The 11 Best Places to Visit in the US in October

October reshapes the US travel map. Mountain towns glow in gold, coastlines quiet into cooler rhythms, and wine regions shift into harvest mode. Days stay bright, evenings turn crisp, and the landscapes feel refreshed after summer’s heat. For anyone choosing the best places to visit in the US in October, it’s a month made for scenic drives, festivals, fall foliage, and unhurried time outdoors.

This guide highlights 11 states that really come alive in October – places where fall color, seasonal food, and outdoor experiences reach their peak. Each destination also aligns with Wander’s collection, giving travelers a thoughtfully designed base for autumn adventures.

1. Vermont

Why it shines in October

Vermont is synonymous with fall. By early October, the Green Mountains turn electric with reds and oranges, covered bridges frame quiet country roads, and farm stands spill over with apples, cider, and late-season produce.

Small towns like Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester become postcard-perfect basecamps for foliage drives and scenic hikes.

For travelers seeking the best US vacation spots in October for pure fall color, Vermont sets the standard.

Things to do

• Drive Smugglers’ Notch under peak foliage

• Hike Sterling Pond or the Stowe Pinnacle Trail

• Visit cider mills and roadside pie stands

• Explore Burlington’s markets and waterfront views

Where to stay

• Wander Stowe Green

• Wander Stowe Hollow

• Wander Lake Bomoseen

2. New York

Why it shines in October

Upstate New York transforms into one of the country’s most scenic fall regions. The Catskills and Hudson Valley reach peak color in early to mid-October, pairing brilliantly with farmers markets, harvest festivals, and crisp trail days. Higher elevations in the Adirondacks turn even earlier, offering dramatic ridge views and mirror-like lakes.

For travelers wondering where to travel in the US in October for both nature and culture, New York is an unbeatable mix.

Things to do

• Explore Hudson’s galleries and cafés

• Hike Kaaterskill Falls or Giant Ledge

• Visit wineries around the Finger Lakes

• Paddle quiet lakes ringed with fall foliage

Where to stay

• Wander Catskills Creek

• Wander Hillsdale Lakeside

• Wander Rhinebeck Woods

3. North Carolina

Why it shines in October

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the longest-running foliage seasons in the country. Elevations change quickly here, meaning you can follow fall color for weeks, starting in early October at the highest peaks and shifting down into valleys by late October.

Asheville anchors the region with farm-to-table dining, breweries, and cool mountain mornings.

Among the best places to visit in the US in October, North Carolina offers both scenic drives and approachable trails perfect for all levels.

Things to do

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway at sunrise

• Hike Black Balsam Knob or Craggy Gardens

• Explore Asheville’s River Arts District

• Visit waterfalls throughout Pisgah National Forest

Where to stay

• Wander Black Mountain

• Wander Alexander Mountain

• Wander Asheville Wilkie

4. Colorado

Why it shines in October

Colorado’s aspens shift from green to shimmering gold, blanketing mountain slopes around Crested Butte, Telluride, and Aspen. October brings cool, dry weather ideal for hiking, biking, and calm exploration of mountain towns. Snow often arrives later in the month, giving a crisp edge to early mornings without closing trails entirely.

For travelers choosing the best US vacation spots in October for dramatic fall landscapes, Colorado is consistently memorable.

Things to do

• See the aspens along Kebler Pass

• Explore Telluride’s box canyon and waterfall trails

• Enjoy late-season hikes around Crested Butte

• Photograph Maroon Bells under fresh snow dusting

Where to stay

• Wander Crested Peaks

• Wander Boulder Mountain

• Wander Telluride Ranch

5. Tennessee

Why it shines in October

The Great Smoky Mountains host one of America’s most impressive fall transformations. October brings rolling color across ridgelines, foggy mornings that hang in valleys, and wildlife activity throughout Cades Cove. Nashville and Knoxville add music, food, and cultural energy to late-fall road trips.

For travelers considering where to travel in the US in October for foliage and mountain calm, Tennessee is a standout.

Things to do

• Drive Newfound Gap Road under changing leaves

• Explore Cades Cove at sunrise

• Visit Dollywood’s fall harvest events

• Enjoy hiking on the Appalachian Trail near Clingmans Dome

Where to stay

• Wander Smoky Mountains Timber

• Wander Monroe Hollow

• Wander Smoky Estate

6. South Carolina

Why it shines in October

South Carolina’s Lowcountry trades summer heat for breezy, comfortable days that make October ideal for exploring waterfront towns and barrier islands. Charleston’s historic neighborhoods feel especially welcoming, while Hilton Head offers warm ocean temperatures well into fall.

