As cooler weather approaches and the leaves change color, you might be excited to explore stunning landscapes and cities across America. Who could blame you? These breathtaking views are a sight to behold. From the mountains of Wyoming to the bustling streets of the Big Apple, the best fall vacations await. Pack your sweater and scarf to explore these exciting destinations.

1. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, is among the most spellbinding towns to visit during the fall season. With a creepy history of witches and spooks, it has everything you’re looking for in a fall getaway. 

The Salem witch trials occurred from 1692 to 1693, in which residents and officials accused 200 people of practicing witchcraft. Twenty were executed in the most gruesome of ways, from hanging on Gallows Hill to being pressed to death. Another five died while in prison. 

Today, there isn’t a lack of witch museums, ghost tours and psychics for visitors seeking a scare. In October, you can even attend the Haunted Witch Village — Salem’s longest-running haunted house attraction.

Of course, Hocus Pocus fans love going on walking tours to visit the classic film’s most notorious settings. This includes the Salem Witch Museum, which was the Sanderson Sisters’ house.

2. Farmington Valley, Connecticut

The Farmington Valley is home to the state’s most charming fall towns in northwest Connecticut. Stop by Hogan’s Cider Mill in Burlington for the freshest apple cider you’ve ever tasted, or visit the antique mall at the Collinsville Axe Factory. In fact, you’ll find lots of antique stores in the surrounding towns, along with grand historic homes and lush apple orchards.

Of course, the highlight is the Farmington Valley’s fall foliage, which you can enjoy while hiking in the Nepaug State Forest or kayaking on the Farmington River — truly the best fall vacation for couples. Additionally, just 120 minutes of outdoor physical activity is enough to boost your mood on the grayest and coldest fall days. 

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its arty vibe and friendly community. It’s also the location of the infamous Biltmore Estate. However, the small city also makes one of the best and most relaxing fall vacations thanks to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and its many recreational opportunities.

Visitors often venture to Craggy Gardens — a 5,500-foot elevation just 35 minutes from downtown Asheville, providing picturesque fall views. Try zip-lining or picking apples in one of the mountain orchards. 

At the end of a busy day, stop by one of Asheville’s 60+ craft breweries and taprooms — the city is recognized as having the country’s highest number of breweries per capita. Of course, you and your partner might book a stay or enjoy wine tasting at the Biltmore, too.

4. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the best fall vacations, but it’s an exciting stop for autumn haunts. During Halloween, there are endless ghost tours, ghost hunts and haunted inns to see. 

Of course, Savannah’s haunting shouldn’t be much of a surprise. The city’s history is rich in bloody battles, a Yellow Fever epidemic and a once-busy port of the Atlantic slave trade. 

For those not interested in a scary time, autumn is the season of festivals, such as the Jazz Festival, Film Festival and Oktoberfest. 

5. New York City, New York

New York City is a good idea any time of the year, but it is especially a great place to visit in the fall. You will always have things to do in the city that never sleeps, from leaf-peeping in Central Park to chowing down on cider donuts from the farmers market and sipping on cabernet at Brooklyn’s beloved New York City Wine & Food Festival.

After a long day of taking photos in Prospect Park, the East Village and the Upper West Side, warm up with a cup of tea at the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court. Also, if you’re lucky enough to book your trip in November, stick around for the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade.

6. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island, is a summer hot spot for tourists, but the town is just as attractive to autumn enthusiasts. Seasonal happenings include Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Food Festival and apple-picking at local orchards. Of course, nearby vineyards are the perfect place to unwind with friends and family.

Other fall activities include hayrides, bike tours and pumpkin picking. Head to Simmons Farm in nearby Middleton to take a goat for a walk or work your way through Escobar’s Highland Farm’s 8-acre corn maze — an annual pastime. 

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the best and most relaxing fall vacation destination for those who love the outdoors. The off-season offers many recreational activities, from mountain biking to hiking and fishing. In fact, September and October are most people’s favorite months in Jackson Hole, with wildlife actively preparing for hibernation.  

Come in mid-October to see the aspen trees turn different shades of yellow, gold and red. Just be sure to pack for fluctuating temperatures. It’s not unusual for nighttime temps to drop to the 30s and go up to the 80s during the day. Rain is also likely during the fall. 

8. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Like Savannah, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has a bloody history of battles. Of an army of 165,000 in the Battle of Gettysburg, 7,000 died and another 33,000 were injured. As such, the town is known to be haunted, with soldiers’ spirits spooking and pranking visitors at inns, restaurants and shops.

This fall, stay at the Cashtown Inn — a former Civil War hospital — where most soldiers were severely wounded and died. The Farnsworth House Inn is another popular stay, where guests have reported seeing a Union soldier carrying his injured comrade down to the basement. Others have heard ghosts singing.

Of course, there are plenty of non-ghost adventures to take advantage of in Gettysburg. Come during the annual National Apple Harvest Festival, meander a corn maze at Fields of Adventure and visit the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg for some new fall wear.

Enjoy a Spectacular Fall Getaway

There are exciting places to see nationwide during the fall, each offering something special for everyone. Make an autumn bucket for yourself and book the fall vacation of your dreams to ring in the season.