Places to Go for Fall Foliage
I truly believe that fall is one of the most magical times of year to travel. I love the crisp fall air, leaves turning amazing colors, and plenty of seasonal activities. Here are the places I recommend from my own road trip, and I hope you’ll love them too.
Looking for a late fall foliage vacation idea? I recommend Central Texas where I live. Fall foliage starts peaking in November (as opposed to early October like in many other places mentioned here). So if you missed out on colorful displays elsewhere, Texas is the perfect destination for a last minute fall vacation!
Niagara Falls, New York
This was the most incredible natural wonder I've ever seen! Chris and I both absolutely love Niagara Falls, and have been many times. This place feels like a dream destination during the fall foliage season!
The first time I visited was in the fall over 30 years ago while I went to college nearby, and I still keep coming back. Why? Because, honestly, few places feel as awe-inspiring in autumn as Niagara Falls. You can feel the roar of the waterfall while admiring the fall colors of the leaves: reds, golds, and burnt oranges.
This time, we arrived just as the leaves were reaching their peak. For me, the contrast between the misty blue water and the fiery fall foliage was absolutely breathtaking.
We loved walking in Niagara Falls State Park. We followed paved paths to overlooks and admired fall foliage all around. I loved standing near the American Falls.
One of my favorite moments was strolling along the Niagara Gorge Trail. The winding paths offered great views of the river below. The autumn air was crisp but enjoyable.
If you don't feel like walking much, take advantage of a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway. You can pull over (in designated places) and enjoy river views from there.
What I loved best:
Next day after breakfast, the absolute best experience was the Maid of the Mist. This exciting boat ride takes you right into the heart of the falls. Seeing that up close was unreal!
Marquette, Michigan
This place turned out to be one of the most spectacular fall vacation ideas I’ve ever experienced.
We planned this fall foliage weekend as a cozy getaway to Marquette, Michigan, which sits up in the Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Superior, and honestly it felt like a brilliant idea from the start.
First thing we did after arriving was drive along the lake, and the vibrant trees mixed with that massive blue water was already one of the best experiences, totally underrated and kind of magic.
After that we headed into downtown Marquette, which felt like a hidden gem, grabbing coffee and walking around while the leaves were popping in every shade, see in my photos how colorful it was.
Later we went to Presque Isle Park, which is one of my favorite spots near town, and the trails felt like an absolute best fall dream with spectacular views and cool breezes.
Next on our list was hiking Sugarloaf Mountain, just outside Marquette, and even though it was a little tiring, the view from the top was amazing and totally worth it.
We could see endless forests, Lake Superior stretching forever, and the most vibrant fall colors, which made the whole experience feel exciting and joyful.
That evening we found an affordable local restaurant, The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery (a great spot for fried fish!) and talked about how Marquette is such an unusual and unique place, especially for a family or romantic weekend.
The next morning we explored waterfalls nearby, which felt like another hidden gem moment and added to why this area is the best for fall.
What I loved best:
Downtown was a highlight for me, filled with cozy cafés, local breweries, and interesting shops, it had such a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Hackettstown, New Jersey
This small town of about 10,000 residents has a serious wow-factor, especially in the fall. In fact, when we lived in NYC for ten years, this Warren County was one of my favorite fall foliage vacations in New Jersey. Why? First, I loved how easy it was to get to on a day trip from New York City.
Moreover, I loved that we could visit Donaldson Farms during the fall harvest season. It was fun for kids and grown ups too.
Hackettstown’s historic downtown has attractive brick buildings, local shops, and cafes.
What I loved best:
Another gem nearby was Stephens State Park. Hiking along the Musconetcong River with fiery red and golden leaves overhead was very romantic. This was a spectacular New Jersey weekend getaway this fall.
Everett, Washington
This quickly became one of my favorite underrated places to travel to in the fall. Just about 30 minutes north of Seattle, it made the perfect day trip for me and my family. The city, nicknamed "Milltown", sits right along Puget Sound, framed by the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, so every view in autumn had that spectacular mix of fiery colors and misty water landscapes. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
There are heaps of unique things to do here! One of the coolest highlights for me was strolling through Jetty Island, a unique two-mile-long man-made island right off the coast. Even in the fall, it had a peaceful, romantic vibe, and the golden light on the water was pure magic.
