Awe-inspiring peaking through the foliage. Drives through breathtaking scenery should be on everyone’s agenda. Horrors of Halloween are allowed to go free. And there are many fun events centred on food. Some of the greatest destinations to visit in the United States in early October allow you to immerse yourself in the season fully. Here are the best places to visit in October, whether you want to go on epic treks or wine sampling sans the crowds.
A trip in the autumn is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Summer’s flurry of activity has died down. Until the holiday season, most tourist hot spots are quiet ghost towns. So, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest places to visit in the United States this autumn, including some familiar favourites and hidden gems you may not have considered. These are some of the 17 best places to visit in October.
Let’s get into the list, which ranges from well-known places to see the vibrant fall foliage to places you’ve never heard of.
Here are the following 17 best places to visit in October
1. From North Carolina to Virginia via the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching 469 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (where it changes into the similarly gorgeous Skyline Drive in peak season), the Blue Ridge Parkway is generally considered one of America’s most magnificent roadways.
The bulk of the road wasn’t built until 1966, and the scenic section from the Linn Cove Viaduct to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina wasn’t completed for another 21 years. The result is a legendary drive that becomes a veritable spectacle when autumn arrives, and the leaves transform into red, orange, and gold jewels.
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests, as well as several magnificent state parks (such as North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell State Park, home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi), as well as countless hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and streams.
2. Oregon’s Bend
Bend, Oregon, is a lovely place to visit in October, any time of the year, but the autumn is especially beautiful there. Much fewer tourists will be around compared to the summer, and fall’s cool, crisp air is ideal for various outdoor activities.
Oregon’s high desert is beautiful in October visit, and the city of Bend is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. The local trails are ideal for exploring as the pleasantly warm weather cools down in the fall.
Bend, Oregon, is home to several trails in a wide range of terrains and climates like warm weather, from pine woods and snowy peaks to juniper and sage studded deserts.
Get out on the lake on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, or ride your bike down some of Bend’s world-famous mountain biking routes. Travelling to neighbouring Smith Rock State Park for stunning vistas and a lovely riverbank stroll is a wonderful autumn activity.
As soon as you’ve eaten your fill, walk to the ranch outside the park for a huge pumpkin patch, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. The month of mid-October is ideal for a brewery crawl when you visit each brewery to taste their wares.
If you’re a serious craft beer fan, you may wish to join the Bend Ale Trail, administered by the local tourist board. Get a stamp from every brewery you visit and submit them for a chance to win!
3. Mammoth Lakes, California
A trip to Mammoth Lakes, California, in mid-October, is one of the best places to visit in October and things to do in the United States. It’s one of the most underappreciated tourist destinations in the United States and Eastern California.
This is a great area to visit in October because of the lovely trees and the mountains in the backdrop. Around June, Lake Loop is among the greatest places to see the autumn foliage.
There are several places to stop and admire the gorgeous golden Aspen trees that dot the whole circle. There are various lakes on the loop, such as Silver Lake, June Lake, Gull Lake, and Grant Lake. Make sure to stop by Silver Lake Cafe for lunch and see the gorgeous views of Silver Lake as you dine.
Another fantastic site to enjoy Fall colours is Convict Lake, situated Southeast of Mammoth Lakes. They contain lakes, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mary, and Lake George.
There are so many bright hues at Mammoth Lakes. It is arguably one of the most underappreciated spots to witness the finest autumn foliage in the USA. It’s a lovely spot to explore in the early cold October morning.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (best places to visit in October fall foliage)
The Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is often regarded as one of the best places to visit in October in the United States. Located about 2 hours from Denver, this park takes time and effort to explore with countless trails, waterfalls and even one of Colorado’s most popular “fourteeners”, Longs Peak.
In the autumn, when the beautiful golden hues of Rocky Mountain National Park are at their peak, the park becomes a magical place. From around the middle of September until the beginning of the 17 best places to visit in October is when you will have the greatest chance of seeing them.
You should also be aware that rent may remain crowded on weekends throughout the autumn since so many visitors want to view the park’s stunning golden-hued Aspen trees. Even so, getting out and about on some trails is something I highly advise.
Enjoy the fall foliage with a trek or two, but remember to cover up if you want to tackle a more strenuous track at a higher elevation. The autumn brings cooler weather, so if you’re planning a family trip camping in this area, you should pack a jacket in the 17 best places to visit in October.
5. Wisconsin’s Door County
When you think of beautiful autumn foliage in the best places to visit in October United States, Door County, Wisconsin, probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind.
But the autumn foliage is stunning, and there are so many fun things to do in Door County. The end of September marks the beginning of the changing colours, and those who want to see the leaves at their brightest should plan a trip to the best places to visit in October.
Hiking through Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Cave Point County Park, or The Ridges Sanctuary are a few examples of where you may experience Door County’s spectacular autumn foliage.
