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Where to Travel in Autumn 2025: Must-See Destinations

Explore the best U.S. destinations for autumn 2025, from colorful foliage to festivals and outdoor adventures.

Autumn 2025 Travel Guide: Best Places to Explore

Autumn is one of the best times to explore the United States, enjoying pleasant temperatures, colorful landscapes, and seasonal festivals.

Autumn 2025 in the U.S. Photo by Freepik.

If you are planning your trips for autumn 2025, we have selected must-see destinations that combine nature, culture, and typical seasonal activities.

1. New England: The Autumn Foliage Spectacle

New England is famous for its forests that transform into a colorful mosaic in the fall.

States like Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts offer ideal routes for those who want to enjoy the autumn leaves.

  • Vermont: Small towns like Stowe and Woodstock provide charming rural experiences, with farms, local markets, and scenic trails.
  • New Hampshire: White Mountains National Forest is perfect for hiking and scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of the fall colors.
  • Maine: Beyond the foliage, Maine’s coast offers fresh seafood and historic towns like Portland and Bar Harbor.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most sought-after destinations by Americans in the fall.

With trails ranging from beginner to advanced, visitors can explore waterfalls, forests, and viewpoints with stunning views of mountains covered in red, orange, and golden leaves.

Nearby towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer autumn festivals, craft fairs, and local cuisine, allowing travelers to combine outdoor adventure with authentic cultural experiences.

3. Colorado: Trails and Nature in Warm Tones

Colorado is perfect for those seeking mountainous landscapes and outdoor activities.

In autumn, aspen and maple trees create spectacular scenery in places like Aspen, Vail, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

  • Aspen: Known for its famous winter ski resorts, Aspen in the fall offers hiking, cycling, and unforgettable views of mountains covered in golden leaves.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park: Trails like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake provide immersive nature experiences, with a high chance of spotting wildlife.

Colorado is also ideal for nature photography, as the contrast between the mountains and the autumn blue sky creates perfect scenes.

4. California: Wine, Beaches, and Nature

California offers a unique combination of mild climate, renowned wineries, and diverse landscapes.

In autumn, regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma transform into a spectacle for wine lovers, with harvests and tasting festivals attracting tourists from all over the world.

Additionally, coastal cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara allow travelers to combine urban sightseeing with beach experiences, hiking, and local cuisine.

For nature lovers, parks like Yosemite National Park feature waterfalls, valleys, and mountains with impressive fall colors.

5. Washington D.C.: History and Urban Foliage

The U.S. capital is another must-visit destination in the fall. Washington D.C. combines history, architecture, and culture with beautiful autumn scenery.

The National Mall, with its iconic monuments and museums, becomes even more enchanting with fallen leaves, creating perfect settings for walks and photos.

Additionally, the Georgetown Waterfront and parks along the Potomac River offer peaceful strolls and picnic areas, ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities combined with urban experiences.

6. Oregon and Washington: Wild Nature and Autumn Beaches

The Pacific Northwest is a destination for lovers of natural landscapes and outdoor adventures.

In autumn, Oregon and Washington feature dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and trails that reveal shades of red, yellow, and orange.

  • Oregon: The Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood areas offer incredible hikes, waterfalls, and panoramic views of autumn leaves.
  • Washington: Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier are ideal destinations for exploring ancient forests and majestic mountains, as well as enjoying charming small towns near the parks.

Tips for Traveling in the U.S. in Autumn 2025

  1. Book in advance: Autumn is a popular season, especially in regions like New England and national parks. Hotels and flights can fill up quickly.
  2. Check local weather: Temperatures vary greatly between mountainous regions, coastal cities, and inland areas.
  3. Dress in layers: American autumn is characterized by pleasant days and cool nights.
  4. Explore festivals and seasonal events: From Halloween to harvest festivals, these experiences enrich the trip and offer cultural immersion.
  5. Enjoy local cuisine: Apples, pumpkins, wines, and fresh seafood are among the highlights of autumn in the U.S.

Gabriel Gonçalves
Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves