Thinking of traveling this fall? That’s a smart move. Fall is shoulder season in a lot of destinations, which can translate to lower prices and greater availability. Airfare historically drops 10 percent in the fall compared to the summer months, too, according to the Expedia Fall Travel Outlook. And fall also brings pleasant temperatures in many spots, with weather that is neither scorching hot nor freezing cold but just right for sightseeing and spending time outdoors.
Even if your kids have gone back to school and you don’t have a lot of time for a lengthy family vacation, there are lots of great options for weekend getaways, especially with long weekends on the calendar in September, October, and November. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite family vacation ideas along with some spots still on my travel wish list that have all the ingredients for a fantastic fall family vacation.
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1. Park City, Utah
You might associate Park City with skiing, but it’s a pretty dreamy place to visit in the fall too. Aspens, oaks, and other trees are awash in fall colors, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails make it easy to admire the foliage. If you’d prefer something a bit more easygoing, some of the local ski resorts offer scenic chairlift rides during the early fall to take in the autumn leaves and views of the Wasatch Mountains.
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“For me, fall is the best time of year, especially in a place as beautiful as Park City,” says Chanda McConnell, owner and maker at Utah’s Vidas Wax Works, which sells its candles online and at local farmers markets. “Strolling down Main Street is so fun, with unique local shops to explore at every turn. My kids always make a beeline for Java Cow for ice cream. And if you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the Park Silly market on Sundays. It’s a fantastic way to meet local artisans and enjoy the cool, refreshing weather.”
If you’re down on Main Street, the kids can see if they have what it took to be a silver miner via the interactive exhibits at the Park City Museum. Another area must-do? A guided tour of Utah Olympic Park, where you might find yourself standing at the top of a Nordic ski jump learning about the sport from an actual Olympian like I did.
Where to stay: Treat yourself to a stay at The St. Regis Deer Valley and you won’t be disappointed. Daily guided hikes help guests explore the hotel’s scenic setting, and a traditional champagne sabering takes place at dusk each evening. The kids will love making s’mores around the firepit and riding the resort’s funicular, the only one at a North American ski resort.
2. Williamsburg, Virginia
As a proud graduate of William & Mary, I’m admittedly biased in my affection for Williamsburg, Virginia. But it’s one of the most beloved family vacation spots in the U.S. for a reason, and fall is an ideal time of year to wander around Colonial Williamsburg. The autumn leaves make everything extra pretty, and the temperatures are much more pleasant for chatting with interpreters and learning about 18th-century American life than during the steamy summer months.
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There’s a lot of history to keep you busy here, but spooky season’s also a great time to sign up for a ghost tour of the colonial area and pay a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where Howl-O-Scream features haunted houses and other terrifying fun for older visitors and The Count’s Spooktacular in the Sesame Street area provides more kid-friendly scares. Head to the Williamsburg Farmers Market to find everything from produce and flowers to baked goods and coffee, play a round of golf or two, and take in the fall landscapes along the Colonial Parkway. Be sure to plan a family meal at one of the Colonial Williamsburg taverns for a back-in-time kind of dining experience.
Where to stay: Two choices within the Colonial Williamsburg Resorts collection put you in the heart of all the historic action. The elegant Williamsburg Inn offers amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and fitness center, and preferred reservations for Colonial Williamsburg restaurants. Or stay in one of the standalone Colonial Houses, with options that can sleep up to eight people located right in the middle of Colonial Williamsburg.
3. Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
With fewer crowds, lower prices, and lower temperatures, fall is an ideal time to visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Florida. “Fall is fabulous [and] Northwest Florida is kind of the sweet spot for weather compared to the rest of Florida,” says Capri Mungeam, who owns Beach Sand Sculptures with her husband Rick (who’s the master sand sculptor).
For families, this destination on the Florida Panhandle has compiled a list of 27 “bite-sized” adventures that are just right for kids ages three to 13-plus, which includes everything from fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling trips to sandcastle lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures. “Families are really what sandcastle lessons are about,” says Mungeam. “They’re about families playing together. It could potentially be the first time that grandparents, parents, and children have actually played together and learned together.”
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Animal lovers can book a dolphin-watching tour out in the Gulf of Mexico to search for the playful marine mammals or stroll the white-sand beaches to see if any sea turtles have nested along the shorelines. Special events during the fall include the Destin Seafood Festival featuring local restaurants’ best seafood dishes and the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place throughout the month of October in this area that’s earned the nickname of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Where to stay: Lodging options at Henderson Beach Resort range from standard guest rooms and suites to vacation rentals with up to three bedrooms. There are plenty of activities and amenities to keep everyone busy here, including a private beach, swimming pools and a lazy river, complimentary bike rentals, lawn games, and a spa that offers treatments for teens and kids as well as adults.
