15 Fall Getaway Ideas — Castles & Carpools

Where should you go for a fall getaway? Check out our family’s 15 favorite fall break destinations.

Every year, between the months of September and November, Mother Nature provides a sweet spot for exploring in a unique way. Gone is the blazing heat of summer. Christmas and the need for a winter wardrobe isn’t quite within view.

This special time of year deserves an equally special place to vacation.

You can practically smell the pumpkin spice lattes just reading about some of the destinations that offer gorgeous fall colors. They promise things like hay rides, festivals, and hikes through trails practically bathed in autumn itself.

Others offer a chance to extend sunny weather activities. When school gets back in session, it’s often an ideal time to explore beaches and pools without the huge crowds.

What would fall be without Halloween though? We’ve got places on the list that ring in the most ghoulish holiday of the year in the most epic ways too.

Whatever your fall travel goals are, we’ve got a hand-picked spot that’s sure to help you meet them.

Our Fall Getaway Picks:

Acadia National Park

Family fall getaways — Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor is quintessential fall.

Maine has long been the stuff of autumn legend. New England towns like Kennebunkport and Portland are among the most visit-worthy spots. But, vibrant red, gold, and orange leaves make a perfect backdrop for a fall getaway almost anywhere you go in the state.

One of the best places to experience nature in Maine is at Acadia National Park. This beautiful North Atlantic park is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S. Visitors come to enjoy 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage and bike paths.

Visiting in the fall also means you get to see it all with fewer crowds than in the summer.

If your fall travel plans take you to Acadia before or around mid-October you have a chance to glamp at Under Canvas. It’s one of our family’s absolute favorite unique family vacation ideas. Under Canvas’s Surrey, Maine location is only about 40 minutes from picturesque Bar Harbor. It’s where walkable, cute-as-can-be town meets north coast charm.

2. New York City

New York City is an iconic destination any time of year. But visiting in the fall means you’ll experience the city in a unique way.

After the summer heat goes away, but before the cold of winter sets in is a great time in the Big Apple.

We find we spend so much time walking during our New York City trips. And the city’s fall weather is ideal for that. Broadway shows, shopping, and all the best things to do in NYC are a comfortable stroll away.

Exploring places like Central Park and the High Line means you’re sure to catch changing leaves as well.

And prices for hotels for families in New York City tend to be a little more moderate than busier seasons.

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Best fall getaways — Mountain views, the Biltmore, and an artsy downtown make Asheville a perfect spot for a fall break.

All the places on our list are great for fall vacations for families. But some, like Asheville were seemingly made for them.

Thanks to spectacularly changing foliage this time of year, leaf peeping is practically a sport here. The highest elevation sees leaf changes in late September. As the days turn into weeks, the whole area explodes with fall colors.

One of the best ways to see for yourself is to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The winding road is named after the mountain range that passes through Asheville. Opportunities to hike, zipline, kayak and picnic are located nearby.

Exploring the artsy, hip town is another fun way to spend a fall weekend. Boutique hotels provide a place to stay after visiting shops, art galleries, restaurants and Asheville’s thriving brewery scene.

Touring the Biltmore Estate, the U.S.’s largest privately owned home, is also a must-do while you’re in Asheville. The Gilded Age home’s 8,000 acres encompass a winery, spa, farmyard, bike barn, and playground, in addition to the main residence. Visitors can take in all in on foot, by bike, or in a horse drawn carriage.

4. Bend, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest diverse landscape marked with natural beauty and unique cities offers a little something for everyone.

Many of the best things to do in Oregon are located within an easy drive of Portland, the state’s largest city. Bend, which is about 3 hours southeast, has so much to do it’s often called the "Outdoor Playground of the West".

Located close to the Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River, Bend’s best activities are ripe for fall seekers. Fly-fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking keep active vacationers happy.

The lively downtown area hosts great dining and shopping options in a welcoming atmosphere.

