October brings crisp air, changing leaves, festive vibes, and fewer crowds — making it one of the best months to travel.
Highlights
- Fall Feels: Crisp air, colorful scenery, and the kind of seasonal charm travelers crave
- Unexpected Picks: A mix of beloved autumn classics and surprising destinations worth discovering
- Perfect Timing: Fewer crowds, better weather, and experiences that only happen in fall
Whether you’re chasing vibrant fall foliage, haunted histories, lively cultural festivals, or still craving a warm beach day, these 10 destinations deliver unforgettable experiences. From New England’s autumn palette to Europe’s historic towns, here’s where to go for an unforgettable October getaway.
1. New England
When it comes to admiring colorful fall foliage, New England is iconic. October in New England is peak season to see fall color. The weather is crisp and perfect for being outside, admiring the leaves and sipping a hot coffee or cider.
Between the end of September and mid-October, the northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont reach the height of their autumn colors. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island follow close behind!
Take a road trip through New England in early October, and you are bound to see them all! Nowhere else in the USA captures the beauty of autumn like the small towns of New England this time of year.
New England also has two of the country’s most visited national parks – Acadia National Park in Maine and the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Stay in one of the iconic bed and breakfasts in small town Vermont or in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and you’ve found the perfect fall getaway.
Fun Things to Do in New England in October
- Take a hike in Acadia National Park
- See the fall foliage on a New England road trip
- Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston
- Visit the New England Aquarium
- See Plymouth Rock
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Every fall, Albuquerque, New Mexico, becomes a top tourist destination as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a nine-day festival celebrating hot air balloons, comes to town. This nine-day event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Arrive early in the morning for the Mass Ascension, when all the balloons rise together for an amazing photo opportunity!
But the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is not the only reason to visit this beautiful city! Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town Albuquerque, visit the zoo and botanical gardens or shop for unique southwestern art and clothing.
Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque in October
- Marvel at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Shop and stroll through Old Town
- Take a Ghost Tour
- Dine at Papa Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant
- Take a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
- Ride the 2.7-mile Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
- Take a hot air balloon flight
3. San Diego, California
There really isn’t a bad time of year to visit San Diego, but what makes October special is an annual promotion that arrives every year – Kids Free San Diego.
During the entire month of October, dozens of San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and transportation companies offer families the opportunity to unwind in San Diego while saving big. Participating places include LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego and many other parks and attractions.
Plus, San Diego is home to the best zoo in the world – the San Diego Zoo, as well as USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, Mission San Luis Rey, Old Town San Diego State Park and some of the most beautiful beaches and golf courses in California.
Fun Things to Do in San Diego
- Check out the animals at the San Diego Zoo
- Eat Mexican food in Old Town San Diego
- Explore the shops and restaurants at Seaport Village
- Take a day trip to the mountain town of Julian for their famous apple pie
- Take a harbor cruise
- Have fun at the Legoland California Resort or SeaWorld San Diego
4. Salem, Massachusetts
If ever there was a time of year to visit a destination known for its history of witch trials, October is the month.
Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for the witch trials of 1692, when many people were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. Learn about the town’s gruesome history on a walking tour or visit to the Salem Witch Museum.
Throughout the month of October, Salem celebrates its legacy with a series of events, including a broom-making workshop, movie nights, Oktoberfest at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, witch costume parade and many other happenings.
Fun Things to Do in Salem in October
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum
- Take a Haunted Walking Tour
- See the Old Burying Point Cemetery
- Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Explore the city on a bike or scooter
- See the House of the Seven Gables
- Check out art at the Peabody Essex Museum
- Attend a Halloween-themed event in late October
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina for some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the USA. It is one of the best places to travel to in October!
The road is alive with color and offers lots of spots and overlooks to pull over and take in the beautiful landscape. Asheville is the perfect place to call home base for your October getaway.
The fall weather in North Carolina is ideal for driving with the top down or hiking through the Pisgah National Forest, where there are many hiking trails boasting waterfalls and opportunities for leaf-peeping. Asheville, North Carolina is also home to the famous Biltmore Estate.
Fun Things to Do in Asheville in October
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic route
- Visit the North Carolina Arboretum
- Take a tour of the Biltmore Estate
- Take a hike in the Pisgah National Forest
- Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum
- Stroll through the River Arts District
6. Italy
The summer months are high season in Italy and throughout Europe, which is exactly why October is one of the best months to visit. Hotel and airfare prices are at their lowest in the off-season, and the summer crowds are gone, too. That means you can stroll through the country’s many museums, historical sites, beautiful villages without the hassles of summer crowds.
