October in the USA is fabulous. This is the time of the year when everyone heads out for scenic drives to check out the fall foliage in the USA. That however is not all! There are loads of cities and National parks that definitely need to be on your bucket list at this time of the year.
The question is which are the best locations to visit the USA at its best? We collaborated with locals and travel experts to determine exactly that. Our list turned out to be pretty impressive.
Plus we even have some super cool tips on how to get to each location, where to stay and the best things to do in October in the USA.
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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Table of Contents
1. Disney, Florida
Disney is one of the popular family destinations to spend October in the USA.
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Getting there: Fly into the nearby Orlando International Airport and then a short drive to the Disney parks via a Disney shuttle or rental car.
Where to stay: Staying on site in the Disney World resorts is recommended if you want to take advantage of the free shuttle system throughout the parks.
October is the best month to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida. Day time touring through the Disney Parks, like Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, is extra fun during this time of year because it is cooler than the summers and often less crowded since school is in session.
The bonus of a vacation to Disney in October is an extra special event called Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.
This fun Halloween event is an extra ticketed event that opens after the Magic Kingdom closes for the night on select days during the Halloween season. The sounds and sights of the Halloween season are on overload as Disney does it up throughout the park, aiming for fun spirits rather than spooky gory, and scary.
Don’t miss out on the special Halloween themed Boo-to-You Parade with a cast of fiendish characters including the hitchhiking ghosts from the Haunted Mansion! This spectacle floats down Main Street twice a night during the Halloween Party event nights.
There are also special Halloween treats and refreshments sold at the food vendors, and OF COURSE, trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. Kids and ‘kids-at-heart’ can take advantage of these goodies.
Disney allows costumes without masks, so dressing up adds to the Halloween excitement. It is a lot of fun interacting with Disney cast members in character who also enjoy a good Halloween costume!
Disney is definitely one of the coolest places to spend October in the USA!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to book your Disney Ticket online to avoid the queues!
By Michelle from Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
2. St. Petersburg, Florida
If you are spending October in the USA in Florida then definitely add St. Petersburg to your list.
Location: Sitting along the west coast of Florida is St. Petersburg, FL. The city is a twenty minute drive from Tampa, and about an hour and a half from Orlando.
Getting There: St. Petersburg can easily be driven to from anywhere in Florida and many spots in Georgia and South Carolina. However, if you plan to fly here, you’ll most likely want to fly into the Tampa International Airport. This is about a 20 minute drive to downtown, and easy to take an Uber or Lift.
However, you’ll definitely want to rent a car because there are so many amazing day trips from the Tampa Bay Area. Alternatively, you can fly into the St. Pete Clearwater Airport, there are just many less flight and airline options to and from this small airport.
Where to Stay: There’s no place better in town to stay than the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel. This “Pink Palace” is located right in the heart of downtown. It is packed with luxury and history around every corner, and looks out over the bay.
St. Petersburg, FL is an artsy little city full of things to do and delicious food to eat. Start with the art, as that is definitely what this place is known for. You’ll want to visit the two main galleries downtown, the Dali and the Museum of Fine Arts. Both are extremely easy to get to and have large collections of art to enjoy.
From there, stroll the streets of downtown St. Pete, as the locals call it, and look all over for wall art. You’re bound to find one around every corner. They fill the city with color and inspiration.
More art fills the St. Pete Pier, the newest activity in town. And this place has so much more than art. Stroll the 3,000 foot pier and enjoy the splash pad, beach, museum, market or go fishing! The pier offers 5 dining options from coffee to fine dining, and is stocked full of local seafood.
From here, enjoy the rest of the waterfront area along Beach Drive. Eat at Ceviche, or the famous Parkshore Grill and then stop for gelato at Paciugo.
Another great way to spend an evening in St. Petersburg is at Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays. The team is fun to watch, there’s a stingray touch tank to visit pre-game, and the food is outstanding.
Choose from one of the many local restaurants who have a stand here, from poke to bang bang shrimp to pulled pork grilled cheese. So if you love good food, then St. Petersburg is the perfect spot to be in October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes (it saves a lot on the popular attractions), local guides, tours and popular activities in St. Petersburg.
By Tori from Tori Pines Travels
3. Naples, Florida
Florida is a cool place to spend October in the USA and Naples means wine!