Craft beer aficionados have over 30 breweries to choose from, many of which are even included on the Bend Ale Trail. The trail launched in 2010 as the first of its kind and includes breweries from all over central Oregon.

We found that many of the breweries in Bend are perfect for families because they feature outdoor games and family friendly games.

Diverse resort and hotel options make sure you have a fantastic place to call home while you do it all.

Fall provides a vibrant backdrop for fun fall family days no matter how you chose to spend them.

5. West Virginia

Ok, I admit it. I may be a little biased on this fall getaway pick. And I am cheating a little bit by putting the whole state on the list.

But, with great autumn foliage, lots of outdoor activities, and beautiful mountain views, West Virginia has so much to offer.

Places like Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown have tons of history amid small town charm. Yet, their locations next to Washington, D.C. make them easily accessible.

Similarly, Lewisburg is a true hidden gem. Since it sits next to the renowned Greenbrier Resort, you can experience both in one visit.

If whitewater rafting is on your bucket list, West Virginia is a sure win, especially in the fall. Late September and early October is the perfect time to raft the Gulley River. And the newest national park, New River Gorge, is just 45 minutes away.

The state is known for festivals and the months of September, October, and November are brimming with them.

Bridge Day in Fayetteville is West Virginia’s largest single day festival. The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the oldest and most popular of its kind. And the Mothman Festival is perhaps one of the state’s most unique events.

Still undecided what to do in the mountain state? Check out our list of 50 of the best places to go in West Virginia on a family vacation. I have a feeling one of them will have you celebrating fall to the tune of “Country Roads” too.

6. Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite travel and learn destinations in the U.S. It’s the world’s largest living history museum, encompassing over 301 acres.

History comes to life in this remarkable place. Workers portray 18th century historical figures, residents, and tradespeople. Cobblestone streets are filled with shops, restaurants, and other buildings representative of the time period. And it’s all interactive, allowing everyone to be a part of action.

Visiting in fall means ideal weather for seeing all the sites. October and November temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s, good for walking tours, carriage rides, and re-enactment viewings. This is the time of the year when the fall foliage peaks as well.

Check area calendars for some fun fall festivals in the area. Or, head to Busch Gardens with the older kids and adults who are up for a spooky night. The amusement park’s Howl-O-Scream takes place September 5th through November 2.

7. Orlando, Florida

If you’ve been around here long, you know we’re huge Disney fans. From Disney World resort hotels to magic beyond the parks, and everything in between, we love Disney.

We like experiencing all the seasons at Walt Disney World, but fall just might be one of our favorites.

Cooler temperatures and post-summer crowds make park exploring even more enjoyable. Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival provides a fantastic way to eat and drink “around the world”. And Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is a fun way to celebrate the season.

Of course, Walt Disney World isn’t the only thing that attracts travelers to Orlando in the autumn months.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando draws crowds ready for a ghoulishly good time. SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove entertains guests with animal encounters, shows, and rides all their own. And a plethora of restaurants, shopping, and activities provide even more to do throughout greater Orlando.

8. Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA

Fall getaways for families — Lancaster’s Amish country is a great place to go for fall fun.

Lancaster, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, has a fascinating Amish heritage that draws visitors to the area. The sound of horse-drawn carriages and site of traditionally dressed Amish people evoke a sense of enviable simplicity. The rolling pastures and farmland add to the charm of the area, which seems to be made for fall’s vibe.

Visiting during September, October, and November offers the chance to experience harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or apple picking.

If you’re thinking of adding rail travel to your family vacation (one of our favorite ways to travel), Lancaster is an ideal place to do it.

Nearby Middletown even has a train trip that takes rail riders to a pumpkin patch. And the Strasburg Railroad has Halloween themed events, Dinner on the Rails nights, and wine and cheese events.

Hershey, the town aptly named for the chocolate mogul, is also located right next door to Lancaster.

