Places to Visit in October & Things to Do in the USA
Since I was first stunned by the beauty of Vermont’s fall foliage 30 years ago, I’ve made it a tradition to set aside plenty of time each October to explore the USA. Living in Texas means I get to experience fall twice. I can watch the leaves turn in Vermont, Colorado, or Upstate New York, and then, when I return home, I get to enjoy Texas’s own fall foliage and festivals (yes, we do have beautiful displays here, just about a month later than most of the country!).
The cooler weather also makes October one of the best months for hiking, road trips, and outdoor adventures, without the summer crowds (or heat!).
Oregon City, Oregon
We adored visiting this charming historic town during the fall. It felt like a special time because the brilliant fall foliage had blanketed the rolling Willamette Valley hills, its 19th-century streets along Main Street and Singer Hill became cozy and atmospheric, and seasonal haunted history tours brought the town’s past to life.
I also loved the small-town festivities in the crisp autumn air, including the Oregon City Harvest Festival, the Willamette Falls Autumn Paddle (for kayakers!), and the many Halloween happenings.
I drove just 30 minutes from Portland, checked into the Best Western Plus Rivershore Hotel, and spent a long weekend exploring the trails at McLoughlin Promenade and Canemah Bluff Nature Park, taking in stunning views of Willamette Falls, and diving into the fascinating stories at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
My favorite highlight: Discovering the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, the only outdoor vertical street elevator in the U.S., which offered panoramic views of the autumn colors and Willamette River.
Oceanside, California
Oceanside in October still felt like summer, just without the crowds. The sun was low and golden, the beaches wide open, and the boardwalk quiet enough to hear waves instead of footsteps.
I also found that there was a fun calendar of fall events including the free annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, weekly Sunset Market in Downtown Oceanside, and family-friendly pumpkin patches in nearby farms.
I flew into San Diego International Airport and stayed four days at the stylish beachfront Mission Pacific Beach Resort, perfectly located for exploring.
I strolled along the historic Oceanside Pier, went for scenic coastal bike rides, enjoyed tide pooling at Buccaneer Beach, and explored the creative murals and galleries in the city’s thriving arts district. A highlight was hopping on the Coaster train for a day trip up and down the coast!
Oakland, Maryland
I was enchanted by Oakland, Maryland this past October, when the town’s rolling hills were ablaze with fiery reds and golds, charming small-town streets hosted cozy harvest celebrations, and the crisp mountain air, scenic byways, and tranquil state parks made for the perfect autumn escape!
When here I joined in seasonal festivities like the Autumn Glory Festival, a beloved tradition featuring parades, craft shows, and live music, as well as smaller community events that highlighted the area’s Appalachian culture and farm-to-table traditions.
I flew into Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia, then enjoyed a scenic 90-minute drive east into Maryland’s mountains, where I stayed for a wonderful week at the historic Oakland Hotel Gunter, a character-filled spot right in the heart of town.
One of my favorite activities was taking a leisurely drive along the Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway, with stops at Swallow Falls State Park—home to Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall—and the shimmering shores of Deep Creek Lake, where the reflection of autumn foliage on the water was breathtaking.
Buffalo, NY
I went to a small college in Upstate NY near Buffalo, so I know the area well. During my four years living here, I was always struck by how quickly crisp, chilly days replaced the lingering summer heat.
A gorgeous autumn escape appears almost overnight, as soon as the nights turn cool.
The brisk October air made it the perfect season for pumpkin picking, cozying up in historic pubs, and enjoying harvest festivals.
Years later, when I returned with my son, I loved how everywhere we turned the city and its nearby towns were celebrating fall. I especially enjoyed the Buffalo Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus, Ellicottville’s Fall Festival, and the spooky tours through Buffalo’s historic neighborhoods leading up to Halloween.
We flew into Buffalo Niagara International Airport and used Buffalo as our base, checking into the Curtiss Hotel.
From there, we strolled along the revitalized Canalside waterfront, took a day trip to Niagara Falls to see the cascades framed by golden foliage, explored the stunning Delaware Park and Japanese Garden, and drove the Scenic Byway through the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County for peak leaf-peeping.
Our favorite stop was the Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival in Clarence. I still think of my son's happy smiles there!
Sulphur Springs
I had such a great time visiting Sulphur Springs this month. The weather was pleasantly mild compared to the summer heat, and the town embraced the fall season with festive activities and small-town vibe.
Downtown buzzed with cozy cafés, unique shops, and friendly locals, making it a warm and welcoming place to explore.
List most Texas towns, Sulphur Springs had a fun calendar of seasonal events.
October brought the Hopkins County Fall Festival, complete with a parade, carnival rides, and local food stalls.
The town’s square also hosted family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treating, and the historic courthouse lawn came alive with music and community gatherings.
I drove into town (Sulphur Springs is just off I-30, about 80 miles northeast of Dallas) and stayed at the Heritage House Inn for an overnight trip.
I enjoyed wandering around the downtown plaza, famous for its quirky glass-walled public restrooms, and explored the Hopkins County Courthouse, one of the prettiest historic courthouses in Texas. I also loved walking on the trails at Cooper Lake State Park, a peaceful nature escape just a short drive away.
