Top US Destinations in October: Embrace the Fall Season

Fall paints the states of America in vivid colour as luscious green leaves turn over to red, orange, and yellow. With the dramatic change, October kicks off the beginning of the spooky season, which means Halloween, pumpkins, hay rides, and more. It is a perfect time to visit the United States.

This is the time when people swap out their usual coffees for pumpkin spice lattes, and the summer heat is replaced by a crispness in the air. Whether you're looking for sunny US destinations in fall or want to embrace the season of change, there's plenty for you to do.

So, get ready to have a look at some of the best places to visit in October in the USA.

Photo byRicardo Gomez AngelonUnsplash

Find the best events and activities to do in October right here, from exploring the great outdoors in Wyoming and Minnesota to cosy fall activities in New England. Whether it's apple picking, getting lost in a corn maze, or going on a scary ghost tour, you’ll be sure to have a great time this fall.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Sin City is definitely a bucket list location, and taking a trip to Vegas in October is great for many reasons.

If you enjoy the outdoors, check out Red Rock Canyon. It’s a beautiful spot that stands out in the desert with a pop of red colour. It’s perfect for hiking, especially in the cooler seasons. Valley of Fire is another must-see for the outdoor lovers. This state park is filled with amazing rock formations made from Aztec sandstone.

The annual Las Vegas Food and Wine Festival happens in October and is great for the foodies. If you’re feeling the spooky season, go on a haunted ghost tour. There are a few, and you can choose a walking or bus adventure. Your trip may include stops at haunted hotels, casinos, and iconic landmarks like the High Roller.

Next Read: The best pumpkin patches in Las Vegas

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you’re planning a visit to Albuquerque in October, check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Thousands of people from all around the country gather to witness this magnificent event. Get ready to see over 500 hot air balloons take to the sky and fill it with an array of colours. This could be the best time of year to visit Albuquerque.

Explore one of the USA’s most diverse cities without the heat. The annual New Mexico Brew Fest takes place this time of year and is a lot of fun. Over 70 breweries come together to showcase what this state has to offer.

If you’re looking for something spooky, take an Old Town ghost tour. Learn about the history as you explore the neighbourhoods, listen to the ghost stories, and hear about all the paranormal encounters.

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York

A town known for its ghost stories, especially one in particular, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. A headless horseman and a missing man? It sure sounds interesting. And you can enjoy your October in this small town built on Washington Irving’s iconic short story.

The annual Jack O’Lantern Blaze takes place this time of year at the Van Cortlandt Manor and is an absolute must. Make your way through the 18th-century land as you enjoy the beautiful set-up of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Each section tells a story or depicts a beautiful scene.

Another fun activity is the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride and Block Party. Enjoy all the jump scares on your hay wagon ride as you make your way down Albany Post Road. Don’t forget to visit the Old Dutch Church and cemetery.

4. San Diego, California

San Diego is a great place to visit in October. The weather is perfect, and the crowds are minimal. This city doesn’t shy away from its Halloween activities, and it’ll be pretty hard not to be in the festive spirit.

The Birch Aquarium, Seaworld, and the San Diego Zoo all offer Halloween-themed adventures. It’s a great way to see these wonderful sights while celebrating All Hallows’ Eve. The annual La Jolla Art and Wine Festival also occurs this time of year and is an absolute must. Enjoy the works of over 150 artists while enjoying the delicious wine and tasty food.

If you’re a film enthusiast, check out the San Diego International Film Festival. This five-day event screens over 100 films from around the world.

Next Read: The best pumpkin patches in San Diego

5. Portland, Oregon

Fall in love with the fall foliage in Oregon’s largest city. If you enjoy the outdoors, Portland is one of the best places to visit in October. Enjoy breathtaking hikes while being surrounded by the various shades of autumn.

Portland loves all things Halloween, and you’ll find plenty to do in this rainy city. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches and, of course, haunted houses, the fun-filled opportunities are endless. The Spirit of Halloweentown is great fun and includes some spooky stories, movie locations (think Twilight), and a ton of jack-o-lanterns.

If you’re a beer lover, you must attend one (or all) of the days at Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest. For 17 days, you can expect a rare seasonal beer with special tappings.

6. Chicago, Illinois

Paying a visit in October is also worthwhile since the city embraces fall. You can admire the colours of autumn as the leaves change shades, and exploring Chi-town on a river cruise is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. Pay a visit to The Bean, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk for some of the best fall foliage.

As things cool down, apple picking and pumpkin patches heat up. Harvest your own delicious apples, and depending on where you go, enjoy corn mazes, sunflower fields, and playgrounds. Another must-do is pumpkin patches. Walk about as you view hundreds of pumpkins in different shapes and sizes.

The Lincoln Park Zoo has its annual Fall Fest in October, and it is a lot of fun. Every weekend, they offer something new, like musical entertainment, story time, pumpkin carvers, and a pumpkin patch.

You might enjoy reading my article on best places to visit in the USA on your first trip.

7. Asheville, North Carolina

If you want to explore the outdoors this October, Asheville has one of the best fall displays. Since this town sits in the mountains, you can expect dramatic fall foliage.

The Asheville Oktoberfest takes place this time of year and is a little taste of Europe in the heart of the US. Celebrate German culture with delicious food and tasty beer. There are competitions, music, and other entertainment.

Take a scenic drive to enjoy the welcoming of autumn. Some great spots to visit are the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Biltmore Estate. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, pop in at the WNC Nature Center. Here, you’ll find various animals, such as red wolves, black bears, and otters. There’s also a special Halloween event called Boo at the Zoo.

8. Aspen, Colorado

Before this town becomes a snow heaven, it’s a fall paradise. Enjoy breathtaking hikes while enjoying the yellow-speckled hills of Aspen. The golden aspen trees are actually how this city got its name.

Take advantage of the fall harvest by visiting the Aspen Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh organic produce along with arts and crafts. Don’t forget to taste the apple cider. If you’re visiting in early October, be sure to visit the annual Oktoberfest. Dress up and join in the festivities celebrating German culture.

If you’re looking for something a bit more spooky, try one of the nighttime ghost tours, which is spooktacular.

9. Maui, Hawaii

If you’ve been dying to visit Hawaii, October can be a great time. The cooler temperatures mean everything is a lot cheaper, from flights to accommodation. The weather this time of year is still great, and you’ll still be able to watch some beautiful Maui sunsets.

Walk along black sand beaches and take a stroll through lush bamboo forests. Go chasing waterfalls while you enjoy beautiful hikes. Snorkelling and scuba diving should also be high on your list, as it's one of the best things to do in Maui.

The annual Maui Fair kicks off this time of year and is great fun for everyone. Think rides, games, live entertainment, and yummy food.

PS: Halloween in Lahaina is one of the island’s biggest events of the year and is a must-do.

10. Stowe, Vermont

Enjoy New England’s finest. Stowe fully embraces fall, and you can expect to get the full experience. Enjoy it all, from beautiful autumn colours painting the town to local breweries and, of course, handcrafted cheeses.

Enjoy a cooler hike and outdoor activities, and then in the evening, cosy up next to a fire with some apple cider. Take part in Oktoberfest at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. There’ll be contests, great food, and lots of beer. Take in the view from Mount Mansfield, and if you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Great Vermont Corn Maze. This is the largest corn maze in New England and offers quite a challenge.