23 Best Places to Travel in October in the USA

1. Hocking Hills, Ohio

🌡️ Average Weather: 66/39 °F

October is a magical time to visit the Hocking Hills Region in Ohio. The weather is comfortably cool, perfect for hiking. The fall colors are at their peak, painting the picture-perfect backdrop.

Hocking Hills lies about an hour southeast of Columbus, Ohio, in an area renowned for its stunning landscapes. Visitors will find deep gorges, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls in this 10,000-acre forested area.

The visitor center at the State Park is top-notch and has excellent displays showing what the main areas of the park feature.

1. Old Man’s Cave: This area features a deep gorge, breathtaking waterfalls, and the historic “Old Man’s Cave.” 
2. Ash Cave: Known for being the largest recess cave in Ohio, Ash Cave presents an impressive, horseshoe-shaped cliff with a massive sheltering overhang and a seasonal waterfall.
3. Cedar Falls: This area features hemlocks surrounding a beautiful waterfall. 
4. Rock House: Unique for its natural cave formed in a cliff with large, window-like openings.
5. Cantwell Cliffs: The area is known for steep cliffs, deep valleys, and rock shelter.
6. Conkle’s Hollow: The hollow is home to one of Ohio’s deepest, rugged, rocky gorges. It’s known for its sheer cliffs, stunning rock formations, and diverse plant life.

October can be a busy time with leaf-peepers flocking to the area, so booking accommodations and arriving at the park before 10 am is recommended. 

🌟Top Activity: Hiking scenic trails like the famous Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. Most trails are moderate and 1-2 miles in length. 

🏨 Where to Stay: Blue Brambler Glamping A-Frame (check availability)

Recommended by Teresa of An Acre in the City

2. Acadia National Park, Maine

🌡️ Average Weather: 57/41 °F

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast, especially in autumn. Acadia offers guests stunning views of the Atlantic and outdoor activities such as picnics, hikes, and walking trails. Visiting in the fall adds to the beauty with bursts of fall foliage throughout the park. 

Fall is an amazing time to visit due to vibrant autumn colors and cooler temps. You’ll want to pack layers as temps will drop at night. Crowds decrease compared to the summer season since kids are back in school, but higher crowds are anticipated on the weekends when fall foliage peaks. 

While in Acadia, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountains for sunrise, sunset, or a beautiful daytime view of the park and neighboring Bar Harbor.

Drive the Park Loop Road to soak in the best sights, including Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. Head over to Jordan Pond for strawberry popovers at the Jordan Pond House before a relaxing walk along the pond. 

Don’t miss out on exploring the Carriage Roads on foot or bike to capture fall foliage. For adventure lovers, carve out time for the strenuous Beehive Trail- a challenging hike with astonishing views.

You’ll also want to drive over the Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse. While there, stop by Thurston’s for one of the best lobster rolls in the area. Lastly, spend an afternoon walking the quaint shops of Bar Harbor.

🌟Top Activity: Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountains for sunrise, sunset, or a beautiful daytime view of the park and neighboring Bar Harbor

🏨 Where to Stay: Under Canvas Acadia (check availability)

Recommended by Rebecca of Fab 5 Family Travel

3. Baltimore, Maryland

🌡️ Average Weather: 69/52 °F

Baltimore is a vibrant place to visit for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront. 

Unofficially called the CharmCity, Baltimore has something for everyone ranging from history and culture to sports and food.

Baltimore’s National Aquarium has been recognized as one of the best in the US, and has stunning exhibits which are a must see for all ages. 

For sports enthusiasts, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is an iconic baseball stadium to catch a game.

For history buffs, Baltimore is home to the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which is the birthplace of the national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

October is a great time to experience events amidst fall colors.  There are also many events in October, such as the Free Fall Baltimore series of complimentary events, which celebrate the city’s arts and culture with free studio tours, concerts, dance performances, and workshops.   

Another highlight in October is the Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival, which has been celebrated for over two decades in Patterson Park with fun activities for all ages followed by a parade which features intricately designed lanterns, artists, musicians as part of a festive procession through the city.