4. San Antonio, Texas
You can experience plenty of thrills in San Antonio at spots like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s only theme park designed for guests with special needs. But simpler delights can also be found at places like Hemisfair, an urban park on the site of the 1968 World’s Fair that features an inclusive playground, splash pad, games plaza, and other areas designed for play and gathering.
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Visit the Alamo and check out the more than 400 artifacts on display from the personal collection of musician Phil Collins. Then delve further into the city’s long history at The Saga light show and historic narrative that’s projected on the San Fernando Cathedral Tuesday through Sunday nights. The San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Zoo, and DoSeum children’s museum are also great ways to spend a day.
“San Antonio shines in the fall, since the weather gets cooler,” says Jennifer Barger, a longtime travel writer who grew up in San Antonio and pens the travel-, shopping-, and design-focused Substack The Souvenirist. “There’s a huge Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration that’s more creepy-cool than scary, with a parade of floats on the San Antonio River and kid-friendly activities in La Villita. Families also congregate at the Historic Market Square, where they can chow down on enchiladas and south-of-the-border-style sweets at the long-running Mi Tierra. Tip the wandering mariachi musicians, and they’ll dedicate a song to you.”
Where to stay: Choose the all-suite Hotel Contessa and you’ll enjoy easy access to the San Antonio River Walk and other sights and attractions. A rooftop pool and spa offer spots for relaxing, and the on-site Ambler restaurant serves tacos, brisket, and other Texas specialties.
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
If you’re still filled with the spirit of the 2024 Summer Olympics, plan a fall getaway to Colorado Springs. “Olympic City USA” is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, where interactive exhibits and artifacts tell the stories and triumphs of some of the country’s top athletes. You can even test your speed, aim, and balance to see if you would be able to cut it in the Games.
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Fall foliage is typically on display in Colorado Springs between mid-September and early October, and spots like Mueller State Park and Pikes Peak are good places to see the colorful vistas. Pumpkin patches and hayrides can be found around the area, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo holds its Boo at the Zoo event on seven October dates. October is also Arts Month in Colorado Springs, with a whole calendar of events that includes First Friday Art Walks, concerts, and other cultural events and activities.
Where to stay: The newly reimagined Mining Exchange Hotel occupies a historic building that was a hub of activity at the turn of the 20th century. Now it offers a prime location for sightseeing and 128 newly designed guest rooms with high ceilings, exposed brick, and chic mountain style. Young guests get a nugget of fool’s gold in a special pouch at check-in as a memento of their visit.
6. Santa Rosa, California
Yes, you can find lots of wine to sip in the city of Santa Rosa, located in Sonoma County just 55 miles north of San Francisco. But it’s also a great place for a fall family getaway. After all, it’s home to spots like the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which displays the largest collection of original Peanuts artwork in the world and a re-creation of the comic strip creator’s art studio. Right next door is Snoopy’s Home Ice, an indoor ice rink built by Schulz that offers public skating sessions and drop-in lessons.
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The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County continues the spirit of creativity, with hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage imaginative play. And at Safari West, families can book a safari excursion around the 400-acre preserve that’s home to antelopes, rhinos, lemurs, and other exotic animals.
“Fall in Santa Rosa is simply glorious,” says Aphrodite Caserta, marketing and communications director at Safari West. “The weather is perfect, with crisp, clear days that make outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. At Safari West, our young giraffes are especially playful this time of year, romping around and delighting visitors with their antics.”
Where to stay: Book a two-room suite at Flamingo Resort & Spa and the grownups and kids can have their own spaces. The midcentury modern property has an outdoor pool that was once a celebrity hangout, an array of wellness amenities and activities, and a vintage van serving “Cal-Pacific comfort fare” poolside.
7. Lake Superior Scenic Byway, Wisconsin
Take a fall road trip along Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway, which traverses the southern shoreline of Lake Superior along the Bayfield Peninsula. It’s a 70-mile route that’s especially pretty this time of year, when forests are filled with autumn leaves and the views of Lake Superior will have you reaching for your camera.
Fall is a great time to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore by land or water. Book the Grand Tour cruise from Apostle Island Cruises to see lighthouses, sea caves, and other natural scenery. Or stay on dry land and hike the Lakeshore Trail, a somewhat rugged trek that pays off with several sea cave overlooks.
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Charming towns and villages can be found along the route, like Wisconsin’s northern most town Cornucopia, where you’ll find waterfalls, a beach, and a classic general store. Bayfield makes for a good home base, with its historic district and marina and easy access to hiking on the Big Ravine and Brownstone Trails. And if you’re there in early October, the Bayfield Apple Fest celebrates the fall harvest at the area’s orchards and farms with activities like an apple peeling contest and Grand Parade.
Where to stay: Modern style meets classic motel vibes at family-owned Seagull Bay. Three lodging options—the 23-unit lakeside Seagull Motel, a fully remodeled cottage that sleeps up to six, and a guesthouse that also sleeps six—all have direct access to the Brownstone Trail that leads into Bayfield’s downtown along the Lake Superior shoreline.
8. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
This lake town in Northern Idaho is tailormade for a fall getaway. Start with downtown Coeur d’Alene, a six-block area filled with restored brick buildings and more than 100 shops that make it easy to imagine you’re in your own Hallmark movie. Fall events like downtown’s Oktoberfest further add to the picture-perfect vibe.
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Then explore the great outdoors at spots like Heyburn State Park or Mineral Ridge Scenic Area. The North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes are great spots for bikers and hikers, and getting out on Lake Coeur d’Alene on a sightseeing cruise is also a good idea. On Sunday nights in September, The Coeur d’Alene Resort hosts its outdoor “Cinema Under the Stars” movie night series that’s open to guests and non-guests alike, and nearby Silverwood Theme Park holds its haunted ScaryWood event throughout October.
Where to stay: The newish One Lakeside Resort offers 29 residential-style suites with full kitchens and balconies for taking in the views that are ideal for family getaways. The pet-friendly hotel features a roof terrace with a hot tub and fitness center plus a location that makes it easy to explore the area.
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque locals call fall the “magical season,” and it’s easy to understand why. Cottonwood and willow trees are ablaze in fall colors near the city center, while aspen trees in autumnal hues can be seen in the area’s mountain landscapes. Pro tip: Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for a top-of-the-world kind of view from the 10,378-foot-high observation deck.
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The ABQ BioPark includes a zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden where families can spend the day learning about animal and plant life from both the local region and around the world. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, an ambitious urban conservation project established in 2012, is a great place to spot some of the area’s winged creatures. And you can’t talk about fall in Albuquerque without talking about the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October.
“It’s colorful, whimsical, and also a very unique demonstration of a weather event that only takes place in Albuquerque called the Albuquerque Box,” says Tom Garrity, a spokesperson for the balloon festival. “It sets up with the Sandia Mountains to the east and Rio Grande to the west, and it creates this box-like airflow where the balloons can literally take off and land from the same location. Generally the fall season is a highlight of living in New Mexico, and it’s also green chile season. So to actually be walking around Albuquerque watching balloons and be smelling the roasting of green chiles on a crisp morning—that’s living right there.”
Where to stay: At Los Poblanos, you can stay in style at a historic inn on a working organic farm. Guest rooms have fireplaces and hardwood floors, family suites include a bunkroom and full kitchen, and guests of all ages can visit with the farm animals, bike around the property, wander the fields and gardens, and end the day with s’mores by a chimenea.
10. Bartow County, Georgia
Located within an easy drive of cities like Atlanta and Chattanooga, Bartow County, Georgia, should be on your fall family vacation list. This region in Northwest Georgia is home to historic communities like Cartersville and Adairsville overflowing with small town charm. Attractions like the Tellus Science Museum and Savoy Automobile Museum have plenty of kid-friendly appeal, while spots such as the Euharlee Covered Bridge and the world’s first outdoor painted wall advertisement for Coca-Cola make for great photo ops.
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Outdoors lovers will find lots to do here, from hiking amid the autumn leaves at Red Top Mountain State Park or Pine Mountain Recreation Area to fishing on Allatoona Lake. The Etowah River is a great place to kayak, and you can play a round of disc golf along the river at Riverside Park in Cartersville. Fun, family-friendly dining spots can be found throughout the region, like Drowned Valley Brewing Co., Nagel’s Bagels, and Ate Track Bar & Grill.
Where to stay: Spread across 3,000 acres, Barnsley Resort makes for an action-packed fall family getaway spot. There are hiking and biking trails to explore, complimentary fishing poles for catch and release fishing, miniature horses to visit, and canoes and cruiser bikes available for use. For even more fun, you can add on a horseback riding, archery, or axe throwing experience.