Aurora, CO
I had such a memorable time visiting Aurora. The cooler fall weather made it perfect for outdoor adventures, and the city mixed urban energy with easy access to nature.
Autumn colors lit up the parks, and the crisp evenings paired perfectly with cozy dining spots and local craft breweries.
Aurora also offered a lively October events calendar. I got to experience the Pumpkin Nights Aurora, a glowing pumpkin wonderland that was both artistic and family-friendly.
The city also celebrated fall with its Harvest Festival & Trick-or-Treat Trail, along with nearby Denver’s seasonal highlights like Oktoberfest and Halloween-themed concerts.
I flew into Denver International Airport (DEN), which is just a short drive away, and stayed for a fun weekend trip.
I strolled through Stanley Marketplace, a cool converted aviation building now filled with shops, restaurants, and local art.
I wandered around Cherry Creek State Park, where I hiked among fiery fall foliage and spotted wildlife by the reservoir. Aurora’s cultural scene also shone through at the Aurora History Museum, with exhibits that told the story of the city’s past.
Edison, New Jersey
The weather was crisp and comfortable in Edison, New Jersey, making it great for strolling through parks, exploring historic sites, and soaking in the fall colors.
The town had a lively yet down-to-earth atmosphere, with its diverse food scene and easy access to nearby cultural spots.
Edison’s October calendar also offered plenty of seasonal fun. Families gathered at Hailey’s Harvest Festival and pumpkin patches around Middlesex County, while nearby towns hosted spooky Halloween parades and haunted attractions.
Plus, just a short train ride away, New York City was buzzing with its iconic Halloween celebrations—perfect for a quick day trip!
I traveled in via Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), just 25 miles away, and stayed for a relaxing three-day visit.
I explored the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, a tribute to the famous inventor and one of the most historic sites in the area. I also enjoyed a walk through Roosevelt Park, which came alive with autumn leaves, and admired the Lakeview statue of Edison surrounded by locals jogging, fishing, and picnicking.
Goodyear, Arizona
The desert heat had cooled to a warm but comfortable level, making it the perfect season for outdoor adventures. Goodyear was friendly and relaxed, with a mix of suburban charm and easy access to stunning desert landscapes.
Goodyear also had a fun lineup of fall events. The Goodyear Halloween Festival filled the community park with costumes, music, and food trucks, while nearby Phoenix offered even more seasonal celebrations like pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and Oktoberfest parties. Sports fans also enjoyed fall baseball with the Arizona Fall League games played at Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.
I flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), just about 25 miles away, and stayed for a sunny three-day visit. I explored Estrella Mountain Regional Park, where the desert trails looked amazing with golden light at sunset. I strolled around Goodyear Ballpark, a hub for sports and community events, and browsed local shops and cafés in the nearby Litchfield Park area.
Killington, Vermont
This mountain town in the heart of the Green Mountains felt like the perfect fall getaway. With fewer crowds before ski season, the cooler temperatures, crisp alpine air, and brilliant red, orange, and golden leaves blanketing the hills, Killington offered that classic New England charm I was looking for.
Driving along Route 100 and hiking stretches of the Appalachian Trail gave me endless opportunities to take in the fiery fall colors and mountain views.
The town also came alive with festive seasonal events. I was able to check out the Killington Brewfest, and the quirky Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival.
I stayed for three days and filled my time with a mix of adventure and cozy downtime.
The Thundering Brook Falls Trail was a short but scenic hike that led to a beautiful cascading waterfall framed by golden maples. After exploring, I treated myself at the nearby Long Trail Brewing Company, sampling their autumn seasonal ales alongside sharp Vermont cheddar.
Evenings were spent fireside at a rustic mountain lodge, with the scent of pine and woodsmoke drifting through the air, the perfect way to end a day of leaf-peeping and mountain exploring.
Dripping Springs, Texas
Last but not least, if you’re curious about fall in the Texas Hill Country, where I live, I can only say this: you have to come and see for yourself! Texas is one of the best family-friendly destinations, with warm people and more fall events than you could ever count.
In Dripping Springs, local vineyards and breweries buzz with seasonal tastings. I also love the small-town events in the crisp, mild autumn air, including the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, the Founders Day Wine & Food Fest, and the many family-friendly Halloween happenings.
As you are driving around, you’ll also find pumpkin patches, outdoor movie nights, and themed markets at local farms and ranches.
Just 40 minutes from Austin, I enjoy hiking at Hamilton Pool Preserve and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, savoring wines at award-winning vineyards along the Texas Wine Trail, and catching golden-hour views from scenic overlooks on Ranch Road 12.
Some of my favorite highlights include staying at a romantic Hill Country retreat where many B&Bs and ranch-style lodges capture the region’s rustic elegance.
Conclusion
There you have it! These were my favorite fall foliage trips around our beautiful country. There were others that were spectacular but I didn't want this list to feel overwhelming. And I really want you to check out Texas which I think is a fantastic, underrated October destination! By visiting the Texas Hill Country, you can stretch out your summer well into October.
I also want to say that, if you don't feel like traveling far, I'm sure there's an amazing fall event, outdoor trail or unique festival just around the corner from your home. Just slow down, pick a spot in a nearby park, and let the beautiful, colorful fall season unfold around you.
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.
