got a lot more laughs and a special memory that we won’t forget. And eventually, we got the view the site is known for.

Upper right USA has its beauty, but Upper left USA won’t let it be outdone. The Washington coast is another great place to cozy up for Fall. The same hiking group and I headed to the Olympic Mountains one year, where you’re engulfed in towering pines, cocooned in rain forests, and standing on a horizon staring out as far as the eye can see – with occasional visits from deer, squirrels and other forest critters that have no fear of humans.

Because the park is so large, there was a lot of ground to cover. Rather than staying in one spot, we booked three separate locations, staying a couple nights in each. This allowed us more time to explore the different sections of the park – including a visit to Twilight country (for non-movie fans, that’s Forks, La Push, and the Hoh Rain Forest).

On some trails we were the only folks around. At the end of the day, we’d have a quiet relaxing meal at our lodge, and watch the sun set on a calm lake, thanking mother nature for the show and thanking each other for another great autumn day.

If you’re willing to move away from the coast, you can get a different kind of fall feel. My mom and I did a fall getaway to Ashland, Oregon, a town that’s part theater-hub, part free-spirit hub, and part college hub.

Known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, we ensured we booked a show (it was so good, we booked another one while we were there!). The town is small enough to stroll through, and though it was fall, it was still warm. We soaked our feet in the creek that runs through Lithia Park. We also went up Mount Ashland, where we got a bit of that fall chill.

If you’re into wine, you’ll be delighted to learn that Ashland is next to the Rogue Valley Wine Country. We drove along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, visiting wineries that are smaller and quieter than those in Napa, but just as delicious.

With great food, a small-town feel and a variety of activities, Ashland makes for a great fall weekend getaway.

Can’t get enough fall foliage? Here’s more magical fall destinations ->

Cities give off a different vibe in the Fall. Kids are back in school, people are getting back to their routines, and mother nature starts working its magic. She turns cities I love into something special during the Fall.

New York is a favorite city getaway for me, and while Holiday time may be my favorite, it just hits different in Fall. The leaves are starting to change, the tourists throngs are thinning out, and you can don those fall coats and boots that patiently wait in your closet for trips just like this.

I just returned from a fall getaway to New York, and it reminded me of why I love this time of year so much. You can walk for miles each day without worrying about humidity or snow. Getting tickets to shows are a little easier since it’s in between the summer and holiday rush.

Weather-wise, it’s a bit of a crap shoot – we had rain, followed by sundress weather, and then onto the traditional fall 40s and 50s you’d expect. That just added to the fun of it all – and ensured we wore all the layers we packed!

Whatever the weather, there’s nothing quite like seeing the leaves change and start falling across Central Park. Having a bite at Tavern on the Green and soaking in the city. Wandering through Soho and the Village, with that fall light hitting the brick buildings in just the right way that takes your breath away. If you haven’t been to the Big Apple in Fall, you’re missing out.

So many people don’t think of seasons and Las Vegas in the same sentence. You may think their seasons are slots, tables, shows and shots, but Vegas is a lot more than that. Having lived there for 10 years, I’ve experienced all her moods and beauty – and contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot more to do there than just gamble!

Whether you decide to leave the strip or not, Fall is a great time to visit Las Vegas. The summer heat is starting to cool, but the winter chill hasn’t set in. You can hike Red Rock or walk the strip without worrying about heat stroke. There are a lot of outdoor venues, making it a perfect time to catch a concert at the Cosmo pool.

If you’re sports-inclined, this is a good time to visit. Between the World Series, football season in full swing, and F1 formula racing coming through town, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can even catch a Raiders game, or a Golden Knights match now that Vegas has their own football and hockey teams. I hear that their halftime shows have that extra Vegas pizazz, which you likely won’t find at your local sporting event!

Even though I’ve moved away, I still like to visit Las Vegas each year, and Fall is my favorite time to go.

Want the full list of things to do in Vegas besides gamble? I’ve got you covered ->

If you decide to visit San Diego in the fall, you may stumble upon our little secret – local’s summer. The crowds have left, and we have the beaches all to ourselves! You can slide right onto the beach next to us – we’ll share, we promise!

You may not get the iconic fall foliage, but you can catch sea lions sunning, dolphins playing and whales breaching at sea! Humpbacks, grey and fin whales, and even the occasional orca come through here during the fall. I live here and still take whale-watching trips at least once a season – it never gets old!

