12 US Cities for Fall You’ll Want To Visit Before the Leaves Disappear
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Wondering what the best US cities for fall are? As the air cools down and the leaves change, some US cities are just prettier than others. From colorful parks to painting-like mountains, these US cities are the perfect destinations for fall.
Fall is a time when many cities across the US experience epic fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and exciting festivals. You’ll experience non-stop fun and excitement while taking in the beautiful hues of color and fall landscapes.
It’s time to book your tickets to these ultimate fall destinations. To help you choose where to go this year, we’ve included the 12 best US cities for a fall getaway below.
Chicago, Illinois
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The US’s second-largest city goes all out in the fall. You’ll see some of the most colorful fall colors in the country while the city’s delicious cuisine puts you in a perpetual food coma.
Head to destinations such as Millenium Park to see the foliage, fall markets, and famous art installations like the Chicago Bean. Or, take a walk through the city’s historical neighborhoods and cemeteries, which make you feel like you’ve entered a painting.
Every fall, the city transforms for Halloween. Don’t miss Chicago’s famous Día de Muertos at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Or, check out Fall Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo for endless family fun and activities.
Read also: Affordable US Destinations for Fall
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The small city of Santa Fe turns into a fall paradise come early October. Check out the annual Harvest Festival for live music, food, and endless fun. Then, don’t miss the annual Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Fall Powwow on the first weekend of October and mid-October Santa Fe Indigenous Center’s Intertribal Powwow.
In nearby Albuquerque, visitors can check out the International Baloon Fiesta, the world’s largest celebration of hot air balloons. Then, mid-October, you can participate in the Santa Fe International Film Festival and see some of the year’s best independent films.
As the season approaches Halloween, don’t miss the spooky Spirits of New Mexico Festival. After Halloween passes, Santa Fe hosts one of the country’s liveliest Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. If you need more reasons to visit, just think of the dreamy cuisine the city is famous for and you’ll want to jump on the first flight.
Read also: Awesome Fall Foliage Train Rides in the US
Cincinnati, Ohio
The city of Cincinnati is famous for its unique small-town vibes, beautiful autumn colors, and culturally rich events. And, it has the amazing Cincinnati Zoo which turns into a fall paradise for leaf peeping every October.
If you love historical things, check out Fall’s Ohio Renaissance Festival to see knights jousting and other medieval mayhem. There’s also the Country Pumpkins Fall Festival for endless family fun.
As fun as these events are, nothing compares to Cincinnati’s world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati takes place in late September. You’ll get endless local beers, food, games, and costumes at the largest Oktoberfest in the US.
Read also: Awesome Destinations for Fall Foliage in the US
Boston, Massachusetts
During the fall, Boston, the largest city in New England, comes alive with plenty of excitement, color, and traditions to keep you busy for months.
First, head to the Eastern State Exposition’s annual Big E Festival. Here, you’ll have tons of live music, games, and events that take place under beautiful fall foliage. Then, head over to the city’s most famous brewery to enjoy the Sam Adams Downtown Taproom Octoberfest.
Come October, you can enjoy Boston Public Market’s popular Harvest Party, for day and night’s worth of adult fun and dancing. For beers, live music, and more lively fall fun, don’t miss Trillium Brewing Company’s annual Fall Fest, one of the biggest fall celebrations in the city.
Read also: Beautiful Fall Destinations in the US
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is made for the fall. Imagine flannel shirts, live grunge bands, moody weather, and tons of spooky history and you’ve got the recipe for fall fun. It also has some of the country’s best fall festivals.
For family fun, check out the Washington State Fair in September. Then, don’t miss the live music of Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Festival where some of the country’s best jazz musicians come to let loose.
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As Halloween approaches, head downtown to take in the city’s famous Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. As if that couldn’t get better, you’ll also get to experience endless chocolate at the Northwest Chocolate Festival.
Read also: Beautiful Fall Foliage Destinations
Asheville, North Carolina
Tucked in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is like an autumn lover’s dream. From serene mountains full of color to its endless natural wonders, you’ll need several weeks just to take it all in.
When you’re not hiking and enjoying the city’s endless nature, head downtown to sample the city’s craft beers during Oktoberfest.
