Places to Visit in November
From crisp fall colors to sunny warm-weather escapes, November offers the perfect mix of seasonal beauty and exciting activities, often in underrated places that surprise you in the best way.
I’ve always thought November was one of the easiest times to travel (except over Thanksgiving weekend). It’s especially great if you want to cash in those hard-earned airline miles or score a deal at a unique hotel. After years of living here and exploring from coast to coast during this season, I’ve discovered some truly special spots, from quaint small towns to breathtaking national parks. I think you’ll enjoy them too.
Peoria
This vibrant desert city is known as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert! Nestled against the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains and surrounded by stunning saguaro-dotted landscapes, I found Peoria to be a hidden gem of the American Southwest with a perfect balance of outdoor adventure, arts, and modern amenities. It blends its Old West roots with a contemporary lifestyle, creating a welcoming and dynamic vibe!
I arrived via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (just a 40-minute drive away) and stayed for three very sunny days. I explored the lively P83 Entertainment District hiked through the scenic West Wing Mountain Preserve with its desert wildflowers and panoramic views, enjoyed the view at Lake Pleasant, and ended my evenings strolling through Old Town Peoria with its charming eateries, murals, and historic sites.
Garrison
I took a late fall escape to this charming riverside hamlet, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! It's just over an hour north of Manhattan. I took the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central ($15–$20 one way on), a journey that felt like part of the trip itself, with sweeping riverfront views along the ride.
I thought that the crisp Hudson Valley air felt restorative and peaceful. The surrounding hills were painted with the last sparks of autumn color. The trails were wonderfully quiet, and the views over the Hudson River made every walk feel cinematic.
I also discovered that the cozy inns and B&Bs around Garrison and neighboring Cold Spring offered fantastic off-season deals. The historic Main Streets were decked out with twinkling lights, giving the towns a magical, romantic quality as winter’s first chill set in.
I spent time hiking tranquil trails at Manitou Point Preserve, wandering around the peaceful grounds of Boscobel House and Gardens, and enjoying a breezy riverside stroll with dramatic views of the Hudson Highlands.
Goleta
I discovered that Goleta makes a surprisingly delightful November mini-break. My husband, son and I drove about 1 hour 45 minutes northwest from Los Angeles to Goleta.
The coastal town had none of the tourist crowds you find in nearby Santa Barbara, and instead had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with holiday lights beginning to glow along tree-lined streets and plazas.
The crisp autumn air was perfect for strolling on the local beaches, exploring boutique shops, and lingering over wine tastings at nearby vineyards.
I was pleasantly surprised to find seasonal festivities too, like the Goleta Holiday Parade, the Old Town Tree Lighting, and the lively California Harvest Celebrations—all set against a backdrop of ocean views and rolling foothills.
We enjoyed Goleta’s hidden gems: walking the peaceful trails at Lake Los Carneros, visiting the historic Stow House, and savoring cozy sunsets along the bluffs at Goleta Beach. It was the perfect mix of small-town charm and coastal beauty, wrapped up in holiday spirit.
Sequim
I thought this peaceful Pacific Northwest town was a stunning hidden gem when I visited in late November.
The weather was crisp but mild, the lavender fields and bayfront trails were serene without the summer visitors, and I even found some great off-season lodging deals, all framed by snow-capped Olympic peaks and evergreen forests.
I also discovered Sequim’s artsy spirit during the town’s annual Harvest Wine & Lavender Celebration, where I sipped locally produced wines, browsed artisan lavender goods, and listened to live acoustic music in cozy venues.
I drove just over two hours from Seattle and stayed for two relaxing nights at a charming rental tucked along the Dungeness River.
I explored Sequim’s quaint downtown lined with galleries and cafés, took long walks along the Dungeness Spit with views of migrating seabirds, and warmed up with fresh seafood chowder after beach strolls. I enjoyed tasting lavender-infused cider and truffles at a boutique farm shop.
Crisfield
We flew from Austin into Baltimore (about 3 hours nonstop) and then drove 3 hours southeast to Crisfield, a small fishing town of just 2,500 people on the Chesapeake Bay.
We found the weather pleasantly cool with a gentle coastal breeze, ideal for walking along the waterfront, spotting blue crabs being unloaded at the docks, and enjoying views of Tangier Sound.
By autumn, the summer crowds had mostly faded, giving the whole place a quiet, authentic Eastern Shore feel. Prices were refreshingly reasonable, and the town’s reputation as the “Crab Capital of the World” lived up to the hype with its casual seafood shacks and crab feasts.
Highlights included taking a ferry out to Smith Island for a taste of its famous layer cake, birdwatching at Janes Island State Park, and visiting the small but fascinating J. Millard Tawes Museum, which showcases the area’s maritime history.
Rates at Somers Cove Motel were very reasonable in November!
Brunswick
We flew from Austin into Jacksonville (about 2.5 hours nonstop, $250), then drove an hour north to Brunswick, Georgia, a historic port town of about 16,000.
Brunswick, GA, turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries on the Georgia coast, located just before you reach the Golden Isles of St. Simons and Jekyll Island.
Laid out in 1771, Brunswick’s Old Town district still follows the original colonial grid, with moss-draped oaks shading Victorian homes.
I personally think this charming coastal city makes a wonderful vacation destination all year round, but when I visited in November, I found the weather pleasantly mild with sunny afternoons, cool evenings, and far fewer crowds than the busy summer season. It was perfect for wandering through the oak-lined squares, exploring historic sites, and unwinding by the golden marshes.
It was just before the start of the chillier winter months, and I was able to find great deals on hotels and flights. We spent the night at the Oaks on the River in nearby Darien, just 15 minutes up the coast.
