Places to Visit in November & Things to Do
November is one of the best times of year to travel, and it’s become one of my favorite months for exploring destinations that feel both refreshing and unique.
From crisp fall colors to sunny warm-weather escapes, November delivers the best mix of seasonal beauty and exciting activities, often in underrated places that surprise you in the best way. I’ve been covering November travel for 30 years, which makes me a true expert.
Whether you’re chasing the best foliage in New England, enjoying the unique holiday vibes in New York City, or discovering the underrated warmth of spots like Arizona or Florida, November offers countless ways to make memories. That’s why it’s considered one of the best travel months of the year, and why so many of these places have become my favorite fall and early winter getaways.
The best part is the variety: cozy cold-weather destinations, sunny beaches, and festive city breaks. Think hiking among the best autumn trails, unique cultural festivals that kick off the holiday season, and underrated off-season spots where crowds are thin but the experiences are unforgettable. These details are what make November travel both unique and some of the best of the year.
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.
Best November Vacations:
Peoria's Desert Stillness & Copper Light
I drove about 3 hours southwest from Chicago to Peoria, a river city of around 110,000 people on the Illinois River. Once a whiskey distilling hub, Peoria still has a historic downtown with 19th-century brick buildings and the beautifully restored Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Peoria in November feels like one of the best underrated Midwest getaways, and I was so surprised by how vibrant and exciting it turned out to be.
We started at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which I thought was an absolute gem—it’s right downtown along the Illinois River, and the mix of art, science, and history exhibits kept us entertained for hours.
Walking along the Riverfront itself was magical, especially with the crisp autumn air and the golden trees lining the paths—this area has to be one of the coolest spots in the city for a romantic or family stroll.
I loved visiting the Luthy Botanical Garden, which felt like a hidden gem near Glen Oak Park—stepping into the warm conservatory on a chilly November day was pure joy.
The Spirit of Peoria paddlewheel boat was docked nearby, and even though cruises slow down for the season, just seeing it made me feel like I’d stumbled on a piece of living history.
We drove a short distance to Wildlife Prairie Park, and it was one of the most unusual but amazing experiences—buffalo and elk roaming through the autumn landscape made it feel like a dream.
For something truly unique, I spent an afternoon at Caterpillar Visitors Center, right next to the museum—climbing into those massive machines was such a cool experience.
At night, we ended the day with a spectacular sunset view over the river, followed by a cozy dinner in one of the local riverfront restaurants, which felt like the best way to wrap up an exciting weekend in Peoria.
Check prices at Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette.
Garrison's Hudson Stillness & Stone-Walled Paths
Instead of driving, we hopped on the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central (1 hour 10 minutes, $15–$20 one way) for quick fall foliage day trip. The train hugs the Hudson River the whole way, passing cliffs and lighthouses before stopping at the tiny Garrison station.
Garrison, NY, is one of my favorite underrated gems along the Hudson River, just across from Cold Spring and about an hour north of New York City.
We found it to be the perfect weekend getaway, offering both romantic charm and family-friendly adventures with some of the best river views in the Hudson Valley.
One of the absolute best places to explore is Boscobel House and Gardens, a historic estate with sweeping views of the Hudson Highlands—it felt magical walking through the vibrant gardens in the crisp air.
I loved hiking at Arden Point and Glenclyffe, which starts right near the Garrison train station; the trail is an easy but beautiful walk with amazing views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge.
For art lovers, Manitoga, the home and studio of industrial designer Russel Wright, was such a unique and unusual stop—this hidden gem blended architecture, nature, and creativity in the most inspiring way.
We also discovered the Garrison Institute, a former monastery turned retreat center near the river, which had this peaceful and almost dreamlike atmosphere—perfect if you’re craving a mindful escape.
One of my favorite cool finds was the Highlands Country Club area, where locals gather, and the vibe felt joyful and community-driven.
After exploring, we ended the day at a cozy restaurant nearby with river views—it was the most spectacular way to enjoy a vibrant Hudson Valley evening in Garrison.
Goleta’s Coastal Drift & Golden Hours
My husband, son and I drove about 1 hour 45 minutes northwest from Los Angeles to Goleta, a coastal city of around 32,000 people. Known historically for its citrus groves and ranching roots, Goleta now blends small-town calm with university-town energy from nearby UC Santa Barbara.
Goleta, CA, is one of my favorite coastal gems, just a few miles west of Santa Barbara, and it’s the kind of place that feels like a dream for a relaxing weekend getaway.