Among the best places to visit in the US in October for mild weather and coastal charm, South Carolina balances relaxation with cultural depth.

Things to do

• Stroll Charleston’s cobblestone streets

• Kayak through salt marshes near Hilton Head

• Visit historic plantations and gardens

• Bike shaded paths beneath coastal live oaks

Where to stay

• Wander Hilton Head Tropic

• Wander Murrells Inlet Dunes

• Wander Hilton Head Nest

7. Oregon

Why it shines in October

Oregon shifts into a season of fog-kissed coastlines, quiet trails, and fall color throughout the Willamette Valley and Cascade foothills. Rain may return in light bursts, but it brings rich greens and crisp air perfect for scenic drives. The coast is especially beautiful this time of year, with dramatic skies and wide-open beaches.

For travelers seeking the best US vacation spots in October with moody, cinematic scenery, Oregon is a perfect fit for the season.

Things to do

• Explore Samuel H. Boardman’s overlooks

• Visit wineries in the Willamette Valley

• Walk the beaches near Cannon Beach and Manzanita

• Hike waterfall trails around the Columbia River Gorge

Where to stay

• Wander Mount Hood

• Wander Port Orford

• Wander Bandon Beach

8. Washington

Why it shines in October

Washington’s fall season brings golden larches to the Cascades — one of the region’s most unique and spectacular sights. Mountain passes glow in yellow, Seattle settles into cozy café weather, and the San Juan Islands stay calm and inviting before winter sets in.

For travelers considering where to travel in the US in October for crisp, scenic nature without heavy crowds, Washington delivers.

Things to do

• Hike the larch forests at Washington Pass

• Explore Leavenworth’s fall festivals

• Visit Seattle’s markets and waterfront

• Take a ferry to Orcas Island for quiet autumn days

Where to stay

• Wander Friday Harbor

• Wander Leavenworth Mountain

• Wander West Seattle

9. California

Why it shines in October

California’s October is one of the state’s finest months: warm days, cool nights, vineyard harvests, and coastal clarity. Wine country reaches its most flavorful season, Big Sur offers crisp hiking weather, and desert regions open back up after summer heat. It's also prime time for scenic drives and outdoor dining.

For travelers choosing the best places to visit in the US in October with a huge range of landscapes, California offers unmatched variety.

Things to do

• Explore Healdsburg during harvest season

• Hike in Big Sur under clear autumn skies

• Visit Joshua Tree as temperatures drop

• Enjoy architectural tours and poolside afternoons in Palm Springs

Where to stay

• Wander Big Sur Coast

• Wander June Lake

• Wander Joshua Tree Peaks

10. Wisconsin

Why it shines in October

Wisconsin’s fall season is bright, crisp, and full of color — especially around Door County, the Northwoods, and lakeside towns that feel tailor-made for autumn. Apple orchards, scenic byways, and quiet shoreline hikes create a relaxed October atmosphere.

For travelers choosing the best US vacation spots in October for cozy, lakefront autumn escapes, Wisconsin is a beautiful match.

Things to do

• Drive Door County’s coastal loops under peak foliage

• Visit orchards for fresh cider and baked goods

• Explore lakeside towns like Fish Creek and Ephraim

• Enjoy hiking or paddling in the Northwoods

Where to stay

• Wander Door County

• Wander Newton Lakefront

• Wander Forestville Pines

11. Florida (for a warm-weather contrast)

Why it shines in October

If fall foliage isn’t your priority, Florida offers warm breezes, quieter beaches, and tropical water that stays warm well into November. October sits comfortably between hurricane season’s peak and holiday crowds.

For travelers asking where to travel in the US in October for warmth instead of sweaters, Florida is the easy choice.

Things to do

• Swim or snorkel off Islamorada

• Explore West Palm Beach’s waterfront

• Visit the Everglades in cooler early-fall temperatures

• Enjoy open-air dining as evenings turn gentle and breezy

Where to stay

• Wander West Palm Beach

• Wander Islamorada Beach

• Wander Marco Island Waterfront

Plan Your October Getaway With Wander

October brings the US into one of its richest travel seasons – golden forests, harvest flavors, crisp air, and coastlines settling into their most peaceful weeks of the year. 

Whether you’re chasing mountain color, coastal calm, or late-season sunshine, Wander’s luxury vacation rentals offer the space, design, and setting that help fall trips unfold naturally.

Choose the state that matches your October mood, then find a Wander home that brings the season to life.