There’s just something uniquely special about a fall getaway. Cozy sweaters and roaring fires. Apple picking and cider sipping. Spooky stories and haunted sites. Colorful leaves on the trees and a certain crispness in the air. The weather’s ideal for spending lots of time outdoors, and it’s “shoulder season” in a lot of places, which means fewer crowds and lower prices.
Of course the kids have also gone back to school, so as a family you might have more limited time for autumn vacations. But I’ve rounded up good ideas for both quick weekend getaways and longer trips if you have more flexibility or some days off from school on the fall calendar. Here are my top recommendations for fall family vacation spots this year.
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Shenandoah County, Virginia
Every fall, leaf peepers flock to Skyline Drive to admire Shenandoah National Park’s colorful foliage. But even if you don’t want to join the crowds on the scenic byway, Virginia’s Shenandoah County still holds plenty of appeal for a fall family vacation. There are many ways to admire the region’s autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to riding the chairlift at Bryce Resort.
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Climb the 1930s-era Woodstock Tower for views of the Shenandoah River, or drive to the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge for a classic fall family photo op. A guided horseback ride through George Washington National Forest or a fly-fishing class with Murray’s Fly Shop are also good ways to spend an autumn morning or afternoon.
Where to stay: Vacation rental homes are popular here, and you can stay in everything from an old grist mill to an oh-so-cute cottage. The town of Woodstock is the place for reliable chain hotel options like Hampton Inn & Suites Woodstock.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland may not be the first place you think about for a fall family getaway, but here’s why you should. Cleveland Metroparks has 23,000 tree-filled acres awash with fall colors to explore, and picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about 30 minutes from downtown. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides a fun way to take in the autumn scenery, with plenty of family-friendly excursions on the schedule. Or you could head to Holden Arboretum and get a bird’s eye view of fall foliage from the 500-foot Canopy Walk that rises 65 feet above the forest floor.
Fall festivals fill the calendar at this time of year, from Cleveland Oktoberfest with its wiener dog races and beer stein-holding competitions to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point, featuring family-friendly daytime fun and outdoor scare zones and other more intense frights during the evening. Autumn eats and beers are on the menu at restaurants and breweries around the city, and nearby farms host weekend events with corn mazes, wagon rides, and other family fun.
Where to stay: The historic and recently renovated Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection offers a prime downtown location for exploring the city. New boutique hotel Fidelity Hotel would be a fun and stylish choice for families with teenagers, and ROOST Cleveland offers apartment-style stays with amenities like a fitness center and rooftop patio.
The Adirondacks, New York
One of the best family vacation spots on the east coast, the Adirondacks in upstate New York offer six million acres to explore and one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country. Autumnal colors can typically be appreciated from late September through the end of November, and the state’s handy fall foliage report can help you time your trip for the best views.
The options are almost endless for getting out into the splendid scenery. Active travelers can embark on mountain hikes or bike the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, while more leisurely activities include rides on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and scenic drives. For a unique Adirondacks adventure, pedal one of Revolution Rail Co.’s custom-built rail bikes or take to the skies with SunKiss Ballooning.
Where to stay: Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa provides an upscale escape amid the Adirondack High Peaks, while Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton puts in the you the heart of Saranac Lake. The recently renovated Lodge at Schroon Lake is a great option for families with amenities like a private beach, indoor pool, miniature golf, and game room.
Grand County, Colorado
Like a golden wave, aspen groves light up Colorado’s mountains in autumn. Grand County serves as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can take to the trails to see colorful foliage and maybe even wildlife like elk, mule deer, and moose. Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests are also awash in fall colors. Biking’s another way to take in the autumn scenery; try the Fraser West Trail or the family-friendly St. Louis Creek Trail.
A drive along the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic & Historic Byway will keep you reaching for your camera, and a guided horseback ride or fishing trip offer a different perspective on the area. To see the best fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area, aim to visit in September (though you can often catch some color in late August or early October, too). Fun seasonal events in Grand County include Oktoberfest in downtown Fraser and the Town Square Scare in Kremmling. (Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is an equally good option this time of year.)
Where to stay: Book a cabin, lodge room, or yurt at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch for easy access to outdoor family fun. C Lazy U Ranch is one of the best all-inclusive resorts and best dude ranches in the U.S. and makes for a special family getaway.
Oahu, Hawaii
You won’t see a lot of fall foliage in Oahu, one of the most family-friendly Hawaiian islands to visit. But you will enjoy smaller crowds, more affordable prices, and lots of fun things to do during the autumn months. That includes September’s Aloha Festivals celebrating Hawaiian traditions and the annual Kāhuli Festival at the Bishop Museum in October, a unique family-friendly event spotlighting the vital role of Hawaiian land snails in preserving biodiversity. (Make sure to stop by the gift shop at the Bishop Museum stocking Hawaii-made products.)
Must-visit spots like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, and Pearl Harbor National Memorial should be less crowded in the fall. The kids will love the AquaPeakz obstacle course and slide tower at water sports recreation park Wai Kai and the Honolulu Zoo’s guided evening Twilight Tours. And you can find pumpkin patches and fall festivals around the island, even if the temperatures aren’t exactly autumnal.
Where to stay: The Twin Fin Hotel offers an enviable Waikiki Beach location, on-site surf school, and all kinds of arts and cultural activities for the whole family. The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay gives families the chance to choose their own adventures on the island’s North Shore.