Driving down State Route 42 is a great option for those who want a more sedate approach to seeing the fall foliage. The foliage is also visible from elevated vantage points like the Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum Lighthouse Tower.
Door County’s apple orchards are lovely to explore in the fall. Wood Orchard Market has fantastic seasonal items, such as apple cider doughnuts, so don’t miss them!
One of the nicest things to do in the 17 best places to visit in October Wisconsin in the autumn is to gather around a fire and enjoy a classic Door County fish boil. Both the event and the food are great at Fish Boils.
6. San Diego, California
Listen, the weather in San Diego is fantastic for most of the year; thus, there is no “poor” time to visit. Among the best places to visit in October is a great time to visit San Diego, and as someone who has done it so many times, I can say that with confidence.
Since fewer crowds visit San Diego in the autumn, there are fewer crowds to spoil your fun. For instance, visiting the San Diego Zoo and haunted houses is a must for anybody in the area. In the autumn, when the crowds have thinned, and you don’t have to wait as much to view the sights, it’s a lot more fun.
Among the Best places to visit in October, kayaking in La Jolla Cove is one of my favourite times to visit San Diego. That water was so refreshing; Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego, Banff national park, Pisgah national forest, Yellowstone national park, and Coronado Island are among the must-sees in San Diego.
7. The Island of Oahu in Hawaii
Oahu is among the best places to visit in October at any time of year because of its pleasant climate, but autumn is especially lovely. There will be summer tourists on the island in the fall, but the weather will still be pleasant for long days at the beach, thanks to the island’s high average temperature.
Because of its location on the island’s eastern side, this area has relatively calm waters, making it perfect for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Paddling out to the Mokalua Islands, blue ridge mountains just a few hundred meters from the shore, is fun and challenging if you’re feeling up to it.
Visiting Kualoa Regional Park, where some of the Jurassic Park sequences were shot, is another fantastic option. The steep peaks and lush, tropical vegetation make these mountains very remarkable. Taking a guided quad bike trip to the park or just wandering about on foot is possible.
Oahu is a great place to go east coast for snorkelling, surfing, hiking, central park, checking out local farms for delicious fruit, and so much more. This island is fantastic in the rainy season, and the autumn weather makes it an ideal vacation spot.
8. Acadia in Maine (a top choice on this list of best places to visit in October in the USA)
There are just a handful of national parks in the United States, and Acadia is one of them that has two distinct “peak” seasons. Though Acadia is at its busiest in the summer, the park sees just as summer crowds in the fall because of the magnificent beauty of its bright autumn foliage.
However, Acadia National Park in the fall foliage offers many other advantages besides its spectacular foliage. The lower temperatures in September and among the best places to visit in October are ideal for hiking Acadia’s two most challenging trails, the Beehive and the Precipice.
The two best walks are Beehive and Precipice, although there are over a dozen more that don’t need any ladder climbing. Each peak offers stunning vistas of the Gulf of Maine, picturesque lakes, quaint islands, and forested mountain peaks in a rainbow of colours. One of Acadia’s best features is the opportunity to be among the first Americans to witness the sun rising over the eastern horizon from the top of the wildly popular Cadillac Mountain.
9 Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the southwestern United States. It’s hard to find a more beautiful site to vacation in than the region around Moab in early October, dotted with national parks, state parks, and leisure places.
Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are both wonderful places to go hiking and the best places to visit in October if you have a passion for exploring national parks. Because the weather hasn’t become too cold for outdoor activities, it’s one of the best places to visit in October. Plus, Moab sees a huge influx of visitors throughout the summertime.
White water rafting, canyoneering, vineyards, breweries, and other attractions are also available. Still, vacationers should plan and reserve their rooms as far in advance as they can. And since Moab is a popular destination, excursions should be scheduled in advance.
10. North Carolina’s Asheville
One of the nicest spots and among the 17 best places to visit in October to enjoy autumn is Asheville, North Carolina. The orchards are open, the sun is shining, and the leaves on the mountains are a brilliant array of reds, oranges, and yellows fall colours.
Visit in October, throughout the week instead of the weekends, if you can, although anytime during the busy season is great. Be sure to explore historic downtown Asheville and the trendy stores in West Asheville.
Asheville is a great jumping-off point for exploring the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, blue ridge mountains, and Sydney opera house, and the autumn season is ideal for making the trip. Hikes to neighbouring waterfalls, including Linville Falls, Looking Glass Fall festivals, and Moore Cove Falls, abound. Both Tupelo Honey and Gan Shan West are excellent choices.
11. Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in the Pacific Northwest is renowned for its brilliant colourful fall foliage, which may be seen not only on the leaves of the park’s famous giant trees but also on the wildflowers, succulents, and other flora that carpet the park’s undulating valleys.
The Skyline Trail Mount Rainier is a 5.5-mile journey that brings you to face to face with Mount Rainier and winds through meadows ablaze with the best places to visit in October visit foliage, from the bright red of scarlet paintbrush to the burning orange of elderberries.
