Best Places in the USA to Visit in October

For many places in the United States, October is a magical time to travel. The heat of summer is a distant memory, the leaves are changing colors on the trees and it’s time to dust off your cozy sweaters from the back of the closet. October is a wonderful time to travel in many parts of the U.S., not only for the temperate weather, but because it tends to be a great time to avoid the crowds at many U.S. destinations as well. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best fall foliage or hoping to enjoy an autumnal harvest season on the coast, read on for our top picks on the best places in the U.S.A. to visit in October:

New England in October

Our October ‘where-to’ list begins with an iconic destination for fall foliage… New England. Peak autumnal color is typically reached from late September through mid-October. At this time of year, New England– including the mostly small states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island– truly comes into its element. Think: cozy maple farms, cheese creameries and craft breweries. The ocean (and its chilly, salty breeze) is never far away and you can look forward to maritime experiences, like heading out on a lobster boat with local fishermen to help catch the ingredients for your own lobster roll.

New England Weather in October

Sample itinerary: Luxury Holiday to New England

Oregon Wine Country in October

Though perhaps not as famous as California wine country, Oregon wine country has just as much to offer. Willamette Valley is a beautiful destination to visit in October as the harvest season is in full swing. With the cool weather, the freshly harvested fall foods, gold-tinged vineyards and excitement of reaping the grape clusters from the vines, there couldn’t be a more magical time to visit Oregon wine country.

Willamette Valley Weather in October

Sample itinerary: The Pacific Coast and Willamette Valley: A Luxury Oregon Road Trip

Monument Valley in October

October is a great time to visit some of Arizona and Utah’s most famous national parks and tribal lands as there tends to be less crowds and pleasant weather. Monument Valley is one at the top of our list. This Navajo Tribal Park is famed for its monument-like natural towers of stone dotting the red-streaked desert landscape. To round out your Arizona trip, throw in a visit to the old Western town of Tombstone, the relaxing resorts of Sedona or the glitz of Scottsdale (or a bit of all three!)

Monument Valley Weather in October

Sample Itinerary: Red Rock and Canyon Country of Arizona and Utah

The Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains in October

Contending with New England, the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains are both destinations renowned for their stunning fall foliage– and rightfully so. October often features the leaves’ colors on full display. Cruise through the mountains, wander the charming North Carolina town of Asheville and cross the border into Tennessee to check out Nashville, a booming center of live music, good food and good times. Top the trip off with an indulgent stay at the legendary Blackberry Farms.

Appalachian Mountains Weather in October

California Coast in October

California is renowned for being a great place to visit all year long… but in October, you really get the best of the best. The crowds and morning fog are typically at a minimum, and the weather is sunny and temperate. The route between California’s two most dynamic cities, San Francisco to Los Angeles, will take you along some of the Pacific’s most stunning landscapes at Big Sur, a world class aquarium in Monterey and some small family run wineries surrounding Santa Barbara. 

California Coast Weather in October

Sample Itinerary: Classic West Coast Road Trip

Events in October 2022

Various local Crush Festivals in Napa and Sonoma Valley

7-9, Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival

1-9, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

12-23, Chicago International Film Festival

13-16, NYC Wine and Food Festival

21-23, United States Grand Prix

31, Halloween

Check Out The Other Posts in Our Series Below:

• Best Places to Visit in the USA – Month by Month
• January
• June
• November