Looking for the BEST Places to Visit in the USA in October?
Fall is among us now! We’ve finally surpassed the summer heat and back to school and it’s time to start planning the best vacations for fall break for families and the holiday season.
In this guide, I am sharing the best places to visit in the USA in October. Although, most of these destinations are equally as beautiful throughout the fall season.
In many ways, Fall is the best season for travel, especially for families. With school back in session, destinations and airports are much less crowded. Prices for travel are lower than summer and many hot destinations are more enjoyable with a milder climate.
Keep reading for a detailed list and learn what makes each destination a great selection.
Best Places to Visit in the USA in October (or Fall)
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tempe, Arizona
- Greater Zion, Utah
- Vail, Colorado
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- YellowStone Country, Montana
- Seattle, Washington
- Northern California
- Catskills, New York
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Asheville, North Carolina | Places to Visit in the USA in October
Ashville, North Carolina is located in the western region of North Carolina. It can be found in the midst of the stunning Blue ridge mountain range. Many know of Asheville for the stunning and highly esteemed Biltmore Estate. However, the city is a culmination of great dining, history and outdoor exploration. The city truly has something to offer for every member of the family.
In addition, with four distinct seasons, Asheville makes for an excellent vacation destination year round. Fall temperatures in Asheville linger between a high of mid 70s to a low of 50s.in 2012, the city was voted one of America’s safest weather cities by the weather channel.
From sight seeing in the Blue ridge to small town city life amenities, it’s easy to see why Asheville should be added to your fall vacations USA list in 2021.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Places to Visit in the USA in October
Oklahoma City is located between the midwestern United States and the great American Southwest. This unique combination of history and culture is represented no better anywhere else in the United States except for Oklahoma City.
OKC was nicknamed the modern frontier as they have developed a unique approach to appreciation for its western and cowboy/ indian heritage while looking forward to modern amenities.
Oklahoma city is easily one of our favorite American cities with its diverse offerings for families or couples alike. With so many great outdoor options like Scissortail park, art walks and tours and bike tours with ride OKC, the best time to visit Oklahoma city is the fall when weather is most comfortable and enjoyable outdoors.
The fall temperatures in OKC hover from a high of 81 to a low of 62 degrees.
Click the following hyperlinks for information about what to do in Oklahoma City for Families, spending the day in Bricktown OKC and how to spend the Holidays in OKC if you should choose the holiday season.
Tempe, Arizona and the Phoenix Metropolitan Area | Places to Visit in the USA in October
Tempe, Arizona is located in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. It is a smaller college town. However, in recent years, the city has done a lot to grow into its own personality. The city offers great restaurants, outdoor exploration and unique boutique experiences.
Tempe and the Phoenix area made it to the list because not only is the location great for exploring some of Arizona’s most popular destinations like Scottsdale and Phoenix but its long lasting summer and comfortable temperatures in the fall make it a great destination for taking in last minute summer exploration.
Popular summer activities that can also be done in the fall include: hiking, hot air ballooning, and more. The fall temperatures of Tempe linger from a high of 99 to a low of 71.
For more information about how to spend a weekend in Tempe, Arizona, click HERE.
Greater Zion, Utah | Best National Park to Visit in October
The Greater Zion area is located in the Southwestern Utah region of the state. Utah is famous for its stunning views and Big 5 National Parks. In this region of Utah, travelers can explore a wide array of both National and State park . These areas that are perfect for outdoor hiking, biking and exploring .
The region is easily accessible from multiple American west airports like Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Phoenix . Greater Zion not only offers a variety of vacation rentals and experiences but also your choice of restaurants and shopping. Travelers agree that it is perfect combination of outdoor living near city life.
This area of Utah has all 4 seasons and fall is easily the best time to visit the National parks. Fall colors are in peak by mid October and travelers enjoy cool and crisp temperatures. The fall temperatures in the area fall between a high of 74 and a low of 52 degrees.
For a complete guide to Zion National Park click Here. Additionally, if you are looking for Unique and Alternative vacation ideas, click HERE to learn more about Utah Tiny House living.
Vail, Colorado | Places to Visit in the USA in October
For Christmas enthusiasts, Vail, Colorado probably tops your list as magical destinations to visit during christmas time. However, did you know that Vail is more than worth the visit in other seasons as well? Especially during the Fall.
Vail is located in central Colorado and is easily accessible from both Denver and Colorado springs. Both cities are also great to visit during the fall.
What makes Vail a great destination to visit during the fall is the stunning mountain backdrops coupled with the vibrant fall colors. Because Vail is a ski town, it offers great restaurants, shops, luxury hotel accommodations and hiking. For even better views of the fall colors, you may opt to check them out from above on a ski lift.
The temperature in Vail in the fall ranges from a high of 70s to a low of 40s as you get deeper into the fall months.
More on fall break vacation ideas for families
Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Places to Visit in the USA in October
Jackson Hole, Wyoming has continued to grow in popularity over the past few years. Guests who visit the destination quickly fall in love with its combination of luxury resorts in a rustic and nature inspired backdrop.
