The United States of America is a huge country with loads of things to do. Winter brings with it a new set of activities and celebrations. If you are going to spend November in the USA but are not sure where to head to, don’t worry. We have you covered.
From the warm beaches of Hawaii to the Everglades in Florida, there are loads of amazing places to head to! Plus, we even have expert tips on where to stay and what to do in the area.
Don’t forget to check out our series on the perfect spots to visit in the USA by month. You can use the links below to access them easily.
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November In The USA: Table Of Contents
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Maui, Hawaii
- Napa, California
- Cocoa beach, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- San Antonio, Texas
- Moab, Utah
- Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
- North Georgia mountains, Georgia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Door County, Wisconsin
1. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is one of the top picks to spend November in the USA.
Location: One of the best places to visit during November in the USA is the gorgeous Hawaiian Island of Kauai.
Getting There: Getting to Kauai is fairly easy if you’re already on one of the other islands or if you’re heading in from the west coast of the US (especially LA or San Francisco), as there are direct flights daily.
Where To Stay: The next big decision travelers have is where to stay on Kauai! You can opt for the north (Princeville, Hanalei), the south (Poipu, Koloa, Waimea), or the East (Kapaa, Lihue). Lihue is extremely central and a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking to be central to many sights and close to the airport to take a doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai. It is also close to the Wailua River, a famous kayaking spot.
Travelers will need at least four days to see Kauai fairly well and some of the top places to see on the island are Waimea Canyon State Park and Na Pali Coast State Park. However, getting to Na Pali Coast State Park can be rather challenging if you’re not an avid hiker!
However, you can drive up Waimea Canyon to the very end and see it from above at the Kalalau Lookout! Other top places you shouldn’t miss on Kauai are Halaid-back, Hanalei town (hip and laid back vibe), Hanapepe, Wailua Falls, Anini Beach (fantastic for snorkeling), and Kokee State Park.
November is a fantastic time to visit Kauai as it will be cheaper than the summer months and you will still have wonderful, tropical temperatures.
The whale watching season tends to start a month later but you might catch an early glimpse. It is one of the best places to spend November in the USA.
The northern beaches are great for surf enthusiasts, and the southern beaches are calmer and great for snorkelers.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Kauai.
By Megan from Next Is Hawaii
2. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a fun place to spend November in the USA.
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Getting there: Overseas and interisland flights go to Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport. There are two other smaller airports on the island offering flights to and from Honolulu.
Where to stay: If it’s your first time visiting, Lahaina is one of the best places to stay in Maui. There are some great beaches nearby and the historic town is fun to explore.
The second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui is a wonderful place to visit for postcard views, sandy beaches and thick, native forest. Along with its world-famous beaches, Maui is known for its sacred Iao Valley, with a needle-shaped mountain peak and beautiful hiking trails. It is also one of the best places to spend November in the USA.
Maui is a place of rugged volcanoes, marine and bird wildlife and farm-to-table culinary experiences. The towns on the island have good restaurants and cafes, quirky shops and art galleries, giving visitors more than enough to do during their stay.
November is warm enough for swimming or surfing and the low crowds make it an excellent time to visit Maui.
It’s also the start of the whale watching season, and you may be lucky enough to catch a peek of the migrating humpback whales during your stay. There is also some excellent snorkeling in Maui.
November is also a good time for surfing in Maui, with bigger swells at some beaches. It’s also a lovely time of the year for hiking as temperatures are slightly cooler, so be sure to enjoy the views in Iao Valley.
You can also head to Haleakalā National Park, where you can spend a day hiking through pine groves, watching birds and exploring Hosmer’s Grove and its forest of eucalyptus trees.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Maui.
By Roxanne from Faraway Worlds
3. Napa, California
Napa is another amazing location to spend November in the USA.
Location: Napa is located one hour north of San Francisco in Northern California.
Getting There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. From there, rent a car or call an Uber to drive one hour to Napa.
Where to Stay: For a luxurious stay, book a room at the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa.
During November, plan to visit Napa, California for a relaxing vacation filled with delicious food and wine. One day in Napa as a day trip from San Francisco is great, but plan to stay longer if you can. The weather is perfect this time of year with an average high of 66 degrees fahrenheit and very few days with rain.
Napa is known for its wine, so explore all of Napa Valley at different vineyards that line the main road. Book a few tastings in advance at places like the Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Carneros and the V. Sattui Winery. If you’d rather stay in downtown Napa, there are over 35 tasting rooms you can enjoy as well, like Alpha Omega Collective.
Continue the wine journey by jumping on the Napa Valley Wine Train for the ultimate Napa wine experience. Ride through the valley enjoying epic views of the fall colors, eating exquisite dishes and drinking the local wine.