There are other unique events you can only find here in the Fall. If you’re with kids (or kids at heart), you can catch Howl-o-Scream at Sea World, Spooky Nights at the San Diego Zoo, and Brick-or-Treat at Legoland. Race fans can catch the Breeder’s Cup at Del Mar Racetrack. And for foodies, don’t miss the San Diego Food & Wine Festival, voted best wine festival in the country! Speaking of food, if you come closer to Thanksgiving, you can enjoy an iconic turkey day feast at the Hotel del Coronado.

If you can’t shake that hankering for fall, do what us locals do – take a road trip to Julian. Known for its apples, this quaint little mountain town offers ciders, fall foliage strolls, and perhaps the best of all – Julian Apple Pie! You can get it in San Diego, but I still think it tastes better out there! Fall feels in San Diego – Julian nails it.

Want more details on what to do in San Diego? Check out my 3-day itinerary ->

Want more ideas close by, including more info on Julian? Check out my guide to the best day trips from San Diego. Several of them are perfect fall day trips.

If you’re a true summer lover, you may want the season to carry on past its expiration date. Or you may be in a place that’s in for a long cold spell, so escaping to somewhere warm sounds magnificent. If either of those hit home, check out these spots. They deliver warmth and sunshine while everyone else is pulling out their sweaters.

Baja California will forever be on my fall getaway list. While there is a small chance of hurricanes, Baja is a little less susceptible than the mainland, particularly in October and November. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are two of my favorite Baja fall escapes.

You can pack light, beach vacation attire the only thing you really need. Days can be chill with beach time, pool time, visiting art galleries and reading. For a little more excitement, you can head out on snorkeling trips, whale watching trips, horseback rides, and ziplining. I’ve done them all and have always had a blast!

Food-wise, you may be surprised at how many amazing restaurants Cabo has. Authentic homemade Italian pasta at Invicta, amazing steak at Roasted, farm-to-table fare at Flora’s, Acre, and Tamarindo; and the quintessential Cabo experience with a view at Cocina del Mar. These are must visits for me on every trip, while I also fit in time to find a few new faves.

If your goal is to get away from it all, like mine usually is, find a quiet resort that fits your vibe. One of my go-to’s is Hotel El Ganzo, an artsy hotel in San Jose del Cabo, with its own private beach club. Laying on the daybed on the beach, swimming out in the calm sea (a rarity in Cabo), and letting all your worries wash away is a fantastical fall day.

Interested in other Baja destinations? Take a look at some of my faves ->

Another place where my worries wash out to sea? Hawaii. Having visited several of the islands, they each hold a special place in my heart. With great weather year-round, it’s a perfect place to visit in the fall – and likely a bit cheaper, as it’s shoulder season!

Maui is one island that I go back to again and again, having a good mix of activities, a little city life, and down time. From lavender farms up in the hills to lavish resorts on the beach; sunrise views at Haleakala to sundowners at the local watering hole, you can sample quite the variety the island has to offer. If you want something a little quieter but still have adventure in their DNA, Kauai or the Big Island are good options.

Walking on the shore, finding local spots to eat, and snorkeling right from the beach, Hawaii is a perfect place to not have a packed agenda. Whales can also be spotted here – often you can even see them right from the beach! Can you tell I have a thing or whales? ☺️

Whether you’re going with your family, as a couple, with friends or even solo, Hawaii has something for everyone, especially in Fall.

Europe in fall is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. The weather is still lovely; the sights are still there and easier to see as you’re not battling crazy crowds. Having visited several countries in Europe, I can confirm Fall is actually better than summer for exploring these iconic destinations. Here are two of my favorites, both holding a place in my heart as I’ve lived in each.

My first visit to Italy was when I was living in Spain in 1997. Fall break, Rome, here we come. Since then, I’ve been to Italy numerous times, even spending a whole summer living there.

While summer is lovely, fall is where it’s at. The weather is cooling, the air is crisp, and the style and vibe of the culture shift. European fall fashion is on point, making it a perfect time to pick up some chic finds. Leather jackets, boots, and the like get put to good use in the fall. Warmer, cozier dishes are served, and spending time in a Tuscan villa takes on a whole new comfy vibe.

If you’re looking for the well-known sights, you can visit the big cities like Rome, Florence and Venice without the crowds. If you’re looking for that Italian coastline, the Cinque Terre, Sorrento and Amalfi are still gorgeous in fall. For those that want more of the countryside feel, stay in a villa and meander through wine country tasting Chianti, Brunello, or Prosecco. Pro-tip – pick the region that aligns with the wine you enjoy the most – none will disappoint! Wherever you are, partake in the local cuisine that changes with the seasons.

