Fall vacation ideas

As the leaves start turning and daylight hours fade, we’ve come up with some of our favourite fall vacation ideas, with some of the most exciting (and enthralling) seasonal destinations to visit, whether you want to chill out on a beach, spend Halloween at the theme parks or embark on a scenic hike in nature. Read on to explore our top ideas for a fall vacation.

Where to go for fall foliage?

Whether you’re craving an ambiant Montana vacation, a Great Smoky Pigeon Forge getaway or a Lake Tahoe retreat close to the water, a stay in our fall cabin rentals set the scene for immersing yourselves in the Great Outdoors. Ideas for a fall vacation don’t get more literal than this, with a stay surrounded by the exuberent hues of the season.

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Fall in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge transforms the Great Smoky Mountains into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold. Nestled in this picturesque setting, you can enjoy breathtaking foliage views while exploring scenic drives, charming local festivals, and cozy cabins. The crisp autumn air and the colorful canopy make it an ideal destination for hiking, enjoying local harvests, and immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty. For some of the best fall hikes, experience the moderate yet short Alum Cave Trail, the moderate level Laurel Falls Trail and the high altitude Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail (no, you won’t need to trek the entire cross-state 2,178-mile trail!). For those traveling with pets, the flat, dog-friendly Gatlinburg Trail is a popular route with dog walkers, as well as with cyclists and families.

Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Lake Tahoe offers a stunning fall escape with its crystal-clear waters surrounded by a dramatic display of fall colors. The alpine scenery features a mix of golden aspens and vibrant maples reflecting off the lake’s surface. Fall is perfect for serene hikes, picturesque drives along the lake, and enjoying the quieter side of Tahoe’s outdoor adventures, before the winter season sets in. Some of the best hikes for fall foliage are the moderately easy Eagle Lake Trail (Emerald Bay State Park), the moderate Shirley Canyon Trail (Squaw Valley) and the challenging Mount Tallac Trail, which rewards walkers with panoramic fall foliage views across Lake Tahoe.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, Montana, is a fall wonderland with its stunning foliage and diverse activities. The area’s hiking trails, such as Ousel Falls, Beehive Basin, and Lava Lake, offer breathtaking views of autumn’s golden hues, catering to both novice and experienced hikers. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the region teems with elk, bighorn sheep, and moose against a backdrop of vibrant colors. Driving along the Gallatin River Canyon provides a spectacular display of golden cottonwoods and red alder bushes. Fall is also ideal for golfing with its pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Additionally, enjoy local festivals like Music in the Mountains, the Big Sky Farmers Market, and Oktoberfest, which add to the seasonal charm.

Fall family vacation ideas

From theme parks to sugar soft beaches, the U.S. offers a fantastic offering of seasonal events and fun fall family vacation ideas. With world-class resorts, amusement parks and destinations to experience and enjoy, your family will never be too far away from an exciting fall adventure.

Orlando, Florida

Anaheim, California

From the seasonal treats and rides in store at the iconic Disneyland Resort and Knot Berry’s Farm, to the canyon hiking trails at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Anaheim makes for a great fall family destination. Curious minds will enjoy a trip to Discovery Cube, Orange County – with 100+ interactive science exhibit, a Physics Lab and a virtual helicopter ride over Los Angeles. Sporty families can also catch a game at Angel Stadium, a family-friendly ball park.

Destin, Florida

You may not automatically put Destin in a fall destination category, but here’s why it’s made our top 3…With the crowds, expensive vacation rates and high humidity levels of summer long gone, an early fall beach trip to Destin makes perfect sense. Young families will love having endless sand to roam on and build sandcastles, whilst the resort attractions, restaurants and acitivites remain open and ready to be enjoyed. Explore Henderson State Park, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and alligator-mad Gator Park, or kick back anf make the most of the fall sunshine, with boating, fishing, golf and hiking.

Fall vacation ideas for couples

For couples searching for a fun fall trip, walk this way to our vibrant city breaks! Savor a classic dose of cosmopolitan capers, with pleasant autmun temperatures and weather perfect for sightseeing. Experience the city attractions at leisure and visit art galleries, colorful parks, before tasting your way through vibrant dining quarters. Enjoy live music venues and a fun evening out, before kicking back in your very own romantic city rental.

Nashville, Tennessee

As fall vacation ideas go, you can’t go wrong with Nashville, Tennessee. Stroll hand-in-hand through vibrant autumn landscapes at Radnor Lake or Centennial Park, then cozy up at local cafes for warm Southern hospitality. Experience live music at iconic venues like the Bluebird Café or catch an intimate performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Explore the city’s rich history, vibrant food scene and scenic fall-time beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Nashville has everything for a memorable, romantic break.