Opt for a daytime or nighttime experience, and book in advance as they always fill up. You can even start a new tradition this year and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner onboard the train!
Cap off your November trip to Napa with a day at the spa. The Calistoga Spa hot springs are perfect this time of year as the cooler weather makes the hot water from the spring feel amazing on your skin. Then grab dinner at Harvest Table where the menu is constantly changing offering seasonal dishes throughout the year.
You can see why the Napa valley is one of the best places to spend November in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Napa Valley.
By Tori From Tori Pines Travels
4. Cocoa beach, Florida
If you want to spend November in the USA at a beach, think about Cocoa beach in Florida.
Location: Cocoa beach, Florida
Getting To There: You can fly into the Orlando International Airport and take 528E Expressway to Cocoa Beach and get there in under an hour. Otherwise, Melbourne, Florida has a lesser-known airport just 30 minutes south of Cocoa Beach.
Where To Stay: Cocoa Beach has many great places to stay right on the beach but a popular option is the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, which is a 4-star hotel, just a couple of miles south of the pier and also near Port Canaveral.
Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay in November because the weather is still warm and the beaches are less crowded. You can enjoy all the Cocoa Beach beaches have to offer without having to worry about fighting for a spot on the sand.
The average high temperature in Cocoa Beach in November is 77 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 66 degrees, so you can still enjoy plenty of time outdoors.
November is a great time to take advantage of Cocoa Beach’s many shops and restaurants, as well as its lively nightlife scene, at places like the Beach Shack or Hunker Down Lounge.
The Atlantic Coast has amazing seafood options and many of the best restaurants in Cocoa Beach are right by the beach, including Florida’s Fresh Grill and Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster.
There are restaurants and shops right on the Cocoa Beach Pier. Watch the surfers ride the waves in the water, while you have a drink at Rikki Tiki Tavern at the end of the pier.
The Cocoa Beach Art Show takes place in November on Thanksgiving weekend, with food, music, and of course, some of the best art from across the country. It is one of the fun things to do in November in the USA and should not be missed if you can help it.
So if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some time by the water, Cocoa Beach is the perfect spot.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Cocoa Beach.
By Wayne from Always On The Shore
5. Orlando, Florida
Another iconic place to spend November in the USA is Orlando in Florida.
Location: Orlando is in central Florida, about an hour to an hour and a half from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast.
Getting There: The most common airport is the Orlando International Airport which has flights from all over the world.
Where to Stay: One of the best places to stay in Orlando is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is an amazing and unique place to stay. It gives you the feel of staying in the middle of an African safari adventure.
Orlando is one of the most wonderful places to visit. You have endless opportunities for adventure. You can spend countless hours at the many different theme parks, from Disney World and Universal Studios to swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove.
If that is not enough adventure or you want to try something a little different, you can check out the many natural springs in the area or spend some time paddle boarding with manatees. The Orlando, Florida manatees are really cool animals, with Florida being one of the few locations you will be able to find them.
Orlando is exceptionally great to spend November in the USA because the weather is perfect, and the many fun activities are not overly crowded. You will love spending time in the Orlando area. There is so much to do you can go year after year and still not be able to experience all the amazing adventures Orlando has to offer.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Orlando.
By Candice from CS Ginger
6. Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades National Park is an intriguing place to spend November in the USA.
Location: Everglades, Florida
Getting There: The Everglades National Park is a fantastic place to spend November if you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure. You can reach the park in less than an hour from Miami so it’s easily accessible. You will need a car though so consider looking into rental companies in the area.
The drive is easy so you can either visit the Everglades as part of a day trip or stay in the area. Alternatively, stay in Everglades City which has a small selection of local hotels.
In November, the weather in the Everglades is comfortable with little rain. This time is just after the hurricane season has passed so you’ll have a good chance of avoiding storms. Expect temperatures between 53 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the best ways to see the Everglades National Park is to go on a guided kayak tour through the mangroves. This is far more environmentally conscious than the airboats that many tourists take since there is no noise and native animals aren’t disturbed.
You’ll get to spot alligators, rare birds and many interesting plants. You can also hike in the Everglades or maybe even go camping if you’re up for the ultimate adventure. You can see why its an interesting place to spend November in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Everglades National Park.
By Victoria From Guide Your Travel
7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a fun city to spend November in the USA.
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Getting There: San Antonio is known for its rich culture and history, and, with its fairly central location, it’s easy to get to San Antonio from Austin or other Texas cities.
Southwest Texas is home to one of the most historic cities in the state: San Antonio! Alamo City offers year-round sun and activities everyone in the family will enjoy- especially if you’re looking for a warm destination for the winter months!