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania goes all in on fall foliage activities at prices that maximize both value and fun. The area’s 2,400 square miles of mountains, rivers, and deciduous forests are just a few hours’ drive from Philadelphia and New York City, but its mix of small towns and gently wild surrounds make it feel a world away.
The Poconos are home to 127 indigenous species of trees, plants, and shrubs that show off their colors during the fall, and more than 260 miles of hiking trails traverse the region. Admire the changing season on a scenic train ride, hay ride, horseback ride, or paddle, or add thrills aboard a mountain coaster or via railbike or zip line. The Poconos sees its fair share of day trippers, but magic happens when you get to settle in for a spell in spots like Jim Thorpe, where the quaint historic district is dotted with inns, B&Bs, and guest houses.
Where to stay: Book at Camelback Resort’s Camelback Lodge for an action-packed vacation with activities like zip-lining, an alpine mountain coaster, and an indoor water park. The Pines at Woodloch is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the U.S., and sister property The Lodge at Woodloch makes for a luxe adults-only getaway.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is a beach town that’s just as much fun in the fall as during the summer. There are more than three miles of beach at the ready for running, sandcastle building, and enjoying fall breezes, plus the mile-long Marginal Way cliff walk for taking in scenic Atlantic Ocean views. Or see everything from the water on a lighthouse cruise with Finestkind Scenic Cruises, offered through mid-October.
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The company also offers a family-friendly first-hand lobstering experience, an informative precursor to a waterside meal at Ogunquit Beach Lobster House. The town has a vibrant arts scene, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s free digital guide includes self-guided tours for young visitors led and narrated by kids. Time your visit to the annual OgunquitFest held in October and you can take part in children’s trick-or-treating activities, a dog costume parade, an artisan craft fair, and other fall fun.
Where to stay: Four-season resort Anchorage by the Sea offers easy access to Marginal Way and amenities like firepits, bicycle rentals, and a heated indoor pool. The Dunes on the Waterfront features a collection of seaside cottages that look right out of the pages of a design magazine.
Bastrop, Texas
An easy drive from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Bastrop boasts an enviable spot along the Colorado River. Head to the charming downtown for shopping and dining, or follow the Bastrop County, Texas Film Trail to see filming locations for movies like the seasonally appropriate horror classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
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For leaf peeping, hike or drive through 7,400-acre Bastrop State Park, which sits at the edge of the Lost Pines, a unique 13-mile stretch of loblolly forest. Community Gardens nursery hosts an annual pumpkin patch on weekends in October with bounce houses, train rides, and other activities, and McKinney Roughs Nature Park is home to a thrilling zip line adventure.
Where to stay: Bunk in a 1930s-era cabin at Bastrop State Park for total cottage-core vibes. Or stay amid the woods at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, where amenities and activities include yard games, bike paths, archery, and s’mores as well as special seasonal fun.
St. Croix River Valley, Minnesota
Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968, the St. Croix River is considered one of the best rivers for canoeing in the country. Minnesota’s St. Croix River Valley surrounds this notable waterway and is an easy trip from Minneapolis-St. Paul and other Midwestern locales. Families can enjoy the tributary and take in the fall foliage at spots like peaceful Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park, which offers clifftop views of the river.
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Shop for books and Scandinavian home decor in the river town of Stillwater or admire antiques and historic homes in Hastings. Taylors Falls and Stillwater are good departure points for scenic boat tours, and you can find apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and other fall fun throughout the area during the autumn months.
Where to stay: Reserve a campsite at Afton State Park or William O’Brien State Park for an outdoorsy adventure. Hotel Crosby and Lora are good options in Stillwater, and The Confluence Hotel makes it easy to explore Hastings.
Moab, Utah
Home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab sees a lot of visitors during the summer months. But fall is also a great time to visit this desert destination in southeastern Utah, where autumn-hued cottonwood trees and late-blooming wildflowers adorn the banks of the Colorado River.
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Temperatures are milder during the fall, making it ideal weather for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and other outdoor pursuits. Young paleontologists will love learning about local discoveries at the Moab Museum and Moab Giants museum and dinosaur park, while photographers will find plenty of scenic vistas to capture. When it’s time to eat, the Moab Food Truck Park should satisfy everyone in the family, serving up everything from pizza and tacos to gelato.
Where to stay: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab offers suites and cabins with river views and easy access to outdoor adventure. Under Canvas Moab is a much-lauded option for glamping and one of the world’s first DarkSky resorts.
Ellijay, Georgia
The North Georgia mountain town of Ellijay is known as the state’s Apple Capital, with more than 22 varieties of apples harvested during the fall. Get in on the seasonal fun at spots like B.J. Reece Orchards, home to U-pick orchards, a petting farm, pony rides, and famous fried apple pies, and R&A Orchards, which offers behind-the-scenes tractor rides and farm tours during apple season.
Fall also means events like the Ellijay Bacon Festival, Georgia Apple Festival, and Apple Arts Festival where visitors can find crafts and all kinds of good eats. Hike the trails at Carters Lake, Fort Mountain State Park, and Amicalola Falls State Park to take in fall foliage on foot. And if you want to lean into the spookiness of the season visit Expedition: Bigfoot, the largest Bigfoot museum in the South.
Where to stay: Reliable chain options include SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ellijay and Best Western Mountain View Inn. Cabin rentals are popular here, which you can find through companies like Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals and Blue Sky Cabin Rentals or on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Christine Sarkis also contributed to this story.
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