Best Fall Travel Destinations: 12 Places to Visit in Autumn

Fall might be the most underrated travel season. Summer crowds disappear, prices start to drop, and many destinations look their best, with golden forests, harvest festivals, and warm seas in the south. These are the best fall travel destinations, whether you want leaf-peeping, food, city breaks, or one last dose of sunshine.

For Fall Foliage

1. New England, USA

Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are classic fall foliage destinations. Peak color typically arrives from late September into October, starting in the north and at higher elevations. Book accommodation early, because peak weekends fill up.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s temples and gardens are stunning against autumn maples, usually around November. It’s popular, so visit famous spots early in the morning. Japan is also one of our best places to travel solo.

3. The Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

This scenic drive through Virginia and North Carolina is famous for autumn color, with plenty of overlooks and short hikes.

4. Québec, Canada

Québec’s forests turn brilliant shades of red and orange, and Québec City’s historic center is charming in autumn.

5. Bavaria, Germany

Alpine villages, forested hills, and lakeside walks make Bavaria beautiful in fall. Pair it with a city stay in Munich.

For Food and Wine

6. Tuscany, Italy

Autumn is harvest time, with grape picking, olive oil, truffles, and seasonal food festivals. Temperatures are usually gentler than in peak summer.

7. Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro’s terraced vineyards are beautiful during and after harvest. Base yourself in Porto and visit by train, boat, or tour.

8. Bordeaux, France

Wine country in harvest season, plus an elegant, walkable city. A great pick for a slow, food-focused trip.

For Warm Autumn Sunshine

9. Southern Spain

Andalucía can be very hot in summer, but autumn often brings more comfortable temperatures for exploring Seville, Granada, and Córdoba.

10. Greece

Early autumn can still bring warm seas and sunny days, with fewer crowds than July and August. Some island services reduce later in the season, so check ferry schedules.

11. Croatia’s Coast

Dubrovnik and Split are calmer in autumn than in summer, while the weather is often still pleasant for sightseeing and swimming early in the season.

For a City Break

12. Prague, Czech Republic

Autumn color in the parks, cozy beer halls, and fewer crowds than summer make Prague a great fall city break.

Why Fall Is Great for Travel

Autumn is shoulder season in many destinations, which means lower prices and fewer crowds. Read our guide to shoulder season travel to learn how to make the most of it, and use our tips on how to find cheap flights to book well.

Fall Travel Tips

• Book foliage trips early. Peak leaf season is popular, especially on weekends.
• Check foliage forecasts. Timing changes year to year with weather.
• Pack layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly even when afternoons are warm. Our cold-weather packing list helps.
• Check opening hours. Some seasonal attractions reduce hours after summer.
• Watch for festivals. Harvest and food festivals are a highlight of autumn travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to see fall foliage?

New England, Québec, Japan, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are among the best-known destinations for fall color.

Is fall a good time to visit Europe?

Yes. Early fall in particular brings pleasant weather, harvest festivals, and smaller crowds than summer.

Where is warm in October?

Southern Europe, including southern Spain, Greece, and parts of Italy, can still be warm in early-to-mid October.

Make This Your Season

Fall rewards travelers who don’t wait for summer. Pick a destination that matches your style, book early for peak foliage, and enjoy the quieter, golden side of travel. Want summer ideas for next year? See our summer destinations in Europe, or browse our destination guides.