top fall travel destinations

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Best places to visit in the fall.

Whether you're seeking scenic drives through fall foliage , less congested national parks or a post-summer beach vacation, autumn is an opportune time to get away. This season is when kids go back to school, so you'll typically find lower prices, fewer crowds and cooler temperatures at many popular vacation destinations. With the help of travel experts and reader input, U.S. News considered seasonal festivities, weather and crowds, among other factors, to pull together a list of the best places to visit in the fall. Vote for your favorite places below to help us determine next year's list.

The Berkshires

Zion national park, yellowstone national park, kaua'i, the finger lakes, acadia national park, jackson hole, buenos aires.

No fall vacation list would be complete without a quintessential New England getaway . This stretch of idyllic small towns and rolling hills in western Massachusetts is an autumn lover's dream. Aside from the region's renowned fall foliage, which is at its most colorful throughout October, the Berkshires are dotted with apple orchards and pick-your-own pumpkin patches. Meanwhile, towns like Lenox (the location of Edith Wharton's home, The Mount) and Stockbridge (home to the Norman Rockwell Museum), are teeming with historical architecture and quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations. 

Iceland sees a high volume of tourists during the popular summer months, but fall's cool weather clears out the crowds in its capital city. September in Reykjavik sees daytime highs in the 50s, perfect for brisk walks along the city's waterfront or day trips to South Iceland's waterfalls . Though you'll want to brace yourself for rain and stock up on some Icelandic wool in October and November (when temps descend into the 40s and 30s), you'll save some króna on accommodations and increase your chances of seeing the northern lights by visiting later in the season.

As fall makes its debut, Zion National Park's dwindling temperatures (think: highs starting in the low 90s in September and dropping to the mid-60s by November) create the perfect conditions for activities like horseback riding, biking and canyoneering. Hike the valley floor alongside colorful cottonwoods, or traverse steep inclines for panoramic views of Zion's sandstone cliffs. Some of the park's most popular trails are The Narrows, the Canyon Overlook Trail and Angels Landing, a strenuous hike that requires a permit. Keep in mind that temperatures can fluctuate up to 30 degrees in one day, so pack extra layers.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient city of Petra is a bucket list vacation spot for its roughly 2,000-year-old carved stone facades. Temperatures slide from the high 80s to the low 70s throughout the fall months, making it one of the most enjoyable times to visit this Jordan locale. You won't bake under the desert sun as you hike the 800-plus steps to the Monastery or wind through the canyons of the Siq to reach Petra's pinnacle: the Treasury (Al Khazna).

Sitting about 180 miles southeast of Paris, this prestigious wine region in France makes for a cozy fall escape. Visitors can see top Burgundy heritage sites like Vézelay Abbey and Fontenay Abbey against a backdrop of autumn leaves, or drive past stunning golden vineyards along the Route des Grands Crus (route of the great wines). Stay in Dijon, the region's capital, for access to museums and Michelin-starred restaurants, or opt for a countryside château for a quieter retreat.

With a history that dates back to the 1700s, this destination on the coast of Georgia takes "spooky season" to a new level. When night falls, you can go on a ghost tour through eerie yet beautiful sites like Bonaventure Cemetery, stay in a haunted hotel or enjoy Savannah's reputable nightlife with a creepy pub crawl. Plus, since the stifling summer heat starts to dissipate in September, you'll be more comfortable for daytime activities like sauntering through the Victorian District, with its grand homes and the charming Forsyth Park, or enjoying the season's many events, including the Savannah Jazz Festival.

Void of camera-toting tourists come October, Yellowstone is ready for you to watch its beautiful transition from summer to fall without interruption (except by maybe a bison or two). Yellowstone's animals are active in the fall, so you may catch a glimpse of elk, eagles and even bears preparing for hibernation. Biking and fly-fishing are great activities to enjoy in September and October, while hiking remains a popular pastime well into November. However, be aware that amenities in this park, which stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, become more limited as the season progresses, and roads start closing for winter in mid-October.

Fall is one of Kyoto's busiest seasons, and for good reason. This Japanese city is chock-full of can't-miss cultural sites, and seeing them against autumn's crimson maples is beyond compare. Attractions like Kyoto Imperial Park, Shinnyodo Temple and Tofukuji Temple are impressive in their own right, but even more so come fall. Mid- to late November is the prime time for foliage, but visiting earlier in the season may mean fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rates. To stave off the evening chill (temps dip into the 40s come November), book accommodations at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with an onsen (hot spring).    

