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Amber-colored foliage, winding vineyards ready for harvest, a slight chill in the air that lends itself perfectly to a long day of sightseeing (made even more perfect when it ends with a cozy bowl of risotto)—autumn may actually be the perfect travel season. Whether you want to book a country escape or lean toward a packed city itinerary, the best places to travel in fall are hardly a one-size-fits-all list. Neither are our recommendations: We included destinations far and wide, with plenty of stays that speak to a range of travel styles.
Nature lovers will find lots to occupy themselves with in the sprawling Scottish Highlands or the lakeside hikes of upstate New York. Though if your idea of the great outdoors leans more to swirling glasses of Merlot among unending rows of grapes, a trip to Bordeaux or Tuscany might be more your speed. For a dose of city charm, head to Kyoto to get your fill of historic architecture and buzzing markets. And if you’re still not sure—well, you know what they say about Paris.
Ahead, seven fall travel destinations for your next getaway.
Upstate New York
From Hudson Valley to the Catskills and the Finger Lakes up north, there’s so much to explore in this region that you may just have to slot in multiple weekend trips. (Cue the tiny violin.) Design magpies can make a whole itinerary based on the antiquing alone; from flea markets to standalone shops, you’ll find no shortage of one-of-a-kind treasures to fill your home with. Prefer something more outdoorsy? The Catskill and Adirondack mountains are prime spots for hiking with sweeping views.
The just-opened Six Bells Countryside Inn is a haven of cottagecore charm—and the perfect home base for your stint upstate. Between the folksy patchwork quilts and on-site “tavern,” the quaint touches add up to quite the transportive experience.
For more space, an Airbnb gives you room to spread out. Right off the Hudson River in the town of Saugerties, this midcentury-modern home can sleep up to six guests and is surrounded by trees for maximum seclusion. You’ll want to spend each night huddled around the fire pit.
Tuscany
The tree-dotted rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside only get more charming with a gold wash come autumn. It’s the season of the vendemmia (the grape harvest), so plan accordingly and book a couple of afternoon wine tours to break up lazy days spent strolling around medieval towns like Lucca and San Gimignano. And if it’s hearty fall fare you’re after, a local cooking class where you can learn to roll pici from scratch is always a good idea.
Collegio alla Querce recently opened in the north of the city center, with light- and antique-filled rooms (some of which are adorned with neoclassical frescoes) in the forefront of a cypress-tree-lined landscape. Florence—and Tuscany in general—has no shortage of stunning hotels, but the new kid on the block may be hard to beat. (Plus, fall is still warm enough to be able to use the outdoor pool.)
Traveling with a group (perhaps for a fall wedding)? This massive villa is halfway between Florence and Siena, with enough space for up to 16 people. There’s a beautiful outdoor dining area and a pool for unwinding in after a day of sightseeing—and while we’re not suggesting booking an Airbnb solely based on a bathroom, how stunning are these antique tiles?
Maine
This coastal state is not just a summer hot spot; come September, there are trails to hike and picturesque paths to bike along. Pack your sweaters for chilly beach walks and apple picking if you’re staying more inland. For a city stay with a small-town feel, Portland offers tons to do year-round.
Opened in 2024, Portland’s Longfellow Hotel is a respite from the (admittedly already slower-paced) city. From the cool-toned rooms to the luxury spa, this place is all about unwinding.
This Stockton Springs Airbnb is actually two properties, both of which are full of luxurious details (limewash walls! natural wood beams!) to soak in if you want a remote cabin for your fall getaway. Prefer to venture out? Acadia National Park is less than an hour away.
The Scottish Highlands
Officially, the first Saturday of September is the date for the Braemar Gathering (the annual Highland games whose origins go back 900 years)—though you don’t really need an excuse to visit the Scottish Highlands this time of year. The colors are at their peak, the tourists decrease as the temperatures do, and the rugged landscape is ideal for the outdoorsman looking to get one final adventure in before winter’s chill.
Right near Nairn, an imposing 1820s Georgian estate promises luxury accommodation for your entire stay. Boath House lets you pick between upscale rooms or cozy cottages; regardless, the woodland sauna (where you can warm up after a brisk day outdoors) is not to be missed.
As far as snug fall cabins go, it’ll be hard to beat this wood-paneled cottage. Reach out to the hosts to organize a Land Rover tour of the hill grounds and get the most from the surrounding vistas (which you can also enjoy from the outdoor dining area with your morning coffee).
Kyoto
Forget dusky green and burnt orange—in Kyoto, the fall foliage is scarlet red. You’ll find these trees in every temple and garden in this charming Japanese city, though you can also take a boat ride along the Hozugawa River for a different vantage point. Warm up with a tea ceremony; there are countless shared and private ones to book around the city.
Sowaka, a boutique hotel situated right near the Yasaka Shrine, is a unique Kyoto hotel that blends both Western and Japanese design throughout its 23 accommodations. Most of the guest rooms overlook a beautiful interior garden, and you can take advantage of “sake hour” between 5 and 6 p.m. in the lounge each day.
This traditional house is well located right in the heart of the city—handy if you’ve planned a full itinerary of sightseeing and shopping for your trip to Kyoto. Stylish and pared back, it can host four people and is ideal if you’re traveling with family or a small group.
Saint-Émilion
One of southwestern France’s top wine cities, Saint-Émilion is actually best visited in the fall. That’s when the largely family-owned wineries start their harvest and the changing leaves provide an invitingly picturesque backdrop. Stay in the medieval village to roam the cobblestone streets and dine at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. For something more active, you can also schedule bike tours around the vineyards and soak in the autumnal colors up close.
The fact that Château de Ferrand is itself a working vineyard means you won’t have to travel far to partake in the activities of the area. There are only three guest rooms, which were most recently renovated in 2019, ensuring quiet and privacy during your stay.
A little outside of the city (and within driving distance to Bordeaux’s vineyards), this 16th-century home is a charming little countryside retreat. Features like exposed stone and period tiles add to its character, and you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the outdoor patio to sip the local wine for apéro.
Paris
There may never be a bad time to visit Paris, but it’s especially pretty in the fall, when the orange trees pop against the cream-colored Haussmannian buildings and the tourist crowds have (ever so slightly, at least) thinned out. The evolutionary nature of the city makes it an easy one to rediscover with each visit, even if you’ve been a million times: After a day spent ducking in and out of museums, wind down in one of the French capital’s never-ending crop of new eateries. (A recent favorite is Rojo, a chic little tapas and wine bar in the 3rd.)
Candy-colored rooms, trompe l’oeil frescoes, and generally palatial elegance converge in this Parisian hotel, which is conveniently situated in the Marais. Le Grand Mazarin’s whimsical style gives it a warmth that can sometimes be missing from other upscale spots—though between the mosaic-tiled spa and the speakeasy-style bar, it’s definitely not lacking in luxe features.
For a more local approach, stay in an Airbnb. This one, with its floor-to-ceiling walls of books and Jardin du Luxembourg address, feels like a quiet haven in the busy city. Plus, thanks to a well-appointed kitchen, you can cook meals at home if you’re planning a longer stay and want to take advantage of all the Parisian markets.
