20 American cities perfect for a day trip in the fall

Boston is the perfect destination for a day trip in the fall. There are plenty of historic activities to choose from, and the city looks especially beautiful amid the change of seasons. 

If you’re in the Massachusetts area and don’t want to go all the way into the city, opt for Salem instead. Salem also boasts a rich history, and it’s got lots of film sites, courtesy of Hocus Pocus, that are fun to visit. It’s a spooky, fun town. 

New England is a gorgeous place in the fall. Newport is a city that embodies the soul of New England, and it’s great for sightseeing, dining, and shopping. It’s the perfect spot to spend just a day in.

You can spend much longer than a day in New York City and never run out of things to do, but it’s a great destination for a day trip, too. Grab brunch at your favorite spot, take a stroll through Central Park, see a new exhibit at an old museum, and grab a cozy dinner before heading out. 

Stowe, Vermont, is an idyllic town, especially in the fall. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve likely seen it in pictures. There’s plenty to do there. Hike to see foliage, pop in and out of shops throughout town, or belly up to the bar at a brewery. 

Portland is another great coastal city for a fall day trip. It has a charming downtown area, and you could spend hours just looking at the water. Plus, it’s Maine, so there are lobster rolls to be had. 

With lots of trees in Washington, D.C., it’s no surprise the city is beautiful in the fall. There are lots of family-friendly festivals and events going on throughout the season, and there’s great food and good shopping. 

There’s plenty to do and see in Asheville in the fall. And just outside of Asheville is the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, which is a premier destination for seeing fall foliage in the United States. 

Gatlinburg is a small town, but there’s plenty to do and see. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, the scenery is beautiful, especially in the fall. You’ll get the feel of being in the mountains without having to hike. 

Mackinac Island is another spot that’s perfect for leaf peeping. It feels a bit like stepping back in time, and the weather is stunning in the fall. You can take a carriage ride, explore the island by bicycle, or simply walk through town. 

Fall is a great time to visit Chicago. There are plenty of fall colors to see, you might still be able to catch a baseball game, and there are plenty of historic tours to go on that’ll get you in the spooky mood. And there’s plenty of good food to eat throughout the day. 

Jackson is the nearest major city to Grand Teton National Park. It’s a beautiful city with good food, and it’s got a great art scene. If you feel you’ve seen enough of the city, you can head over to the park for more stunning views. 

The Rocky Mountains are gorgeous in the fall. Denver offers views of the mountains while still providing fun city activities. It’s got the perfect backdrop for a day spent exploring. 

The heat usually isn’t quite so sweltering in Texas in the fall. Austin is such a fun city, and it’s best to visit when you don’t feel like you’re going to melt. The food scene is unreal, so make sure to stop at multiple restaurants on your day trip. 

Salt Lake City gets lots of hype in the winter, but it’s just as beautiful in the fall. The mountains make the city look especially pretty, so even if you spend the day just walking around, you’ll enjoy yourself. 

Flagstaff is a wonderful place to see fall foliage, especially if you like yellow leaves. The downtown area boasts interesting things to do, too, particularly for those who like history and unique shopping. 

There’s more to enjoy about the fall in New Mexico than you might think, especially if you’re in Albuquerque. The city boasts great fall foliage and can’t-miss annual fall events, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 

Big Sur is always gorgeous, but it’s especially pretty in the fall. State parks and beaches abound, and there are multiple downtown areas to stop at in the area, each boasting something unique and beautiful.

The Pacific Northwest is another fabulous American region to visit in the fall. Portland offers a culture entirely its own, and it’s particularly fun to experience in autumn. As long as you pack a few layers for your day trip, you’ll enjoy the scenery, the food, and the people. 

Seattle is a great city to visit in the fall, especially if you like rainy and foggy weather. There’s music, food, and art to consume, and the fall colors are vibrant. Seattle makes for a very cozy day trip.