17 Finest Fall Getaways On The East Coast

From New England to Florida, the East Coast is among the greatest locations to spend crisp autumn days. Beneath, TravelAwaits writers inform us about their favourite East Coast locations to go to within the fall. Whether or not you’re after fall foliage or sunshine and sand, listed here are the perfect locations to go on the East Coast in autumn.

1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine

“Acadia Nationwide Park on Mount Desert Island is a 47,000-acre park that’s lovely year-round. It has a 27-mile park loop with loads of locations to cease and benefit from the leaves and take pictures of the foliage.

“You too can go to the very best level alongside the Japanese Coast on the park’s 1,527-foot Cadillac Mountain. You should have fairly a view from there. Benefit from the leaves on maples and birches, together with a wide range of evergreens. In the event you need to get a little bit of train, there are 120 miles of trails.

“You may spend a half or an entire day having fun with the colourful orange and purple hues of nature within the park. The city of Bar Harbor can also be enjoyable with outlets and lots of seafood eating places. You may simply spend a whole weekend right here.

“Spend the night time in Bar Harbor on the Stability Rock Inn. It’s a pretty lodge proper on the water overlooking a secluded seashore.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

2. Stowe, Vermont

“You’ll get pleasure from spending time in Stowe, Vermont, a picturesque city ablaze with lovely leaves within the fall.

“There are climbing trails for individuals who need a bit extra train. Many eating places characteristic farm-to-table eating and craft beer. Attempt a cider donut from one of many many nation shops within the space.

“Spend the night time within the European-style Trapp Household Lodge owned by the Austrian household who impressed The Sound of Music. They’ve rooms, suites, and villas in addition to a wide range of eating places and actions.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

3. New Hampshire’s Lakes Area

“The White Mountains of New Hampshire are in all probability the Granite State’s most well-known spot for viewing fall foliage — for good motive. The scenic drive alongside the Kancamagus Freeway is among the many nation’s most beautiful areas for admiring blankets of shiny orange, golden yellow, and fiery purple leaves in autumn.

“In the event you’re searching for a fall RV trip vacation spot that may have barely fewer guests in September and October, contemplate the Lakes Area. This space within the central a part of the state is house to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest physique of water. Right here you’ll additionally discover scenic Squam Lakes, the place On Golden Pond was filmed.

“Whether or not you’re driving across the lakes, strolling via small cities like Meredith or Wolfeboro, in search of out coated bridges, taking a scenic boat cruise, or climbing within the space’s mountains, you’ll doubtless be capable of get pleasure from fairly altering leaves. Sustain with the place and when leaves are peaking with the state vacationer affiliation’s on-line foliage tracker.” — Kara Williams

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

“I used to be raised on the New England coast and by no means miss a chance to go to. Once I need an city getaway that’s nonetheless near the shore, I head to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, simply 10 minutes from the state’s short-but-spectacular shoreline. All superbly preserved historic structure and walkable streets, Portsmouth is photogenic and straightforward to discover. It additionally has a vibrant arts, tradition, and eating scene.

“In addition to appreciating the fiery foliage, high fall actions embody biking, climbing, historical past and meals excursions, and reside jazz and theater (the latter in a restored vaudeville home). By early October, you’ll be able to take a cruise out to the stunning, remoted Star Island. The boutique procuring scene is memorable, particularly for brand spanking new and preowned clothes, books, and native artwork and crafts. My favourite new addition to Portsmouth is Vent, an ‘different exercise’ house the place you’ll be able to free your frustrations by splattering paint and smashing glass.” — Robin Catalano

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

“I really like Cape Cod any time of 12 months, however autumn is additional particular. The crowds of vacationers have gone again to work, the summering college students have returned to highschool, and the locals have begun to settle into their low season routine.

“After Labor Day, many seashores, like Mayflower Seaside in Dennis, loosen their canine restrictions. Certainly one of my favourite methods to spend a fall morning is to stroll alongside the quiet seashore with my canine fortunately chasing seagulls. It’s a type of particular moments — joyful and contemplative.

“The Cape Cod Rail Path takes on sensible fall colours, dotted between the evergreens; it supplies a picturesque stroll via the cities and villages. A cease at Truro Winery for a wine tasting is a calming technique to benefit from the cooler climate. Somewhat additional down Route 6 and also you arrive in Provincetown the place the streets are much less congested. A brisk wind whips round Provincetown Harbor as you stroll alongside the pier — a foretelling of the onset of freezing winter gales.” — Sandi Barrett

6. Newport, Rhode Island

“Oozing with New England attraction, Newport is a phenomenal, Rhode Island coastal city with excellent views, superb eating places, and majestic mansions. Fall festivities embody pick-your-own orchards, harbor cruises (via mid-October), and ghost excursions. Take a lantern-led tour via Newport’s oldest and most haunted areas on an Olde City ghost stroll, the preferred strolling tour.