Hacienda Chukum
From Austin, we flew about 2.5 hours into Cancún and drove 2 hours west to Valladolid, a colonial city of about 56,000 people. Just outside town sits Hacienda Chukum, where a restored hacienda hides a stunning limestone cenote.
I discovered that this time of year was perfect, the days were bright and pleasantly warm, but without the peak-season crowds. That made it ideal for enjoying the cenote at my own pace.
It was also more budget-friendly compared to the high season, and the humidity was much lower, which made exploring the lush tropical surroundings far more comfortable. Plus the weather felt stable and welcoming.
I also stumbled upon plenty of cultural richness in the nearby towns, including local festivals, artisan markets, and traditional Yucatecan music and dance performances added so much color to the trip.
I also explored colonial Valladolid, wandered through atmospheric cobblestone streets, and made day trips to see the ancient wonders of Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam. The sunsets over the cenote were simply unforgettable—one of those rare, magical travel moments you can’t capture fully in photos.
Adrian
We drove about 1 hour 15 minutes (75 miles) southwest on a day trip from Detroit to Adrian, a college town of around 20,000 people. Founded in 1826, Adrian still shows off its 19th-century roots.
Adrian, MI, really surprised me as one of my favorite small-town getaways in southeast Michigan, just under an hour from Ann Arbor and Toledo.
I loved starting downtown, where the historic brick buildings gave the whole area a vibrant charm—it felt like stepping back in time but with plenty of cool cafés and shops to explore.
One of the best highlights was the Croswell Opera House, Michigan’s oldest theater still in use, and seeing a show there was such a magical experience that made the evening unforgettable.
We visited the Lenawee County Historical Museum, and I thought it was an awesome way to connect with the area’s history—it was interesting, affordable, and filled with local stories.
For a peaceful outdoor escape, we headed to Heritage Park, which has beautiful trails and open green space perfect for a family picnic or a quiet walk—it felt like a hidden gem in the city.
My favorite afternoon stop was at the local wineries nearby—many are just a short drive from Adrian, and tasting the regional wines was such a joyful and unique experience.
On my latest visit, I was sorry to discover that my old favorite The Brick Wall Pub & Grill had closed. I had a great burger at Alpha Koney Island instead.
We also checked out Adrian College’s stunning campus, with its beautiful architecture and lively energy—it added such a cool and youthful vibe to the town.
By the end of the trip, I realized Adrian blends history, culture, and small-town magic in a way that makes it a truly exceptional Michigan destination for a weekend getaway.
Haleakala National Park, Maui
Visiting Haleakala National Park during this month turned out to be an unforgettable experience! The crisp, cooler air at the summit made exploring the volcanic landscape much more comfortable, and with fewer crowds, I was able to take in the vast crater views and unique trails in peace.
The sunrise above the cloud line was absolutely magical. The soft, low-angle light painted the sky in shades of pink, gold, and violet, casting an otherworldly glow across the crater and cinder cones.
From our home on the Big Island of Hawaii (yes, I actually lived there for 6 years!), we flew into Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui and drove about 1.5 hours up winding mountain roads to the summit entrance, spending several days immersed in the park’s different ecosystems.
W hiked the Sliding Sands Trail into the crater, explored the lush Kipahulu District with its bamboo forests and waterfalls, admired native silversword plants glistening in the sun, and stayed late for stargazing. The night sky here is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen.
Corpus Christi
We drove about 3.5 hours southeast from Austin (where we live) to Corpus Christi, a Gulf Coast city of around 320,000 people. Known for its naval and Spanish colonial history, the city blends beach life with culture.
By the time we arrived in November, the hot Texas summer had faded, the air was comfortably cool but still sunny, and the coastal winds carried a freshness that made walking along the bayfront and beaches feel relaxing without the crowds of peak season.
We started at Padre Island National Seashore, which is honestly one of the best spots I’ve ever been. It stretches for miles, and walking along the soft sand with the ocean breeze felt absolutely magical.
We spent the night at Residence Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Downtown.
Next day, I loved exploring the Texas State Aquarium with my son, the USS Lexington, the South Texas Botanical Gardens, and Cole Park, right along Ocean Drive.
Martha’s Vineyard
Visiting Martha’s Vineyard this month was the perfect decision! The island had a relaxed, shoulder-season charm and everything was at least twice as affordable as in the summer. Cooler breezes made exploring comfortable, and the quieter streets and beaches gave me plenty of space to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and coastal towns.
The soft golden sunlight at this time of year lit up the shingled cottages, lighthouses, and colorful harbors with a painterly glow, while the crisp ocean air kept everything feeling fresh and calm.
I flew into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), took a scenic drive down to Woods Hole, and then caught the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard, where I stayed for several restful days.
I walked around Oak Bluffs, biked along the beach-side paths near Edgartown, enjoyed the panoramic views from Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, sampled fresh seafood by the harbor, and strolled on quiet beaches where the Atlantic waves rolled in steadily.
Evenings were perfect for watching the sunset paint the sky over Vineyard Sound. I took over a hundred photos so I'm including many here. I have to say that the wind gets a bit rough kicking up sand on the beaches. I had to shield my camera from it.
Conclusion
With so many options across the country and beyond, it’s easy to plan the best kind of November trip, whether you want adventure, relaxation, or festive fun. This month offers the best opportunities to enjoy both the last days of fall and the first hints of the holiday season.
Which November adventure will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of seasonal charm, activities, and unforgettable moments, these destinations deliver. They’re not just trips, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite ways to travel in the fall.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