We started at Goleta Beach Park, which has some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean—I loved walking the pier, watching pelicans dive, and seeing the sunset light up the sky in spectacular colors.
For a cool outdoor adventure, I explored the Ellwood Mesa and Butterfly Grove, where in November you can see clusters of monarch butterflies—it was such a magical and unique experience.
We also biked along the Obern Trail, which winds through Goleta and connects right into Santa Barbara, and it felt like the perfect mix of ocean breezes and mountain views.
My favorite part of the trip was discovering the Goodland, a stylish lifestyle hotel with a fun, vibrant vibe, complete with a poolside bar and live music—it was the absolute best place to stay.
Goleta’s ranching history also comes alive at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, where we walked the gardens and learned about the area’s heritage—it felt both interesting and joyful.
I loved grabbing a casual bite at one of the local breweries—Goleta has a surprising number of cool spots for craft beer, which made for an exciting evening out.
By the end of the trip, I realized Goleta perfectly blends beach magic, outdoor fun, and a laid-back California lifestyle, making it an exceptional coastal getaway.
Sequim’s Lavender Air & Soft Horizons
We drove a little over 2 hours northwest from Seattle to Sequim, a sunny pocket on the Olympic Peninsula with about 8,300 residents. Once a farming hub, the town is now best known for its lavender fields and annual Lavender Festival each year in mid-July.
Sequim, WA, quickly became one of my favorite discoveries on the Olympic Peninsula, just about 2 hours northwest of Seattle and near Port Angeles.
I loved how Sequim is known for its sunny microclimate—it felt like such a cool surprise to have bright skies while surrounded by the lush Pacific Northwest landscape.
One of the best experiences here was wandering through the lavender farms, even outside of peak summer—many shops still sell lavender goods, and the air is filled with that calming scent.
We spent time at Dungeness Spit, which was absolutely magical; walking that narrow strip of sand stretching five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca felt like stepping into a dream.
I also really enjoyed exploring the Olympic Discovery Trail, which runs right through Sequim and offers spectacular views of both the mountains and the water—it was my favorite spot for an afternoon bike ride.
The downtown area charmed me with its mix of cozy cafés, local art, and vibrant community spaces—it’s small, but it has such a joyful energy.
For something unusual, we visited the Dungeness River Nature Center, where the trails and exhibits gave us a unique perspective on local wildlife and ecology.
We ended one evening with a romantic sunset over Sequim Bay, and it honestly felt like the best way to wrap up a peaceful weekend in this exceptional little town by the water.
Adrian’s Brick Charm & Theater Glow
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 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.
Corpus Christi’s Shoreline Ease & Salty Light
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.
Corpus Christi, TX, has to be one of my favorite coastal cities in Texas, and it’s the kind of place where every visit feels like a mix of adventure and relaxation.
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.
I loved exploring the Texas State Aquarium, which is right near downtown—it’s such a cool and family-friendly attraction where you can see dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks up close.
One of the most exciting stops was the USS Lexington, the massive World War II aircraft carrier museum docked right in the bay—I thought climbing through its decks was one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do in Corpus Christi.
We also spent time at the South Texas Botanical Gardens, which turned out to be a joyful hidden gem filled with tropical flowers, butterflies, and even parrots—it felt like a colorful escape.
My favorite peaceful spot was Cole Park, right along Ocean Drive—it’s perfect for walking, watching the waves, or just relaxing under the palms with a view of the bay.
In the evening, we discovered some of the coolest local seafood restaurants near the marina—nothing beats fresh Gulf shrimp while watching the sun set over the water.
By the end of the trip, I realized Corpus Christi isn’t just a beach city—it’s a vibrant and exceptional Texas getaway with so many amazing things to do.
Check rates at Residence Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Downtown.
Crisfield’s Tides & Timeworn Stillness
We flew from Austin into Baltimore (about 3 hours nonstop) and then drove 3 hours southeast (150 miles) to Crisfield, a small fishing town of just 2,500 people on the Chesapeake Bay.Crisfield, MD, instantly won me over as one of my favorite Chesapeake Bay gems, tucked away on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and known as the “Crab Capital of the World.”
I loved walking along the city dock downtown, where the waterfront buzzes with fishing boats and locals selling the freshest seafood—it felt vibrant and full of coastal character.
One of the best experiences was taking a ferry to Smith Island, a magical journey across the bay that led us to a tiny community famous for its layered Smith Island Cake, which turned out to be one of the sweetest highlights of my trip.