For places a little more off the beaten path, visit Sicily, Sardegna, Umbria, or Turino. The first two being island gems, the third being a less populated sister to Tuscany, and the latter being a gem of a city, these places don’t get the hype they deserve. While I’d love to keep them to myself, I’d rather share the love and the sights. The clearest water, the kindest people, and the most delicious bites can be found here, even in the fall!

So many places to go in Italy, it’s hard to choose. 2 weeks in Northern Italy will give you that fall feel you’re looking for ->

Studying abroad for a year in Spain was a life-changing experience, and one that gave me the opportunity to see her through every season. Similar to Italy, fall is one of my favorite times to visit Spain. The heat has cooled, the crowds have thinned, and the fall fashion comes to life.

Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian are popular destinations and definitely worth a visit, but my heart will always be in the south of Spain. Grenada, Sevilla, and Cordoba give you the real sense of the impact of the Moors mixed with traditional Spanish architecture. Wandering through the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, the Alcazar in Seville, and the Patios de Cordoba, now a UNESCO-recognized site, remind you of the history here. The people that walked those same streets, the troubles and happy times they’ve seen, and the fact that they are still standing after all these years really puts things in perspective.

You’ll also have a bit warmer weather in the south. Wherever you end up, though, partake in Spanish tapas, eat that jamon de Serano and Manchego cheese, and drink up that sangria. Though I don’t eat meat or cheese, I have it on good authority that it’s delish – and the sangria, I can personally vouch for! Different regions may have their own specialties, so be sure to check out places that are more local and less populated with tourists (hypocritical, I know, but that’s how I roll!).

I definitely fell for Spain when I lived there, and I love her most in the fall.

Fall travel can mean a lot of things to different people. Some are chasing those cozy sweater moments and colorful leaves, others are holding onto that summer warmth. Some just know logistically this is their ideal vacation time. And that’s kind of the beauty of it! Fall can be a pretty versatile travel season.

Are you team “give me all the autumn vibes – boots, scarves, pumpkin everything” or team “everyone else can have their sweaters, I’m going to the beach”? There’s no wrong answer. Some years I want nothing more than hiking through fall colors in Maine or Oregon. Other years, I’m booking a flight to Baja to soak up sun while my friends are posting photos of their pumpkin patches. And on really plucky years, I book both!

Fall foliage is notoriously fickle and varies wildly by region. Maine peaks early October, Pacific Northwest late September to October. If you’re chasing leaves, check regional forecasts (yes, there are foliage prediction sites!). If you’re escaping to warm weather, remember that hurricane season runs through November in some destinations, though October/November is usually safe. 

Fall is generally less crowded than summer, but popular foliage spots (Vermont, anyone?) can still be packed. Cities and beach destinations, however, often feel blissfully peaceful compared to summer chaos. 

Fall weather can be unpredictable – I’ve hiked in 70-degree sunshine and gotten snowed on in the same week. Layers are always your friend. That said, it’s also what makes fall magical – those crisp mornings that warm up to perfect afternoons. 

Fall is often shoulder season, meaning better prices for flights and hotels. Europe in September/October? Significantly cheaper than June/July with the same beautiful weather. 

I’ve outlined everything you need to plan a trip in shoulder season. ->

As you read in my Favorite Girls Trip Destinations post, some destinations work better for groups, others for solo adventures or couples. But don’t be afraid to mix vibes – I’ve done trips where we combined cozy mountain mornings with afternoons in town, or beach days with evening fires. In fact, these are some of my fave types of trips, because you don’t have to stay in one lane.

The key to fall packing is layers, layers, layers. I always pack a light jacket and at least one cozy sweater (even if I’m headed somewhere warm – flights can be freezing!). Being that I’m a weather wimp, if I’m headed somewhere chilly (sub 60s for me), I also pack a heavier jacket – go ahead, make fun, I’ll be nice and cozy over here. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable, and I usually throw in a pair of boots if I’m going somewhere with classic fall vibes.

As for other items, don’t forget sunscreen – fall sun is still sun, and I’ve gotten burned plenty of times in October! A reusable water bottle, good camera (though let’s be honest, my iPhone is my camera these days), a scarf and maybe a light packable rain jacket depending on destination. Oh, and if you’re a reader like me, fall is the perfect season for bringing that book (or three) you’ve been meaning to read – there’s something about reading by a fire or on a beach in autumn that just hits right. 

