Planning a trip to the United States? While you won’t run out of activities to do in the US all year round, October is one of the best months to explore the country. Summer crowds have thinned out, and the busy holiday travel season hasn’t started yet, so many destinations feel more relaxed and easier to explore.
Depending on where you go, it can mean crisp autumn air or warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures. This variety gives you plenty of options to match your travel style. To help you choose, here are some of the best places to visit in the US in October.
1. New York City, New York
New York skyline
October is one of the best times to visit The Big Apple. The crisp air makes walking around New York more comfortable, and the city’s must-visit parks glow with early fall color.
New York is a tourist hotspot, so visiting in October means crowds are lighter than in summer. Plus, Broadway season is in full swing, and Halloween brings a more festive energy to its already great neighborhoods.
Recommended spots and activities:
• Stroll around Central Park and along the High Line
• Watch a Broadway or off-Broadway show
• Attend the Village Halloween Parade
• Explore Chelsea Market, SoHo, and Brooklyn
Klook tip: The High Line runs right past Chelsea Market, so it’s smart to group them together as one smooth stop.
2. Denver, Colorado
Scenic drive on the hill roads of Mount Blue Sky
If you’re into hiking and scenic drives, then visiting Denver in October should definitely be part of your US itinerary. For the adventurous type, the city shines in October with cool temperatures and golden aspens in the surrounding Rockies.
Apart from its majestic nature scene, Denver is also home to great museums, live music, and one of the best craft beer scenes in the country. A Denver fall experience offers just the right balance of striking landscapes and urban experiences.
Recommended spots and activities:
• Hike or take a drive in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Explore Mount Blue Sky for panoramic alpine views
• Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre for concerts, sunrise yoga, or trail hikes
• Explore Denver’s craft breweries in River North and Lower Downtown
3. San Francisco, California
View of Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley
October’s clear skies and warmer temperatures make San Francisco’s hills, coastline, and neighborhoods feel more approachable. Almost like a hidden “second summer,” it’s sunnier in this part of California during this time compared to June or July.
The city’s neighborhoods each offer something unique. North Beach houses historic Italian cafés, the Mission District boasts colorful murals and vibrant nightlife, and Fisherman’s Wharf is perfect for fresh seafood and bay views.
Recommended spots and activities:
• Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Explore Nob Hill, North Beach, and Mission District aboard a cable car
• Tour Alcatraz Island before winter visits
• Take a day trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma for wine tasting
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Historic Old State House on the Freedom Trail
The cooler October air sets the perfect vibe for touring Boston’s historic streets and cobblestone neighborhoods. Its rich culture comes alive along the Freedom Trail, while Harvard Square and Cambridge house must-visit bookstores and coffee shops.
You can also stop by Salem and Concord for a spooky, literary day trip, just in time for the Halloween season.
Recommended stops and activities:
• Visit historic sites like Paul Revere’s House and Boston Common
• Cruise the Charles River for city and skyline views
• Explore the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for interactive history
5. West Palm Beach, Florida
Relaxing beach scene in West Palm Beach
Traveling to West Palm Beach in October means peaceful boat tours in calm waters and the chance to explore nearby nature scenes before peak tourist season in winter. Humidity begins to drop, and the Atlantic waters are still perfect for swimming.
Beyond its beaches, the city offers a taste of culture with its selection of museums, plus outdoor markets that showcase local produce and crafts.
Recommended spots and activities:
• Relax on Palm Beach or nearby quiet beaches
• Visit the Norton Museum of Art for seasonal exhibitions
• Paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling along the Intracoastal Waterway
FAQs
Which state is best to travel in October?
States like Vermont, Colorado, and North Carolina are great in October for cooler weather, fall colors, and outdoor activities.
What is the prettiest state to visit in the fall?
Apart from those listed above, Maine, New Hampshire, and Michigan are often seen as the prettiest in autumn thanks to colorful forests and scenic lakes and coastlines.
Where is the best destination to go in October?
Other top October destinations are Sedona (Arizona), Asheville (North Carolina), and Park City (Utah), since they offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and great scenery for hiking and sightseeing.
Where to go in October for vacation in the USA?
Good October vacation choices include California, Tennessee, and Texas, where you can mix nature, cities, and comfortable fall temperatures.
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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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