Photo by David S Swierczek at Shutterstock
It’s finally getting a bit more chilly after a sticky summer, and now is the perfect time to plan your next trip. So, what are the best places in the US to visit in the fall?
Traveling during this time is definitely a treat because this month is the literal definition of “sweater weather!” But where do you begin? And let’s not forget that we don’t all have the money to jet overseas for an expensive trip.
Well, from peaceful road trips to unconventional fall foliage trips and from cozy getaways to spooky Halloween celebrations, this list of 8 affordable October getaways will give you some much-needed autumn travel inspiration so you can have a fabulous time traveling the States this season!
Boston is a fantastic and affordable October getaway since the weather has cooled and most crowds have disappeared.
And because it’s the end of the whale watching season, you can still get a closer look at these stunning sea creatures without fighting for the best spot on the boats. This time of year, travelers can enjoy the annual Oktoberfest, as well.
A couple of venues host the event so that you can take your pick of what interests you. And if you’re a sports fan, Boston is THE place to be. Plenty of games in October allow you to watch the Celtics, Red Sox, or Bruins in action.
While here, you can also visit a vintage store for an authentic Halloween costume. And make sure you don’t leave before visiting a corn maze and pumpkin patch for some fall foliage fun. You can also take the ghosts and gravestones tour for the greatest spooky adventure.
Here’s your perfect chance to “fall” in love with the fall foliage in Oregon’s biggest city! If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Portland is one of the most incredible October getaway.
While here, you’ll enjoy spectacular hikes while being surrounded by the diverse shades of autumn. And Portland loves all things Halloween, so you’ll find lots of other things to do in this rainy city.
The fun-filled opportunities are limitless, from pumpkin patches to corn mazes and, obviously, haunted houses. The Spirit of Halloweentown is also wonderful fun and includes some movie locations, spooky stories, and a ton of jack-o-lanterns.
If you’re a beer fan, you simply must attend one… or all the days at “Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest.” For 17 straight days, you can expect a rare seasonal beer with unique tappings.
New Orleans is one of our all-time favorite places to visit any time of the year. The streets are always bustling, with a rich culture and history.
But the reason that it’s on our list of affordable October getaway is because now is the time for the cool weather that comes after summer and kicks off the start of the spooky season.
New Orleans is well-known for its Creole cuisine, many festivals, unique music, and ghostly urban legends. Begin your trip with a mysterious ghost tour of this incredible city.
Make your way to haunted hotels and eerie cemeteries, or learn about the voodoo history of the area. If you’re a big foodie, don’t miss NOLA’s annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival.
This free outdoor event takes place in October and combines two extraordinary things: Barbeque and the Blues.
The Windy City is a fantastic October getaway since the area embraces fall. If you decide to visit, you can marvel at the changing colors of autumn as the leaves change hues, and exploring the Chi on a river cruise is a popular activity for many tourists and locals alike.
While here, don’t forget to visit Millennium Park, The Bean, and the Chicago Riverwalk for some of the best fall foliage the Midwest has to offer. And as things begin to cool down, pumpkin patches and apple picking heat up!
You’ll get the chance to harvest your own crispy apples, and depending on where you go, enjoy sunflower fields, corn mazes, and playgrounds for the kiddos.
Another must-do is pumpkin patches, where you can stroll around as you view hundreds of pumpkins in different sizes and shapes. The Lincoln Park Zoo is another Must See Place.
It has its annual Fall Fest in October, which is always a great time. In fact, every weekend, they offer something new: pumpkin carvers, musical entertainment, story time, and a pumpkin patch.
Even though it’s not exactly the cheapest October getaway to visit in the US, San Francisco is surprisingly affordable, given its popularity and many cultural and surrounding natural attractions.
This famous West Coast city is renowned for the Golden Gate Bridge, landmarks, famous neighborhoods, San Francisco Bay, and iconic cable cars.
Among the best attractions for those visiting this beautiful city on a budget are the Sea Lions at Pier 39, the Pier 24 Photography Museum, the city’s Japanese Tea Garden, and the many free festivals around town during this month.
And since you’re already here, don’t miss attractions like Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. And for nature lovers, there are many hiking trails in and around San Francisco to see fall’s changing colors.
Why is Albuquerque the perfect October getaway? It’s the best time to check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, of course! This is the time when thousands of people from all over the country gather to witness this glorious event.
You’ll see more than 500 hot air balloons fill the sky with an array of beautiful colors. You’ll also get the chance to explore one of the nation’s most diverse cities, minus the heat. The annual New Mexico Brew Fest is fun and takes place this time of year, as well.
More than 70 breweries collide to showcase what this state has to offer. And if you want something spooky, you can take an Old Town ghost tour, where you’ll learn about the history as you explore the neighborhoods, listen to the ghost stories, and hear about all the paranormal encounters people have experienced here.
If we’re talking about fall, you KNOW we had to include our nation’s capital! Despite its prominent place among US cities, Washington, DC, is surprisingly affordable in many areas.
And while the rent isn’t cheap, local transport, meals, and other tourist-related factors of the local economy are budget-friendly.
This October getaway is famous for its various political landmarks/monuments, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the US Capitol. It also features a wide range of fascinating museums.
The best low-cost attractions of the country’s capital include the Old Stone House, Washington Harbour, Blues Alley Club, Meridian Hill Park, US National Arboretum, U Street, and the Library of Congress. Visitors will also want to visit the Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History and tour the many monuments offered by this iconic district.
It’s a place known for its ghost stories, one in particular: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! A missing man and a headless horseman? Sign us up! You’ll want to relish this October getaway built on Washington Irving’s famous short story.
The annual Jack O’Lantern Blaze occurs at the Van Cortlandt Manor this time of year and is an absolute must-see. You’ll be making your way through the 18th-century land as you experience the stunning set-up of more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
Each area depicts a lovely scene or tells some kind of story. Another fantastic activity is the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride and Block Party.
Beware of the jump scares on your hay wagon ride as you go down Albany Post Road. And remember to visit the Old Dutch Church and cemetery.
No matter which of these October getaways you choose to visit, remember to pack your camera so you can snap some unforgettable pics along your way!
And if you’re looking for some more autumn inspo on where to plan your next trip, we highly recommend also reading: 8 Charming Towns in the Great Lakes Area You MUST SEE This Fall
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