September 17, 2025

Best Autumn Travel Destinations

Kiah Lewis
Birdseye view of autumn leaves changing through a forest with a winding road running through the trees.

Fall is, in our opinion, one of the best times of year to travel. With crisp air, golden leaves, and harvest season in full swing, the world seems to slow down just enough to take it all in. From cozy cities to sweeping mountain views, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to visit in the fall, both domestic and international.

Whether you’re craving vibrant foliage, world-class wine, or festive traditions, here are Majestic Hospitality’s top picks for autumn travel:

Domestic Travels

Overview of a quaint town with scattered autumn trees with shades of red, green, and brown, and red, brick buildings.

New England, USA


There’s a reason nearly every Halloween movie is set here. With storybook towns, glowing fall foliage, and charming main streets, New England is peak autumn. Take in the mountaintop views at Acadia National Park, sip on warm apple cider, and wander leaf-lined streets that feel straight out of a painting.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Dubbed the “Best Fall Foliage in the USA” by USA Today, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a Midwest gem. With peak fall foliage from mid-September to October, the crisp lake air and crunch of the leaves are true Americana. Although the midwest doesn’t have mountains to boast, the hikes are incredibly serene as you surround yourself with hues of orangey-gold leaves and treat yourself to a glass of Michigan’s iconic cherry wine.

Birdseye view of a waterfall with a dark, navy, and silver blue river bookended with trees full of sutumn colors such as red, green, yellow, and orange.
A view of mountains cascading throughout the image with tall pine trees and some crimson-colored trees in the foreground showing this photo was taken suring autumn.

Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The beauty of the Colorado Rockies truly shines in the fall. Watch the landscape transform with pops of yellow aspen leaves against snow-dusted peaks. The fall foliage and crisp air make this national park a perfect destination in the fall for outdoor activities and nature viewing such as fly fishing, prime wildlife watching, and hiking with light dustings of snow.

Napa Valley, California

Autumn is the harvest season in wine country. Between August and November, Napa transforms as grapes are gathered and crushed into your next favorite vintage. Fall foliage lines the vineyards, and seasonal menus showcase the region’s best. Come for the wine, stay for the ambiance

A close-up of red wine grapes hanging from a vine and surrounded by leaves.
The camera is overlooking the lake in Central Park, showing a reflection of the Sam Remo A view of the Sam Remo building in New York City, ans surrounded by orange, yellow, and green trees during autumn.

New York City, New York


Ahhh, Autumn in New York. There’s a reason so many of the great jazz artists sang about it, or why it makes When Harry Met Sally such an iconic fall film. Take in the views of the city and foliage with a walk through Central Park, pumpkin spice latte in hand, as you break in your new fall boots. And there’s nothing quite like the dining scene in NYC, with the shift into fall flavors and seasonal dishes, settle into a smoky jazz club or speakeasy, and sip on a decadent cocktail, you can’t beat autumn in New York.

A birdseye view of a winding road, surrounded by a forest of green, yellow, and some red trees during autumn.

Asheville, North Carolina

Soak in the southern charm in the quaint city of Asheville during the autumn season. You can enjoy scenic drives through Blue Ridge Parkway, hikes through the Appalachian Mountains, and sip on delicious local beers from Asheville’s incredible breweries. With North Carolina boasting one of the longest-lasting fall seasons, you can take in the sights of an array of colors from early-mid September all the way until mid-late October. 

International Travels

A view overlooking Neuschwanstein Castle as the trees turn orange and brown during the autumn season. The view is surrounded by the trees and the snow-peaked mountains in the background.

Bavaria, Germany

Prost! The start of fall is Germany’s peak festival season. Germany’s largest and highly regarded Oktoberfest celebrates the last hoorah of the summer season in Munich, located in Bavaria, Germany. Not only can you celebrate with lots and lots of beer, but it’s the perfect time to indulge in wine during Germany’s Wine Road, along with Wurstmarkt and Ludwigburg’s Pumpkin Festival. If you miss the beginning of the fall season in Bavaria, there’s no need to fret – the start of the iconic Christkindl markets kick off across the country in November. Take in the fall colors with views of stunning castles and old European villages with a pint and wurst in hand.

A view of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac surrounded by a gloomy, cloudy sky in autumn, with green and orange trees over a street.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City in the fall is mesmerizing as you surround yourself with hues of red, orange, and gold. Dig into the most delicious poutine of your life (just pretend the calories don’t exist) and walk around the old city, soak in a sunset boat tour, or stroll through the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. 

