15 Best October Vacation Destinations in the USA
Looking for the best October vacation destinations in the USA? Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip, with cooler weather, colorful foliage, and plenty of seasonal festivals.
From leaf-peeping road trips in New England to warm desert hikes in the Southwest, there are so many places that feel extra special in October.
In this guide, I’ll share the best places to visit in October in the USA. Whether you want to see peak fall colors, enjoy spooky Halloween traditions, or head somewhere warmer with fewer crowds than summer, these destinations are all worth adding to your travel list!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
No time to read now?
Pin it for later!
Best October Vacation Destinations in the USA
1. Stowe, Vermont
⭐ Highlights: Peak fall foliage, covered bridges, mountain views
🌡️ Average temperature: 40–60°F (4–15°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
🏨 Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Field Guide Lodge
If you’re dreaming of the classic New England fall experience, Stowe should be at the very top of your list.
October is peak season here, and the Green Mountains turn into a sea of reds, oranges, and golds that make every drive and hike unforgettable. Smugglers’ Notch is the most famous route, but even the backroads around town are stunning this time of year.
You can ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride up Mount Mansfield for sweeping views of the foliage or take a short hike to Sterling Pond, where the colors reflect beautifully on the water.
Back in town, you’ll find plenty of cozy spots to grab a cider, check out a local brewery, or shop for maple syrup and Vermont cheeses.
Since October is the busiest time to visit, hotels book up quickly, especially the ones right near the slopes or village center. If you plan ahead though, Stowe is one of those October trips in the USA you’ll remember forever.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
⭐ Highlights: Scenic drive, fall foliage, mountain overlooks
🌡️ Average temperature: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
🏨 Where to stay: Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa (Asheville), Hotel Roanoke
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and October is the best time to see why. Stretching 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains with endless overlooks, hiking trails, and scenic pull-offs.
By mid to late October, the parkway is blanketed in fall colors, with reds, oranges, and yellows stretching as far as you can see.
Popular stops include Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the route, and Craggy Gardens near Asheville, where you can take short hikes for panoramic views.
Linville Falls is another highlight, especially when surrounded by fall foliage. Even just cruising along the winding road with the windows down feels like an adventure in itself!
Since the parkway covers such a wide stretch, you can base yourself in either Asheville, North Carolina, or Roanoke, Virginia, depending on which section you want to explore.
No matter where you start, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in October is one of the best places to travel in the US this time of year.
3. Aspen, Colorado
⭐ Highlights: Golden aspens, mountain hikes, scenic drives
🌡️ Average temperature: 30–60°F (-1–15°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
🏨 Where to stay: Limelight Hotel Aspen, St Moritz Lodge and Condominiums
Aspen is world-famous as a ski town, but in October, it transforms into one of the most breathtaking fall destinations in the US.
The aspen trees that line the mountainsides turn bright yellow this time of year, creating a striking contrast against the rugged Rocky Mountain peaks. It’s no wonder Aspen is considered one of the best October vacation destinations in the USA!
The Maroon Bells are the star attraction, especially when the golden trees reflect in the lake at sunrise. Scenic drives like Independence Pass put you right in the middle of the foliage, while trails such as Smuggler Mountain or Hunter Creek let you soak up the views on foot.
Since October falls between the busy summer and ski seasons, the town itself is quieter, which means you can enjoy Aspen’s restaurants, shops, and galleries without the usual crowds.
Whether you’re here for leaf-peeping, hiking, or simply mountain views with fewer visitors, Aspen is a fall trip you won’t forget.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
⭐ Highlights: Coastal views, fall foliage, hiking trails
🌡️ Average temperature: 40–55°F (4–13°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Bangor International Airport (BGR)
🏨 Where to stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, Bar Harbor Villager Motel
Acadia in October is hard to beat! The leaves in Maine usually hit peak color this month, so you get a mix of bright foliage and rugged coastal scenery all in one trip. It feels different from the typical fall spots because you’re swapping farm roads and mountains for ocean cliffs and granite peaks.
One of the best ways to see the park is by driving the Park Loop Road, which takes you past beaches, overlooks, and plenty of trailheads.
If you can manage an early wake-up, head up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. It is one of the first places in the country to catch the morning light, and the views are incredible. Jordan Pond is another favorite stop, both for the scenery and for the warm popovers served at the restaurant nearby.
Bar Harbor is the easiest base for exploring Acadia. It is busy but not overwhelming in October, and it has plenty of cozy inns, seafood spots, and shops to round out your trip.