🌟Top Activity: Explore one of the nation’s best aquariums

🏨 Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor (check availability)

Recommended by Hanit of Gotta Love New York

4. Branson, Missouri

🌡️ Average Weather: 72/44 °F

Branson is a fantastic spot to visit any time of the year, but it really shines in October. The leaves put on a colorful show, the weather is perfect for outdoor fun, and there are numerous events and festivals to check out.

One of the best things to do in Branson in October is head to Silver Dollar City. They host the amazing Harvest Festival every year, magically turning the amusement park into a pumpkin paradise with a whopping 15,000 pumpkins! In addition to decorations and thrilling riding rides, you can also go on a cave tour!

Another amazing thing to do is visit Shepherd of the Hills for their annual Shepherd’s PumpkinFest. The festival offers family-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating, mini golf, hayrides, a petting zoo, and more, along with scenic spots for photo ops and delicious food.

In addition to the PumpkinFest activities, there are additional attractions such as the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, Inspiration Tower, and Sky Trek Ropes Course.

Top of the Rock, another top attraction when visiting Branson, provides amazing views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake.

The main attraction is a self-guided cart tour along the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail. This allows you to capture photos of waterfalls and enjoy the picturesque scenery, particularly beautiful during October when the colors are vibrant on the trees.

For those who prefer the outdoors, explore the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail, or Table Rock State Park for a nice hiking experience.

🌟Top Activity: Self-guided cart tour along the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail

🏨 Where to Stay: Chateau On The Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center (check availability)

Recommended by Caitlin of Twin Family Travels

5. New York, New York

🌡️ Average Weather: 64/50 °F

New York city comes to life during October. The scenery turns to gorgeous oranges and reds and the entire city just has such a vibrant atmosphere as it prepares for Halloween. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the fall is the time of year when New York is far less busy. Therefore, you can expect fewer crowds, and you may be able to get a good deal on a hotel.

There are so many Halloween-based activities that take place during this month. Many haunted houses, such as ‘Blood Manor’ are open for a spooky experience. For something family-friendly, spend time at the Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which features thousands of hand-carved lanterns. 

If you’re in New York for Halloween, make sure to take part in the Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village. 

This is also a great time to experience fall foliage around the city. One of the best free things to do in NYC is to stroll around Central Park – especially in October when the leaves are starting to change colors.

The only negative to visiting during October is that you may experience wet weather. The temperatures are usually around 48°F.

🌟Top Activity: Leaf peeping in Central Park

🏨 Where to Stay: Conrad New York Midtown (check availability)

Recommended by Samantha from Find Love and Travel

6. Finger Lakes, New York

🌡️ Average Weather: 62/42 °F

The Finger Lakes region in New York is one of the best places to visit in the US in October for fall foliage and harvest events, set against the picturesque backdrop of the lakes and vineyards.

If you enjoy wine, the Finger Lakes have countless wineries with multiple options for tasting tours and events. 

If you want to get out and enjoy a hike, there are many great waterfalls to discover and scenic gorge trails to explore. The hiking areas at Watkins Glen State Park and Letchworth State Park are among the most beautiful and renowned in the entire country!

In addition to the beautiful waterfalls, the foliage typically peaks in early to mid-October. 

While the changing leaves do bring more people to the region, October is one of the absolute best times to visit. Just plan to get out and about early if you want to avoid the crowds at the most popular spots. 

While visiting, you must check out an apple festival for some of the best fresh apple treats. The Ithaca Apple Festival, typically held at the beginning of October, is one of the largest and most well-known in all of New York.

🌟Top Activity: Hiking in Watkins Glen State Park

Recommended by Samantha of PA on Pause

7. White Mountains, New Hampshire

🌡️ Average Weather: 47/35 °F

The White Mountains of New Hampshire is one of the most quintessential destinations for the month of October.

The entire state becomes a blanket of colors as the leaves turn, which ensures scenery is stunning wherever you look across the White Mountains and New Hampshire as whole.

