6 Destinations to Enjoy the Best Fall Colors

Fall is one of the best times to travel in the U.S. and witness the changing leaves. Take advantage of the year’s tourism lull by scoring affordable vacation stays over the next few months!Here are six unconventional destination ideas for your American autumn adventure. So, hop in your car or book a last-minute plane ticket. You’re not going to want to miss out on these fun-filled fall activities.

Indulge at Harvest on the Harbor

Portland, MaineThis city is an up-and-coming foodie destination, and its annual Harvest on the Harbor festival showcases the very best of the area’s top chefs and restaurateurs, locally sourced foods, and locally produced beverages. With a backdrop of the Casco Bay speckled with vibrant fall foliage, this festival combines some of Maine’s best features: good food and even better scenery.

Take flight at the International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, NMOne of the most magical sites to witness every fall isn’t foliage-related, but sky bound. Each October, hundreds of thousands travel to Albuquerque to see the world’s largest balloon festival. The International Balloon Fiesta displays more than 500 pilots and their balloons over nine days.

Eat your way through the National Apple Harvest Festival

Arendtsville and Biglerville, PAJust outside of Gettysburg, the small towns of Arendtsville and Biglerville ring in the harvest season with a true ‘apple-palooza.’ The National Apple Harvest Festival offers classic fall activities, such as bobbing for apples and a pie baking contest, but it also includes an apple pancake patio and an antique shingle mill.

Swing over the edge of a canyon

Glenwood Springs, COSoar 1,300 feet above the Colorado River for the best view of Colorado’s fall foliage. The Giant Canyon Swing launches riders out across a canyon at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. This attraction is one of multiple thrill rides at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, so visitors can spend an entire day getting their adrenaline fix.

Whale watch off the Washington coast

Seattle, WAJust a short trip north of Seattle, whale watching is one of Washington’s most popular attractions starting in late fall. Tours depart from Orcas and San Juan Island, giving visitors the opportunity to view orcas in their natural habitat. Just make sure to bundle up as it’ll be chilly on the water!

Embark on an island carriage ride

Mackinac Island, MIOn this no-cars-allowed island in the Great Lakes region, carriage rides are the name of the game. Other activities on Mackinac Island include shopping and dining in the quaint lakeside town, trekking across one of the world’s longest suspension bridges between the Lower and Upper peninsulas, and taking a ferry ride around the island.