Fall break is always a welcome reprieve. It’s not the longest break of the year, but it’s nestled perfectly in between some of the longer stretches of the year without any holidays or special events. It’s a great time to recharge your batteries and re-calibrate before the cold weather sets in. It’s also the last time you can go to Walmart without being inundated by Christmas decorations.
Because the United States is such a big place, it’s hard to know what destinations are really feasible for you and your family to visit on such short notice. Because of that, we’ve tried to include some thought starters for most regions, but if we missed you, we’re sorry!
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
There’s a reason that people from all over the world flock to Tennessee every year in the fall. The changing leaves in the Great Smoky Mountains are incredible, and the fall temperatures are a hiker’s dream
Southern California
Whether you want to spend your time in the Hollywood Hills or venture out to the more remote coastlines, Southern California is great. The temperatures are always amazing, and there are tons of things to do!
Orlando, Florida
Disney is on just about every parent’s bucket list for their kids, but going during the summer is basically out of the question. The more temperate fall temperatures make the park way more manageable, plus, the crowds usually subside in the non-summer months.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Crisp temperatures are the perfect time to visit this relatively overlooked national park. The changing leaves contrast wonderfully against the blue sea and rocky coast.
New Orleans, LA
Part of fall’s fun is that Halloween is just around the corner. New Orleans celebrates that spooky holiday like very few places can. Parties, parades, and ghost tours are just a few of the exciting attractions that you can enjoy in this Southern city.
North Shore, Minnesota
On the banks of Lake Superior, North Shore, Minnesota is an awesome destination with crisp temperatures, tall lakeside cliffs, and plenty of fall colors. It’s also filled with awesome hiking trails and a gondola ride over the Poplar River Valley!
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Grand Tetons are amazing any time of year, and the fall is no different. Right before the skiers descend on Jackson Hole and right after the summer crowds disperse, fall is an ideal time to soak up some of the most incredible views on the North American continent.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is becoming the new weekend destination for Silicon Valley technophiles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it too. Fall in Bend features affordable lodging, smaller crowds, and the BendFilm Festival!
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is always amazing, but the fall is extra special. You can watch salmon spawn, see changing leaves, hike evergreen peaks, and most of the lodging is on off-season prices. Sounds awesome to me.
Grand Canyon National Park
Summer is definitely the most busy time to see the Grand Canyon, but fall might be the best. The temperatures are marvelous, the views are breathtaking, and the hiking trails are much more navigable. Go on a donkey ride while you’re there!
So there you have it--10 awesome thought starters for trips you can take this fall. This isn’t a definitive list, but it shows that there are incredible things to see this fall, and there’s likely somewhere awesome to go in your general vicinity. You just have to get out there and see it!