Fall foliage in New Hampshire is at its peak in early October, and the beautiful scenery continues throughout the month. October offers a wide variety of temperatures, but it’s usually crisp and autumnal.

The White Mountains include a National Forest, and several famous peaks including Mount Washington.

The White Mountain region offers a wide variety of places to visit. The Flume is a deep natural  gorge with a boardwalk built into the wall to enable visitors to truly experience the rushing water while on a scenic woodland walk.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is an iconic cog railway that climbs the side of the White Mountains’ tallest peak. Visit or stay in the famous Bretton Woods Resort, a historic hotel set in the White Mountains.

Although some sites close around mid-October (Loon Mountain Gondola & Cannon Mountain Tramway), it’s still very much worth a visit to this stunning and popular destination.

No trip to the White Mountains is complete without a drive down the Kancamagus Highway, an incredibly scenic route that connects Lincoln and Conway. It’s the singularly best way to experience October in New Hampshire.

🌟Top Activity: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway between Conway and Lincoln

🏨 Where to Stay: Omni Mount Washington (check availability)

Recommended by Jamie from Travel Addict

8. Napa Valley, California

🌡️ Average Weather: 77/46 °F

Napa Valley in October is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a blend of scenic beauty, culinary adventures, and a touch of the harvest season’s magic. 

October in Napa is all about the harvest season, where the vineyards are in full swing, offering an authentic experience for wine enthusiasts.

The weather is particularly pleasant, striking a perfect balance between warm sunny days (high of 77 F) for exploring vineyards and cooler evenings (low of 46 F) to curl up by the fireplace with a glass of wine at a Napa boutique hotel.

One of the top things to do is to embark on a wine tasting tour. The region is dotted with world-class wineries like the beautiful Chateau Montelena, each offering a unique perspective on winemaking. 

October is also the perfect time to admire the vibrant autumn colors of the vineyards from a private or shared 1 hour hot air balloon ride out of Yountville, CA. 

However, it’s important to note a couple of downsides. October is harvest season, and while it’s a fantastic time to experience the winemaking process, some vineyards may be busy with harvest activities, potentially limiting access or tours. Accommodation prices can also peak due to the popularity of the harvest season. 

Despite these minor setbacks, Napa Valley in October remains an unmissable destination for those who appreciate fine wine, great food, and stunning landscapes.

🌟Top Activity: Hot air balloon ride from Yountville

🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Yountville (check availability)

Recommended by Haley of Cool California Hotels

9. North Cascades, Washington

🌡️ Average Weather: 33/19 °F

If you’re looking to see some unique fall foliage, Washington state’s North Cascades National Park should absolutely be on your bucket list. Every October, the wildflowers and shrubs that carpet its mountain slopes burst into vibrant autumnal hues.

Plus, there’s a unique conifer, called a larch, which turns dazzling shades of gold before its needles fall off for the winter time. 

The best way to see the foliage for yourself is to head out on one of the incredible hikes in the park.

The most popular trail to see the larches is the Heather Maple Pass Loop, which passes countless groves of golden larches and climbs along a mountain ridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks of the Cascades.

For an easier hike, head to Cutthroat Lake, a gentle lake surrounded by larch-covered mountains. 

Just plan your visit for the first half of October—the North Cascades are at high elevations and often receive ice and snow by the middle of the month!

🌟Top Activity: Hiking the Heather Maple Pass Loop

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

10. Asheville, North Carolina

🌡️ Average Weather: 68/46 °F

October is peak leaf season in Western North Carolina so it’s one of the most popular times to visit Asheville. The Blue Ridge Mountains are stunning this time of year as they are painted red, orange, and yellow with the changing leaves.

The weather can be a little unpredictable during this time, but the average high is 68°F and average low is 46°F.

You’ll want to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and if you’re an outdoorsy person, then taking a hike in the area is a must. Craggy Gardens, Lookout Mountain, and Devil’s Courthouse are great places to see the foliage.

