Best Fall Vacations in the US: 9 Trips Across the Country
Peak foliage destinations
New England (Canada-New England cruise, Boston, Vermont) peaks for color early-to-mid October. A fall New England week runs $1,500 to $4,500 per person. Blue Ridge Parkway peaks mid-October in North Carolina mountains at $1,000 to $2,500 per person for four to five nights. Both deliver the signature US fall foliage experience.
Napa harvest and wine country
Napa Valley harvest runs mid-August through October with September the heart of the season. A four to five night Napa harvest trip runs $1,800 to $4,500 per person. Vineyards are active, tasting rooms are busy but not overrun, and new-release wines are available.
US national parks shoulder season
Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Banff are all at their shoulder-season best in September and early October. Yellowstone: $1,800 to $3,500 per person for a week. Grand Canyon: $1,600 to $3,000. Banff (fall colors September 20 to October 5): $2,200 to $4,500.
Southwest desert comfort
Sedona, Phoenix, and Scottsdale all become comfortable for daytime hiking and outdoor dining starting in October. Sedona fall color (late October to early November) adds to the trip at $1,000 to $2,500 per person for four to five nights.
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