Location: Naples, Florida
Getting There: Fly into Southwest Florida Airport in Fort Myers and head south to Naples, which is about 40 minutes from the airport. If you’re looking for amazing ocean views on your drive, head over to Fort Myers Beach first, then head down to Naples.
Where To Stay: Cove Inn is located right on Naples Bay and just a short drive to the Tin City shops.
Naples is a beautiful city located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. The city is a popular haven for snowbirds and retirees, but with its white sandy beaches and fun activities, Naples is a great place for everyone to visit!
Visitors to the area can enjoy swimming at Lowdermilk Park and The Naples Pier or see wildlife at the Naples Zoo. There are also plenty of great places to eat in the city, with something for everyone from casual beach dining to fine dining and seafood at restaurants such as The Turtle Club or USS Nemo.
Naples is a great place to visit in October in the USA for several reasons. First, the weather is perfect during this time of year. The average high temperature in October is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 70 degrees.
Another reason to visit Naples in October is because of the Wine & Food Experience at Cambier Park. This event features some of the best food and wine from the region. If you’re a foodie, this is definitely an event you don’t want to miss.
If you’re looking for shopping, Tin City is a popular place with waterfront boutiques and shops, as well as restaurants. They also do boat tours from Tin City that take you around Naples Bay, where you get to see marine life and some of the most beautiful homes.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Naples.
By Wayne from Always On The Shore
4. Big Island, Hawaii
Big Island is definitely a great place to spend October in the USA.
Location: Big Island, Hawaii
Getting There: You’ll fly into either Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side of the island or Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side.
Where To Stay: If you’re looking for a luxurious Hawaiian getaway, book a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai- it’s got a beachside spa and two infinity pools!
The Big Island is frequently overlooked for its more popular neighbors, but other travelers are seriously missing out because there are loads of things to do on the island. From the best snorkeling in Hawaii to some of the most active volcanoes on the planet, the Big Island is a not-to-be-missed paradise.
Better yet, the Big Island enjoys dry weather and warm temperatures in October, making it the perfect place for outdoor adventures. So make sure that you pack properly for Hawaii and take all the essentials you need to spend time in the great outdoors.
Thanks to its remote location in the Pacific Ocean, the islands of Hawaii are home to hundreds of unique species only found here.
If you’d like to see some of these creatures up close, consider booking a snorkeling tour near the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay near Kona, where you’ll get to see hundreds of species of fish, Hawaiian sea turtles, and even spinner dolphins.
For another unique underwater adventure, join a night snorkeling tour, where you can swim within inches of enormous manta rays in Kona. Tour operators shine floating lights into the ocean, attracting plankton, which, in turn, attract mantas.
You’ll get to observe these gentle giants as they glide and feast on microorganisms just inches below your snorkeling mask.
Finally, be sure to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where, if you’re lucky, you can watch the Kileau Volcano erupt with flowing lava. Even if your trip doesn’t align with active lava flow, you can hike through the Thurston Lava Tube or along the Kileau Iki Trail, an enormous crater left over from an eruption decades ago.
You can see why it is one of the perfect destinations to spend October in the USA. Don’t forget to check out all the cool bookstores on Big Island while you are there. Sitting on a beach reading a book is one of my favorite pastimes here.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and popular activities on Big Island.
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
5. Oahu, Hawaii
If you are headed to Hawaii for October in the USA then don’t forget about Oahu!
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Getting There: The most common way to Oahu, Hawaii is by airplane. You can book a ticket at any website or at your local airport to arrive at Honolulu International Airport.
You can also book a ticket for a Hawaii cruise, but make sure that they have a route from where you are.
You should plan ahead if you choose to cruise because they may not have a route from where you stay, or they might have a closer city. You might need some kind of transportation in between.
Where To Stay: If you are a solo traveler or visit with friends, you should stay at the Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel where you will share a room with other travelers at a cheap price. It is within walking distance from Waikiki beach and Diamond Head. All you need is your surfing gears
If you wish to visit Oahu, Hawaii in October, then there are many activities and events that you can enjoy. The weather is perfect for a good swim and enjoying some water activities. You can see many people surfing this month. All you need is your surfing gears to venture across the Waikiki beach or the North Shore beach. You can see why spending October in the USA here is perfect!