DuPont State Forest, Graveyard Fields, and Catawba Falls are beautiful waterfall hikes. If you want to get off the beaten path, there are tons of tours in Asheville that offer guided hikes in the area.

Visiting the Biltmore House is one of the most iconic things to do in Asheville and you should also walk around the River Arts District – maybe get an early start on Christmas shopping.

The North Carolina Arboretum is beautiful any time of year but there’s plenty in downtown Asheville to keep you busy too. Make sure to try at least a few of the breweries as Asheville is well-known as a brewery hot spot!

🌟Top Activity: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

🏨 Where to Stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn (check availability)

Recommended by Anna of Stuck on the Go

11. Woodstock, Vermont

🌡️ Average Weather: 59/35 °F

October is prime leaf-peeping season in the northeast, and Woodstock Vermont is the perfect choice for a fall foliage getaway, with color likely to reach its peak in the second or third week of October.

With highs near 60 °F, the weather in October is likely to be comfortable for exploring during the day but perfect for cozying up in front of the fireplace at night.

Woodstock is known as the “The Prettiest Small Town in America,” and lives up to its name, especially in October.

In addition to walking around to explore the village and admire the foliage, you’ll want to make time for sights like Quechee Gorge, the Billings Farm & Museum and the many covered bridges in the region.

A farmer’s market on the village green continues through mid-October, and features local food and textile vendors.

Woodstock is approximately two hours from Burlington, and the drive is especially picturesque in October.

🌟Top Activity: Exploring the fall foliage and covered bridges

🏨 Where to Stay: The Woodstock Inn and Resort (check availability)

Recommended by Adrienne of Destinations and Desserts

12. Stowe, Vermont

🌡️ Average Weather: 44/31 °F

Stowe, Vermont is an excellent US destination for October. Vermont in the fall is filled with vibrant fall foliage, maple creemees, and crisp fall air.

While all of Vermont is a paradise for those looking for beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows in the trees, Stowe is a particularly popular destination because this country town is so dang cute. 

Charming boutiques and restaurants line the brick sidewalks, and the Stowe Community Church sits proudly in the middle of the city, an iconic symbol in the town. 

Some of the best things to do in Stowe include visiting the Stowe Community Church viewpoint or stopping by the Welcome to Stowe sign in town.

For hikers, walking the Stowe Recreation Path, hiking to Stowe Pinnacle, or hiking to Nichol’s Ledge are some of the popular hikes in the area. 

Smuggler’s Notch State Park is just outside of Stowe and has a beautiful drive, lots of fun rocks to climb on, a small cave to explore, and several other hiking trails. 

If you want to admire nature but don’t necessarily want to do big hikes, taking the Gondola SkyRide to the top of Mt Mansfield is a fun activity. 

While Stowe is picture perfect adorable and has a lot of great surrounding nature and trails, it does get extremely busy in October, so be prepared for crowds and traffic in the city limits. Still, it’s a great destination for beautiful fall foliage in October. 

🌟Top Activity: Walk around and shop in downtown Stowe

🏨 Where to Stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak (check availability)

Recommended by Stephanie of USA Adventurer

13. Boulder, Colorado

🌡️ Average Weather: 67/39 °F

October is a fabulous time to visit Boulder, Colorado, the eccentric and quirky city located about 35 minutes from Denver. In October, the weather is typically sunny, with warm days and chilly evenings; it’s one of the things that locals love most about Colorado. 

Adventurous and outdoorsy travelers will love the opportunity to enjoy hikes directly from their hotel’s doorstep. You can also wander up and down Pearl Street, Boulder’s main pedestrian mall or stroll alongside Boulder Creek. Whether you enjoy a quick stroll or a long, challenging hike, you can find it within a short drive of Boulder. 

The best thing about visiting Boulder in October, however, is the chance to see the aspens turn bright golds and reds.

The Peak to Peak Highway has some of the best views outside of the city, and you can combine it with visits to mountain towns like Nederland or Estes Park. 

Although Colorado tends to be sunny and have days with great weather throughout the year, October is prone to snowstorms.

Because the temperatures tend to be warmer in the fall, it can lead to wetter snow that’s more likely to take down power lines and cause other disruptions. 

🌟Top Activity: Drive the Peak to Peak highway for amazing views

🏨 Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Boulder (check availability)

Recommended by Amber of Amber Everywhere

14. Big Island, Hawaii

🌡️ Average Weather: 86/72 °F

Also known as Hawaii Island, the Big Island of Hawaii is a popular destination for tourists all year round, but October is an especially perfect time to visit. 

With mild weather, fewer crowds, and discounted prices, it’s one of the best times to explore this beautiful island. It has stunning beaches, lush rainforests, active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and much more.  

October marks the end of Hawaii’s busy summer season, meaning visitors can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. This makes it easier to explore all of the incredible sights and activities the island offers. And with average high temperatures of 84°F and lows of 75°F, it’s the ideal weather for outdoor adventures.  

One of the must-visit places on the Big Island is Volcanoes National Park, which boasts two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. This National Park is a world-renowned geological wonder with spectacular landscapes of lava fields, steam vents, and some of the best hikes on the island. 

For beach lovers, October offers ideal weather conditions for swimming and soaking up the sun. Some popular beaches include Hapuna Beach State Park, Kua Bay, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.

Another must-do activity on the island is a night snorkel with manta rays. This incredible experience involves swimming with these gentle giants, who are drawn to the area by the lights that attract plankton, their primary food source. It’s a bucket list activity that you don’t want to miss!

In addition to natural wonders, the Big Island also has a rich cultural history. Visiting Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park offers a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life and customs.

The only downside of visiting Hawaii in October is that the islands are transitioning into the rainy season. However, this shouldn’t discourage you as the rain usually comes and goes quickly, leaving behind beautiful rainbows and lush green landscapes.

🌟Top Activity: One of the must-visit places on the Big Island is Volcanoes National Park, which boasts two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

🏨 Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (check availability)

Recommended by Trysta of This Travel Dream

15. Key West, Florida

🌡️ Average Weather: 85/79 °F

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in the USA in October then you can’t beat the Florida Keys. 

Not only is a visit to the Florida Keys one of the best things to do in Florida, but October is an ideal time to visit.

The water is clear for snorkeling and the weather is warm, but not hot. In fact, daily temperatures reach a high of 85 F and a low of 79 F. 

Additionally, you can attend Fantasy Fest during the last ten days of the month. It’s a fun street party that includes costumes, vibrant pool parties, awesome parades, marching bands, and more. 

Another great October event is the Bahama Village Goombay Festival. It starts on the 20th of the month and enables you to try delicious food, shop for fun souvenirs, and listen to fun music as you celebrate Bahamian culture.

You can also sign up for the Key West Zombie Bike Ride down Highway US1 to Duval Street and then check out ZombieFest afterward. Just don’t forget to dress up and get into the spirit.

🌟Top Activity: Snorkeling in the clear water

🏨 Where to Stay: The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West (check availability)

Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers

16. San Diego, California

🌡️ Average Weather: 74/61 °F

San Diego is an excellent place to visit in October if you are looking for mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. 

While many places across the United States begin to cool off, San Diego enjoys relatively warm weather with an average of 70 degrees and some occasional rainfall.

Still, there’s plenty of sunshine and clear skies during this time of the year to enjoy amazing outdoor opportunities like hiking, surfing, paddle boarding and camping among many other things.

Located not far from the Mexico border, San Diego offers tons of places for an active getaway like Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla Cave, Potato Chip Rock and Mission Bay.

To learn more about the history of the area, stop at Cabrillo National Monument, where you can get a glimpse into how the area was settled after the Spanish discovered it. 

A potential downside of visiting this place in October are higher crowds as many people come here to escape colder weather up north. 

🌟Top Activity: Hiking at Torrey Pines State Park

🏨 Where to Stay: Shore House at The Del (check availability)

Recommended by Stacy of Explore Baja California

17. Mighty 5, Utah

🌡️ Average Weather: Varies, up to 80 °F

Utah is home to five incredible National Parks known as Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’. This includes Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

Each National Park boasts its own unique landscape. From the natural stone arches of Arches National Park to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the Mighty 5 truly are incredible places to visit. 