Take a look at my full 431 packing system – perfect for any season, any location. ->

Being the weather wimp and basic pumpkin spice lover that I am, you’d think I’d want to just stay home when the weather cools. And honestly? I still do that plenty – there’s nothing wrong with a good book and a fire. At the same time, traveling for a fall getaway and discovering these destinations showed me that autumn can be experienced so many different ways. 

I love how I can be hiking through fall colors in Maine one year, and escaping to Baja beaches the next. Both feel like the perfect fall trip because they feed different parts of what I need in that season. That’s the magic of autumn travel – it’s not one thing. It can be cozy sweaters and hot apple cider, or sundresses and daiquiris, or art museums in European cities, or all of the above across different trips. 

Everyone’s perfect fall getaway is different. Some of my friends want nothing but foliage and pumpkin patches. Others are all about that desert weather finally becoming bearable. And some want to escape the whole season entirely and pretend summer never ended. The beauty is there’s a perfect fall destination for every mood and crew.

If you typically do the same type of vacation in the fall, or don’t travel then at all, I encourage you to try somewhere new. Maybe that New England foliage trip is in the cards. Or, dreaming bigger, experiencing fall in Japan – another foliage stunner! Perhaps this is the year you take a beach vacay outside of summer and see what the hype is all about. If you have traveled in fall, what’s a favorite place you’ve been?

Interested in taking a fall getaway, and want help getting it together? Contact me for custom trip planning guidance!

Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember.

Happy travels, Kindreds!

Ready to take a fall getaway?

• Where to go
  • Want more destination ideas? Check out my 18 Best Girls Trip Destinations
  • Chasing fall color specifically? Read Best Fall Foliage Destinations Around the World
  • If you’re looking for a fall weekend away close to home, take a look at my Best Fall Getaways in the Western USA
  • Planning around Thanksgiving? Here’s my Thanksgiving getaway guide
  • Headed to Italy this fall? Here’s the Northern Italy itinerary I wish I done
  • For more about Baja California, read about my Baja Hidden Gems
  • For more info on a trip to Vegas, read Things to Do in Vegas Besides Gamble
  • San Diego local? Here are the Best Day Trips from San Diego I keep going back to
  • Live in San Diego and want a longer vacay? Here are some great weekend trips from San Diego
  • Want a warm-weather fall escape closer to home? Read my Palm Springs Solo Travel Guide (works great for groups and couples too)
  • Considering a desert getaway? If you’re wondering whether to visit Palm Springs or Palm Desert, this will help
• Planning Tips
  • Are you doing the planning? Take a look at How to Plan a Trip in Shoulder Season
  • Planning on bringing mom along? Check out What I Learned Traveling with Mom
  • Can’t get the crew together? Read my 10 Reasons to Travel Solo
  • My 431 packing system will help make sure you only bring what you need – get your free checklist here

Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing, planning, and staying connected:

• Work With Me
  • Need help planning your 2026 travel? Fall foliage timing windows are narrow and popular properties book fast. This is genuinely one of the best use cases for working with a travel advisor. Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
  • Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
• Fall Foliage Tracking Resources
  • Fall foliage predictions: https://www.explorefall.com/
  • Viator fall foliage tours – guided options for Tuscany, Maine and more 

• Before You Go
  • Travel planning app: TripIt is great for keeping all your bookings organized: https://www.tripit.com 
  • Favorite luggage: I love Away luggage, and their bigger carry-on is perfect for fall trips with layers: https://www.awaytravel.com
• On the Ground
  • Restaurant Reservations: Great to book reservations for meals on OpenTable and Resy https://www.opentable.com, https://www.resy.com
  • Hotel El Ganzo: sometimes booking directly gets you a better rate or upgrades. It’s always worth checking https://www.elganzo.com/
  • Car, activity and hotel bookings: https://www.expedia.com, https://www.viator.com
  • Hotel and activity comparison: https://www.tripadvisor.com
  • Expense splitting (if going with friends): Splitwise https://www.splitwise.com 
• Small group tour companies, great for all getaways – all highly recommended!
  • Intrepid Travel: https://www.intrepidtravel.com
  • Salamander Adventures: https://www.salamanderadventures.co.uk/
  • Wild Sage: https://www.wildsage.it/
• Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest