Places to Visit in October in USA

Beautiful Places to Visit in October in USA

Last updated on November 3rd, 2023

Planning a vacation this fall, but don’t know any places to visit in October in the USA? Here are some of the most beautiful vacation spots to visit in October.

Fall is a great time to schedule a vacation, and October is the perfect month to catch the gorgeous views around the States. The smell of fall, the changing leaf colors, hot apple cider, and all the fall feels are what October is about. 

And as someone who loves fall, I will share the top travel destinations to visit this October.

After reading about these incredible places, you’ll be ready for the best fall vacation of your life!

This post is all about places to visit in October in USA.

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Beautiful Places to Visit in October in USA

Places to Visit in October in USA

 Asheville, North Carolina

The first destination on the list of places to visit in October in the USA is Asheville, North Carolina. Down in the south, in North Carolina, are the Blue Ridge mountains, and during the fall, it is truly one of the prettiest sights you’ll ever see. The changing colors of the trees, reds, oranges, and beautiful yellows, go on for miles and miles. 

Asheville during the fall is a great time to go on a hike, and it’s one of the best ways to take in the view. Or, I would venture out on a nice scenic drive to see the beauty. 

And when you’re not taking in the fantastic scenery, you can enjoy many other fall activities like corn mazes, pumpkin picking, apple picking, and much more. With all this going on, there’s no doubt that Asheville is a great vacation spot for the fall!

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warm places to visit in October in USA

Napa Valley, California

Wine country is always amazing, but you haven’t experienced it until you’ve experienced it in the fall. Like in most places at this time of year, the bright, vibrant colors of the trees and the near-perfect, 70-degree Californian weather create an ideal setting for an outdoor gathering. 

And Napa’s harvest season occurs from August to October, so you will likely find many harvest celebrations, which means plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and mingling with others. 

Or, if you want a more relaxing vibe, rent out a cozy place to enjoy the view. What better way to enjoy a fall vacay than curling up by the fireplace with the best wines in the world right at your fingertips. Sign me up. 

Places to Visit in October in USA

Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley has some of the best fall foliage in the country, with the peak time being mid-October. As a result, many travelers enjoy ‘leaf-peeping,’ essentially goggling the beautiful trees. 

Here are some of the best spots to check out the foliage:

Besides leaf gazing, the Hudson Valley is great for other fall activities like apple & pumpkin picking, enjoying corn mazes, and much more. 

Other non-fall-ish activities include: 

  • Visit the Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Home Site
  • Take a tour at the Mohonk Mountain House
  • Go kayaking on the river

Places to Visit in October in USA

Aspen, Colorado 

Aspen, Colorado, is next on the list of beautiful places to visit in October, USA. Along with the gorgeous foliage, insane, snowcapped mountains are just in the background. Talk about a view!

Aspen is ideal in October if you want to avoid the crowds and find cheaper deals on lodging. Travelers and locals enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and much more. Another popular attraction is the Lost Forest, where visitors can zipline, wall climb, hike, and experience other outdoor adventures. 

Note: if you plan on hiking in the mountains, pack for all types of weather, as the weather is unpredictable in the mountains. One day it may be sunny, and the next, it snows. 

best fall vacations in the us

Vermont

October is one of the best months to visit the state of Vermont. People travel from far & near to glimpse the fantastic foliage of the Green Mountains. Unfortunately, the foliage doesn’t last long, so I suggest planning your trip for early to mid-October at the latest.

With autumn comes all the activities like apple picking, hiking, and more. And Vermont’s got it all! In addition to the fall fun, farmer’s markets are a great way to learn more about all Vermont has to offer, not to mention all the goodies you’ll pick up on the way. 

Also, while in the state, you must stop by the original Ben & Jerry’s and explore the factory. 

Whether you’re macking on all the delicious ice cream, shopping with the locals, or taking a foliage hike, you won’t regret a vacation here!

beautiful places to travel

Cleveland, Ohio

Another great spot to enjoy fall without all the crowds is Cleveland, Ohio. Similar to the other destinations on the list, the changing leaf colors in Cleveland are stunning and an absolute must-see if visiting in October. 

Here are the best spots to take in the foliage:

While in Cleveland, be sure to attend the city’s largest annual outdoor festival, Oktoberfest. It’s an all-out celebration with live music, delicious food, German beer, and much more. 

San Diego

San Diego, California

Last but certainly not least is San Diego. San Diego has some of the best weather all year round, but it’s especially lovely during the fall. And fewer tourists are around, making it the perfect time to explore the city! 

San Diego has many events, like concerts, during the month that you won’t want to miss. For instance, Seaworld puts on a Halloween Spooktacular every year where you can explore the sea creatures in your costumes. Fun for the whole family. 

And the beaches are warm enough to swim in if you visit during the earlier weeks of October. 

While San Diego doesn’t have much to remind you of fall, it is an excellent destination to spend your fall vacation. 

This post is all about places to visit in October in USA.

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