October is one of the best times of year to visit the Mighty 5. The crowds have dispersed, the scorching heat has disappeared and it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking. 

If you want to hit the hiking trails, it doesn’t get much better than hiking through the parks in October. The heat is more bearable, the trails are quiet and there are still plenty of daylight hours to make the most of these natural wonders. 

There is a possibility of snow at higher elevations. Spots such as Bryce Canyon can sometimes see snow in late October which could limit hiking, but generally most places is October are still accessible. 

🌟Top Activity: Hiking – best trails vary by National Park

Recommended by Emily of Journey by Backpack

18. Kanab, Utah

🌡️ Average Weather: 75/43 °F

Kanab, Utah, is a great option for a vacation destination in the US in October. With highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s, and only 3 days of rain on average, the weather is perfect for hiking and exploring nearby Zion and Bryce.

While most people will visit the National Parks in southern Utah, there is much more to see and do. Kanab is a great central spot to explore the best of Southern Utah with plenty of options for hotels and restaurants.

Take a day trip or tour out to White Pocket, Arizona, an otherworldly location best accessed from Kanab. Visit the sand caves in Kanab or, if you are up for more of an adventure, head out to the Great Chamber near Kanab.

If you want to see slot canyons, don’t miss Wire Pass. Feeling lucky? Try to score a permit for the Wave or South Coyote Buttes in the lottery either before your trip or once you arrive.

October is one of the best times to visit Kanab with fewer people and some of the best weather of the year. It definitely deserves a spot on your USA travel bucket list for October.

🌟Top Activity: Wire Pass slot canyons

Recommended by Christina of Live Love Run Travel

19. New Orleans, Louisiana

🌡️ Average Weather: 81/62 °F

Contrary to what you may think, October is a perfect month to visit New Orleans. By this time, the sweltering summer heat and humidity have subsided.

Temperatures are cool enough to make strolling through the streets of the French Quarter (and sampling all there is to eat in New Orleans) enjoyable, but still warm enough to enjoy relaxing poolside in the afternoon. 

Fall in New Orleans sees its fair share of festivals as well. Some to look out for if visiting in October include Oktoberfest, Gentilly Fest, and Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest.

New Orleans is also the perfect city to get into the spookiness of the Halloween season by taking a ghost tour or voodoo history walking tour, visiting the Mortuary haunted house, or catching the Krewe of Boo parade. 

The only drawback to visiting New Orleans in October is hurricanes. October is still peak hurricane season, so you’ll need to be flexible in case a storm forms.

With hurricanes, typically you will be notified that a storm may be on its way several days to a week ahead of time. So long as you have travel insurance, canceling or rescheduling your trip shouldn’t be an issue. 

🌟Top Activity: Exploring the French Quarter with a haunted walking tour

Recommended by Jackie of Bon Voyage Jackie

20. Albuquerque, New Mexico

🌡️ Average Weather: 72/46 °F

The fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Albuquerque as the days are warm with crisp autumn air and lots of sunshine. Situated in the high desert bordering the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque comes alive in October for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. 

For nine days at the beginning of each October hundreds of balloons ascend above Albuquerque in the largest balloon festival in the world. The Mass Ascension is the highlight to the balloon fiesta with over 500 hot air balloons taking off at the same time. 

If you book in advance, you can even go up in a hot air balloon during the festival. Plan to attend a few sessions over different days in case balloons are grounded due to wind. 

Before or after attending the balloon fiesta, don’t miss out on exploring the delicious New Mexican cuisine with the very hot Hatch Green Chile sauce on dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, and burritos. You can always ask for the sauce on the side and add the level of heat you are comfortable with. 

Other fun activities include taking the tramway up to the top of the Sandia Peak with ample hiking trails, walking around the Albuquerque’s old town, the Hot Air Balloon museum, and visiting Boca Negra Canyon for petroglyphs. 