You can also attend a surfing competition at North shore in October. It is called the Vans Pro surfing event where you can watch some professional surfers show off their skills.
There are other events taking place in October where you can enjoy good food and learn about Hawaiian culture with Hula dances and music. The most common events are the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, Coconut Festival, and Emalani Festival.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and popular activities in Oahu.
By Ossama from Awesome Traveler
6. Telluride, Colorado
Colorado is one of the picturesque landscapes that is a great place to spend October in the USA.
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Getting There: Tucked away in the box canyon in San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Telluride is definitely an exclusive destination as it’s not easy to get to: It takes about 5-6 hours from Denver to get here, and the local airport doesn’t have big commercial flights.
Telluride is a small but mighty town with colorful mining history and unparalleled landscapes that draw visitors from all over the country.
Telluride is a scenic destination that is renowned for its year-round outdoor opportunities, gorgeous nature and a vibrant art scene, so it’s not just skiing that brings so many people here (Although Telluride does have some great slopes).
Telluride also offers some of the best hiking trails in Colorado from the iconic Blue Lakes a short drive away to Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail that can be accessed from downtown Telluride.
For an amazing experience, take a free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village from where you can get a panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains. The view alone is why it makes a great spot to spend October in the USA.
Visitors also enjoy an ice rink at Hotel Madeline or get a tour of the area to learn about its history of silver mining. Downtown Telluride is home to a big art scene with several galleries and you can easily participate in one of the organized tours.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Telluride.
By Daria from The Discovery Nut
7. New York City, New York
October in the USA and New York city go together like butter and toast!
Location: New York City, New York
Getting There: NYC has a huge international and domestic airport that makes getting in and out of the city real easy!
Where to Stay: There are plenty of great places to stay in NYC. One of the most iconic places is the Plaza Hotel. It is right by Central Park, and during fall foliage, the views will be lovely. In fact, you will also find some cool hotels with indoor pools.
October is a great time to visit New York City. You will enjoy crisp fall temperatures, fewer crowds, and lovely fall foliage! One of the top things you need to add to your New York itinerary in October is exploring Central Park. Some of the must-visit spots in the park include the Mall, Bow Bridge, and Gapstowe Bridge. You can even take a row boat if you’re looking for something a little more romantic.
There are also great hiking trails right outside of Manhattan. Many of the trails are a part of the Appalachian trail and offer panoramic views of fall foliage.
New York City also does an incredible job decorating for the spooky season! Enjoy the beautiful brownstones decked in Halloween decorations on the Upper West Side. If you love Halloween celebrations then this a great place to be in October in the USA.
Another great event that happens in New York City is the Village Halloween Parade. The Parade happens on Halloween, and they go all out! This year will be the 49th annual parade and costumes are a must if you want to join in on the party.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in New York.
By Sam from Find Love and Travel
8. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
If you love nature then spend your October in the USA at Grand Canyon National Park.
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Getting There: An easy drive from Las Vegas, Nevada or any major city in Arizona
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Village at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to visit in October because the fall colors are beautiful, the weather is usually mild, and there aren’t quite as many people. The park is open all year round. However, October is a great time to go because the crowds are smaller and the temperatures are more comfortable.
There are plenty of things to do at Grand Canyon National Park, whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or just exploring. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has the most things to do and the most amenities. So it’s also the most visited part of the massive canyon. You will find that many of the Grand Canyon quotes were inspired by this view.
Visitors can walk the trail of time from the Yavapai Geologic Museum or explore Desert View Watchtower. Committed tourists can even descend into the canyon for a few hours or overnight. Hiking or guided mule rides are both options for going into the Canyon. However, mule rides book very quickly and must be booked far in advance even during October.
The park has something for everyone, and there’s no better place to enjoy the autumn colors than at America’s grandest canyon. So if you’re looking for a great fall destination in October in the USA, be sure to add Grand Canyon National Park to your list!
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and hikes that are conducted in the Grand Canyon National Park.
By Brodi from Our Offbeat Life
9. Lake Tahoe, California
California is a popular spot to spend October in the USA. While you are there, don’t miss Lake Tahoe!
Location: Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains crossing over the state line between California and Nevada.
Getting There: The closest airport to fly into is Reno, Nevada, which is only about a half hour away from the lake. If flight options are too limited, the closest large airport is Sacramento, California and is about a 2 hour drive from Lake Tahoe. You will need to rent a car from either of these airports to explore the area.
