Fall is here, which means it’s time for a fall getaway. Travel to locations where trees dance within brilliant colors of gold, reds, and yellows. Enjoy the mild temperatures and cool breezes that seem to be just right; not too cold and definitely not too hot. Bask in natural beauties and forgo the hustle and bustle of a monotone, repetitive work week. Are those bags packed yet? Get ready because we’re about to show you 25 breathtaking fall getaways to welcome the season. This list might just make you thirsty for travel.
25
Florida Panhandle, Florida, U.S.A
Source: Fodors.com
If by chance you find yourself having summer withdrawals, don’t worry. Head on over to the Florida panhandle where beautiful bright sunny beaches await. While you’re there, go ahead and take a dip in the still warm clear waters. During fall season, the beaches are for the most part clear of people. That means you can enjoy a masses-free beach experience.
24
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Source: Wikipedia.com, Tripstodiscover.com
This beautiful Croatian city sits along the Adriatic Coast and is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. You might recognize some of the city if you’re a fan of the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. They used Dubrovnik to depict the cities of King’s Landing and Qarth. With a total population of 42,615 people, Dubrovnik is a relatively small but enchanting city which should definitely be on your fall travel list.
23
Acadia National Park, Maine U.S.A
Source: Travel.Usnews.com, Wikipedia.com, nps.gov
How does this sound for a perfect getaway? Untouched wild lands showcasing jagged granite slabs topped with spruce trees and cobalt waters in the background. Can you see it? Acadia National Park has been aweing travelers since early 20th-century (when it became a National Park). Home to the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park also boasts of many plants and animals such as the peregrine falcon, harbor seals, and so much more.
22
Lugano, Switzerland
Source: Tripstodiscover.com, Wikipedia Image: Shutterstock
The 9th largest Swiss city, Lugano is situated in the southern region of Switzerland and is surrounded by the gorgeous mountains of the Lugano Prealps. Lugano is already known for its picturesque, appeal but in autumn, temperatures are milder and fall colors begin to encapsulate the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”. If you’re thinking of visiting this enchanting city, be sure to plan for the first week of October so that you don’t miss the Autumn Festival which features folkloric music, celebration of grapes, and fine wines.
21
Aragon, Spain
Source: Tripstodiscover.com, roughguides.com, aragon.es, Britannica.com Image; Shutterstock
Idyllic temperatures, the Aragonese Pyrenees, Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, and a diverse terrain (ranging from permanent glaciers to verdant valleys) make Aragon a beautiful fall destination for just about any traveler.
20
Wicklow, Leinster Ireland
Source: Tripstodiscover, Wikipedia.com, visitwicklow.ie Image: Shutterstock
Affectionately known as the “Garden of Ireland,” Wicklow is a small town with a diverse landscape that include cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling mountains, and hidden lakes. For only having a total population of 10,356 people, Wicklow has a surprising large amount of amenities such as the largest national park in Ireland, the highest waterfall, and even the biggest man-made lake. In fall, Wicklow’s mountains change from a lively greenscape to a brilliant quagmire of stunning golden hues. While in Wicklow, be sure to check out some of their historic sites such as Glendalough and other pre-historic places of worship.
19
Bruges, Flemish Region Belgium
Source: Tripstodiscover.com, Wikipedia.com, bexoeker.brugge.be Image: Shutterstock
A UNESCO world heritage site, Bruges is a “city of human proportions.” Rich in history, Bruges has retained some of its Middle Ages mysteries through its architecture and local culture. During the fall, this beautiful medieval city comes alive by seemingly wrapping itself in golden vines that cover historic buildings in rich autumn hues. Dazzling fall colors are reflected off the canals as rich architecture provide a romantic backdrop.
18
Cumbria, England
Source: Wikipedia.com, Tripstodiscover.com
The most northwesterly county of England, Cumbria is already filled with incredible scenery. However, when Autumn rolls around, the autumn light adds a spectacular layer of beauty to copper beech trees, woodland areas, serene lakes, and picturesque hills.
17
Chicago, Illinois U.S.A
Sources: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com, Choosechicago.com
Chicago AKA, “the windy city,” is the third most populous city in the United States with over 2.7 million residents. If you are a fan of architecture, Chicago should definitely be on your list this fall. Chicago is home to the first steel-framed high-rise building (the Home Insurance Building), one of many buildings that would help usher in the skyscraper era. It should come as no surprise that Chicago’s skyline is among the world’s tallest and most dense. Things you want to make sure to experience while in Chicago include the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Riverwalk, and the Millennium Park. OH, and the food! Don’t forget about the food.
16
Perthshire, Scotland
Source: Wikipedia.com, Tripstodiscover.com
Nicknamed the “Big Trees Country,” Perthshire is one of the best places to see glorious autumn colors. Imagine hillsides covered with varying arrays of gold and copper while rivers and lochs (lakes) reflect these colors in a combination that is simply exquisite. Perthshire is already known for its breathtaking natural beauty with a wide variety of landscapes (agricultural straths in the east and high mountains in the southern highlands), but the fall season really highlights how magnificent this region of Scotland truly is.
15
Cuba
Source: Wikipedia.com, Fodors.com
Now is easier than ever to visit this Caribbean paradise. Cuba is located south of the U.S. State of Florida and is the largest island in the Caribbean (with an area of 42,426 sq mi). Most of Cuba is south of the Tropic of Cancer so the local climate is tropical with average temperatures ranging from 69 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you’re looking for a warm tropical escape this fall, now you know where to go. Just be sure to keep Google translate close to you if you don’t speak Spanish.
If you are a true fan of the fall season and want to see even more pictures, check out our list of 25 peaceful and stunning fall pictures.
14
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region Chile
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
Also known as Santiago de Chile, Santiago is the largest city of Chile. The city’s downtown hosts beautiful neoclassical architecture connected by winding streets which are then adorned by art deco, neo-gothic, and more. The Andes Mountains can be seen from most points in the city, and the city outskirts are surrounded by vineyards. Like city #9 on this list, when it’s fall in the U.S., it’s spring in Santiago (in case you’re not a fan of cool weather).
13
New York City, New York U.S.A.
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
It’s New York. It really doesn’t matter what season you choose to visit…it’s New York. It’s going to be an incredible experience no matter what you do. However, the fall season is particularly remarkable. Take a stroll through Central Park and witness the incredible sight of leaves changing their colors or marvel at incredible towers of glass, steel, and people….so many people. Are you a culture fan? Check out the MoMa and the Met. And for all that is good in this world, go watch a Broadway play (my personal favorite? Les Miserable).
12
Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia).
Source: fodors.com, Wikipedia.com, Washingtonpost.com
The largest city in Czech Republic (Czechia), Prague is home to about 1.26 million people. However, when you walk through this architecturally rich city, it doesn’t feel like that many people live there. Maybe it’s because you’re eyes are so overwhelmed with culture, history, arts, architecture, and just outlandish beauty that you fail to notice the bustle of the people. Autumn in Prague comes with pleasant weather that remains somewhere around the mid-50’s. And if you’re a fan of trees changing color (the definite mark that fall is here), get ready for a treat as Prague’s tree-lined streets and parks change from vivid greens to incandescent oranges, bright crimsons, and flashy coppers.
11
Namibia, Africa
Source: Fodors.com, wikitravel.org
How does a safari in the fall sound? Namibia is a Southern Africa country bordering South Africa, Angola, Zambia, and the Atlantic Ocean with a wide gamut of incredible natural attractions such as the Namib desert (from which the country is named), Etosha National Park, the Kalahari desert, and Fish River Canyon Park. Though it may lack 800 miles of color-changing trees (like the next entry on our list), Namibia does have a stunning coastal desert with smooth rusty colored sands and some of the highest sand dunes in the world (of course, I am speaking of the Namib Desert which stretches for over 620 miles along the Atlantic coast). Definitely not your typical fall gateway, but that’s what makes this trip great. (Who wants to be typical anyway?)
10
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee U.S.A.
Source: nps.gov, Fodors.com
With over 100 species of native trees which include scarlet oaks, maples, and hickories, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to see the brilliant display of the season of fall. 800 miles of hiking trails and tree lined roads keep fall enthusiasts busy with the overwhelming palette of red, gold, orange, and even purple. And if that’s not enough for you, the park is also world renowned for its animal and plant diversity.
9
Melbourne, Victoria Australia
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com, Visitvictoria.com, Visitmelbourne.com
Fall in the U.S. means it will be springtime in Australia. So if the whole leaves-changing-color is really not your thing, you might want to consider the blooming spectacle found in Melbourne (or Victoria in general). What has been described as “a big small town,” Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia and the most populous city in the state of Victoria. Its city center is known for being a hub of art, culture, sports, and some of the world’s best cuisines. Stepping out of the city, you can experience stunning natural springs, spectacular views of the Victorian coastline, and some of the best national parks in Australia.