🌟Top Activity: Hot Air Balloon Festival

🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque (check availability)

Recommended by Vanessa of Traveling Ness 

21. Page, Arizona

🌡️ Average Weather: 71/50 °F

Page in Arizona is an ideal destination for your October travel plans. During this month, you will enjoy more comfortable weather compared to the summer heat, and the crowds are significantly fewer.

The surrunding area boasts some of the most stunning natural attractions in the US. The Antelope Canyon is known for its extraordinary rock formations and light beams – especially the Upper Antelope Canyon. Nearby is also Horseshoe Bend with it’s unforgettable view of the Colorado River.

For those willing to venture a bit further, Monument Valley is just a 2-hour drive away. Monument Valley is famous for its towering rock formation. This iconic landscape, often featured in movies, is even more inspiring in person, so it is really worth the drive.

The cooler, more comfortable temperatures in October are perfect for exploring these wonders. In addition to that, the thinner crowds might mean no need for advance tickets to Antelope Canyon. Also you will have no problem finding a parking space on the Horseshoe Bend parking lot.

However, keep in mind that October weather can be somewhat unpredictable. While generally pleasant, evenings may cool down, and there is a chance of rain and strong winds.

🌟Top Activity: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

🏨 Where to Stay: Under Canvas Lake Powell (check availability)

Recommended by Anna and Anne of Perspektivan

22. Tahoe, California

🌡️ Average Weather: 61/35 °F

For your October vacation in the United States, consider heading to Lake Tahoe, which sits right in between California and Nevada. Fall is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe, because of fewer crowds than in the summer and typically, the end of ‘fire season’ which occurs in August. 

In Lake Tahoe in October, the weather can be a bit cooler, with an average high of 59°F. Be sure to pack some warm clothes to enjoy the early sunsets, which typically occur between 6-6:30pm in October. 

Lake Tahoe is rich with outdoor beauty that allows you to appreciate the scenery. While it’s too cold to swim at that time, you can still go kayaking or take a chartered boat tour. There are also many hikes ranging from easy to difficult that give you incredible views of the alpine lake with mountains in the background. 

South Lake Tahoe has a variety of activities that are open in October, such as a gondola that will take you to the top of a mountain, an old fashioned movie theatre, and the historic 100-year old Tallac Home. Be sure to drive through Emerald Bay which is halfway to North Lake Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe is quieter than the South Lake area, but there are a few more things to do. It is also close to other touristy towns like Truckee which would make a nice day trip in October.

There are no downsides to visiting Lake Tahoe in October, other than the fact that it’s ‘in between’ seasons. It might still be too warm to go skiing and too cold for swimming. So if you’re ok with not doing these activities and want to see this beautiful alpine lake in the fall, then Lake Tahoe in October might be for you!

🌟Top Activity: Kayaking on the lake

🏨 Where to Stay: Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons (check availability)

Recommended by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

23. Helen, Georgia

🌡️ Average Weather: 71/46 °F

Out of all of the events in Helen, GA, Oktoberfest is by far their most popular (and longest running). This little alpine village has been hosting a German-style festival for over 50 years that includes traditional dancing, food, and beer.

It is actually the longest running Oktoberfest in the US!

To accompany the music and dancing, visitors can expect to see some fun, traditional Bavarian outfits on both humans and their pets. Dressing up is encouraged but definitely not mandatory. 

The village restaurants create authentic German fare all year long but often run specials during Oktoberfest. We recommend trying out Hofer’s of Helen for one of the best reuben sandwiches in the state.

If you really crave traditional German food, check out Bodensee for sauerbraten, spaetzli, and Hungarian goulash.

The festival generally runs every day from the last weekend in September through the last weekend in October.

If you travel with kids, we recommend experiencing the festival on a weekday to avoid some of the college-aged groups that participate on the weekends.

Need other family-friendly ideas? Check out these activites that are great for families with younger kids.

🌟Top Activity: Oktoberfest

Recommended by Brianna of Third Row Adventures