10 Best Fall Getaways in the US and Mexico

New York feels fresh as late summer rolls into fall. The peak-season visitors have gone home, meaning fewer crowds at famous landmarks like the Empire State Building in Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, just to name a few.

If you’re a fan of live theater, fall is perhaps the best time to visit New York because Broadway performs their new plays and musicals for the year. Just be sure to book ahead of time. Another plus about visiting at this time of year is the cheaper accommodation options available, even in the most desirable neighbourhoods like SoHo and Midtown Manhattan.

The bright lights of Las Vegas are shining throughout the fall, with as much glitz and glamor as ever. The boisterous casino floors and world-class stage shows synonymous with this desert city are in full swing all year, but there are some seasonal treats, especially for those visiting between September and November.

Taking place in early October, The Rise Lantern Festival is the most spectacular fall event in Las Vegas. Thousands of biodegradable lanterns are released in unison to float into the skies above the Mojave Desert on the outskirts of town. This season also makes a great time to make a pilgrimage to the majestic Grand Canyon.

Hawaii is a safe bet for a sun-drenched fall vacation, and there’s nowhere better across the island chain than the state capital of Honolulu. It combines relaxed beach culture, fascinating history and all the shopping and dining you would expect from a big city.

Honolulu has historical attractions like Pearl Harbor and Aloha Tower to discover, along with picture-perfect beaches. Laze back on the sand under swaying palms or grab a surfboard and take on some of the finest beach breaks in the US. At the end of the day, find a secluded spot and enjoy a blissful sunset before enjoying a leisurely seafood dinner, finished off with Hawaii’s famed poi donuts.

Los Angeles is blessed with bright blue skies and temperatures that rarely fall below the 70°F throughout fall. You can enjoy some relaxation in coastal towns like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive, and non-stop nightlife along Sunset Boulevard.

Fans of cinema will love exploring the movie studios and picking out their favorite actors along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even the much-maligned Downtown LA area has been revitalized thanks to a series of gentrification projects in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics.

Cancun is a great Mexican getaway with world-class resorts, historical landmarks, and fantastic beaches. Playa Langosta, Playa Delfines, and Playa Tortugas are great beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Nature trails, bike rides, jungle tours, and adventure circuits are available for those who want a more active vacation. 

The El Ray Archaeological Zone and the El Meco Archaeological Site offer a cultural diversion from the beach. It’s also a good idea to check out the cenotes near Cancun. Plentiful in the Yucatán Peninsula, these natural pools contain mineral-rich water and unique rock formations. Most also have diving platforms and walking paths for added convenience.

What Seattle lacks in sunshine it makes up for in diversity and raw natural beauty. The dining scene in this Pacific northwestern city is among the finest in the US, with many locally sourced products finding their way from the farms and fisheries in Washington state onto the menus of the city’s best restaurants and cafés. Head to Pike’s Place Market for an array of culinary delights.

The best of Seattle’s fall foliage is celebrated at Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival. You can enjoy the vibrant, earthy tones of the landscape along with live music and plenty of food, of course.

Ocean City is a seaside resort town with a superb stretch of sand and friendly, resort-town vibes on the Maryland coast. The Atlantic shoreline has many water sports on offer, with surfing, fishing, and kayaking among the top activities.

There's a real nostalgic pleasure to playing old-timey games in Marty’s Playland arcade, and the carousel at Trimper’s Rides is one of the oldest still operating in the US. Northside Park is an excellent place to enjoy sea breezes with the family while flying kites or playing catch.

New Orleans is renowned for its Creole culture, unique cuisine, and excellent live music scene. There’s no better time to visit the Big Easy than in the fall, when steamy summers give way to an air of calm. Take advantage of the great weather by visiting the city’s parks or joining a somewhat eerie voodoo tour with cemetery visits.

For a true taste of the city, head to Bourbon Street in the centre of the French Quarter. This is the city’s most enigmatic thoroughfare, where you can enjoy dimly lit jazz bars and restaurants serving up Cajun classics. You can't leave without tasting some authentic creole Jambalaya washed down with bourbon cocktails at a tucked-away speakeasy.

Myrtle Beach is a coveted holiday destination on the Atlantic coast with an epic amount of family attractions and a lively nightlife scene. During peak season, hotel prices can balloon well above the budget range. To make your pennies stretch further, head to Myrtle Beach in late fall. The beach along this part of South Carolina stretches for over 62 miles, and you can have wide stretches of it to yourself.

Myrtle Beach has an amazing range of amusement parks, games arcades, shopping malls and markets, so you certainly won’t be bored.

Punta Cana is a stunning resort destination on the easternmost end of the Dominican Republic. Along with several picture-postcard beaches, you can enjoy world-class golf courses, adventure centers, water parks, and even a few historical and natural attractions.

Widely known as a romantic getaway, most couples visit Punta Cana in the fall when the weather is warm and dry. A visit to this Caribbean coastline in late summer sees temperatures hit an average of 80°F, but it can also get humid and wet – usually in the afternoons. The advantage of this is that you can find some great discounts on 5-star beachfront resorts.