If you want to enjoy San Antonio’s mild winter, with temperatures usually ranging from mid-50s to 70s, head on over to the Alamo. The weather is one of the reasons why people spend November in the USA here.
Unsurprisingly, the Alamo is the most popular historical attraction in the city, and it’s one of the best free things to do in San Antonio. You can walk around the site yourself, watch staff recreate scenes from the Texas Revolution, or book a tour to get some more in-depth history.
Across the street from the Alamo, you can access the San Antonio Riverwalk, with paved walking paths winding along the San Antonio River. The paths are lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, which have beautiful patio seating to enjoy the riverfront views.
For first-timers, buy a ticket for a boat tour on the river. Your guide can tell you about the history of the river and surrounding buildings, and they’ll likely have some recommendations for the best food and margaritas nearby.
If it does get a bit chilly or rainy, head inside the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The museum brings western history to life through art and history, with exhibits focusing on western history and culture. Learn more about the wild, wild west or simply enjoy pursuing the artifacts and paintings.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in San Antonio.
By Rachel from Wanderu
8. Moab, Utah
Moab is a cool place to spend November in the USA if you love adventures activities.
Location: Moab, Utah
Getting There: The closest largest airport is Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes northwest of Moab.
Where To Stay: Sorrel River Ranch offers rustic-chic rooms and cozy touches, like a hot tub, in-room fireplaces, and an onsite spa.
If you enjoy outdoor adventure and spectacular scenery, Moab is an excellent place to visit in November. During the daytime, temperatures usually get up to the low 50s, whereas you’ll have cool evenings that are perfect for bundling up and warming up by a campfire. Plus, given the crowds of summer and early fall have waned, you’ll have Moab’s incredible landscape all to yourself.
There’s not one, but two national parks right outside of Moab- Arches and Canyonlands.
The more popular of the two is Arches, aptly named for the hundreds of sandstone arches, as well as fins and mesas, scattered across its red desert.
Be sure to carve out some time to explore the incredible hikes in Arches National Park– for example, along the Delicate Arch trail, you can climb up to the base of the eponymous arch and gaze up at the 46-foot structure towering overhead.
For a lower impact option, drive the Arches National Park Road and simply marvel at the unique rock formation jutting out of the earth.
Canyonlands is also absolutely worth a visit and offers jaw-dropping canyons, over a thousand feet deep, carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. You could spend an entire day looping around the park’s overlooks, like the Green River Overlook or the Grand View Point, with breathtaking vistas of the barren desert floor below.
Alternatively, there are plenty of great hiking trails here as well- for example, make your way to Upheaval Dome, where you’ll get an eagle-eye view of a three-mile wide 1,000 foot crater of unclear origins that scars Canyonlands’ rugged terrain. It is an interesting spot to spend November in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Moab.
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
9. Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
If you looking for winter activities then spend November in the USA in Schweitzer Mountain in Idaho.
Location: Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, Idaho
Getting There: The closest international airport to North Idaho is Spokane International Airport in Washington State. Landing in Spokane allows you to reach North Idaho in about two hours via Highway US-95.
Where To Stay: The Selkirk Lodge is a popular stay as it offers several hot tubs which are perfect to relax after a long day exploring Schweitzer in November
Located close to Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, Schweitzer Mountain is a popular independently owned mountain destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In November, with an average of 300 inches of powder snow and 2,900 acres of skiable tracks, Schweitzer Mountain turned into a prime ski resort for North Idaho. If you are interested in exploring more of the backcountry, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is also available.
That said, Schweitzer is also a prime destination in November in the USA for those who are not big fans of skiing. Schweitzer is one of the most romantic getaways in North Idaho. For example, the Selkirk Lodge offers several hot tubs and great dining opportunities.
From hot stone to deep tissue massages, Schweitzer also offers a range of spa treatments independently from the lodge. While visiting Schweitzer, whether for a day or two, don’t forget to spend some time looking at the incredible view on the Selkirk Mountain range and the valley!
Schweitzer is also located in the Selkirk Mountain Range which offers lots of activities for adventurers such as going on a snowmobile tour or a Fatbike tour, which is a bike designed to ride on snow.
While in Schweitzer, take a day to go explore Sandpoint. From visiting the market to seeing a show at the Panida theater and taking a nice walk on the beach, Sandpoint is a charming town to explore on a sunny crisp day!
By Mary From Be Right Back
10. North Georgia Mountains, Georgia
Want to catch the autumn colors? Spend November in the USA in the North Georgia mountains.
Location: The North Georgia Mountains are located approximately an hour and a half north of Atlanta. They start in the northeastern corner of Georgia and stretch in a westerly direction across most of the state’s northern border, encompassing multiple small towns and individual mountain summits.
