The Ultimate October Travel Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in the United States

(Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes)

The Crisp Air Conundrum: Why October is the Undisputed Champion of US Travel

The calendar flips to October, and suddenly, the oppressive summer crowds vanish, the humidity breaks, and the air becomes perfect—crisp, clean, and carrying the scent of woodsmoke and decaying leaves. This isn't just a calendar month; it’s a national window of opportunity.

But where do you go to maximize this magical time? Is it peak crimson foliage in New England, a spooky festival in a historic town, or a final, blissful warm-weather escape before winter sets in?

You don't have to choose just one climate. October is the most versatile travel month in the US, offering optimal conditions across the country. We’ve curated the 10 best places to travel in October in the United States, broken down by the experience they offer—from golden aspens to perfect beach weather—to help you plan your ideal autumn getaway.

Chasing Color: 4 Best US Destinations for Peak Fall Foliage

For many, October means one thing: leaf-peeping. The key to a successful foliage trip is elevation; the color change starts high and works its way down. By planning your trip for the mid-to-late month, you can catch the color at its absolute peak in these famous destinations.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia (NC/VA)

• The Experience: The ultimate scenic drive, consistently ranked as one of America's best road trips. The Parkway stretches over 469 miles, offering thousands of vistas.

• October Advantage: Mid-to-late October is the prime period for seeing peak color in the mid-elevations (2,000–4,000 feet) near popular spots like Boone and Blowing Rock. Expect moderate daytime temperatures around 60∘F.

• Pro Tip: Start or end your trip in Asheville, NC, which is surrounded by the colorful canopy and features a phenomenal craft brewery and culinary scene to enjoy after a day on the road.

2. Acadia National Park, Maine

• The Experience: New England foliage meets the rugged Atlantic coastline. This is where fiery reds and oranges contrast dramatically against the granite cliffs and deep blue ocean.

• October Advantage: The majority of the leaves typically reach their peak by the second week of October. While summer requires a shuttle, October often allows for easier driving and parking.

• Must-Do: Drive the Park Loop Road, stop in the quaint town of Bar Harbor for a lobster roll, and watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, which is one of the first places in the US to see the sun rise in the autumn.

3. Stowe, Vermont

• The Experience: If you picture New England fall in your mind, you are likely picturing Stowe. It’s the quintessential village of covered bridges, white-steepled churches, and brilliant maple trees.

• October Advantage: Early to mid-October offers the brightest colors. The crisp air makes for perfect weather to tour the local cider mills and enjoy fresh donuts.

• Must-Do: Take a scenic drive down Route 100, widely considered the most beautiful foliage route in the state.

4. Aspen, Colorado

• The Experience: A phenomenal alternative to the East Coast, Aspen trades the mixed hardwood forests for groves of shimmering, golden Aspen trees, creating an intense, high-altitude display of yellow and gold.

• October Advantage: By the second week of October, the crowds from the popular high-season ski months are absent, yet the weather remains perfect for high-altitude hiking.

• Must-Do: See the iconic, mirror-like reflections of the golden trees at Maroon Bells. This is your last chance for high-altitude trails before they close for the winter.

Spooky Vibes & Festive City Breaks: 3 US Getaways for Fall Fun

October isn't just about leaves; it’s about celebration. Whether you're seeking a haunted historical dive or an outdoor spectacle, these destinations are at their seasonal best.

5. Salem, Massachusetts

• The Experience: The undisputed Halloween capital of America. Salem dedicates the entire month to the spooky season with its famous Haunted Happenings festival.

• October Advantage: Every day brings new events—from psychic fairs and ghost hunts to the grand parade. It offers a unique mix of true, tragic colonial history alongside fun, theatrical Halloween celebrations.

• Pro Tip: Book accommodations and tours months in advance, as crowds grow exponentially closer to the end of the month. Take a guided tour that focuses on the actual 1692 Witch Trials history for a truly chilling experience.

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

• The Experience: A truly unique seasonal spectacle. Albuquerque is home to the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, which is a magnet for travelers and photographers.

• October Advantage: The 53rd annual festival runs from October 4–12, 2025, capitalizing on the city's unique wind conditions, known as the "Albuquerque Box," which allows balloons to be launched and landed near the same area.

• Must-Do: Wake up before dawn for the Mass Ascension—watching hundreds of balloons float into the pink high-desert sky is a breathtaking memory you won't soon forget. Also, enjoy the mild high-desert weather, which averages a pleasant high of 72∘F.

7. New York City, New York (NYC)

• The Experience: The crisp, invigorating air of early fall brings out the best of the city. The summer heat and humidity are gone, making NYC one of the best US cities to visit in October.

• October Advantage: Temperatures are ideal for walking and exploring the boroughs. You get the benefits of shoulder-season travel without the intense chill of late fall.

• Must-Do: Stroll through Central Park to see the foliage (the Conservatory Garden is stunning). For a unique experience, head up to Sleepy Hollow in the Hudson Valley for one of the legendary Jack O'Lantern events.

Sun, Sand & Shoulder Season Deals: 3 Warm Weather Destinations

If your ideal October vacation involves trading sweaters for swimsuits, the US has you covered. October brings the coveted "Locals' Summer" to the Southwest, where the crowds have left, but the perfect temperatures remain.

8. San Diego, California

• The Experience: San Diego is famous for having one of the best climates year-round, but October is often called the true "Locals' Summer."

• October Advantage: The average daily high is still a glorious 75∘F, and the ocean water is at its warmest after a full summer of heating up. With minimal chance of rain, you'll find the sunny weather perfect for outdoor activities without the June Gloom fog or summer crowds.

• Must-Do: Enjoy uncrowded beaches or explore Balboa Park in perfect walking weather. Many of San Diego’s major cultural and film festivals also kick off in the second half of October.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

• The Experience: A desert escape where the summer's triple-digit heat is finally broken, transforming the Vegas Strip and the surrounding nature into a welcoming paradise.

• October Advantage: The average high drops to a comfortable 82∘F, making it the ideal time to be outdoors. You can hit the golf courses, stroll the Strip, or enjoy a scenic desert hike without the risk of heat exhaustion.

• Pro Tip: Use the cooler daytime temperatures to explore the stunning red rocks of the Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rock Canyon, both just a short drive from the city.

10. Savannah, Georgia

• The Experience: An antebellum gem wrapped in Spanish moss, Savannah sheds its signature oppressive summer humidity in October, making the air light and comfortable for exploring.

• October Advantage: Daytime averages around 78∘F, perfect for walking the historic squares. As one of America's most notoriously haunted cities, the atmosphere naturally intensifies in the run-up to Halloween, leading to dozens of special ghost tours and themed events.

• Must-Do: Take a lantern-lit ghost tour through the historic district and visit the eerie Bonaventure Cemetery. Look out for the city's annual Savannah Greek Festival and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, which often land in October.

Conclusion: Don’t Let the Best Travel Month Slip Away

From the stunning fiery maples of Vermont and the cool, uncrowded National Parks, to the perfect mild city weather in San Diego and the festive buzz of Albuquerque, October is truly the sweet spot of the travel calendar. It grants you the benefits of shoulder-season prices and smaller crowds without the often-unpredictable weather of winter.

October is not a month to stay home—it’s the perfect time to explore.

Will you be road-tripping for the perfect crimson vista, or enjoying a final, sun-kissed beach day? Share your favorite US October vacation plans in the comments below! Better yet: Stop planning and start booking now!