Tuscany, Italy

If California wine isn’t your thing, Tuscany just might be. Travel to Tuscany to sip on some of the most revered wines in the world, specializing in chianti with notes of cherry, earthy, and acidic notes that are perfect for the fall season. Outside of a delicious glass of wine, there’s no better time to experience the stunning architecture of Italy while dining on heaps of handmade pasta and seasonal delicacies such as truffles and chestnuts during their prime season. 

A view through a shadowy treetop overlooking a city and cathedral in Tuscany.
Bright red trees in autumn with a view of the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

Kyoto, Japan

While spring in Kyoto is known for its cherry blossoms, fall is an underrated gem. Temple gardens come alive with crimson and gold as Japanese maples and ginkgo trees burst into color. With long summers in this region, October stays warm, while November offers cooler temperatures and peak foliage. Indulge in comforting Japanese staples like steaming ramen and warm sake, and savor seasonal favorites such as roasted sweet potatoes and fragrant matsutake mushrooms, filling the air with the cozy scents of autumn.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh in the fall feels like stepping into a storybook. The city’s cobblestone streets, historic pubs, and Gothic architecture take on a moody charm as the days get shorter and the air turns crisp. Take a day trip to the misty Scottish Highlands, where rolling hills and ancient castles are cloaked in autumn color. Back in the city, wander through the Royal Mile, warm up with a hearty bowl of cullen skink, and end your evening fireside with a dram of local Scotch whisky in one of Edinburgh’s centuries-old pubs. Whether you’re exploring hilltop castles or simply watching the fog roll in over the city’s skyline, fall brings a special kind of magic to Edinburgh.

Overlooking view of Edinburgh, with some orange and green trees in autumn, and some sunlight peeking in through the clouds to shine some light on the city and clock tower.
Two adult and one baby giraffe walking through a yellow grassland with a bright blue sky.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Autumn marks the peak dry season and one of the best times to witness the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest thunder across the plains of the Serengeti, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, in one of the most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth. Golden grasses stretch endlessly beneath wide, blue skies, and predators like lions and cheetahs are often seen following the herds making this a prime time for safari adventures. With cooler mornings and clear skies, it’s an unforgettable time of year to experience the raw beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

A scenic view of snow-peaked mountains during a sunset, creating a purple and orange sky atop the changing colors of the autumn trees while reflecting off a river.

Banff National Park, Canada

The scent of pine trees and crisp mountain air during the fall season can’t be beat at a place like Banff National Park. As summer crowds thin out, the park transforms into a tranquil, painterly landscape of deep reds, fiery oranges, and glowing yellows. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are especially breathtaking this time of year, surrounded by dramatic peaks that sparkle with the season’s first snowfalls. Treat yourself to a warm drink near a crackling fire, or soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, surrounded by alpine views and steamy mist curling into the cool air.

A jongmyo sitting atop a calm pond and surrounded by orange and brown leaves during an autumn day.

Seoul, South Korea

Autumn in Seoul is a visual and cultural feast. The city’s palace grounds, such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, are lined with fiery red and golden leaves, offering stunning views and perfect photo ops. Take a crisp stroll or bike ride along the Han River, and warm up with steaming hotteok, tteokbokki, and roasted chestnuts from street vendors. Fall is also the season of Chuseok, Korea’s traditional harvest festival, where you can experience cultural performances, traditional attire, and festive foods that offer a deeper glimpse into Korean heritage and hospitality.

The Himalayas

The Himalayas in the fall offer scenic views of the mountaintops with clear blue skies and stunning foliage. Cozy up with some delicious curries from Southeast Asia and soak in the culture of Nepal, Northern India, Bhutan, and Southern China as they meet at the peak of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Whether you’re a risk-taking adventurer looking to hike some of the tallest mountains in the world, or a view-seeking traveler looking to soak up natural beauty, delicious food, and distinctive culture to the region, the Himalayas are some of the most beautiful views in the world.

The snow-peaked himalayan mountains with some orange and green bushes at the bottom of the valley.

Looking to create a property or brand that makes the list of captivating fall destinations?

At Majestic Hospitality, we partner with hotel owners, developers, and investors to bring visionary concepts to life—transforming standout locations into sought-after experiences. From luxury retreats to eco-forward escapes, our full-service consulting solutions are designed to elevate every aspect of your project. Let’s collaborate to craft a destination worth traveling for—start your journey with Majestic today.