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Fall is an ideal season to plan a family getaway. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, outdoor activities become more appealing. This article will share some of the best fall vacation ideas you should consider for your next family vacation.
Why Fall is the Best Vacation Season
The weather
If you’ve traveled in the United States, you know that a significant portion of this diverse land sustains sizzling temperatures well into September. But as the calendar turns towards October, a beautiful transformations sweep across many states, forcing the summer heat to retreat. Leaves transition into a breathtaking medley of colors, eventually falling from the trees. The days begin to shorten, inviting us to welcome the warmth of cozy evenings. It’s the season when Mother Nature puts on its most splendid show.
The crowd
The interest in fall vacations lies not only in the captivating change of scenery but also in the quieter and more intimate experiences they offer, thanks to the decrease in crowds. Several factors contribute to the blissful lack of hustle and bustle during autumn getaways: children (and teachers) are back in school, off-peak season, and cooler weather.
The cost
Embarking on adventures during the fall comes with a delightful perk: it’s a wallet-friendly option compared to the bustling summer months. As the summer crowds disperse and schools resume their routines, travel demand takes a dip. This slowdown in demand means that flights, accommodations, and even attractions often sport more budget-friendly price tags.
Best Fall vacation ideas
Themed parks
As schools go back in session and the summer vacation rush wanes, themed parks tend to see fewer visitors. This means shorter lines for rides, easier access to popular attractions, and a generally more relaxed atmosphere, which greatly enhances the enjoyment of the park.
In 2018, our family traveled to Universal Studios in Florida during the month of October. We were able to ride several rides multiple times, even the popular Harry Potter ones!
The moderate temperatures also make the wait time much more enjoyable, especially with little ones. It allows visitors to enjoy the rides, shows, and other attractions in much more comfortable conditions.
Here are some fantastic themed parks to consider:
- Walt Disney World – Florida
- Universal Resort – Florida
- Disney Land – California
- Universal Studios Hollywood – California
- Cedar Point – Ohio
- Hershey Park – Pennsylvania
- Dollywood – Tennessee
- Kings Island – Ohio
- Great Wolfe Lodge – Many locations
Pro tip: There are many websites you can look through to find additional discounts for themed parks. Here are a few: Costco Travel, AAA, Retail me not, Groupon, and Travel booking websites.
National Parks
This best fall vacation ideas list would not be complete without my personal favorite which is to visit and hike in National Parks. The US is home to over 60 National Parks. Each is unique and stunning in its own way.
One of the biggest draws of visiting national parks in the fall is the breathtaking display of autumn colors. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves create a picturesque and awe-inspiring landscape that’s perfect for photography and simply soaking in the beauty of nature.
Fall typically brings more moderate temperatures compared to the scorching heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter. This means you can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing without dealing with extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, Fall is a season of transition for many wildlife species. Animals are often more active as they prepare for winter, which increases your chances of spotting them in their natural habitats. We’ve seen deer, bears, wild turkeys, and so much more during our many fall hikes.
Below are some of our favorite National Parks fall vacation ideas.
- Smokey Mountains National Park – North Carolina and Tennessee
- Zion National Park – Utah
- Bryce Canyon – Utah
- Arches National Park – Utah
- Olympic National Park – Washington
- Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Sequoia National Park – California
Want to plan a National Park vacation? Don’t miss out on this extremely useful resource to help you plan the perfect trip.
City vacations
My family and I love exploring big cities in the autumn. The pleasant cooler weather makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Cities offer a vast array of attractions that cater to every member of the family. With numerous activities to select from, there is something for everyone. The options for lodging are abundant, and there are countless dining establishments to choose from.
When we’re in the city, we love watching plays and concerts, exploring different neighborhoods, finding interesting museums, relaxing in parks, and trying out the best shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Large cities usually have well-developed public transportation systems, making it easier to get around without the need for a car. This can be particularly beneficial for families who prefer not to drive during their vacation.
Here is a list of some of the best fall vacation cities to visit in the US and Canada:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- St-Louis, Missouri
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- New York, New York
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Seattle, Washington
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Quebec City, Quebec Canada
Haunted tour
The final option on this list of great fall destination ideas is to do a haunted tour.
Many cities across the United States offer haunted tours during the fall season, especially in the lead-up to Halloween. These tours often delve into the spooky and mysterious history of the area, taking you through haunted locations, sharing ghost stories, and providing a unique and eerie experience.
This option could be combined with the visit of a big city or you could hit several smaller cities in a similar area. We did one of these in New Orleans many years ago and it was a lot of fun.
Here are some well-known cities recognized for their rich paranormal activities.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: With its rich history and blend of cultures, New Orleans is famous for its ghostly legends and voodoo lore. Haunted tours in the French Quarter are particularly popular.
- Savannah, Georgia: Known for its historic charm and reportedly haunted locations, Savannah offers a variety of ghost tours that explore its eerie past and haunted sites.
- Charleston, South Carolina: The historic streets and old buildings of Charleston provide a spooky backdrop for haunted walking tours that reveal tales of restless spirits and haunted history.
- Salem, Massachusetts: Famous for the Salem witch trials, Salem is a prime destination for haunted tours, especially in October. You can explore the witchcraft history and the haunted side of the city.
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: As a site of a significant Civil War battle, Gettysburg is often associated with paranormal activity. Ghost tours here explore both the battlefield and the town.
- St. Augustine, Florida: This historic city claims to be one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Haunted tours allow you to explore its ancient streets and spooky stories.
- Williamsburg, Virginia: With its colonial history, Williamsburg offers ghost tours that combine historical storytelling with tales of ghostly encounters.
- Louisville, Kentucky: Known for its haunted sites and eerie history, Louisville’s haunted tours provide insight into the city’s paranormal legends.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: Offering a different kind of haunted experience, Albuquerque’s tours explore its haunted past with a focus on ghostly legends and folklore.
Depending if you have children and how old they are, you could even opt to stay in an alleged haunted hotel. Here is a reference listing the 12 most haunted hotels you can stay at.
In conclusion
The main focus of this blog post was to provide you and your family with some amazing fall destination ideas. I sincerely hope that it has sparked your interest in planning an autumn trip.
Bon voyage!
Cat xx