In October, head to the Asheville Art in the Park to take in beautiful local artwork and endless food. Then, don’t miss the massive Blue Ridge Pride Festival, for live music, dancing, parades, and plenty of fun.
Read also: US Cities With Colorful Fall Foliage
Burlington, Vermont
It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful city during the fall than Vermont’s largest city, Burlington. Although it is known for being a charming destination, in the fall, it transforms into a world of color and lively events.
In September, Burlington hosts one of the country’s most beloved Pride Parades. Then in October, you’ll have the chance to see endless live music at the Grand Point North Festival. If live bands, games, and incredible food are on your to-do list, then this festival will rock your world.
After you’ve gotten your fill of fall festivities, hop in your vehicle and drive through the rolling hills surrounding the city. Vermont is considered the best place in America for taking in the fall foliage, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity. Stowe, a charming town at the foot of the highest peak in the state, Mt. Mansfield, is just a short drive away from Burlington. It is known for its fall colors and the nearby bike and hiking trails.
Read also: Stunning Places To Experience Autumn
Boulder, Colorado
At the base of the Colorado Rockies is the city of Boulder. Here, you’ll gaze at the colorful aspen trees covering the mountain foothills. You’ll also have fun events and fall parties to take advantage of.
The first event to take part in is September’s Downtown Boulder Fall Fest. You can walk through the city and take in live music, endless food, and local events. Then, check out the city’s fun Halloween drive-in movies event which brings you back to the past by screening some of the most famous spooky films of all time.
On top of all the fun events, the biggest highlight of spending fall in Boulder is the colorful mountain drives. Just nearby, you’ll get to take in the bright yellow aspens and dark green conifers as you zig-zag into the giant Rocky Mountains. For adventurers, this is a fall experience not to be missed.
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Salem, Massachusetts
If you’re thinking of spending the Halloween season anywhere, why not head to Salem? The site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials is one of the most haunted cities in America. It’s also one of the most fun destinations to visit in October.
The city comes alive as soon as summer ends. Decorations, parades, and special events run all through October and November. Salem’s magical Halloween Parade and the festival attract hundreds of thousands of costumed spectators who come to the party and take their chances on seeing the paranormal.
When you’ve had enough of the creepy fun, you can head off and explore the fall foliage around Salem’s old neighborhoods. Parks such as Salem Woods Highland Park offer plenty of hiking trails to take in the striking fall foliage.
Read also: Haunted Tourist Destinations in the US
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Deep in the Smoky Mountains, Chattanooga experiences some of the brightest fall colors in the country. Here, you’ll see the entire forest covering the nearby Prentice Cooper State Forest come alive in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows.
If the colors and nature aren’t enough, the city features incredible fall festivals. Events such as the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival and Rocktoberfest, give the stage to some of the best musical acts in the South. Then, don’t miss the fun food and decorations of the famous East Ridge Annual Fall Festival.
When you’re not partying or enjoying the fall decorations downtown, explore the city’s old neighborhoods and nearby communities in the forest. You’ll see romantic treehouses, charming villages covered in colorful foliage, and fun local markets.
Read also: Most Haunted Places in the World
New York, New York
New York is definitely one of the best US cities for fall. Let’s be honest, the Big Apple is incredible to visit any time of the year. In the fall, however, it comes alive with colors and festivities.
First, there’s no place more romantic than Central Park during the autumn. You’ll find plenty of live events, markets, performances, and, of course, colorful hues of reds and oranges that turn the city into a painting.
Check out the Queen’s County Farm, founded in 1697. It’s the longest-running active farm in New York City. Then, snack on apple cider donuts while taking in the light shows of the Morningside Lights Festival. And don’t miss the light show display at the New York Botanical Garden inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Read also: Scenic Fall Road Trips in the US
Portland, Oregon
Every fall, people in Portland put down their lattes and party like there’s no tomorrow. From autumn festivals and Halloween parties to gorgeous fall harvest festivals, Portland knows how to ring in the season.
In September, head to the Portland Oktoberfest to sample the city’s world-famous craft beers. Then, it’s time to gorge on pumpkin pie and fall fruits at the Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park.
One of the city’s unique festivals is the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Participants hollow out massive pumpkins and race each other for the honor of being the event’s champion. If you love fall, Portland may be the perfect destination.
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