For a list of the best things to do in both Lancaster and Hershey, check out our post HERE.

9. Florida Keys

Fall getaways Florida Keys — The Florida Keys are one of our favorite destinations to go to when we’re not quite ready to leave warmer weather behind.

Fall isn’t always just about pumpkins, changing leaves, and Halloween. Sometimes it’s also about hanging on to sunny, beach weather.

As one of the southernmost spots in the U.S., the Florida Keys provides ample opportunity to do that.While September and early October have an increased risk of hurricanes, later fall offers a repreave. Average high temperatures remain in the 80’s during this time as well, making great weather for beach lounging and water activities.

We love the Keys for the wide range of vacation experiences they offer.

To the south, Key West provides a lively, vibrant atmosphere with a tropical island feel.

The most northern Key, Key Largo, is known especially for great snorkeling and diving opportunities. It’s more laid-back and nature focused, yet just an hour from Miami.

Islamorada is geographically in the middle of the two. It boasts excellent fishing and water sports with a quaint, upscale, less developed vibe. It also has some of our favorite resorts in the area.

10. St. Augustine, Florida

We’ve covered great sunshine-filled fall getaways. And we’ve touched on history packed trips. But what better way to transition from summer to winter with a combo of both?

St. Augustine offers the opportunity to do just that during a fall trip.

Temperatures decrease as the season progresses, but average highs remain above 70 degrees well into November. That makes for fantastic days lounging or playing on St. Augustine’s beaches.

It also sets the stage for time spent visiting historical sites.

We recommend hopping on the Old Town Trolley Tour, which stops at 22 places around town. The narrated tour gives you a lay of the land with hop-on-hop-off privileges. Stops include places like the Lightener Museum, Colonial Quarter, or Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park.

Each place offers a deeper dive into the fascinating history of the area that predates American settlements like Jamestown and Plymouth. (Jamestown is the oldest English settlement but St. Augustine was settled in 1565 by Spanish explorers.)

To really feel the autumn vibes, don’t miss out on the town’s specially planned fall activities. St. Augustine Ghost Tours and visits to Sykes Family Farm are a few ways to ring in the season.

11. Newport Beach, California

Southern California has so much to offer for weekend getaways. Newport Beach has easy access to it all. And fall months like October supply the ideal climate in which to do it with highs ranging from 72 to 75 degrees.

Newport Beach is about 20 minutes from Disneyland and Downtown Disney, 45 minutes from Los Angeles, and an hour and 15 minutes from San Diego. Other great spots like Huntington Beach’s pier and the shores of Laguna Beach are close too.

That is, of course, if you ever want to leave Newport Beach itself.

Balboa Island’s coastline beckons to spend your time there.

Active vacationers can or bike, kayak or hike around the 2.7 mile island.

Curious travelers will enjoy the Balboa Island Museum, whale watching or checking out surfers ride the waves.

Kids of all ages can ride rides, play arcade games, and an explore a nautical museum at The Fun Zone.

Lounging on the sandy shores is never a bad option either.

Upscale resort options make your stay travel-worthy too. Case in point, The Pendry Newport Beach. It was not only our pick during our stay. It was also the winner of Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite City Hotels in the Continental U.S. of 2024.

If you do leave the oasis of Newport Beach, heading south just 20 minutes to Dana Point will make your short jaunt worth it. The cliffs are stunning and streets like San Juan Capistrano Los Rios are fun to explore, especially for cute lunch spots.

12. Somoma, California

Best fall getaway ideas — Our October trip to Sonoma provided picturesque fall views.

Sonoma’s gorgeous landscape and world-class vineyards have long been popular for adults-only trips.

With over 450 wineries dispersed among 19 different regions, both wine experts and novices have plenty to keep them happy.

And the scenic countryside and inviting towns are just what you picture when you think of a laid-back escape.

Sonoma is more than a place for kid-free trips though. This welcoming region is a great fall getaway if you have littles in tow too.

Sonoma boasts more family friendly wineries than neighboring Napa. Some even have activities geared toward the younger set.

For example, Benziger Family Winery has a tram pulled by a tractor for kids to ride. Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a pool with cabanas for rent. And the Napa Valley Wine Train welcomes kids of all ages for a unique way to travel to various wineries.

All those rolling hills provide space for more than just grape trees too.

Bike tours, hikes, and exploring places like the shores of Bodega Bay keep active kids moving. Safari West and Wine Country Zoological offer unique animal encounters. Places like the Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County provide creativity-inspiring indoor fun.

Need help planning your trip to California’s wine country? Check out our 3-Day Sonoma Valley Itinerary here. All of the activities can be enjoyed with just adults or tailored to include the under 21 set on your trip.

13. Telluride, ColoradO

Over the years Colorado has often been our winter playground. With some of the best ski resorts in the country, it always delivers wintertime fun.

But before the mountains fill with skiers and fresh powder, fall provides a different type of playground.

There are a slew of great mild weather destinations in Colorado, but Telluride is one of the most unique.

For starters, it’s nestled into a box canyon with 13,000 to 14,000-foot peaks on three sides. Those mountains explode with stunning colors during the fall. The town even provides a fall foliage update to time your fall visit just right.

Telluride is interesting too because guests can take a 13-minute ride on a free, scenic gondola to Mountain Village. It’s the only transportation system of its kind in North America.

Mountain Village provides access to more restaurants, shops, and things to do.

Telluride’s location makes it a little harder to get to than some places closer to Denver. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Denver or visitors can fly to Montrose, which is an hour and half drive. The town of Telluride has a small airport with a limited number of flights as well.

Being a little secluded is part of the allure though. It means fewer crowds, a more exclusive feel, and a town whose warm welcome rewards you for the effort it took to get there.

Wondering what the best hotels are here? Check out our guide of where to stay in Telluride for families HERE.

14. Palm Desert, California

Unique fall getaway ideas — Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and the surrounding area is a fall playground our family loved.

Built as a desert escape for Hollywood’s elite, Palm Springs is also a perfect spot for a fall family vacation.

Summer brings scorching heat to this part of Southern California, but by mid-October high temps drop to the mid-80s. By November, highs are in the high 70s.

So early fall is prime for pool time while later fall is just right for exploring.

If you do chose to explore, the cute and quirky-in-all-the-right-ways town of Palm Springs is a great place to start. The small museum gives visitors a rundown of the town history. Lots of shops and restaurants provide retail therapy and culinary treats.

Families can also adventure to Joshua Tree National Park for hiking or, our favorite - ATV riding.

Truth be told though, you really don’t need to leave your resort to have a good time here. Resorts located in Palm Desert and nearby La Quinta cater to families. Amenities often include multiple pools, sports courts, arcades, on-site restaurants and more.

For all the details on a perfect Palm Springs weekend getaway, check out our first timer’s guide HERE.

15. Cle Elum, Washington

Fall getaway ideas — Cle Elum proves small towns are some of the best places to go in the fall.

Just outside of Seattle sits a place last, but certainly not least, on our list.

Cle Elum is a tiny town about an hour from Seattle but a world away from the hustle and bustle. The drive from the city alone is worth the trip. Snoqualmie Falls is along the way and Mount Rainer National Park is a diversion that’s worth the extra car time.

Once you reach Cle Elum, you’ll realize Suncadia Resort pretty much is the town. It makes our list of the best resorts in the Pacific Northwest for a family vacation for all there is to do here.

During the fall, families can bike, hike, and even enjoy the pool in early season. Horseback riding, fly fishing, canoeing, and kayaking join the to-do list too. And as fall gets well underway, Nelson Farm plays host to an annual harvest festival held for two weekends in October.

Have you been to one of the places on our list? Or do you have another fall destination you love? Let us know in the comments below.

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