Getting There: From Atlanta, you’ll head north on either Interstate 85 (to reach the eastern portion of the mountains) or on Interstate 75 (to reach the western portion).
Where to Stay: Since the mountains are spread across multiple towns, there are a variety of different places you could choose to stay. During fall in the North Georgia Mountains, the Helendorf River Inn is a popular pick. It overlooks the river in Helen, Georgia, and provides up-close views of the surrounding fall foliage.
November is the perfect time to experience fall foliage in the North Georgia Mountains! This mountain chain is a part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains that expand across much of the East Coast. They’re over a billion years old and are among the oldest mountains in the United States.
During November in the USA, there’s so much to do in the North Georgia Mountains since they cover such a large area and look absolutely beautiful when painted in the golden colors of autumn.
If you head to Blairsville, you can experience stunning views of the state from Georgia’s highest peak–Brasstown Bald. It’s located 4,784 feet above sea level and has a 360-degree observation deck. German mountain town Helen lies just 25 minutes away and can’t be missed while you’re in the area.
The small community is known for its fairytale-style architecture, indie shops, riverfront restaurants, and gorgeous twin waterfalls called Anna Ruby Falls.
Alternatively, you can head to the western edges of the North Georgia Mountains and explore the mountaintop Rock City Gardens. There’s a beautiful waterfall there that looks especially pretty during November in the USA, and if you climb to the viewing deck located above the falls, you can see all the way to seven total US states on a sunny day.
There are plenty of other waterfalls and hiking opportunities located throughout the North Georgia Mountains, and November is absolutely one of the best times to visit! Definitely consider this area the next time you’re looking for the perfect place to vacation during November in the USA!
By Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon
11. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the perfect spot to enjoy the autumn festivities. So a lot of people spend November in the USA here.
Location: Add Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to your autumn bucket list. This unique city settled amongst the trees and water of Western Pa is a beautiful stop to enjoy the foliage, festivities and fun that the region offers. Check the ever-growing list of autumn festivals to find events celebrating pumpkins, apples and maple.
Getting There: Pittsburgh has an airport (PIT), but it’s not serviced very conveniently by public transportation. Renting a car is the best way to experience the city, but you may be able to find even cheaper flights in the other regional airports.
The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) is located in the city of Latrobe about an hour away from Pittsburgh. It can be a convenient gateway to the region, being host to budget airlines.
Pittsburgh is also a stop on Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line, which travels from Chicago to Washington D.C. daily. Trains go through the beautiful Pittsburgh Union Station, which is just around the corner from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where Megabus stops.
Where To Stay: Stay downtown or in Lawrenceville for a walkable experience in the Burgh. Or, start in Pittsburgh and venture out into the wider Western Pennsylvanian region.
The beloved Laurel Highlands are gorgeous year-round, and you may be surprised to find bucket list items like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water and Punxsutawney Phil just a short drive away.
Stay for a weekend or for an extended remote working vacation – you won’t run out of ways to enjoy autumn in Pittsburgh!
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Pittsburg.
By Kayla from Writing From Nowhere
12. Door County, Wisconsin
Location: Door County, Wisconsin
Getting There: There are three international airports in Wisconsin that can help you reach there. The one closest is Austin Strubel airport in Green Bay. And the next closest is Appleton airport.
Where To Stay: Thorp Inn House & Cottages are the luxurious options. And in the mid-range, the best one is Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort. For a budget hotel, Snug Harbour Inn is best. AppleCreek resort is the best choice for a family-friendly hotel.
Are you thinking of a trip to Door County, Wisconsin? Many things must be popping into your mind. Well, you are in the right place. We will help you with your trip. Door County, Wisconsin in winter becomes magical, especially in January.
Door County is in the eastern part of Wisconsin. Even though it sounds like a single place, the name mentions an area of 3000 sq miles. It has 35 named islands and 19 distinct communities.
Going for a hike is the best way to enjoy the fall foliage. The view on November days is quite pretty. So, it’s the best time for hiking. The best hikes you can try – Newport, Peninsula, White Fish Dunes, etc. Explore the Inland Lakes. Door County might have around 19 lakes. You can visit Clark lake, Europe lake and Kangaroo lake etc.
Furthermore, visit the cafes and restaurants to enjoy authentic cuisine. Get to know the locals. This is the perfect time to get along with locals. You can sense the authentic culture of Door country. Also, you can meet the families who started their businesses decades ago.
By Paulina From Paulina On The Road
Traveling in November in the USA is an epic adventure. From the Everglades to snow capped mountains, from deserts to gorgeous islands, the options are varied. There is literally something for everyone.
Where would you choose to go in November in the USA? Let us know in the comments below.