Where to Stay: There are several lovely small towns around the lake. South Lake Tahoe has the most hotel options, like the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel for families or The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe for a more luxurious stay. Many beautiful mountain cabins and houses are also available through Airbnb and VRBO.
Lake Tahoe is a stunningly beautiful alpine lake filled with clear aqua blue water and surrounded by mountain ranges and evergreen trees. Also sprinkled in among the evergreens are aspen trees which turn golden in the fall and are quite the sight to behold. One of the best places to see the aspens is at Zephyr Cove.
October is the perfect time to visit Lake Tahoe as the summer crowds have diminished and the cool air is perfect for hiking one of the many trails. Eagle Rock is an easy ¾ mile trail that gives you 360-degree views when you reach the summit.
The East Shore Bike Trail can be enjoyed on foot or by renting bikes at the trailhead. This paved path will take you right along the shore of the lake with easy access to several hidden beaches.
If you’d like to really experience the water, kayaking is a great way to do so. Meeks Bay is an easy spot to start from shore as well as Camp Richardson.
Apple Hill is a sweet area filled with many farms just a short distance from Lake Tahoe. Take the time to peel yourself away from the lake for a few hours if you’d like to enjoy some apple cider donuts, pumpkin patches, u-pick apple orchards, forest hayrides, and fresh slices of the most delicious pie.
For the best views of the basin, consider taking the Heavenly Gondola up the mountain. At the top, treat yourself to a warm beverage and soak up the view! Definitely a great location to spend October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and hikes that are conducted in Lake Tahoe.
By Sierra from Island And Alpine
10. Eastern Sierra, California
The Eastern Sierra is another intriguing place to spend October in the USA!
Location: Eastern Sierra, California (Base yourself in Mammoth Lakes)
Getting there: Fly into Reno airport in Nevada and drive down Highway 395, or into Los Angeles (LAX) airport and drive up Highway 395.
Where to stay: The Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth Lakes offers accommodation near Mammoth Village, where you will find plenty of options for dining and shopping.
Stretching from just south of Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine in the south, the Eastern Sierra of California makes for stunning exploration in October in the USA, when fall colors in the region tend to peak.
The area is already superbly scenic, with the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada and a multitude of alpine lakes. In the fall, aspen, willow, and cottonwood change colors and create an extra layer of beauty that makes the Eastern Sierra truly irresistible in October.
One of the best places to see the Eastern Sierra fall colors is Conway Summit. The viewing area is right along the road, and the views are magnificent.
There are numerous drives that lead off Highway 395 both north and south of Mammoth Lakes, so definitely plan on doing some of them! The June Lake Loop, Bishop Creek Canyon, and Lundy Canyon are particularly scenic. At June Lake and Bishop Creek, you can go boating, and at all three locations, you can hike up into the mountains as well.
Visiting in the first half of October is generally a good idea, as you are almost certain to catch some areas at peak fall color during this time. Later in the month, your best bet is at lower elevations, where cottonwoods come into their own.
By Dhara from Roadtripping California
11. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is really popular when it comes to October in the USA.
Location: San Francisco
Getting there: You can either fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, you can either rent a car or take the BART train to the heart of the city.
Where to stay: Book a stay on one of the upper floors of the Hotel Nikko off of Union Square for striking views of the city and easy access to the best attractions in the city.
October is a special time to visit San Francisco as the days are still long enough to explore the city, and the summer fog season has lifted, offering sunny days by the bay. There are loads of famous San Francisco landmarks that you can visit. Plus there are great day trips from San Francisco.
The city starts to get a little quieter this time of year as kids are back in school and the tourist crowds have mostly left for the season. This perfect balance of good weather, lower crowds, and sunny skies make San Francisco one of the best options for fall travel.
The weather during early October is perfect for one of the most anticipated events of the year in San Francisco as the US Navy comes to town for its annual Fleet Week where fighter jets streak across the city.
Seasonal highlights of San Francisco in October include a spooky Halloween-inspired nighttime tour of Alcatraz Island or a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, where you can see the foliage transitioning to its Fall colors.
October is the best time to take advantage of the city’s most popular attractions without the crowds while still enjoying great weather. You can see why it is a popular choice to spend October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in San Francisco.