6. Salem, Massachusetts
⭐ Highlights: Halloween events, witch trial history, waterfront views
🌡️ Average temperature: 45–60°F (7–16°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
🏨 Where to stay: The Merchant, Hawthorne Hotel
If there’s one place in the US that completely leans into October, it’s Salem! The town is famous for its witch trial history, and every year it goes all out with Halloween celebrations.
Haunted Happenings is the big event, with parades, costume parties, psychic fairs, and guided tours running all month long. The streets can get crowded, but that’s part of the atmosphere if you’re visiting in October.
Beyond the Halloween fun, there’s plenty of history to explore. You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, walk through the Witch House, or stop by the Salem Witch Trials Memorial for a more reflective experience. The town also has a pretty waterfront area, perfect for a break from the busy downtown.
Since Salem is only about 40 minutes from Boston, it makes a great day trip if you don’t want to stay overnight. But if you do, book early as hotels fill up months in advance for October weekends.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
⭐ Highlights: Adobe architecture, fall colors, art scene
🌡️ Average temperature: 40–65°F (4–18°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)
🏨 Where to stay: La Fonda on the Plaza, El Sendero Inn
Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit in October, when the air is crisp, the cottonwoods glow golden, and the surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking.
It’s one of the more unique October vacation destinations in the USA since you get both fall color and Southwestern culture in the same trip.
The historic downtown is full of charm, with adobe buildings, art galleries, and shops selling turquoise jewelry and local crafts. Canyon Road is a highlight if you love browsing art, while the Aspen Vista Trail just outside town is one of the best spots to catch the seasonal colors.
Food is another big reason to visit Santa Fe. From green chile stew to sopapillas drizzled with honey, you’ll find plenty of flavors to warm you up after a day of exploring.
October also falls in the quieter shoulder season, which means fewer crowds compared to summer.
8. Zion National Park, Utah
⭐ Highlights: Red rock canyons, scenic hikes, cooler temps
🌡️ Average temperature: 50–80°F (10–27°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
🏨 Where to stay: Cliffrose Springdale, Cable Mountain Lodge
October is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park. Summer in southern Utah can be brutally hot, but by fall the temperatures cool down, making it much easier to hike the park’s famous trails.
It’s also a little quieter than peak summer, so you’ll have a better chance to enjoy the views without heavy crowds.
The two most popular hikes are Angels Landing and The Narrows, and October is ideal for both. The cooler air makes the steep climb to Angels Landing more manageable, while the Virgin River that runs through The Narrows is still warm enough to wade in.
Even if you don’t feel like a big hike, the scenic drive through the park is worth it on its own, with red cliffs and golden cottonwoods lining the canyon.
Base yourself in Springdale, the small town right at the park entrance, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and comfortable hotels.
With its mix of iconic hikes and milder weather, Zion stands out as one of the best places to travel in the US in October.
9. White Mountains, New Hampshire
⭐ Highlights: Foliage drives, mountain hikes, scenic railways
🌡️ Average temperature: 35–55°F (2–13°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
🏨 Where to stay: Comfort Inn & Suites (North Conway), Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Lincoln)
If you want a true New England fall experience, the White Mountains are hard to beat. October is peak foliage season, and the mix of rugged mountains, winding roads, and colorful forests makes this one of the best October vacation destinations in the USA.
The Kancamagus Highway is the most famous drive in the region, stretching 34 miles through the mountains with endless overlooks and trailheads.
Franconia Notch State Park is another highlight, where you can hike the Flume Gorge or take in the views from Artists Bluff. If you’d rather relax, hop on the Conway Scenic Railroad for a ride through the valleys lined with bright foliage.
The region has a good mix of small towns worth stopping in, like North Conway for shopping or Littleton for its charming main street. Since nights get chilly in October, it’s also the perfect time to book a cozy lodge or historic inn.
10. Napa Valley, California
⭐ Highlights: Grape harvest, vineyard views, wine tastings
🌡️ Average temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
✈️ Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
🏨 Where to stay: Napa Valley Lodge, Napa Winery Inn
October is harvest season in Napa Valley, which makes it one of the most exciting times to visit. The vineyards are buzzing with activity, the weather is warm but comfortable, and the grapevines start showing off their fall colors as the month goes on.
It’s easily one of the best October vacations in the US if you love wine, food, and beautiful scenery.
You’ll find plenty of wineries to explore, from famous names like Robert Mondavi to small, family-owned estates. Many hold special harvest events and tastings during October, giving you a chance to see the valley at its most lively.
The food scene is just as impressive, with restaurants highlighting seasonal California ingredients.
To change things up, try a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for sweeping views over the vineyards, or book a seat on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a relaxed way to sample the region.
Since October is such a popular month, it’s a good idea to plan tastings and accommodation well in advance.
