USA TODAY 10Best
Discover the beauty of the season: 10 US spots for a perfect fall getaway
Best Place to Visit for Fall (2023)
One of the best things about fall is the opportunity to travel to gorgeous places that showcase the vibrant colors and scenery of the season. Whether you want to enjoy a cozy cabin in the woods, a scenic hike in the mountains, or be immersed in the culture of a historic city, there are plenty of ideal spots to choose from.
These 10 places have been voted by our readers as the best places to visit in the U.S. during fall for their beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and wealth of seasonal activities and events.
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Taos, New Mexico
- Cody, Wyoming
- Bayfield, Wisconsin
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Stowe, Vermont
- Branson, Missouri
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Allegany County, Maryland
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of exploreasheville.com
No. 10:
As the summer sun gives way to cooler temperatures, Asheville offers a wealth of fascinating attractions for autumn visitors to enjoy. Though best known for its spectacular beer scene, the region is also equipped with its fair share of gorgeous natural sites to explore, with area destinations ranging from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the North Carolina Arboretum.
Photo courtesy of Town of Taos
No. 9:
In terms of natural beauty, fall ushers in spectacular colors across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains — but there's a lot more to do in Taos than just enjoy the scenery. Outdoor adventure reigns supreme throughout the autumn season, with rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking all available across this idyllic New Mexico town.
Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone
No. 8:
Renowned today for its prominent Old West heritage, the city of Cody serves as the perfect base for exploring the stunning fall landscapes found across Wyoming. Trout fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching are all top activities across the region, but if the weather isn't cooperating, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is perfect for gaining some insight into the rich history of the area.
Photo courtesy of Angie Swenson_Holzinger
No. 7:
Exploring the tranquil beauty of the Great Lakes this autumn? Don't miss out on Bayfield, a cozy town located in the northernmost reaches of Wisconsin. In addition to ample opportunities for kayaking and boating along the Apostle Islands, visitors can also attend the iconic Apple Festival, a time-honored tradition that first began in 1962.
Photo courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC
No. 6:
During autumn, visitors can explore Greenville's thriving food and drink scene and wealth of outdoor attractions with the added bonus of gorgeous fall foliage. Guests are welcome to discover a new favorite brewery in the heart of the city, while the downtown Falls Park on the Reedy is perfect for a leisurely mid-afternoon stroll in one of the city's most charming green spaces.
Photo courtesy of Mark Vandenberg
No. 5:
Spectacular fall foliage, craft beer, and classic New England architecture can all be enjoyed firsthand across Stowe, a charming Vermont town that's best known for its incredible skiing opportunities. During a visit, guests can bask in the beauty of the surrounding forest with a stroll along the Stowe Recreation Path, while the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is perfect for gaining some insight into the town's favorite outdoor adventure activities.
Photo courtesy of ExploreBranson.com
No. 4:
Located just north of the Arkansas border, Branson is one of Missouri's top destinations for basking in the beauty of the Ozarks. Attractions range from the Dinosaur Museum to the TITANIC Museum, but for best results, be sure to spend some time exploring the outdoors, with stunning sites like Table Rock State Park and Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area open for exploration.
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
No. 3:
Mackinac Island may measure in at just around 4 square miles in area, but this pint-sized Michigan landmark is a truly incredible ecotourism destination throughout autumn. Whether guests choose to explore the area by foot, embark on a guided kayak tour, or traverse via horseback, there's bound to be incredible vistas thanks to the region's high concentration of vibrant trees.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Brenneman
No. 2:
Equipped with a vast stretch of Appalachian landscapes, Allegany County serves as a treasure trove for Maryland outdoor adventure all throughout autumn. The 3,119-acre Rocky Gap State Park is a top destination for hiking and mountain biking, and visitors can enjoy the crisp fall air and changing leaves while camping out.
Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg CVB
No. 1:
Gatlinburg serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there's a wealth of attractions to enjoy right in town without setting foot outside of city limits. Upon arrival, visitors can tour iconic institutions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, while the Gatlinburg Space Needle is perfect for basking in the beauty of the surrounding region from roughly 400 feet in the air.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she... Read More
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who... Read More
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home... Read More
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Karon Warren
For more than 20 years, Karon Warren has traveled... Read More
For more than 20 years, Karon Warren has traveled the globe, searching for adventure, unique personalities and a new perspective on the world. Whenever possible, she brings along her husband and two children, ages 18 and 14. Karon has been published in a variety of media, including FamilyVacationCritic.com, USA Today, Best Life's Travelicious, CruiseCritic.com, Trivago, and AAA Carolina's GO. Karon also is the author of "100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die." Karon lives in North Georgia with her family, where they enjoy such outdoor recreation as hiking and geocaching.
Karon Warren
For more than 20 years, Karon Warren has traveled the globe, searching for adventure, unique personalities and a new perspective on the world. Whenever possible, she brings along her husband and two children, ages 18 and 14. Karon has been published in a variety of media, including FamilyVacationCritic.com, USA Today, Best Life's Travelicious, CruiseCritic.com, Trivago, and AAA Carolina's GO. Karon also is the author of "100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die." Karon lives in North Georgia with her family, where they enjoy such outdoor recreation as hiking and geocaching.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The... Read More
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