By Gabriel from Chef Travel Guide
12. Savannah, Georgia
The weather makes Savannah in Georgia a great spot to spend October in the USA.
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Getting There: Fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and then take Uber or Lyft or a taxi to your hotel. The fee should be approximately $25.
Where to Stay: The Historic District is the most popular place to stay in Savannah since so many landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment options are located within easy walking distance.
What to Pack: Pack layers so you can toss on a lightweight sweater or jacket if the weather turns chilly at night.
The weather in Savannah during October is typically cool and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the city’s many parks, squares, and outdoor attractions.
October is also a great time to take advantage of popular festivals and events, such as the Savannah Film Festival or the Ogeechee Seafood Festival. Nearby Tybee Island hosts a Pirates’ Festival that attracts huge crowds.
Since it’s known as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, it’s practically a rite of passage to go on a ghost tour in Savannah! There are many to choose from, including haunted house tours, paranormal theater investigations, and the (always quirky) hearse tours.
The homeowners in Savannah’s Historic District tend to go all-out with their fall decorations by lining the staircases of fancy mansions with pumpkins and containers full of beautiful yellow and orange blooms.
The low humidity levels during the month also make it an ideal time to explore Bonaventure Cemetery, which is considered one of the prettiest graveyards in the world. Definitely one of the best places to spend October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Savannah.
By Erin from Savannah First Timer
13. Helen, Georgia
Helen is another great place in Georgia to spend October in the USA.
Location: Helen is located just 85 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Getting There: From Atlanta, Helen can easily be reached by car after just an hour and a half drive.
Where to Stay: If you’ll be visiting for the Helen GA Oktoberfest, then stay at the Castle Inn. It’s located just a few steps from the downtown festivities and has pretty rooms with scenic views over the river.
Helen is one of the best places to visit in October in the USA because it has the longest-running Oktoberfest in the country! This charming little town is located in the North Georgia Mountains and was modeled after the Alpine German villages of Europe.
During October, German bands from around the world gather in the Helen Festhalle to perform folk music and celebrate the town’s heritage. You can learn how to dance the polka, shop for unique gifts, and eat as much authentic German food as your tummy will allow.
Most of the items for sale in Helen are hand-crafted by local artists. You can watch live glass blowing demonstrations, bowl-carving demonstrations, and even toy-making demonstrations before choosing to purchase these unique trinkets and goods to take home with you.
There’s also an authentic windmill and a park with a gazebo located downtown. When you get tired of the crowds, you can follow the trails to the riverfront and relax beside the calming flow. During October in the USA, the leaves have turned the pretty golden colors of fall, so the riverwalk is one of the prettiest places in Helen to see.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in October in the USA, you definitely should take a trip to Helen to experience Oktoberfest!
By Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon
14. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is highly recommended when it comes to October in the USA.
Location: Door County, Wisconsin
Getting There: To reach there, you can take a flight to Green Bay and take a drive from there for about 45 minutes.
Where To Stay: The best part about exploring Door County is that you can get amazing stays at affordable prices. If you want to witness the goodness of October in Door County, decide to stay for more than just one day. You can prefer the Bay Breeze Resort as it attracts several tourists around the year and has got impressive reviews.
Door county in October is perfect to visit if you want to experience the colors of fall. While there are other attractions in Wisconsin, what Door County has to offer is surprisingly different.
Situated on the peninsula of Lake Michigan, Door County is surrounded by 10 waterfront towns and 300 miles of shoreline.
When you’ve decided on the stay, get yourself ready to experience the beauty of this county. Travelers’ favorite things to do in Door County in October include the spectacular fall foliage, apple picking, attending Halloween events and more.
Start your day with a warm cup of fall-flavored coffee. You can visit Door County Coffee and Tea. They have six different seasonal fall coffee flavors on their menu and they’re all worth trying. Then visit the apple orchards for fall apple picking and make sure to take some home. You shouldn’t also miss the locally produced apple-flavored items like apple ciders.
Also, do not miss to end your trip by attending Sister Bay’s Fall Fest, which happens between Oct 15-17. Another reason why Door County is the best spot to visit in October in the USA.
By Paulina from Paulina On The Road
15. DeWitt, Michigan
Have you considered spending October in the USA in DeWitt?
