What’s one to do as the weather cools down at home? Enjoy the bright colors, take a hike in the brisk mountains, or escape the cool weather by finding a warm paradise. Fall is a relaxed season in most places in America meaning mild weather, and less crowds. Today, we have hand picked a few favorite fall destinations. From mountains, beaches, and cities, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Named for its smoky haze, the Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to see all year round. Situated between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, it is the most popular national park in the United States, with more visitors than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined. Don’t let that scare you away, when you visit outside of peak season, you won’t have to face the big crowds. One of our favorite activities is climbing Chimney Tops, one of the most popular trails in the park. Be prepared for a short but very steep climb. When you’re ready to get a taste of local life, take a day trip to Pigeon Forge to explore local breweries, attend seasonal festivals, or indulge in the notorious Volcano Hot Stone Massage at St. Somewhere Spa.
Grand Canyon
This impressive, mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River stretches for 227 miles along northern Arizona. You will find yourself captivated as the reds and oranges in the valley are accentuated by the low autumn light. Take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon for a unique view or wander around the Grand Canyon village to discover souvenir shops and majestic views of the canyon.
Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii has warm weather all year round, but you will find that fall is less crowded than summers and the holiday season, making it the perfect time to visit any of the islands. For adventure lovers, visiting Oahu, the third largest Hawaiian island, is a must. Don’t miss the hike to Koko Crater Arch along the Railway Trail for amazing views over the South Shore. Go chase waterfalls and check out the variety of events, including the Aloha Festivals, Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, and the Hawaii International Film Festival.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Fall brings fresh, cool ocean breezes, food festivals, and of course oyster season. Nothing beats the soft white sand and crystal-clear waters tracing Alabama’s southern border to the Gulf of Mexico. Relax on the two mile stretch of Gulf State Park Beach, and Jet Ski at Orange Beach Marina. You may even get lucky and spot bottlenose dolphins.
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a barrier island with a 3-mile stretch of white sand beaches in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. This region is known for year-round sunny weather, so it’s enjoyable any time you visit. Explore the Florida Botanical Gardens, full of a diverse range of flora and fauna. Admission is free.
San Francisco, California
The rest of the USA may be cooling down, but in San Francisco, there is an Indian summer which leaves lots more time for outdoor activities. The city by the bay is calling your name this fall. Grab the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito, a premier destination loved by tourist and locals alike. Take a boat tour to the Farallon Islands for whale watching. Other great must-see, outdoor San Francisco landmarks include the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts, the Yerba Buena Gardens, and the historical Sutro Baths that sit on the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Nashville, Tennessee
Welcome to Music City, known for its rich country music culture, friendly locals and southern farm to table cuisine. Whether you are a country music lover or not, the variety of live music and delicious comfort food will sweep you off your feet! The toasty weather has cooled down and it’s festival season- with October lows reaching the 40’s and November lows that average in the high 30’s.
Pay tribute to country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Grand Ole Opry, and The Johnny Cash Museum. Attend exciting festivals such as Nashvember, Pilgrimage Festival, and Music City Bacon and Barrel Festival. Where are you headed this autumn? We would love for you to share your favorite fall destinations.
