Best states to vacation in october
If you’re looking to plan a vacation, you’re probably wondering where you should visit next. Maybe you want to check out a new state, explore the coastline again, or tour through the mountains for a weekend. This can be a daunting task since there are about fifty states to choose from! To make it easier for you, let’s look at some of the best states to visit in October:
In the fall there is a wide variety of places to visit in the United States. From the beaches of Florida and Hawaii to the mountains of West Virginia, there are many locations that make great vacation spots during the fall. Some states even boast balmy weather as late as November making it possible to take a beach vacation until almost your last day of school.
One of the most challenging aspects of planning a vacation is choosing where to go. After all, there are plenty of options available and with so many considerations in mind (season, activities, weather etc.) it is understandable how some people end up with a vacation that does not quite match their hopes and expectations. However, it doesn’t have to be this way and in fact, if you are considering an autumn break by the sea or on the beach, you will find plenty of locations that offer all the fun of summer without the crowds.
As the fall temperatures begin to cool down and the leaves begin to change, it’s time for a vacation!
If you’re looking for some place to go in the fall, here are 5 of the best states to visit this season.
Best States To Vacation In October:
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- New York
- Maine
- Massachusetts
October is a great time to visit the United States. Here are some of the best states to vacation in this month:
- California: California has more than 10,000 miles of coastline, so it’s no surprise that its mild climate makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, surfing, or horseback riding, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy this month. The weather is also ideal for enjoying a number of cultural attractions such as art galleries and museums, as well as shopping at one of California’s many upscale boutiques or outlet malls.
- New York: New York City is famous for its large number of museums and other attractions (such as Broadway shows), but there’s plenty more to do in this state than just visiting these places! The Hudson Valley area offers spectacular hiking trails and good views from atop mountains; if you’re looking for something more active than hiking, try mountain biking in Adirondack Park or skiing at Lake Placid Resort!
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor activities—whether you want to hike through forests or ride horses through fields—and its cities
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia
Stretching 469 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (where it turns into the equally scenic Skyline Drive), the Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as one of America’s most scenic roads.
More than 15 million people using the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) each year, making it the most visited of all the national park units in the United States. So it’s also arguably the most popular!
The BRP’s origins date back to 1935, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the historic initiative part of his New Deal. It was designed to improve American infrastructure and create jobs as a means to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery after the Great Depression. It took until 1966 to construct the majority of the road, and another 21 years to finish the picturesque stretch from the Linn Cove Viaduct to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
The result is an epic and iconic road trip that dazzles with spectacular colors in the fall, when the leaves turn to sun-speckled gems in red, orange, and golden hues.
An autumn drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests; numerous impressive state parks (including NC’s Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi); and countless hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams.
There are also some 200 breathtaking BRP overlooks as well as charming mountain towns such as Banner Elk, Boone, and Little Switzerland. The best of the parkway’s landmarks include Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, and Julian Price Memorial Park. Each offers opportunities to savor the splendor of America’s wilderness at its most pristine, preserved by FDR for future generations.
Recommended by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
2. Bend, Oregon
While Bend, Oregon is a fantastic destination year-round, the fall is a great time to visit this Central Oregon town. You’ll find far fewer crowds than in the summer months and the crisp autumn air is perfect for many outdoor adventures.
Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and October is a great time to experience Oregon’s high desert. Cooler autumn temperatures make it the perfect time of year to hit the nearby trails.
There are a variety of hikes in Bend, Oregon for all skill levels and in a diverse range of settings, from pine forests to snowcapped peaks to juniper and sage dotted deserts. You can also get out onto the water on a SUP or kayak or cruise through some of the famed Bend mountain biking trails.
A fun fall activity is to head to nearby Smith Rock State Park for beautiful views and a lovely riverside walk. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the ranch just outside the park that has a large pumpkin patch, food trucks and festive games for all ages.
October is the perfect time of year to hop around the different breweries around town to sample the local brews. If you’re a real craft beer enthusiast, you may want to participate in the Bend Ale Trail, which is run by the local tourism board. Collect stamps at each brewery you visit for a prize!
Recommended by Katie Diederichs of Go Wander Wild
3. Mammoth Lakes, California
One of the best places to visit in October in USA is Mammoth Lakes. It’s located in Eastern California and is one of the most underrated places to visit in the USA. The beautiful colorful trees with the mountains in the background make this a wonderful place to stay in October.
June Lake Loop is one of the best spots to experience the fall colors. There are many lakes to explore on the loop like Silver Lake, June Lake, Gull Lake, and Grant Lake. The whole loop is filled with stunning yellow Aspen trees, and there are many spots to explore with these beautiful trees. Make sure to stop by Silver Lake Cafe for lunch and watch the stunning views of Silver Lake while you eat.