Location: DeWitt, Michigan
Getting there: DeWitt is in Central Michigan, only a few miles north of the capital city of Lansing. The closest airports are Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Gerald Ford International Airport (GRR), or Bishop International Airport (FNT). However, Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is only 1.5 hours away and often brings in the best flight deals.
Where to stay: There are a couple small hotels in DeWitt, but if you have a car or don’t mind taking an Uber, you might enjoy staying in East Lansing instead. East Lansing is home to Michigan State University (MSU), which is a beautiful campus to explore in the fall. The Marriott East Lansing or Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center are both within walking distance of MSU campus and only about a 15-minute drive to DeWitt.
DeWitt, Michigan is small-town Midwest at its finest. Stroll along Bridge Street and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. Sweetie-licious is an award-winning bakery that is best known for its pies and makes for the perfect activity on a crisp fall day. Relli’s Sports Bar is also a favorite among locals for grabbing a bite to eat.
After filling up your stomach, take a walk down to Riverside Park, which has a gazebo and a trail that follows along the Looking Glass River, with colorful trees towering above you the whole way.
On DeWitt’s Main Street, walk past the many quaint homes on the tree-lined road. You might even enjoy meandering through the City of DeWitt Cemetery, where you can get lost in thought as you listen to the crunch of freshly fallen leaves beneath your feet.
While you’re in the DeWitt/East Lansing area, other great places to walk and enjoy fall foliage include Sleepy Hollow State Park and Granger Meadows Park. Both offer wonderful trails for walking or biking while taking in all the colors of nature.
Another local favorite is Uncle John’s Cider Mill, where you can explore their large pumpkin patch and taste the most delicious apple cider and donuts. Makes it perfect to spend October in the USA.
By Amanda from My Vintage Map
16. Portland, Oregon
Portland is a fun place to spend October in the USA.
Location: Portland is in Central Oregon along the banks of the Columbia River. It is an hour from the coast, making it an easy day trip if you want to hit two birds with one stone by traveling into Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Getting There: You can get there by flying into the Portland International Airport or by car. You won’t need a car if you don’t want one since they have great public transportation options.
Where to Stay: if you want a great place to stay, you should check out the Hoxton or Moxy Hotels. Both have a fun city vibe and are close to all the fun things to do in the city.
Portland, Oregon is such a fun and unique destination. The atmosphere is inviting with something for everyone. They have one of the best food scenes, from delicious food trucks to high-class 5-star dining and everything in between.
The October weather is not cold but cooling down with an average high of 63 degrees and an average low of 48 during the month of October. You won’t have too much rain since you will typically only see about 10 days of rain in October in Portland.
There are lots of great activities to do in Portland in October around the fall season and Halloween. The Spirit of Halloweentown runs in St. Helens, about 45 minutes from Portland. There are haunted tours, costume contests, and much more. If you love fall harvest, be sure to visit the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest in the Columbia River Gorge.
Some other fun things to do around town are to visit the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Art Museum, and Powell’s City of Books. Don’t miss out on the donuts at VooDoo donuts!
If you’re interested in day trips from Portland, be sure to look into Cannon Beach, the Willamette Valley, and Columbia River Gorge.
Portland, Oregon has something for everyone, and you are going to love your visit to Portland. The city has a great vibe with many fun things to do with great food. You can see why it is a popular spot to spend October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Portland.
By Candice from CS Ginger
17. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake is the perfect spot to spend October in the USA.
Location: Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Getting There: Deep Creek Lake is easily accessible by car via Interstate 68 and US-48.
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Wisp, Suites at Silver Tree
Deep Creek Lake is located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland, and it has the distinction of being the largest inland body of water in Maryland. It is also an excellent destination in October in the USA.
The region is conveniently located just several hours away from major cities like Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; and Pittsburgh, which makes it a great place to visit for a weekend getaway.
Deep Creek Lake is a great spot for nature lovers all year round. In October, the area features stunning fall leaf foliage set against a beautiful backdrop of rolling mountains and hills, the lake, waterfalls, and streams. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy in the fall, including hiking along the many picturesque trails in the area, plus cycling, kayaking, and boating.
October also marks the annual Autumn Glory Festival, which features a parade, fall foliage driving tours, a farmer’s market, craft shows, live performances, music competitions, and Oktoberfest at the Wisp Resort. You can pick up fall foliage driving tour maps at the Visitors Center (15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD, 21541.)