Everett’s historic downtown also stood out to me with its vibrant art scene, cozy cafés, and local breweries. I thought the coolest part was how it blended small-town charm with creative energy. My favorite stop was a craft brewery where I tried seasonal pumpkin beer—it felt like the absolute best way to celebrate autumn.
I also loved exploring the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens, which looked spectacular in fall colors. The trails were romantic, relaxing, and perfect for a slow afternoon. For families, the nearby Imagine Children’s Museum added an exciting and interactive option that made Everett feel even more welcoming.
What I loved best:
For me, the brilliant idea was taking a short drive into the Cascades for leaf-peeping and hiking. The scenery was unforgettable, and yet I could return to Everett for a cool evening by the water. This city is one of Washington’s most amazing, underrated fall gems.
Lake Wales, Florida
This place really surprised me! Why? Florida might not be the first place that comes to mind for a fall road trip, but Lake Wales was actually one of the coolest and most underrated destinations I’ve discovered in the U.S.
Located in central Florida, just east of Tampa and south of Orlando, it’s a hidden gem surrounded by lakes, citrus groves, and rolling hills that feel completely different from the state’s famous beaches. I loved how affordable and peaceful it was, making it the absolute best idea for a relaxed autumn getaway.
My favorite highlight was visiting Bok Tower Gardens, which has to be one of the most spectacular spots in all of Florida. Strolling through the vibrant gardens filled with oaks and camellias while the iconic Singing Tower rose above the landscape felt like pure magic. I thought it was both romantic and family-friendly, and the peaceful atmosphere made it unforgettable.
I also loved exploring Lake Wales’ charming historic downtown. The brick streets, unique shops, and cool murals gave it such a vibrant character. Stopping by a local café for a slice of homemade pie and coffee was one of those simple but joyful travel moments that made the town feel extra special to me.
What I loved best:
Another gem was checking out Spook Hill, a quirky optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill. It was one of the coolest, most unusual roadside attractions.
Kinston, North Carolina
In October, no place wowed me quite like this! We actually visited to Kinston, North Carolina because of their unique planetarium, but ended up enjoying awesome fall foliage too.
Kinston is actually a cool place in North Carolina to visit, just 40 minutes from Greenville.
First thing, be sure to check out the trails along the Neuse River where trees were changing colors from reds to golds.
In the afternoon, Downtown Kinston itself was another gem. We loved discovering Kinston’s food scene (of course!) and stopping by Mother Earth Brewing.
Dinner at King’s Restaurant was my personal highlight because we had great Southern comfort food!
In addition, sitting in Lovick's Cafe just watching the day unfold was fun.
Manchester, VT
This was the most romantic stop on my fall trip! Ever since our first romantic getaway to Vermont over three decades ago, Chris and I have been returning to this scenic place you can see in my photos.
You'll find Manchester, VT in the Green Mountains in southern Vermont. You can go on scenic hikes in crisp mountain air while enjoying watching the colorful leaves.
What I loved best:
One of the coolest stops in town was Hildene, the historic Lincoln family estate. The gardens around the mansion are well worth the trip. Admission is $25 for adults, $8 for Youth (ages 6 to 16), and free for kids under 5.
We usually stay at the Equinox Resort because they have romantic Old World-style rooms as well as spacious townhouses for families. But I have to warn you that you need to book months in advance for Columbus Day weekend in October when fall foliage is peaking in this area.
Charlottesville, Virginia
This place was seriously insta-worthy in the fall! Charlottesville has always been one of my favorite fall vacation spots because it blends history and nature in such a unique way.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it felt like the perfect hidden gem for an autumn weekend getaway.
The colorful leaves and rolling hills create a spectacular backdrop that makes every drive and every walk feel joyful and unforgettable. Since there is so much to take in, we decided to join a guided tour with a local guide on our first visit which was a great idea.
I loved strolling around the Downtown Mall, which is one of the coolest pedestrian streets I’ve ever visited. The brick-paved stretch is lined with local cafés, boutique shops, and art galleries, giving it a lively yet relaxed vibe.