We also hopped on the boat to Tangier Island, another unique adventure that felt like stepping into another world—quiet streets, cool little shops, and a way of life that’s both unusual and deeply authentic.
Back in Crisfield, I spent time at Janes Island State Park, which is absolutely spectacular for kayaking through winding salt marshes, spotting herons, and enjoying a peaceful sunset paddle—it was my favorite outdoor activity.
The local seafood shacks around town served up some of the most amazing blue crabs I’ve ever tasted, and cracking them open with friends felt joyful and memorable.
I also thought the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum was an interesting stop, giving me a glimpse into the maritime heritage and culture of this coastal town.
By the end of my stay, Crisfield felt like an exceptional mix of small-town charm, Chesapeake magic, and delicious seafood—a coastal getaway I can’t wait to relive.
Check rates at Somers Cove Motel.
Brunswick’s Marsh Roads & Oyster Quiet
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 loved strolling through the historic downtown, where the brick-lined streets and colorful storefronts gave the whole place a vibrant and welcoming feel—it felt like stepping into a cool Southern storybook.
One of the best stops was Mary Ross Waterfront Park, right along the East River, where I watched shrimp boats come in and enjoyed the most spectacular sunset over the marshes.
We found Brunswick’s Old Town district to be full of hidden gems, with antique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés that made exploring joyful and interesting at every turn.
My favorite discovery was the local food scene—Brunswick stew is a must-try, and tasting it here where it originated felt like an absolute best foodie moment.
We also visited Blythe Island Regional Park, just a short drive away, which was perfect for a family picnic, fishing, or simply soaking up the peaceful natural setting—it felt like a dream escape into nature.
For something unique, we took a short trip out to Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, where walking among the oak-lined paths and learning about the history gave me a sense of the deep cultural roots of the region.
By the end of my trip, Brunswick felt like more than just a gateway to the islands—it was an exceptional coastal city with its own charm, history, and unforgettable magic.
We spent the night at the Oaks on the River in nearby Darien, just 15 minutes up the coast.
Hacienda Chukum & the Light Beneath
From Austin, we flew about 2.5 hours into Cancún and drove 2 hours west (100 miles) 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.
Hacienda Chukum in Yucatán, Mexico, felt like one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited—it’s tucked near Valladolid and offers an amazing blend of history, nature, and adventure.
I loved that the centerpiece is a spectacular cenote, a natural limestone sinkhole filled with crystal-clear turquoise water—it honestly felt like swimming in a dream.
We started by exploring the hacienda itself, where the modern architecture mixed beautifully with the old stone walls, creating such a cool and vibrant atmosphere that instantly stood out.
Jumping into the cenote from the platforms was one of my favorite experiences—it was exciting, refreshing, and gave me an adrenaline rush I’ll never forget.
The lighting inside the cenote created a unique glow that made the whole place feel almost otherworldly, and it quickly became one of the absolute best swimming spots I’ve seen in Mexico.
We also tried the zipline that crossed above the water, which was such a joyful and unusual way to take in the views—it made the experience even more fun.
After swimming, we enjoyed a delicious Yucatecan meal at the on-site restaurant, which was both affordable and filled with local flavors that added to the magic of the day.
By the time we left, I realized Hacienda Chukum wasn’t just a stop on the map—it was an exceptional adventure destination that combined natural beauty, cultural charm, and unforgettable moments all in one place.
November is When the Quiet Finds You on Vacation
Looking back at all these amazing places—from coastal towns and riverfront gems to hidden haciendas and historic small cities—I realized how each destination offered its own kind of magic.
What I loved most was the variety: one weekend might bring me to a vibrant waterfront, the next to a peaceful park, a lavender farm, or even a cenote glowing with turquoise light.
Each spot felt like the absolute best kind of getaway, whether for a romantic trip, a family adventure, or just a joyful escape to somewhere new and exciting.
For me, the real treasure in traveling is discovering these unique experiences—walking through historic streets, tasting local flavors, or swimming in unforgettable natural settings—and every one of these destinations gave me that gift.
It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be far-flung or extravagant; sometimes the coolest and most meaningful memories come from exploring places filled with character, culture, and beauty right where you least expect them.
And that’s why each of these journeys—from Peoria to Crisfield, Goleta to Garrison, Sequim to Hacienda Chukum—will always stand out as some of my favorite travel stories.
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.