8
Yellowstone Park, Wyoming U.S.A.
Most people have heard of Yellowstone park. For a place that boasts of so much naturalness it can also be plagued by tourism (and how are you supposed to enjoy nature with a bunch of camera happy people around?). Well guess what, Fall season means tourists are long gone (from Yellowstone at least). Which means you can delight in its breathtaking, color-changing magnificence with no interruptions. So go ahead and take in the mind blowing dramatic peaks and trippy multicolored hot springs. Enjoy walking through expansive meadows and say hello to the local wildlife (from a distance that is, they are wild after all). With 3,000 square miles of mountains, volatile geysers, extensive forests and pristine unspoiled natural beauty, Fall in Yellowstone will be your favorite season hands down.
7
Aspen, Colorado U.S.A.
Sources: Fodors.com Wikipedia.com
Situated in a remote area of the Rocky Mountain’s Sawatch Range, Aspen was originally founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom and later named “Aspen” due to the abundance of aspen trees in the area. If you’re a fan of the fall phenomenon where trees go from green to red, brown, yellows, and orange, look no further than Aspen. Think about it. The city is named after a tree that is known for its ability to turn brilliant yellow, gold, orange, or red. However, the Aspen season is short, so if you want to see nature’s brilliant display of color, be sure to visit Aspen sometime around mid to the end of September.
6
San Francisco, California U.S.A.
Source: Travel.Usnews.com, Wikipedia.com, Planetware.com
With stunning sights, world-renown cuisine, hip and loungy cafes, and a wide variety of nightlife venues, San Francisco has something for everyone. The cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California, San Francisco has been ranked as the third best shopping destination in the US by U.S. News. And let’s not forget about all the landmarks: The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, those adorable cable cars, Golden Gate park, Chinatown, etc. This fall, you can’t go wrong in San Francisco.
5
Munich, Bavaria Germany
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
One word: Oktoberfest. Need I say more? First held in October 12, 1810 (in honor of the marriage of crown prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen) Oktoberfest is a sixteen day festival filled with carnival rides, all sorts of food, and beer…lots and lots and lots of beer (duh). The largest city of the state of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, Munich is a major center of art, advanced technologies, finance, culture, innovation, education, and tourism.
4
Paris, Île-de-France France
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
Oh Paris! Is there a city on Earth more romanticized than Paris? Fondly known as “the city of light,” Paris draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its centuries-old churches, extravagant Rococo and Neoclassic architecture, and an overall ambiance that simply cannot be matched by any other city. With some of the most iconic landmarks in the world (such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre), Paris is a travel destination you simply cannot do without this fall. And here’s a bonus, fall season means cooler weather and less people…it’ll be almost like you have the whole city to yourself.
3
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
The most populous city in British Columbia, Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top five worldwide most livable cities. A modern city surrounded by forests, mountains, and oceans (you literally get it all), Vancouver is also known for its chic atmosphere, health consciousness, and it’s night life… it is a major city after all; nightlife comes with the package. Not entirely surprising, Vancouver has been ranked as the #1 best place to visit in Canada by US news.
2
Jackson Hole, Wyoming U.S.A.
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
Do you know what awaits you in western Wyoming during the fall? A quiet mountain country filled with rugged nature trails and miles of open space. Somewhere in between the Grand Teton National Park on its north and miles of national forest on every other side, the Jackson Hole valley boasts of incredible natural beauty that invites the curious traveler to enjoy the sound of tranquility. If you find yourself strolling the vastness of this valley, be sure to stop and admire local wildlife such as the imposing Elk.
1
Savannah, Georgia U.S.A.
Source: Travel.usnews.com, Wikipedia.com
Savannah. Home to ghost hunters, delicious Southern-fried cooking, and Spanish moss…lots and lots of Spanish moss. This picturesque city is known for its beautiful and ornate antebellum architecture, stunning manicured square parks, and must-ride horse drawn carriages. Cobblestoned streets dress the historic district with accents of landmarks such as the Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist capturing the minds of wide-eyed visitors. The oldest city in the state of Georgia (established in 1733), Savannah is a must visit during the fall season.