Image courtesy of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
There’s something magic about fall travel. The air is getting crisper, summer crowds dwindle down and stunning autumn foliage comes to life. Whether you're savoring fall flavors at a farmers' market or enjoying a scenic hike, autumn is the perfect time to scheme a getaway.
Below, I break down 12 of the best places to visit in fall. These destinations are perfect for long weekend visits (but I won’t judge you for staying longer, either). I’ve also rounded up a few choices abroad for bucket-list adventures in the fall.
Big Sur, California
Few (if any) places on this stretch of coastline are as enchanting as Big Sur. Nearly 100 miles of misty, rugged cliffs dotted with towering pine forests, seal beaches and the occasional humpback whale sighting make Big Sur one of the United States’ most coveted destinations. And in the fall, the contrast between the verdant mountains and sapphire-blue waves is especially striking.
Where to stay in Big Sur in the fall: Alila Ventana Big Sur
Image courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur
Developments of any kind are rare in Big Sur, making the two-Michelin-Key resort Alila Ventana Big Sur a special exception. The property offers luxe accommodations with exclusive amenities like outdoor hot tubs and excellent California fusion dining.
Fall brings fewer crowds to the resort, making Alila Ventana a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking, nature walks and wildlife viewing (Big Sur is one of the most biodiverse places in the United States). Plus, the resort’s wellness offerings, including Japanese-style baths, spa treatments and outdoor yoga, along with seasonal farm-to-table dining, enhance the overall experience.
Alila Ventura isn’t the only amazing property in Big Sur. If you need help narrowing down a top pick, I'll happily provide personalized recommendations.
Fora Perks at Alila Ventana Big Sur:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, room upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Manchester, Vermont
Few places in the United States experience as beautiful of a fall transition as New England does. The region’s forests become a sea of red, orange and yellow, with crisp temperatures that are perfect for outdoor adventures.
The cool weather is ideal for activities like hiking, apple picking (a New England staple) and exploring historic towns — many of which offer a masterclass in 17th- and 18th-century architecture styles (Georgian, Victorian, Federal…). New England also regularly hosts harvest festivals and fairs during the fall, some of which have been celebrated since before the founding of the United States.
It’s worth noting that popular destinations like Vermont book up quickly. If you want to visit in fall, I strongly recommend booking by early summer, if not spring.
Where to stay in Vermont in the fall: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Image courtesy of Kimpton Taconic Hotel
The Taconic is a small boutique hotel that exemplifies New England charm. Guests enjoy cozy accommodations with a contemporary aesthetic, farm-to-table dining and inviting common spaces amidst the historic Manchester Village. The hotel's elegantly designed rooms provide a perfect retreat after a day of exploring the local hiking trails and scenic roads. In addition, the warm and inviting atmosphere, along with the hotel's proximity to quaint shops and cultural attractions, makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing fall getaway.
The hotel also features three standalone cottages near Manchester Village, which make for a more private getaway. Each is notably more spacious than The Taconic’s guest rooms.
Fora Perks at Kimpton Taconic Hotel:
$50 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.
South Carolina
A fall trip to South Carolina offers balmy temperatures (compared to the heat of summer). One of my favorite destinations is Bluffton, a quiet and scenic region that’s perfect for exploring the wildlife-abundant May River, where you can embark on personalized boat tours or kayaking adventures. Bluffton’s historic Old Town district offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and artisanal shops, while the city’s many fall festivals celebrate local culture and cuisine, allowing visitors to savor fresh seafood and regional specialties in a vibrant atmosphere.
Where to stay in South Carolina in the fall: Montage Palmetto Bluff
Image courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff is an upscale resort offering a grandiose blend of classic Southern sophistication and modern amenities. Along with well-appointed rooms, guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, golfing and exploring nature trails, all set on the resort’s expansive — and private — 20,000 acres.
Fora Perks at Montage Palmetto Bluff:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons are a great place to visit in fall if you’re looking for a taste of the finer things. While the beaches are generally too cold for swimming by mid-fall, they’re still gorgeous, and small towns offer a mix of luxurious dining and high-end shopping in a laid-back setting. There are also art galleries, historic sites and cultural festivals that add variety to a fall getaway.
Where to stay in the Hamptons in the fall: The Roundtree, Amagansett
Image courtesy of The Roundtree, Amagansett
The Roundtree, Amagansett is one of the Hamptons’ best places to stay in fall. What looks like a modest cottage from the street reveals itself as a spacious boutique hotel with a delightfully contemporary look and feel.
Remodeled in 2020, the hotel features 14 rooms in classic cedar shingle buildings, including a main house, barn and multiple cottages.
Fora Perks at The Roundtree, Amagansett:
Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Park City, Utah
Park City’s ski season usually begins by Thanksgiving, but it’s worth visiting beforehand, as well. The city constantly hosts fall festivals and events, and the surrounding mountains and pine forests offer a tranquil backdrop for hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Park City in the fall: The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
Image courtesy of The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Goldener Hirsch — a world-class Auberge Resorts Collection property — sets the gold standard for mountain resorts in Utah. The property blends an upscale rustic design with European ski lodge motifs. Depending on when you visit in fall, you can enjoy premier access to Park City’s ski slopes or a variety of outdoor excitement, ranging from river rafting to fly fishing and more.