Alternatively, you may hike the Naches Peak Loop, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail that passes through subalpine valleys awash in fall hues with Mount Rainier’s snowy peak as a backdrop. By driving the Chinook Scenic Byway, enjoy the autumn colours in a low-impact manner.
12. City of Boston, Massachusetts
In October, the best places to visit is “New England” in the fall. It’s no surprise that tourists from far and wide travel to the area in the fall to enjoy the beautiful foliage, crisp weather, and apple harvesting. Boston is a great city break and a great place to visit in October.
Boston has many tourist attractions, including historical sites, parks, eateries, and pleasant neighbourhoods. See why Boston is called the “Cradle of the American Revolution” and take the Freedom Trail walking tours.
Copley Square and the Back Bay are two of the most Instagrammable areas of Boston because of their Victorian-era architecture (namely, the two stunning churches) and the Boston Public Library. The Library’s Bates Room, in particular, will make you feel nostalgic for the start of the school year with its warm lighting, vibrant nightlife, and collection of old books.
13. Napa Valley, California (a favourite of these fall vacation ideas)
Napa Valley, California, is undeniably one of the most beautiful places to visit in the autumn in the best places to visit in October in the United States. In Napa Valley, the grapevines, lavish resorts, bar harbour, fine restaurants, and stunning beaches, which are often a vivid green, take on a warmer palette of yellows, golds, and oranges.
The air becomes cooler, and the leaves begin to fall, covering the ground with warm orange and gold hue. Napa Valley is a region in California known for its wines with rooftop bars and picturesque hills and cities.
Travelling there from San Francisco takes around 1.5 hours, and the trip is a breeze with lower prices. You’ll get the most out of your time in Napa Valley’s best places to visit in October if you rent a vehicle and drive yourself about to the many wineries and villages.
Artesa Wines is a terrific place to go wine tasting since the spacious tasting room is located on the side of a hill, affording visitors breathtaking vistas of the valley below. In addition to visiting the winery in St. Helena, you should also check out Auburn James, located just outside the city.
14. Kauai, Hawaii
Though it may be trite to say so, Hawaii is a beautiful travel destination. As someone who has been to this stunning archipelago many times, I can say that autumn is one of my favourite seasons to visit.
Since it is the shoulder season, Kauai is one of the best places to visit in October. It’s easier to secure restaurant reservations (especially on Kauai, where space is limited), and the hiking trails are less crowded.
15. Lutsen, Minnesota (an underrated and absolute best fall vacation in the US)
The North Shore of Minnesota’s Lake Superior is an incredible, underappreciated destination for seeing autumn foliage and waterfalls. There is something unique about the North Shore, and it’s just two hours north of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul airport.
It all starts in Duluth, but you need to go another two hours north to Lutsen, Minnesota, to get the full effect. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest American destinations in October.
Go, then! You may begin your journey at Canal Park, Duluth, Minnesota, and tour the lighthouse pier and the recently rebuilt Lakewalk while taking in views of the city’s famous Aerial Lift Bridge.
The greatest autumn foliage may be seen from a gondola flying above the Poplar River and up Moose Mountain. North Shore autumn colours typically peak between the middle of September and the beginning of October.
Yet, even after that period, the autumn colours in many kinds of woodlands remain breathtaking. The North Shore of Minnesota in the autumn is a must-see if you haven’t before.
16. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the crown gem of the New Hampshire Seacoast and is conveniently located within an hour of both the White Mountains and Boston, earning it the title of “America’s Greatest Small Town”, according to National Geographic Travel.
You may find several locally owned establishments in and around Market Square in downtown Portsmouth that are among the best places to visit in October, which is well worth exploring.
More eateries may be found in Portsmouth than in any other American small town, and the city also has several quaint shops. These shops come to life during the fall with their seasonal displays and selection of gifts.
Visit Cup of Joe for a distinctive pumpkin spice latte or their salted caramel hot chocolate. Lastly, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a great fall getaway since its lovely downtown may be explored on foot.
17. Eastern Sierra, California
If you’re looking for among the best places to visit in October this autumn, go no further than the Eastern Sierra in California. The fall foliage here is second only to New England, so if you can time your vacation right, you’re in for a visual treat!
The area is known for its vibrant autumn foliage, which can be seen from Lake Tahoe in the north to Bishop and Lone Pine in the south.
The most popular activity during the autumn season is taking scenic drives to take in the changing foliage. Numerous roads, both paved and unpaved, are available for travel. The most breathtaking drives may be had in either Inyo or Mono County.
If you plan to make the trip, you’ll need a vehicle equipped for off-roading. Take to the water and admire the scenery as the sun sets on one of the region’s many beautiful lakes. Many lakes have boats or kayaks available for rent. It is also possible to see the colours up close by trekking; the Eastern Sierra is home to several renowned trails.
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