For me, the absolute best part was finding affordable farm-to-table restaurants tucked into historic buildings—each meal felt like a brilliant idea brought to life.
Of course, no trip to Charlottesville is complete without exploring Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic home.
I thought it was amazing to see history come alive in such a vibrant setting, and the grounds were especially beautiful under the golden glow of fall foliage. I also loved touring nearby wineries and cideries, which felt both romantic and family-friendly depending on the mood.
Another cool highlight for me was driving along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, just a short distance away.
What I loved best:
The panoramic views of fiery autumn colors were truly spectacular and made me feel like I was in a dream.
Algoma, Wisconsin
This is one of those underrated fall destinations that completely won me over. Nestled right along the western shore of Lake Michigan, near Door County, this small town felt like a hidden gem filled with charm, color, and cool lakeside vibes. I have to warn you that leaves in Wisconsin start to turn earlier than elsewhere so be sure to visit in late September.
I loved how affordable and peaceful it was compared to more tourist-heavy spots—it truly felt like the best place for a relaxing autumn weekend getaway.
My favorite part of Algoma was walking along Crescent Beach Boardwalk. With the crisp fall breeze, the vibrant golden trees, and the sound of waves rolling in, it felt like pure magic. I found it especially cool to snap photos here because the colors of the season blended perfectly with the sparkling lake views. It was simple but spectacular.
What I loved best:
Another exciting discovery was how close the city is to Door County, so we could easily drive up for orchard visits, pumpkin patches, and scenic overlooks. In the fall, it’s not just pretty—it’s an amazing, underrated escape that felt vibrant, unique, and memorable in every way.
Trinidad, Colorado
This was one of the most adventurous places I visited this fall! With just approximately 10,000 residents, Trinidad is a cool small town for a family weekend getaway in southern Colorado. In fact, for me it was one of the most underrated fall vacation gems I’ve discovered.
You'll find it in the foothills of the Rockies near the New Mexico border, about 3 hours south of Denver.
I loved that historic downtown Trinidad is very walkable. You'll see Victorian buildings, local shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. The Purgatoire Riverwalk offers lovely fall foliage views.
If you are a Wild West history buff like me, check out the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art and the Trinidad History Museum.
For peak fall foliage, visit from late September through early October. You may see golden aspen trees as late as in the second week of October, depending on how cold the nights get this year.
What I loved best:
For me, Trinidad, Colorado is one of the best places to go for fall foliage. You'll also have easy access to The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway so you can enjoy fall foliage displays from the comfort of your car if you prefer. This 82-mile route (Colorado Highway 12) stretches between Trinidad and Walsenburg. For me, seeing the fall colors pop against those dramatic Colorado landscapes was pure magic.
Saginaw, Michigan
This turned out to be one of the most underrated fall getaways I’ve taken.
We started our fall foliage weekend by driving into Saginaw, Michigan, which is tucked near the Saginaw Bay and not too far from Lake Huron, and right away it felt like a hidden gem and a brilliant idea for an affordable getaway.
First thing we did was walk along the Saginaw River, and honestly the vibrant trees reflecting on the water was pure magic and one of the best experiences we’ve had in Michigan during fall.
After that we headed toward Ojibway Island, which is right downtown, and it quickly became my favorite spot because the colors were absolutely spectacular and kinda underrated compared to other fall destinations.
We spent most of the morning just wandering slowly, and it felt joyful and exciting without being crowded at all.
Next up was a short drive to nearby Imerman Memorial Park, and this place felt like a secret forest gem where the trails were covered in crunchy leaves and everything looked amazing.
By lunchtime we grabbed something local near Old Town Saginaw, which is close to Bay City, and it made the whole trip feel more like a cozy family weekend instead of rushing around.
In the afternoon we explored the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge just outside the city, and wow this was the absolute best surprise with wetlands, birds, and peak fall colors everywhere.
As the sun started to set we drove back toward the riverfront, and the golden light made the trees look unreal and almost dream-like.
What I loved best:
For me, Saginaw was one of the best places to visit in the fall because it's scenic and unique! Exploring downtown was my personal highlight because offered unique arts and dining experiences, from galleries to cozy restaurants.