Fora Perks at The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Tuscany, Italy
Fall is harvest season in Tuscany, inviting visitors to enjoy wine and olive oil tastings and festivals. Fall in Tuscany also means fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience when exploring charming hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano. Plus, the cooler temperatures are ideal for visiting Tuscany’s historical sites, such as Florence’s museums and Siena’s medieval streets, without the intense summer heat.
Where to stay in Tuscany in the fall: Lupaia
Image courtesy of Lupaia
Lupaia is an authentic boutique hotel set in a restored Tuscan farmhouse that provides luxe accommodations with a rustic twist. There, guests enjoy Italy’s unique fall foliage, explore nearby medieval towns and sample delicacies at local harvest festivals. Plus, the on-site restaurant features regional farm-to-table dining, which can’t be missed if this is your first trip to Italy.
Fora Perks at Lupaia:
Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.
Munich, Germany
Munich tops many lists of Europe’s best places to visit in fall. The city’s gardens and parks offer a scenic autumn ambiance, and its architectural beauty – from the historic Marienplatz to the grand Nymphenburg Palace – is even more striking in the crisp, clear fall air. Local markets and cafés offer tasty seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and warm pastries. Of course, a fall trip to Munich is incomplete without taking in its signature event: Oktoberfest.
Where to stay in Munich in the fall: Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a lavish hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel's luxe rooms and rooftop terrace provide excellent views of the cityscape, while its central location allows easy access to Munich's cultural attractions and parks. Additionally, the in-house dining options feature seasonal Bavarian cuisine, enhancing the fall experience with authentic, local flavors.
Fora Perks at Mandarin Oriental, Munich:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.
Patagonia, Chile
September through December is spring in Patagonia (it’s located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite). If you’re looking to escape fall’s colder temperatures while exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth, a trip to Patagonia may be the fix you need. Verdant grasslands and hills are peppered with colorful wildflower blooms, crystal-clear lakes and majestic peaks.
Where to stay in Chilean Patagonia: Explora Torres Del Paine
Located in a remote corner of Torres del Paine National Park, Explora is a lakefront resort capitalizing on the region’s unparalleled beauty. The views are breathtaking, with dramatic mountains and verdant foliage. Guests can enjoy expertly guided hikes and horseback rides, exploring the stunning scenery with fewer tourists and warm, but not blazing temperatures.
Fora Perks at Explora Torres Del Paine:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is another one of Europe’s best places to visit in fall for its enchanting blend of historic charm and natural beauty. Crisp, cooler temperatures make it comfortable to explore the cobblestone streets and enjoy outdoor cafes without the summer crowds. Plus, fall brings a variety of cultural events and festivals and seasonal Czech cuisine, like hearty dishes and local beers.
Where to stay in Prague in the fall: Andaz Prague
Image courtesy of Andaz Prague
The Andaz blends modern luxury with historic European charm, and sits in New Town (Nové Město). The property has an undercurrent of Old World design, but feels remarkably fresh.
Fora Perks at Andaz Prague:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Kyoto, Japan
Fall transforms Kyoto’s many historic temples, tranquil gardens and parks into a tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows. Iconic locations such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are especially stunning during this season, and, while still busy, aren’t as crowded as they are in summer and spring. Plus, mild temperatures and clear skies ensure comfortable conditions for enjoying Kyoto's historical sites, traditional tea houses and lively streets.
Fall is also the season for cultural festivals, including the Jidai Matsuri and the Kurama Fire Festival, providing a unique glimpse into Japan's deep heritage. Additionally, Kyoto’s seasonal cuisine, featuring ingredients like matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts, enhances the culinary experience.
Where to stay in Kyoto in fall: Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Image courtesy of Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Blending world-class hospitality with traditional Japanese lodgings, Hotel The Mitsui offers authenticity and luxe comfort. The hotel is within many of the city’s most impressive sites, like Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijō Castle, too.
Fora Perks at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, extended check-in/out whenever possible.
London, United Kingdon
London radiates style and history while catering to travelers of all types. The leaves start to change color, and the weather is still generally nice enough to stay out until the evening. But if the weather isn't ideal, not to worry: Explore the city's numerous covered markets, like Borough Market.
Where to stay in London in the fall: Beaverbrook Town House
Image courtesy of Beaverbrook Town House
Beaverbrook Town House is a fun yet elegant hotel found between the neighborhoods of Chelsea — known for its tony vibes — and Westminster, which is home to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. A fantastic homebase for a trip to London, Beaverbrook is a cozy yet classic choice for fall. If you’re looking for things to do in London, nearby parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens allow guests to peep autumn foliage. Beaverbrook’s on-site restaurant features seasonal British cuisine with an elevated spin.
Fora Perks at Beaverbrook Town House:
£80 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
Set to the seas
Of course, a cruise can also be a great option for fall travel. In the fall season, river cruises can be a particularly good choice. This fall season, Viking Cruises is Fora's number-one-booked line. Destinations include many of Europe’s coolest cities — such as London, Paris, Vienna, Bucharest and Amsterdam.