Located just a few hours from Rome, the Italian Riviera along the Mediterranean coast is amazing this time of year! Check out Sicily, Positano, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Naples to enjoy sightseeing without summer crowds.
Fun Things to Do in Italy in October
- Visit Vatican City in Rome
- Enjoy the scenic vistas along the Amalfi Coast
- Tour the ruins in Pompeii
- Take a tour of the Colosseum
- Go wine tasting at one of Italy’s many wineries
- Take a ferry to the Island of Capri
- Take a Puglia road trip
- Enjoy a romantic gondola ride in Venice
7. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah maintains an air of mystery and eeriness all year long – with its old Southern architecture, fountains and streets set under a veil of Spanish moss. But an October visit is extra special.
Known as one of the USA’s most haunted cities, visiting Savannah during the Halloween season just makes sense! There are ghost tours, cemeteries and spooky spots of all kinds waiting to be explored.
Fun Things to Do in Savannah in October
- Explore Forsyth Park
- Take a walking tour or ghost tour
- Explore the city on a Hop On, Hop Off Tour
- Shop, dine and stroll through Savannah’s historic City Market
- Visit the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
- Take an architectural tour of Savannah
- Wander down historic River Street
- Take a riverboat cruise
8. Austin, Texas
October is a super time of the year to visit this hip Texas city, known for its good food, craft beer and live music.
Though it can get very hot in the summer, by October temperatures have cooled down and bright fall foliage offers a splash of color along the river and throughout the city. Spend time exploring the city via a brewery tour or on bikes or venture outside for a hike at along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
You’ll find lots of events happening in October, including an Oktoberfest celebration and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, an annual music festival held in Zilker Park.
Fun Things to Do in Austin in October
- Listen to live music
- Take a brewery tour
- Visit the Texas Capitol
- Take a road trip through Texas hill country
- Check out the Congress Bridge bats at sunset
- Go paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake
- Take a bike tour of Austin
- Eat bratwurst at the famous Scholz Garten
- Hike to a waterfall at McKinney Falls State Park
- Admire the abundant fall foliage
- Hike in the many state parks
- Visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking
9. Germany
When you think of October, you think of Oktoberfest! And although there are many Oktoberfest celebrations all around the world, why not go to the source of all the fun – Germany!
October is considered the shoulder season in Germany, so you can enjoy the lull between the busy summer months and start of the Christmas markets in December. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and rates for flights, accommodations and rental cars are more affordable this time of year.
Though Oktoberfest fall festivals typically start in September, you can still be part of the fun if you visit Munich – home of the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration – in early October.
Take a trip to the Bavarian Alps to explore snow-free hiking and biking trails. You can also see Neuschwanstein Castle, a gorgeous sight with its white turrets against a backdrop of colorful fall foliage.
Fun Things to Do in Germany in October
- Drink beer at Oktoberfest
- Take photos of Neuschwanstein Castle
- Hike in the Bavarian Alps
- Take a guided bike tour of the Berlin Wall
- Enjoy the outdoors at Berchtesgaden National Park
- Visit the museums in Berlin
- Take a tour of Cologne Cathedral
- Take a guided beer tour
- Stroll around the fairytale-like Old Town of Quedlinburg
- Go to the BMW Museum in Munich
- Take a river cruise in Rhine Valley
10. New York City
Just like springtime in New York is magical, so is the fall! The weather is cool, the leaves are changing color, and there is a crispness in the air! Temperatures average in the 50s and 60s. October is an ideal time to experience the best of autumn in New York.
Explore New York City’s many great neighborhoods and parks – especially Central Park, where the leaves are sure to be in full color and are especially beautiful with the NYC skyline as a backdrop. Head to Times Square to catch a show on Broadway or one of the many small theaters and comedy clubs throughout the city. There are an endless number of attractions, museums, shops and architectural wonders waiting to be explored.
If you are visiting over Halloween, don’t miss the Village Halloween Parade, the best-known Halloween celebration in New York!
Fun Things to Do in New York in October
- See the fall foliage in Central Park
- Shop along Fifth Avenue
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Take a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of the city
- Ride to the top of the Empire State Building
- View the city from the water on a Circle Line NYC Landmark Cruise
- Visit the Statue of Liberty
- Explore the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art
