In need of an escape? Musement takes a look at eight U.S. cities that make for a perfect autumn getaway.
Take advantage of cooler temperatures and off-season prices for a getaway in the U.S. this fall. These cities have plenty to offer in October—so take a two-day trip or make the most of a three-day weekend and get your fill of fun.
1. Boston
Boston is a great place to visit any time of year, but it really comes alive in the autumn. That colorful fall foliage that New England is known for can be seen in all its glory as you start your walk along Freedom Trail at Boston Common. Hungry for more than history? Fall is the perfect time to feast on in-season specialties including baked clams, boiled lobsters, and freshly shucked oysters.
2. Orlando
Fall is a wild time to be in Orlando. With temperatures still in the 80s, you can head into the Everglades to see gators basking in the sun before they go into hiding for the winter, or set off on a safari through the African Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Since school is back in session, Orlando’s theme parks are less crowded and tickets to the most popular attractions are easier to come by.
3. Philadelphia
Fall is festival season in Philadelphia. The city showcases its creativity in single-day celebrations like Old City Fest and multi-day events like DesignPhiladelphia. Community organizations honor the cultural traditions of the city’s residents with neighborhood Oktoberfests, Hispanic Heritage month celebrations, and planned activities for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Some of the most well-attended events include Philadelphia OutFest, the Midtown Village Fall Festival, and the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, each of which attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Philly every autumn.
4. Portland
Portland’s lively crowd bring out their flannel shirts and slouchy beanies when cool autumn breezes blow in from the Pacific. Join them at hipster-friendly hangouts like vegan food trucks and counterculture coffee shops for a taste of what it’s like to be a native Portlander. Before you head home, be sure to sample the city’s legendary craft beer selection on a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.
5. Denver
Colorado’s capital is passionate about the arts, so a weekend in Denver is a great choice for anyone who wants to catch a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, visit the city’s award-winning museums, or admire the architecture on a guided walking tour. If you’re an artist yourself, the beauty of the fall colors set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains might just inspire you to create your own masterpiece at one of Denver’s many drop-in studios.
6. Austin
You can’t visit Austin in October without making plans to go to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. You just can’t! This multi-day music fest is spread out over two weekends and features up-and-coming artists and world-famous acts playing everything from country to hip-hop. While you’re waiting for your favorite band to take the stage, you can sample Tex-Mex from local restaurants at the ACL Eats locations or browse the market in Zilker Park for a handcrafted souvenir to take home.
7. San Francisco
Summer might be over in San Francisco, but the City by the Bay doesn’t slow down just because there’s a chill in the air. The highlight of the fall season is Fleet Week, an annual event honoring the U.S. Armed Forces. This family-friendly event features an air show with the Blue Angels as the headliner and free tours of aircraft carriers and warships. Other seasonal activities include whale watching and annual fall festivals like Litquake, Wharf Fest, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass event.
8. New York
Can you really say you’ve been to New York City if you haven’t been to a Broadway show? It doesn’t matter if the highs only hit 60 degrees, you’ll be warming your seat while you watch some of the hottest Tony Award-winning shows this October. Before the lights go down and the curtain goes up, visit some of the Big Apple’s other iconic attractions like Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa).