Fall travel often involves taking advantage of cooler temperatures and battling the leaf-peeping hordes that flock to the most popular fall vacation spots. This time, why not choose an ideal off-season location that will be less annoying to the crowds and also less taxing on your travel budget?
Whether it's for a romantic couple's vacation or a long-awaited boys' trip, we've rounded up the best fall travel destinations; some in little-known pockets of America, others in iconic ports or further afield. If you're looking for some of the best state parks in the US to visit this season or a great fall road trip, we can help you there, too.
Related: America's Best Mountain Town Is the Perfect Escape Any Time of Year
When looking for the best destinations to visit in the fall of this year, you have many options across the country and the world. From New York to Peru, Malta to Maine and beyond, these dozen perfect fall getaway ideas will point you in the right direction.
Best Travel Destinations in Autumn
Inca Trail, Peru
With flight discounts to Cusco and the peak tourist season ending in September, fall is the perfect time to cross Machu Picchu off your bucket list. Specializing in adventurous hikes that immerse visitors in Andean culture, Peru Ecocamp hosts six-day guided tours for up to 14 people along the famous Inca Trail. Highlights include visits to traditional mountain villages and ancient Inca castles, staying in comfortable eco-domes with views of the Sacred Valley along the way.
Bar Harbor, ME
Breathe in the wild vibes of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and catch vegetation reports in real time on Maine.gov. Spend some time there hiking Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the North Atlantic coast. Then, renew at Harborside Hotel & Marina, where rates drop in the fall months. Mild weather, spectacular hikes, amazing seafood… Pine Tree State never ceases to surprise visitors in the fall.
Montauk, N.Y.
This once quiet fishing village now turns into a quieter fishing town during the autumn season. With reduced crowds and discounted prices, feel like the King of the Atlantic at Gurney's Montauk; Here you can start each day with a sunrise walk on the 600-meter private beach. Burn some calories in the ocean-fed indoor seawater pool before refreshing your tired body in the Finnish Rock Sauna, Russian Steam Room or Seawater Spa. Come evening, grab drinks by the water at The Crow's Nest before galloping up the hill for an unforgettable season-inspired meal.
Valletta, Malta
A Mediterranean gem, Malta has an incredible year-round climate, with hordes of tourists aside, with water temperatures warm enough for swimming in the autumn months. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and recent European Capital of Culture, the island's capital, Valletta, is a historic hive of stunning architecture, fresh seafood dishes and easy exploration in Europe's second smallest city (after the Vatican City). Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of enticing pastimes, from sailing and yachting to sea kayaking and rock climbing, as well as the famous diving sites around the Maltese islands. Corinthia Hotel St., a gorgeous waterfront resort with frequent fall deals for extended stays. Stay in George's Bay.
Mackinac Island, MI
It may be a hub for summer fun, but fall proves ideal for a trip to Mission Point, the island's only resort on the shores of Lake Huron. Choose to fill your days with biking, horseback riding adventures, or lazing around at the spa. When you leave Mackinac (pronounced “Mack-in-naw”), the 3.8-square-mile island will feel like home.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The mild weather continues, but thankfully the summer crowds are absent from Hilton Head; Here your wallet will enjoy the discount on hotel prices and vacation rentals, and the charm of summer will be in full swing. First, run on miles of bike trails under the omnipotent aura of Spanish moss-covered live oak trees, or opt for a sunrise spin on firm sandy beaches. Afterwards, cruise over to eat or do some shopping at Harbor Town Marina, known for its candy-striped lighthouse. From here, when you're ready for tee time, lie down in your comfy bed at Sea Pines Resort, which has three golf courses.
Honolulu, hello
Don't let your social media feeds fool you: Hawaii doesn't have to be your honeymoon destination. Dubbed the “Gathering Place,” Oahu has a nearly endless list of activities, from flower-making classes to single-track off-road mountain biking that blooms in the arts, sports, and culture. Be at the heart of the action at Prince Waikiki, which frequently hosts fall club and cabana specials and is located at the intersection of the Waikiki, Chinatown, Kaka'ako and Ala Moana neighborhoods alongside the Pacific Ocean.
Wethersfield, CT
The lively days created the perfect backdrop for touring the historic Old Wethersfield district, with its century-old homes and splashes of orange and gold foliage. Check out one of the museums; our pick is the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, where our nation's first President, George Washington, met with the Comte de Rochambeau for the Wethersfield Conference. Whatever you do, end the day with a meal at the River with views of the Connecticut River and Putnam Bridge, followed by dessert at Main Street Creamery. When it comes to lodging, it's hard to beat the beautifully manicured grounds of the Silas W. Robbins House Bed and Breakfast.
Vail, CO
Make the most of the Vail Mountain area before the ski excitement begins and challenge yourself with spectacular Rocky Mountain hikes, bike trails, fly fishing and other seasonal activities. A spectacular one-hour drive west leads to soaking up the sun at the famous Iron Mountain Hot Springs in neighboring Glenwood Springs. Take charge of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, one of the finest properties in a luxury-filled town.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Can you feel the calming pull of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay? You'll feel better if you leave your smartphone in your room at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, which we covet for its infinity pool with swim-up bar and Ceviche & Tequila Bar (with more than 180 tequilas and 12 beers on tap). ) and access to pristine El Salado Beach. If you can spare time for your trip, consider being in town for Dia de Los Muertos (November 1-2), when you can join the festival celebrations without the crowds of destinations like San Miguel de Allende.
Newport, RI
Originally built as a summer retreat in the 1870s, the current boutique hotel, The Chanler, is the only hotel along the town's famous cliff walkway, where foot traffic becomes much less as the season progresses. Once you check in, grab the complimentary bikes and peruse New England's iconic flora. Or check out one of the many harvest festivals, harbor cruises, or other fall bucket lists that make fall in Little Rhody so special. Don't miss the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where you can take a look at the history of the sport and even play a few games. When you return to The Chanler, sit by the outdoor fireplace and wrap your hands around a warm, boozy beverage.
Carson Valley, NV
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Northern Nevada is a natural utopia without the crowds, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. In between wildlife sightings and working up a sweat at the Bently Heritage Trail and River Fork Ranch, enjoy delicious food and historic Picon Punch at local haunts like Overland Restaurant & Pub or JT Basque Bar & Dining Room. With five natural hot springs/pools on the grounds, you can't go wrong retiring after a long day outdoors at David Walley's Hot Springs Resort.