September kicks off spring in Cape Town, and near-perfect weather (think: minimal rain and highs in the mid-60s and 70s) makes this an excellent time for outdoor activities. Throughout the season, you'll encounter swaths of vibrant wildflowers as you ascend Table Mountain on an aerial cableway, meander through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or drive to the Stellenbosch wine region. Plus, if you sign up for a whale watching cruise, you might see southern right whales during their calving season.

With some of Bhutan's most significant festivals of the year occurring in September and October, including Thimphu Tshechu and Jambay Lhakhang Drup, fall is an excellent time to dive into this small country's rich culture. Due to its location in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, Bhutan's weather depends on the elevation and nights are typically frigid, but visitors can expect dry conditions and daytime highs in the 50s to 70s. You'll be grateful for the breeze while hiking up to the photogenic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taksthang Goemba) or trekking part of the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Once summer passes, visitors can enjoy a sense of peace and quiet on this rugged Hawaiian island. Fall is a great time to visit some of Kaua'i's main attractions – such as Waimea Canyon State Park and Wailua River State Park – without crowds blocking your views of the breathtaking scenery. The island is warm year-round, so you'll still be able to bask in the rays on stunning beaches like Ke'e Beach and Tunnels Beach (Makua) in fall. Just be sure to squeeze in your trip before the island's rainy season, which starts in November.

Upstate New York has long been a requisite getaway for fall colors, and the Finger Lakes region is no exception. This area covers all of the fall basics: vibrant foliage, crisp air and farms where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins. From late September through early November, you can take in fall colors in comfort (daytime highs range from the 50s to 70s) as you hike through Watkins Glen State Park or drive along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. You'll also catch the region's cideries and 100-plus wineries at their peak, so take advantage of the season's harvest festivals .

Autumn in Acadia National Park is nothing if not breathtaking. This national park on the coast of Maine attracts leaf peepers from across the country every year. The leaves are typically at their peak in mid-October, but the state offers a regularly updated foliage report to help you plan your scenic trip. Cooler temperatures will make the park's challenging hikes, such as the steep Precipice Trail and the Beehive Loop, more enjoyable. However, snow can fall as early as November in Acadia, so you'll want to check for trail closures before you arrive.

One of the southernmost Greek islands, Crete holds on to balmy temps well into the fall. For those who want to eke out a few more weeks of swimming season, September is ideal for lounging on top beaches like the pink-hued Elafonisi. When tourism comes to a halt and the resorts start to close in mid-October, visitors will have more breathing room as they explore the island's archaeological sites, wineries and quaint towns. For off-season accommodations and plenty of restaurant options, stick to Heraklion and Chania, which remain lively throughout the year.

Fall weather in Wyoming's Jackson Hole valley is sublime, with average highs sliding from the low 70s in September to the high 30s by November. Animal lovers will want to stop by the National Elk Refuge to listen to the bugling calls from male elk as they look for mates in September and October. Autumn also ushers in a few events – including the Fall Arts Festival – plus plenty of opportunities to hike the aspen-studded mountains in nearby Grand Teton National Park or enjoy a relaxing soak in the Granite Hot Springs Pool.

The spring shoulder season in Buenos Aires is one of the best times to visit. After winter's chill, the Argentinian city comes to life with outdoor markets, al fresco dining, festivals and art exhibits. You'll want to pack some rain gear – spring is one of Buenos Aires' wettest seasons – but the showers make the city's blooms all the more exuberant. Head to Palermo, where the 18,000-plus roses on the Rose Garden Walk burst with color throughout September and October, or amble along the city's wide avenues, which are adorned with flowering jacarandas in November.

The months of September, October and November in Montréal are filled with art, film and food festivals and cool temperatures. First-time travelers must make time to explore charming Old Montréal and the city's expansive botanical garden (one of the world's largest), which is strewn with lanterns in September and October. To take in the colorful fall foliage, consider hiking Mount Royal or one of the area's various trails. Hotel rates are lower in fall than in the peak summer season, so you'll also get more bang for your buck, though you'll want to bundle up if you're visiting later in the season.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

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