Another great spot to see Fall colors is Convict Lake which is located Southeast of Mammoth Lakes. The yellow Aspens are situated at the mountain base, so it is best to walk the whole loop.
You can also visit many of the lakes that are located in Mammoth Lakes Basin. They include lakes like Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mary, and Lake George. It’s a magical area to explore in the early cool fall morning.
There are so many yellow colors in Mammoth Lakes. It is probably one of the most underrated areas to experience the bet fall foliage in USA.
Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queen
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (one of the best October vacation destinations)
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain is one of the most beautiful (and popular) national parks in the country.
Located about 2 hours away from Denver, this park takes time ans effort to explore with countless trails, waterfalls and even one of Colorado’s most popular “fourteeners” Longs Peak.
Rocky Mountain National Park is pure magic during fall, when the incredible golden colors come out in full display. The best time to see them is from mid-September through early October.
Another thing you should know about visiting RMNP during the fall is that weekends still might be busy, as more people come to take pictures and see thousands of amazing golden-hue Aspen trees. Crowds begin to dissipate in the fall, and if you want the ultimate experience, try to plan your visit for weekday.
To see the fall colors in their full glory, take a drive along the Trail Ridge Road that is open from Memorial Day until late October. The alpine highway is a perfect way to enjoy the the fall scenery at RMNP without getting out of the car.
Still, I recommend exploring some trails. Take a hike or two to enjoy the colors, and if you plan on doing a more challenging trail at a higher altitude, make sure to bring some layers. Temperatures begin to drop in the fall, and it’s a good idea to bring a jacket with you, especially if you plan on camping here.
Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut
5. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin likely isn’t the first spot to come to mind when thinking of amazing fall colors in the United States. However, the colors here are breathtaking, and there are many wonderful activities to enjoy in Door County during fall!
The colors begin changing during the end of September, and visitors hoping to see the leaves during their peak color should plan to visit the area in mid-October.
To see some of the best fall colors in Door County, try hiking in Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Cave Point County Park and The Ridges Sanctuary, just to name a few spots.
For those looking for a less active leaf-peeping experience, be sure to take a drive along Highway 42. You can also see the leaves from above at viewing platforms, such as the newly constructed Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum Lighthouse Tower.
Fall is also a great time to visit the apple orchards in Door County. Be sure to stop by Wood Orchard Market, where you can get awesome seasonal products such as their special apple cider donuts!
With the cooler fall temperatures, cozying up to a fire during a traditional Door County fish boil is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin at this time of year. Fish Boils are fun to watch and delicious. Each boil master makes theirs a little differently but, you can count on all recipes using white fish and various vegetables and spices boiled in a large kettle over an open fire.
Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel
6. San Diego, California
Listen, San Diego has amazing temperatures most of the year, so there’s not really a ‘bad’ time to go. However, as someone who’s traveled to San Diego many times in the fall, I can truly say that October is a fantastic time to visit this amazing city!
Less tourists visit San Diego in the fall, so there’s not as many limitations to amazing activities because of overcrowding. For instance, the San Diego Zoo is a fantastic spot to explore. It’s really enjoyable in the fall when you can see what you’re there to see, instead of waiting all the time.
One of my very favorite activities in the San Diego area is kayaking in La Jolla Cove in October. The water was…let’s call it refreshing! Other top things to do include Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego and Coronado Island.
By the way, here’s an idea of how to spend a weekend in San Diego if it’s on your short list!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
7. Oahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu has beautiful weather throughout the year but fall is one of the best times to visit. At this time of year, you can expect fewer crowds around the island, plenty of days with clear blue skies and the island is still really warm so you can spend your time lying on the beach.
While it may be hotter in the summer months, the fall actually offers a more enjoyable temperature so you can get out and explore the island.
One of the highlights of any visit to Oahu is exploring the many beaches dotted around the island. The most beautiful beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach, which is a palm tree lined stretch of brilliant white sand and crystal-clear blue water.
As it’s on the east side of the island the water is usually quite calm so it is ideal for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you are feeling energetic you can kayak out to the Mokalua Islands which are just a few hundred metres from shore.
Another great activity is to explore Kualoa Regional Park, which is where scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed. You can explore the park on foot or take a quad bike tour. The mountains here are unique with their deep ridges and tropical green coverings.
During a visit to Oahu you can also snorkel, surf, hike, visit local farms to try fresh fruit and so much more. It’s an amazing island and the weather in particular makes this a perfect fall getaway.