“In the event you’d slightly take a experience, head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm in close by Tiverton to take a 30-minute hayride via the fields and woods of the 90-acre family-run farm which terminates on the pumpkin patch (weekends via October). Or, be a part of Rail Explorers for a fall experience on pedal-powered rail bikes alongside deserted railroad tracks by the bay.

“Newport additionally hosts a number of festivals within the fall, together with meals fests akin to Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Pageant (October 15-16, 2022) and Newport Meals Truck & Craft Beer Pageant at Fort Adams State Park (Oct 15), each of which characteristic a number of the greatest eats within the space.” — Laura Ray

7. Hudson Valley, Upstate New York

“In terms of crisp mornings and wealthy colours, it’s laborious to beat the Hudson Valley in Upstate New York as a fall vacation spot. Whether or not you head north from New York Metropolis or south from Albany, the perfect stops alongside the Hudson River stretch from Tarrytown to Catskill.

“Gallop with the Headless Horseman by visiting the true locations that impressed Washington Irving’s brief story in Sleepy Hole,” suggests Scott. “Admire the views as soon as accessible to solely the mega-rich by touring the grounds of Gilded Age mansions framed by yellow, orange, and purple leaves. Or, get a chook’s eye view by strolling over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Really feel the crunch of leaves underneath your boots if you hike with an alpaca in Hyde Park. Drink in the great thing about Kaaterskill Falls. Let the sounds of nature serenade you to sleep if you spend the night time glamping at Treetopia in Catskill.” — Sage Scott

8. Central Park, NYC

“It’s laborious to choose only one spot to absorb the autumn magnificence on the East Coast, however New York Metropolis and Central Park particularly is a high contender. The climate within the metropolis is ideal, the crowds are decrease than in the summertime, and Central Park places on a surprising show of fall foliage. We visited final 12 months in early November and the leaves had been nearly at their peak. We deliberate the journey so we might expertise fall within the metropolis and in addition catch the Christmas markets, that are usually in full swing by the primary a part of November. Fall is my favourite time to go to NYC.” — SJ Morgensen

9. Pennsylvania Fall Festivals

“Crisp air, vibrant autumn leaves, and the odor of apple cider and funnel muffins are just some issues that make you consider fall and the unbelievable festivals in Pennsylvania. From the Bedford Fall Foliage Pageant and the Ebensburg PotatoFest to the PA State Flaming Foliage Pageant and the Lancaster Balloon Pageant, there’s a competition in Pennsylvania for everybody to get pleasure from.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

10. Boonsboro, Maryland

“Fall street trippers ought to contemplate Boonsboro, Maryland, a city I visited this week. This charming small city, all dolled up for fall, has a walkable downtown space with a widely known pizzeria, inn, and faucet home from Nora Roberts’s Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy. Roberts is from Boonsboro, the place you’ll find the most important collection of her world-famous revealed books at Flip the Web page Bookstore and way more. Attempt seasonal craft beer from Dan’s Restaurant & Faucet Home and cross your fingers that they’ve butternut squash soup on the autumn menu.

“Leaf peeping is a well-liked out of doors exercise, as is climbing to the primary Washington Monument at Washington Monument State Park. It’s a straightforward stroll from the car parking zone and on the Appalachian Path. Be looking out for hawks, eagles, and falcons within the fall months. Historical past lovers ought to take within the Antietam Nationwide Battlefield Civil Battle websites, 10 minutes away.” — Melody Pittman

11. Luray, Virginia

“Luray, Virginia, is a phenomenal location for fall adventures within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This charming small city presents delectable eateries, the well-known Luray Caverns, wineries, and a surroundings overload. See the large stalactites, flowstones, and stalagmites at Luray Caverns, a cave system with the Nice Stalacpipe Organ. Don’t miss the Backyard Maze on the Caverns, the most important hedge maze within the Mid-Atlantic. Luray-Hawksbill Greenway is ideal for a two-mile stroll or bike experience.

“Think about overnighting in a darling cottage with a jetted tub and hearth on the Mimslyn Inn, a phenomenal historic property with an onsite restaurant and bar, inside strolling distance of Historic Downtown Luray. I like to recommend the nice and cozy ham-wrapped brie appetizer from The Speakeasy, which additionally options reside leisure. Luray is a good spot for hopping on the central entry level of the scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Nationwide Park, the place the leaf-peeping ought to be primo.” — Melody Pittman

12. Virginia Seaside, Virginia

“Though regarded as a summer season vacation spot, Virginia Seaside might be loved within the fall. After Labor Day, trip crowds have thinned out, water turns into a bit cooler, and seashores on the South finish are quieter. For me, this is a perfect time.

“Take pleasure in lengthy walks alongside the seashore and lunch at one of many native eateries. Head to Well-known Al’s for one among their basic scorching canines with fixings. Slurp oysters at Chick’s Oyster Bar. My private favourite is the mac and cheese at BoBo’s Wonderful Rooster whose recipes have been handed down from each household and pals.

