Follow Falling Leaves: Best Places to Visit In October

Each year, fall graces us with dreamy weather, colorful treetops, and every sweet tooth’s favorite holiday, Halloween. Say goodbye to the scorching heat of summer and hit the road to one of the best places to visit in October. Catch the changing colors of leaves before winter wisps them from their branches. Visit must-see attractions while the school year keeps the crowds away. Or, don your most creative costume for an unforgettable All Hallow’s Eve celebration. If you’re dreading the coming cold fronts, make your way to warm waters for one last beach getaway before the end of the year.

Read on for some of our thoughtful suggestions on where to go and where you should stay this October.

The Best Places to Travel in October in the U.S.

Vacation season doesn’t have to end with Labor Day. Wherever you choose to stay, your experience in a Select Registry property will reward you with a memorable break from reality. With an abundance of unique destinations to choose from, where will you go this October? 

Admire the Beautiful Fall Foliage

The vibrant colors of fall have inspired works of art throughout history. Shades of rusty auburn, golden yellow, and pumpkin orange paint the cloud-studded skies from across the country. Imagine driving between rows of oak, maple, and hickory trees arching overhead while the leaves flick and flurry in the gentle autumn breeze. Up and down the East Coast, travelers can enjoy picturesque scenes of fiery treetops in juxtaposition with lush, emerald evergreens. Hike through mountainous landscapes, situate yourself near the Atlantic Ocean, or explore the various Western regions of the country for the best fall palettes.

L’Auberge Provencale Bed & Breakfast

Boyce, VA

Drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway in October for mesmerizing views of mountainous landscapes and stay the night at the elegant L’Auberge Provencale B&B. Explore the Shenandoah Valley and treat yourself to a romantic getaway in Virginia Wine Country. 

L’Auberge Provencale B&B

Travel Tip: Plan the ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip through Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee for some of the most spectacular views. 

Whale Cove Inn

Depoe Bay, OR

The serene, scenic atmosphere of the Pacific Coast lures fall travelers to this luxurious Depoe Bay inn. Spend your day in nature, capturing envy-worthy photos of fall foliage and return to the inn for the ultimate October getaway.

Whale Cove Inn 

Escape to Warmer Waters

driving South to maintain your sun-kissed aura. Not only can you find warm beaches in October, but you can also indulge in fresh seasonal seafood, like stone crab, at a seaside restaurant. Admire the roaring waves as they crawl up the sandy-white beaches to greet your toes. Stroll through tree graveyards that feature driftwood silhouettes posed in front of a sunset-painted oceanic horizon. The beach beckons and makes for an excellent romantic fall getaway. 

Where to Stay

Black Dolphin Inn 

New Smyrna Beach, FL

An award-winning and reimagined 21st-century historic inn, this property treats guests to a unique vacation in New Smyrna, Florida. Soak up the sun’s warm rays and unwind in a luxurious, coastal setting.

Black Dolphin Inn

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island, GA 

Explore the driftwood beaches, saltwater marshes, and undeveloped wilderness when you stay at this highly acclaimed resort off the Georgia coast. This secluded paradise sits along seven miles of pristine beaches and boasts charming accommodations.

The Lodge

Take Advantage of the Cooler Weather

Avoid hordes of seasonal tourists and stay cool when you choose to travel in October. Delight in the crisp, fresh air while hiking along nature trails or exploring natural wonders. Revitalize when greeted with a chilly morning breeze and remain refreshed throughout the day as the weather maintains a moderate temperature. Travel to vacation destinations that feature sandy-red desert terrain or populated, bustling cities and savor the moment without breaking a sweat. It’s also an excellent opportunity to snap the best photos of beautiful scenery without a sea of heads getting in the way.

Where to Stay

Canyon Villa Bed & Breakfast of Sedona

Sedona, AZ

Experience desert landscapes when you stay at this sophisticated retreat in Sedona, Arizona. Cross the Grand Canyon off your bucket list and venture into the red desert to see Oak Creek Canyon and the Verde Valley. October is a great time to go horseback riding or hiking in the Coconino National Forest.

Canyon Villa B&B

Travel Tip: Never stayed in a B&B before? We’ve got some great pointers on what to expect from your experience! 

Celebrate All Hallows’ Day Holidays

With Halloween creeping up, don’t be afraid to try something new. Driving across the U.S. in October, you can expect to see streets lined with pumpkin patches, scarecrows, and haystacks. Travel to historically haunted locales and test your bravery on a frightening ghost tour. Peruse famous, overgrown cemeteries in search of unsettled spirits. Show off your costume at exciting Halloween events and festivals. For something a little more unique, head to the Southwest and admire the vibrant artwork, folk dancing, and elaborate rituals in cities where Latino communities celebrate the Day of the Dead. From ghastly parades and elaborate costume parties to terrifying haunted houses, travelers can find a myriad of attractions across the country.

Where to Stay

The Inn at Castle Hill

Ipswich, MA 

Located thirty minutes from Salem, where the witch trials took place, this luxury inn will ease any tension you feel after spooky ghost tours, witchy seances, and trial reenactments. Bathe in the natural light that bounds throughout the property while relaxing in the elegant accommodations.

Inn at Castle Hill

San Antonio, Texas, hosts authentic Día de Los Muertos celebrations, traditionally celebrated throughout Mexico. Centrally located near the famed Riverwalk, this property allows for easy access to some of the best Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations in Texas.

Fairview Inn

Jackson, MS

Seek out some of the most haunted places in Jackson, Mississippi, this Halloween! Between exploring graveyards and Civil War sites, and old chapels, return to Fairview Inn to calm your nerves! This renovated 1908 Colonial Revival mansion is on the National Historic Register. 

Fairview Inn

Jacksonville, OR

McCully House Inn

Jacksonville is a historic Gold Rush town now known for a thriving cultural and epicurean scene.  Jacksonville is home to the summer-long Britt Music & Arts Festival, an incredible selection of independently owned shops and eateries, celebrated winemakers and accessible hiking and biking opportunities.

McCully House Inn

Stay Select at Select Registry Properties

While researching the best places to visit in October, consider booking a room in one of our highly-acclaimed and quality-approved Select Registry properties. Stay in a boutique hotel, historic inn, or a romantic bed & breakfast and savor the time away from your everyday life. Trick and treat yourself to a much-deserved vacation this fall and allow our dedicated innkeepers and property staff make it one for the books! 

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