11. Door County, Wisconsin
⭐ Highlights: Coastal drives, apple orchards, small towns
🌡️ Average temperature: 40–55°F (4–13°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)
🏨 Where to stay: Homestead Suites – Fish Creek, Newport Resort
Door County is one of those places that feels tailor-made for a fall trip. This peninsula on Lake Michigan is lined with colorful trees, peaceful beaches, and charming little towns that all celebrate the season in their own way.
October is apple season here, so you’ll find orchards, cider stands, and plenty of fall festivals to check out.
One of the best ways to explore is by driving the Door County Coastal Byway, which stretches for more than 60 miles along the shoreline.
You’ll pass through towns like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay, each with its own shops, cafés, and waterfront views. Peninsula State Park is another must, with hiking trails and overlooks that light up with foliage.
Door County has a cozy, small-town feel, and it’s a quieter alternative to the bigger fall destinations in New England.
If you enjoy a slower pace, fresh fall flavors, and time by the water, it’s one of the best places to travel in October in the USA.
12. Savannah, Georgia
⭐ Highlights: Historic squares, ghost tours, mild weather
🌡️ Average temperature: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
🏨 Where to stay: The Marshall House, Planters Inn on Reynolds Square
Savannah has charm year-round, but October is one of the best months to visit. The weather is warm without the heavy summer humidity, and the city leans into its spooky side with plenty of Halloween events.
It’s one of the best October vacations in the US if you like history with a little bit of ghostly fun mixed in.
Start by wandering the city’s famous squares, shaded by oak trees draped in Spanish moss. From there, you can explore historic homes, browse local shops, or simply grab a seat at an outdoor café and enjoy the scenery.
October is also prime time for a ghost tour, and Savannah has some of the best in the country, from haunted mansions to atmospheric cemeteries.
The riverfront is another great spot for an evening stroll, with cobblestone streets and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or the haunted side of the city, Savannah in October has a little bit of everything.
13. Sedona, Arizona
⭐ Highlights: Red rock hikes, cooler temps, desert views
🌡️ Average temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
🏨 Where to stay: Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit, Wildflower Inn at Bell Rock
The red rock scenery around Sedona looks amazing any time of year, but October is especially good thanks to the cooler weather. Days are sunny and comfortable, which makes it the perfect month for hiking, biking, or taking a Jeep tour through the desert canyons.
Popular trails like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil’s Bridge are much easier to enjoy without the intense heat of summer. Even short walks reward you with big views, and sunrise or sunset hikes are a real highlight.
Back in town, you’ll find art galleries, crystal shops, and plenty of spots for a good meal. Sedona also has a big wellness scene, with spas and energy-focused retreats if you want to slow things down.
Since October is still a popular time, it’s smart to book accommodation and tours early. With striking desert landscapes and perfect hiking conditions, Sedona is one of the best places to travel in October in the USA.
14. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
⭐ Highlights: Skyline Drive, fall colors, waterfalls
🌡️ Average temperature: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Dulles International Airport (IAD)
🏨 Where to stay: The English Inn of Charlottesville, The Mimslyn Inn
October is the month when Shenandoah really shows off. The 105-mile Skyline Drive cuts through the park with more than 70 overlooks, and in the fall, those views are covered in layers of red, orange, and yellow.
It’s one of the best places to visit in October in the USA if you want a classic leaf-peeping road trip!
There are plenty of hiking trails to break up the drive, from short walks to overlooks to longer treks that take you to waterfalls. The Stony Man Trail is an easy favorite with big views, while Old Rag is a tougher hike if you’re up for the challenge.
What makes Shenandoah extra appealing in October is its location. It’s close to Washington, DC, so you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped into the mountains.
Between the fall colors, the scenic drives, and the chance to stretch your legs on some great trails, Shenandoah packs a lot into one park.
15. New Orleans, Louisiana
⭐ Highlights: Halloween parades, live music, French Quarter
🌡️ Average temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
✈️ Closest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
🏨 Where to stay: Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Hotel St. Marie
New Orleans is always lively, but October adds a whole new layer of fun. The heat and humidity of summer ease up, making it much more comfortable to wander the French Quarter or spend time outside listening to live music.
On top of that, the city celebrates Halloween in a big way, with haunted tours, costume parties, and even a parade.
Walking tours are one of the best ways to see the historic side of New Orleans, whether you’re interested in the French Quarter’s architecture or the city’s haunted past.
In the evenings, you can check out jazz clubs, enjoy Creole food, or stroll down Frenchmen Street, where the nightlife feels a little more local than Bourbon Street.
October also lines up with a few festivals, like the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, which makes the city even more exciting to visit.