“If you’re trying to destress, get a therapeutic massage or spa package deal at [email protected]. Merely mendacity on the North Finish seashores or watching army plane land from First Touchdown Seaside additionally helps put you in a relaxed way of thinking. Mingle with locals within the ViBe district’s Younger Veterans, Smartmouth, or The Bunker breweries.” — Keshler Thibert

13. Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina

“Hanging Rock State Park is 30 miles north of Winston-Salem. The park has greater than 7,000 acres set within the Sauratown Mountains. Peaks right here attain 2,500 toes. There are waterfalls, streams, and a lake. Mountain climbing is a unbelievable technique to view the fall leaves. Most of the trails listed here are average to strenuous, however there are a few ‘straightforward’ trails for strolling. The lake has nice picture-taking angles. The picnic space close to the lake has ingesting water, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables.” — Loretta Berry

14. Asheville, North Carolina

“Is there something higher than Asheville, NC, within the Blue Ridge Mountains? Asheville is house to the enduring Biltmore, the 8,000-acre Vanderbilt Property. Now is an excellent time to discover Asheville’s fall foliage, with dozens of deciduous color-changing timber, primarily in October. A mountain hike places you amidst the purple, orange, and yellow hues, and the brisk mountain air. Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a straightforward climbing path, or select Linville Falls Trails for its thundering waterfall.

“Take pleasure in appetizers and an area beer flight at Cedric’s Tavern, the place the Tavern Pork Pie is great, earlier than touring the Biltmore Mansion, gardens, and grounds. Purchasing is pleasing at Antler Hill Village, the place you’ll be able to dive into the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae or partake in a complimentary wine tasting. Downtown Asheville shouldn’t be missed—with a mural path, the Grove Arcade, Asheville Artwork Museum, and French Broad Chocolate Lounge’s artisanal candies.” — Melody Pittman

15. Charleston, South Carolina

“Charleston is an thrilling city at any time of 12 months, however within the fall, when the climate is totally excellent, you’ll expertise all the pieces the so-called Holy Metropolis has to supply on the ultimate temperature to get pleasure from all of it. 

“Charleston is an previous metropolis with a ton of historical past. It is named one of the crucial haunted locations in America. Although they run year-round, the autumn is a terrific time to take a ghost and graveyard tour because it affords you unique entry to one among Charleston’s oldest graveyards after darkish.” — Jeanine Consoli

16. Amelia Island, Florida

“Amelia Island is the proper fall getaway on the East Coast. It’s a beautiful location 12 months spherical, however in fall, you might have a really tranquil, uncrowded seashore with numerous wide-open out of doors house.

“A barrier island simply off the coast of northeast Florida, you’ll find your personal little piece of paradise if you go to within the fall. The mushy white sand received’t burn your toes, the pristine water continues to be heat, and the crowds are gone. The temperature in fall is within the 70s as much as mid-80s.

“Historic downtown showcases some glorious specialty outlets, eateries with all types of cuisines, the oldest bar in Florida, and extra. Ample out of doors actions embody fishing, crusing, biking, climbing, {golfing}, and horseback using on the seashore. Take a historic tour or hit the spa. I simply love strolling on the seashore and studying a e-book whereas sitting by the ocean. You’ll be able to calm down and savor the quiet and the wonders of nature.

“Fall ushers in a myriad of festivals for guests to get pleasure from from the Fish to Fork competition going down on September 29 – October 2 to the Northeast Florida Honest taking place October 13 – 23. You may additionally benefit from the Island Hop Craft Brew Fest and the Amelia Island Jazz Pageant each taking place in October.

“Once we visited, we stayed within the newly constructed Springhill Suites by Marriott, and we beloved having a bit of additional room within the suites, the pool space, and the great Luna Wonderful Artwork Gallery, housed between the Springhill and the Courtyard lodge.

“I can’t think about a greater place to go to and make new reminiscences if you end up needing a much-needed escape within the fall on the East Coast.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

17. The Florida Keys

“Fall is a particular time to go to the Florida Keys. The warmth is much less oppressive, the crowds are smaller, and there are many occasions deliberate to lure guests throughout this usually sluggish time of the 12 months.

“Fantasy Fest in Key West attracts the largest crowds. It’s highlighted by outrageous occasions and costumes, physique portray, and plenty of alcohol. The nine-day continuous social gathering in October is decidedly LGBTQ-friendly. There’s a clothing-optional pool social gathering for males. Ladies are inspired to ‘Rock the Tatas,’ with the perfect tatas successful a $500 prize. Nearly each bar on the town has reside music each night time. This isn’t the place for bashful individuals.

“Issues are a bit tamer elsewhere within the Keys. Key Largo hosts REEF Fest in October, with sports activities diving on the offshore reef. In November you’ll discover true gluttony on the Stone Crab Claw consuming contest in Marathon. The Islamorada Sailfish Match is the primary week in December.

“Test the official Keys web site for an inventory of all occasions.” — Fred Mays