To mark the occasion, the Lakeside Creamery hosts the popular “No-Hands Ice Cream Eating Contest”, plus the opportunity to get half-price ice cream. Another top attraction during October is the Cove Run Farm Corn Maze.
Definitely a great place to spend October in the USA.
By Merry from Virginia Vacation Guide
18. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a gorgeous place to spend October in the USA.
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Getting there: The Asheville Regional Airport is served by various airlines from many major cities. For a greater variety of flights, you can fly into the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport and then rent a car to drive to Asheville.
Where to stay: For a highly rated budget hotel option, you can stay at the Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road, just 6 minutes from downtown. For a more upscale experience, stay at the Cambria Hotel downtown.
Located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant city is a very popular October destination. People flock to it in mid to late October to see the fiery fall foliage covering its lush forests.
Asheville is known and loved for many reasons. You can enjoy fine food, local craft beer, and hiking. There’s also a vibrant art and music scene, with live street musicians and performers being a central attraction.
One of the most popular activities is visiting the historic Biltmore Estate. This 8000-acre property is the site of America’s largest home. It also houses a restaurant, a winery, and 22 miles of nature trails where you can walk amid the autumn colors.
Another favorite fall activity is driving along the curvy Blue Ridge Parkway. Dubbed “America’s favorite drive,” it features incredible views from scenic overlooks, countless hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls.
Be sure to plan your trip well in advance, as October accommodations fill up early. I mean it is a gorgeous location to spend October in the USA. You’ll understand why soon after arriving at this can’t-miss location!
Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Asheville.
Scott from Colombia and Beyond
19. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National park is the perfect spot to spend October in the USA if you love the outdoors.
Location: Bryce Canyon, Utah
Getting There: If you are flying, the closest major airport is Cedar City. Which is still over two hours away. To get to Bryce Canyon by car, just head on Utah’s All American Road, Hwy 12.
Where to Stay: There is a range of nearby hotels – for all price ranges. As well as lodge rental. But one of the best ways to experience the National Park is by camping. There are a lot of campgrounds to choose from, and, to make life easier, you don’t need to reserve camping spots.
Bryce Canyon is beautiful in all months of the year, but there’s something about experiencing it in the fall that makes it even more magical.
The major attraction of Bryce Canyon National Park is its unique landscape known as the “Bryce Amphitheater.” This amphitheater was formed by erosion from the water after an asteroid hit earth millions of years ago, leaving behind layers of rock called hoodoos (tall spires).
October is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon because you’ll see all the colorful foliage, have plenty of time to enjoy the park and its activities, and still have plenty of daylight hours available for hiking or stargazing.
October is one of the best months to visit Bryce Canyon National Park because it’s not too hot or cold and there are fewer people on the trails.
Overall, Bryce Canyon is easily one of the Best National Parks in Utah and a perfect spot to spend October in the USA.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and popular activities in Bryce Canyon National Park.
By Stephen from A Backpackers Tale
20. Boston, Massachusetts
Location: Boston
Getting there: The best way to get to Boston is to fly to the international airport. You could also go on an East Coast road trip stopping in other exciting cities such as NYC or Washington on the way.
Where to stay: It’s best to stay somewhere close to the city centre, the harbour and Boston Common. You’ll easily be able to reach the main attractions in the city by public transport.
Head to the Marriott Long Wharf or the Four Seasons for a luxury hotel experience in Boston. The Harborside Inn is another great choice for those looking for a mid-range hotel that won’t break the bank. Finally, the Irving House at Harvard is a budget hotel that is highly recommended.
Boston in October is the perfect place to see fall foliage and stunning colours. Head to the Harvard Campus and go for a walk before stopping in a local coffee shop for a hot drink to warm you up.
The Public Garden and the Boston Common are also great parks to explore. During October the weather will be pleasant on most days with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Be prepared for occasional rain though.
No matter what the weather is, there are plenty of epic things to do in Boston in October which is what makes it such a great location in the first place.
By Victoris from Guide Your Travel
Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and popular activities in Boston.
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Terri
Saturday 10th of September 2022
I am staying on the Big Island right now and it is heavenly weather in September. There has been no rain in the last week. You get to escape the summer tourists if you visit in autumn.