October might just be my favorite month to travel in the US. The summer crowds have started to disappear, the temperatures are finally cooling down, and in many parts of the country, the trees put on one last spectacular show before winter arrives.
But October isn’t just about fall foliage. You can hike through the desert in Arizona without melting, celebrate Halloween in spooky towns, or head south for some sunshine.
So, if you’re wondering where to go in the USA in October, these are some of the best places to consider. I have also asked some of my fellow travel bloggers to reveal their favorites!
Stowe, Vermont
If you’re looking for that classic New England fall experience, it’s hard to beat Stowe, Vermont. 🍁 October brings colorful forests, crisp temperatures and postcard-worthy mountain scenery, making it a perfect time to explore the area.
I love spending my days driving the scenic roads, hiking through the Green Mountains, or simply wandering around Stowe Village. For one of the best views, take the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort up Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
You can also visit nearby Smugglers’ Notch, where the winding road passes dramatic cliffs and some of the area’s best fall scenery. And, of course, leave time for a cozy meal or local Vermont cider after a day outdoors.
👉 Be sure to also check out this complete guide to Stowe to see how cute it is!
San Diego, California
By Nofar from Traveling outside the box
We reached San Diego by car from Los Angeles, and the drive itself was part of the experience. The scenery along the way in October was beautiful. So was the weather, with average temperatures of around 23°C during the day and 16°C at night.
One of my favorite things to do in San Diego is to explore Coronado Island. Even getting there is part of the experience, as you cross a bridge with beautiful views of the harbor, sailboats and blue water. We also took the short ferry ride to the Convention Center area, where you’ll find restaurants, shops and many yachts.
For families, I really recommend the Cabrillo tide pools, where kids can spend hours looking for crabs, fish and other sea creatures between the rocks. There is also a lighthouse nearby and beautiful views of the ocean.
Another highlight was the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is huge, so you can easily spend a full day there. We really enjoyed the Africa tram, where you can see giraffes and other animals while listening to the guide, as well as the bird show.
Sedona, Arizona
If you want to see a different side of Arizona in October, Sedona is a fantastic choice. The temperatures are much more comfortable for hiking, and the famous red rocks look incredible in the autumn light.
You can easily visit as a day trip from Phoenix, but I recommend spending a few days here. Hike to Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock, visit the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross, and take a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. For something easier, Bell Rock and the Airport Mesa area offer beautiful views without committing to a full-day hike.
October is also a great time to hike West Fork Trail, where the trees along Oak Creek can turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. Just expect it to be popular on autumn weekends, so I’d try to visit on a weekday if you can.
And when you’re ready for a break from hiking, wander around Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for galleries, shops and restaurants.
👀 Another amazing place to visit in Arizona is Antelope Canyon.
St. Petersburg & Clearwater, Florida
By Alex from A Life Well Travelled
St Petersburg and Clearwater in Florida are fabulous options for visiting in October because the weather is warm and sunny without the intensity of summer, making it ideal for exploring both the coast and the city.
You’ll do a lot of walking and probably have a fairly active trip. I wandered around charming Dunedin and visited the tropical Sunken Gardens. One of my favourite experiences was clear kayaking around Shell Key Preserve. Here you’ll paddle around mangroves and enjoy spotting birds (with October being a great month for this).
St Pete’s creative side really stood out too. I spent time discovering St Pete’s colourful street art, and there are numerous art museums and galleries, with standouts being the Dali Museum and the St Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts.
Half Moon Bay, California
By Paula from Gone with the Gastons
October is one of our favorite times to visit Half Moon Bay, a small coastal town about 30 miles south of San Francisco. With around 11,300 residents, it feels much smaller and more relaxed than the other nearby cities.
October brings a real harvest feeling to Half Moon Bay. Local farmers sell fresh produce along the roads, and pumpkin patches pop up all around the area. You can also visit the famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, which celebrates the town’s long pumpkin-growing tradition.
But there is more to Half Moon Bay than just pumpkins. The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches, coastal trails, farms, horse stables, and, of course, the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the towns you should definitely stop at if you are driving along the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
Lake Placid, New York
By Melissa from the Navigating Mom
While Lake Placid is a great destination any time of year, the area truly comes to life in October! Opportunities for adventure and exploration are plentiful. Fall foliage usually peaks in early October, making the scenic views even more stunning! The milder temperatures also make it a great time for hiking!
Take a drive up Whiteface Mountain, stopping at the scenic pull-outs on the way up. Once you reach the top, take the elevator to the summit and climb the stairs down.
High Falls Gorge is another great way to experience the fall foliage. Walk along boardwalks through the gorge to enjoy waterfalls while surrounded by stunning colors. In downtown Lake Placid, take a stroll down Main Street for local shops and treats!
Visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the town’s connection to the summer Olympics.
Charleston, North Carolina
By Casey from Wandering Everywhere
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the country, and October is a great time to experience it.
The days are still warm, but the intense summer heat and humidity have finally lifted, making it the perfect time to wander the cobblestone streets, admire the pastel facades of Rainbow Row, and see the famous Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park.
History is around every corner, from the ferry ride out to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. This time of year also brings the most spectacular sunsets, and there’s no better way to see them than on a sunset sail around Charleston Harbor as the sky glows pink and gold.
If you have time, head over to Shem Creek for a Lowcountry Boil, a bowl of She Crab Soup, or a waterfront cocktail, and keep an eye out for the dolphins playing in the water.
Acadia National Park, Maine
By Adrienne from Destinations and Desserts
Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of the best places to visit in October. That month brings beautiful fall colors and mild enough weather to take advantage of Acadia’s many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking and boating.
Some of the best hiking trails for fall foliage viewing are the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail and the Gorham Mountain Trail. A walk or bike along Acadia’s carriage roads is also a must-do in the fall.
After working up an appetite outdoors, enjoy the local specialty – lobster – in one of nearby Bar Harbor’s many great restaurants.
A weekly park pass to Acadia is $35 per vehicle. A reservation (and separate $6 fee) is needed to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re looking for somewhere to embrace Halloween, few cities do spooky quite like New Orleans. October is a great time to visit, with cooler weather, plenty of events and the city’s famous haunted history providing the perfect backdrop.
I’d start with a ghost or haunted history tour through the French Quarter, where you can hear stories about ghosts, voodoo, vampires and some of the city’s more unusual characters. You can also explore the atmospheric historic cemeteries or take a tour focusing on New Orleans’ voodoo history and the legacy of Marie Laveau.
If you’re visiting toward the end of October, look out for Krewe of BOO!, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, which takes over the French Quarter with elaborate floats, costumes and plenty of spooky fun. In 2026, the parade takes place on October 24.
And Halloween isn’t the only reason to visit. October is packed with music, food and cultural festivals.
READY TO BOOK YOUR US GETAWAY?
📲 Don’t forget an eSIM: I use Airalo
🚘 Rent a car: I use Discover Cars
🚖 Airport transfers: I always use Welcome Pickups
🚙 Private transfers: I love Daytrip (you can add stops)
🎫 Best guided tours: I use Viator and GetYourGuide
🏡 Housesitting (stay for free): Check out Trusted Housesitters
💍 My favorite jewelry for travel: I wear Atolea (15% off use: SUNSHINE15)
And that’s it for now. If you have another favorite destination to visit in October, please share in the comments below. I’m always looking for travel inspo!
🌟 Read next >> Best European cities to visit in October (my absolute favorites)
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