With Grand Teton National Park and other remnants of America’s Old West, it’s easy to see why it makes one of the best destinations to visit for any time of the year.
In the Fall, Jackson transforms to stunning fall colors with gorgeous mountains and rolling hills in the background. Locals say that Fall is the best time to visit Jackson because guests can enjoy cool and crisp air while outdoors and less crowds now that summer is over.
Some of the best things to do in fall is visit the National Parks, take in roaming wildlife, grab an aerial tram from the bottom to the top of the mountain or enjoy local festivals and events.
Jackson’s temperature for the fall months is typically a high of 71 in September and a low of 40 in November.
Yellowstone Country , Montana | Best National Park to Visit in October
Yellowstone Country, Montana is located in southern Montana and is made up of 5 counties and some of Montana’s most popular cities including a portion of Yellowstone National Park. The part is shared with which is shared with Wyoming.
The area is just another representation of the beautiful and diverse landscapes that America has to offer. The mountains and heavy influence on outdoor exploration makes it a great destination to visit year round.
In the fall, the Yellowstone country region is bursting with colors. Additionally, Montana is one of the best places in the US for stargazing and seeing the northern lights. Fall has proven to be one of the best times to witness the night sky spectacular up close and personal.
From local dining and shops to cabin style resorts, Montana has a variety of offerings. Montana has something for the most adventurous of souls to those who want to take it easy and enjoy nature.
The fall temperatures in Montana range from a high of 69 to a low of 39. Come prepared with multiple layers.
For a complete guide to spending four days in Yellowstone Country and Paradise Valley, Montana, click HERE.
Seattle, Washington | Best Places to Visit in the USA in October
Seattle, Washington is one of the United States finest cities and one of the crown jewels of the stunning pacific northwest.
Seattle is a water town with unique diversity in scenery and activities from the water to the mountains and lush forests. Many argue that while Seattle is great year round, fall is one of the best times to visit the city.
Let’s face it, nothing screams fall like coffee shops and chowder and that’s what Seattle is most notable for.
Travelers who choose to take on Seattle in fall will not only enjoy fall colors and crisp temperatures but the city is bustling with farmers markets, festivals, great food.
Seattle is also a quick drive for day trips to some of Washington’s most beautiful parks and landscapes.
Seattle’s fall temperatures can be anywhere from a high of 69 to a low of 50s.
The fall is also typically one of Seattle’s most rainy seasons. However, a visit to the city can still be enjoyable and even magical to experience because of it.
For a weekend guide to Seattle and complete 3 day itinerary, click HERE
Northern California | Best Places to Visit in the USA in October
While Southern California reigns supreme in the warmer months of the year with tourists, Northern California gets its time to shine in the fall.
Fall is magical in the Northern California region. Fall colors peak on Norcal famous landscapes like National and State Parks and tourism favorites like Napa Valley and the wine country.
Northern California is extremely diverse in offers for things to do from luxury resorts to outdoor exploring . There is truly so much to offer for every member of the family.
Some of the best things to do in the fall include, wine tasting, hiking in National and State parks, mountain biking, and road tripping.
The temperature in Northern California in the Fall can range from a high of 70 to a low of the 50s.
Catskills, New York | Best Places to Visit in the USA in October
Catskills, New York is located in the southeastern corner of New York state or around 2-4 Hours or less from some of the East Coast’s most popular cities. The mountains have long been a getaway for New Yorkers searching for nature and solitude away from the big city. Fall is catskills is stunning.
It has often been noted as one of the best places to see fall colors on the east coast and in the United States. Peak season is often from October to early November.
Some of the best things to do in the Catskills Mountains include hiking, scenic drives, beer tasting and fall festivals. The temperature in the fall in Catskills ranges from a high of 63 to a low of 40.
Bar Harbor, Maine | Best National Park to Visit in the USA in October
Bar Harbor, Maine is famous for its quaint island charm and being the access point to beautiful Acadia National Park. However, it is also famous for being one of the most beautiful places to view fall foliage on the East coast .
Peak fall colors are between mid September and mid October in the area. What makes it most special is that this coastal town offers stunning views of both the water and the cliffs making for a scenic road trip that’s hard to beat.
According to US news travel , fall is the very best time to travel to Bar Harbor. Fall is the least crowded time to visit making it perfect for travelers looking to take a stunning last minute trip without the crowds of summer.
Fall temperatures in Bar Harbor can range from a high of mid 60s to a low of 40 degrees .
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | Best Places to Visit in the USA in October
Pigeon Forge is located in the great smoky mountains of eastern Tennessee. The popular tourist destination for southerners is famous for its cabin lifestyle , Dollywood amusement park and other country music venues. The mountainous region is stunning in the fall time with the fall foliage covered mountains perfect for road trips and cozy cabin lifestyle.
Some of the most popular places to visit during the fall in Pigeon Forge are wine trail wineries, smokey mountain road tripping through the scenic route, harvest festivals and hiking trails.
Fall colors are in peak season from mid September to early November which is consistent with a lot of other surrounding southern states.
Temperature fluctuations for fall in Pigeon Forge ranges from a high of low 80s to a low of low 50s.
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