12 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in October

Toying with planning a getaway this October? Well, now isn’t the time for hesitation. Fall foliage, pumpkin patches, Halloween adventures, and brisk mountain mornings lie just around the corner.

Deciding on your ultimate fall destination is a tricky task. But fret not, we have you covered as we explore the towns and cities that do October best!

12. Asheville, North Carolina

The East Coast and the Appalachian Mountains really have it made when it comes to mesmeric fall colors. Sepia, carmine, and russet flood the valleys and cross the peaks making mountain towns like Asheville the perfect October getaway.

Whether you have your iPhone or have brought a fancy camera, you’ll be clicking your way through town as you visit the Biltmore Estate, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and meander through the River Arts District.

Being further to the south, Asheville has a lengthy fall foliage season giving you more time to explore the lakes of Looking Glass Rock and Crabtree Falls. At golden hour, craft beers along the French Broad River are just what the doctor ordered.

11. Salem, Massachusetts

The capital of spook and center of haunt, Salem is a year-round destination for all lovers of witchcraft and History. Three centuries on from the Salem Witch Trials, the town continues to capture the imagination of visitors. It only becomes more fervent in October.

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, Salem puts on a show. Haunted tours through town reveal the true tales of yesteryear and the ghosts that still may linger. The preservation of its incredible past makes it all the more real for those who come, while festivals and parades remind us that we are just here to have fun.

10. Burlington, Vermont

Ready to experience peak New England fall vibes? Well, book a ticket to Burlington. With the fall foliage tracker handy, you won’t have to go far for some memorable leaf-peeping. In fact, it may just be as simple as looking out the hotel window.

Few places embrace the autumn spirit like Vermont. In the state capital, you’ll find the Burlington Farmers Market and the annual Art Hop Festival. Combine that with apple picking at the local orchard and your inner fall fanatic will be beaming.

With Halloween around the corner, the city has plenty of haunted tales. Check them out on the Queen City Ghostwalk.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

In the heart of summer, New Orleans experiences humid temps in the 90s. Come October it falls to a far more palatable 81, with fewer rainy days. Great weather, NOLA fun, and the city’s voodooism make it primed for an October escapade.

Without the big summer crowds, visitors can enjoy the best that New Orleans has to offer. Yes, we have the French Quarter, the booze-soaked Bourbon Street, grand ole architecture, and ghost stories. But there’s still the eats and drinks along Magazine Street, the mossy oaks of Audubon Park, and alligators in the nearby swamps.

8. Flagstaff, Arizona

We mentioned NOLA’s fall weather, but Flagstaff sees a more impressive dip from its desert summer blaze. October marks a fantastic time to explore Flagstaff with the opportunity for side trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Yes, this may be Arizona, but you can still enjoy some leaf-peeping in Flagstaff. Head to the Arizona Snowball for the bright golden leaves of aspens and the everlasting ponderosa pines along the Aspen Nature Loop Trail.

Afterwards, Historic Downtown Flagstaff awaits for boutique shopping, museums, and galleries.

7. Napa, California

October marks the last few weeks of grape harvest season here in Napa Valley. With the summer heat behind us, the heart of fall marks a sublime time of year to experience a wine lover’s dream destination.

With the vineyards sweeping to the left and right, rolling green hills provide a stunning corridor to explore. Scenic drives course through the valley with speed and elegance, while bike paths allow a slow, measured experience. Both a hint of both, grab a ticket on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Of course, you’re here to sample wine and enjoy nature. So why not do a little both on a hot air balloon?

6. Houston, Texas

We continue the theme of hot cities that come good in October. It’s this time of year that visitors can experience why locals love the Bayou City. You know of the big attractions, like the Space Center. But the city’s museum space is underrated from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Museum of Natural Science.

But it’s the perfect time of year to be outside and discover Houston’s Green Spaces including Buffalo Bayou and Hermann parks. Top it off with some Halloween fun like Scream on the Green and Boo on the Boardwalk for a memorable October getaway.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

When that perfect fall temperature hits Boston in October Travelers discover the historic city at its peak. There’s something magical about this time of year. The Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale rimmed with cinnamon is poured in every tavern. The cobblestones along the Freedom Trail glimmer after a dusting of rain and the trees along the Charles explode in a technicolor fashion.

This vibrant blend of not-too-hot not-too-cold makes exploring Beantown a blessing. After spotting Paul Revere’s House and eating too much cannoli in the North End, venture out to spot whales or embark on a Ghosts and Gravestones Tour as Boston’s history blends with Halloween festivities.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

October is the magical season for locals in Albuquerque. The mornings are fresh and the days mild as the town’s cottonwoods dance with different colors after a long, hot summer. The Rio Grande comes to life, parks and main streets welcome markets with fresh produce and roasted chile. Oh, and there’s the largest hot air balloon festival on earth.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has few peers. Across nine spectacular days, the skies are painted not by the sunrise but by 500 vibrant balloons. Watch from the ground, or join one to fly among the clouds.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

October is one of the best times of year to see why Chattanooga is known as a scenic city. Autumnal leaves, lively neighborhoods, downtown festivals, and outdoor adventures will fill up your itinerary and leave you with plenty of pumpkin-spiced memories.

Oktoberfest, 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass Music, and Taste of Southern Gala bring great times, brews, music, and southern cuisine to your vacation. Dread Hollow, Boo in the Zoo, and Spooky Paws Pet Parade coat the town in Halloween spirit.

You’ll always be just minutes from outdoor fun on the Tennessee River, while Sunset Rock is the place to welcome golden hour.

2. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The clock is ticking here in Minneapolis. October is the last grand month for outdoor fun before we hunker down upon the first snowfall. As a last hurrah, October in Minneapolis holds an alluring atmosphere. Everyone is out and about, fall markets and festivals occur left, right, and center, while the Chain of Lakes becomes the den of autumnal picnics and foliage.

For some amazing October vistas, head to Boom Island Park for foliage among the city skyline. Afterwards, head along the Mississippi River in a kayak before curing your appetite at either Kingfield or Midtown markets. At night, Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular awaits.

1. Santa Barbara, California

If you picture spending fall outdoors, sipping wine, hiking the mountains, and digging your toes in the sand, Santa Barbara is the place for you. Harboring some of the best beaches in California, sand, swimming, and picturesque sunsets await.

Take it up a notch with kayaking around the Channel Islands National Park or horseback riding along the coast.

Downtown welcomes film festivals, live music, pumpkin patches, farmers markets, and harvest season wine tours. You get the picture, it’s all you need from fall, in one place.