Miami, Florida

Miami attracts couples all year round, but in the fall the perfect weather, fewer crowds and easy beach access invites couples to pick this city as one of their favorite fall vacation ideas. Trendy couples and culture vulture will adore making time to explore the vibrant Wynwood Arts District and  upscale Miami Design District, whilst couples seeking laid-back city charm can seek out the buzzing Cuban district of Little Havana and the scenic Bayside Marketplace. Couples will relish the fall colors and ambiance to their fullest with a visit around the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – the perfect place for a romantic photo opportunity!

Paris, France

Of course, no couple-friendly fall destination would be complete without mentioning Paris! With endless art galleries, shops, characterful districts and elegant city parks, the eternal city of romance makes for a sublime setting in the fall.  Enjoy a colorful autmnal stroll in Square Barye, Parc de Sceaux, and Bois de Vincennes. Soak up events during Paris Fashion Week and enjoy exploring the world-class museums of the Louvre,  Musée d’Orsay, Musée Picasso Paris, Dalí Museum Paris, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, amongst others.

Fall beach vacation ideas

Those seeking to prolong the summertime vacation vibes, should seek out these destinations for amazing fall beach vacation ideas. Perfect for honeymoons, romantic breaks and fun group getaways, the fall offers plenty of appeal for beachgoers, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and favorable accommodation rates that won’t leave you in the shade.

Cabo, Mexico

If your ideal fall vacation involves lounging on a beach with a margarita in hand, Cabo, Mexico is the perfect destination. Fall offers warm seas and sunny skies, making it an ideal time to snorkel at Playa Santa Maria, a stunning bay with a vibrant marine sanctuary. Cabo also draws anglers with its prime deep-sea fishing season, hosting renowned tournaments like the Bisbee’s Offshore and Black & Blue. For adventure seekers, take in breathtaking views on a powered hang-glider tour or explore desert canyons and waterfalls on a guided hike. Cabo is the ultimate fall getaway for relaxation and excitement!

Anna Maria Island & Bradenton, Florida

For a laid-back fall beach escape, Anna Maria Island and Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast offer a perfect blend of old-Florida charm and natural beauty. With its pristine, sugar-sand beaches and warm Gulf waters, this destination is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Spend your days lounging on the popular (but thankfully now quiet) beaches of Bean Point, Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach, and Holmes Beach. Go kayaking through mangroves or take a boat trip and spot dolphins, manatees, birds and more unique wildlife. Explore local boutiques and seafood shacks, with perfect alfresco dining weather and stunning sunsets to enjoy.

California

California’s coastline is a haven for fall beach vacations, offering everything from the rugged beauty of Big Sur to the sun-soaked shores of Malibu. In Southern California, the fall season brings pleasant weather without the summer crowds, making it ideal for surfing, beach bonfires, or scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you’re exploring tide pools in Laguna Beach, the buzzing beach city of San Diego or sipping wine in Santa Barbara, California’s beaches offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure this fall.

The Caribbean

Fall in the Caribbean is a dream for beach lovers, with warm waters, vibrant culture, and endless activities. Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, hiking through lush rainforests, or simply relaxing on white-sand beaches, the Caribbean offers a slice of paradise. Destinations like Barbados, Aruba, and Turks & Caicos boast year-round sunshine and plenty of fall festivities and events to enjoy. It’s also a great time to find deals on luxury resorts and all-inclusive packages, making your tropical escape even more tempting.

Fall vacation deals

Many of our top ideas for a fall vacation include fantastic opportunities to embrace some truly fantastic fall vacation deals and accommodation rates. Whether you’re seeking out the thrills of Orlando, the enduring scenery of Europe or the exotic sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, a fall vacation promises endless possibility. Read on for some of our top destinations for fall vacation deals.

Greece, Europe

As accommodation rates decrease and crowd levels drop, planning an off-shoulder season trip to the Caribbean makes perfect sense for escapism, and for your wallet. Aruba, Jamaica and Barbados remain some of the most affordable Carribean islands to visit in the fall. Explore our seasonal Caribbean offers today and create the fall vacation of your dreams. Stay in our couple and group-friendly villas and condo rentals and you’ll experience great rates, alongside 5-star service – with a dedicated Travel Planner service and optional Concierge on hand to elevate your stay.