Summer vacations are wonderful, but fall vacations are underrated — especially if you’re the type of traveler who loves getting outside to explore. Temperatures cool down, crowds thin out and the natural world reveals all of its glory. Below, check out some travel options when it comes to fantastic fall outdoor adventure.
Lake Tahoe, California
Located in the scenic Sierra Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a year-round outdoor playground. But fall might be where it all comes together. As the temperatures cool down, travelers with a taste for adventure converge on the destination to enjoy everything from spectacular mountain biking trails to standup paddleboard glides across crystal clear waters. Leaf-peepers take note: Tahoe is also an underrated fall foliage spot — mid-to-late October is the best time to see the trees turn from green to gold. And if you’re visiting in late fall, Lake Tahoe magically transforms into a winter wonderland around Thanksgiving, offering the best skiing and snowboarding in California.
Check out our Lake Tahoe travel guide.
Where To Stay: Situated at the base of Heavenly Mountain, Marriott Grand Residence Club – Lake Tahoe offers a rustic-but-luxurious spot to relax and refresh after a day spent in the great outdoors.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg serves as the launchpad for countless fresh air explorations. The most popular national park in the U.S., Great Smoky gives visitors access to 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness — all of which is even more gorgeous in the fall. Take an unforgettable drive on Newfound Gap, a 31-mile journey into the heart of the park, with spectacular views waiting around every bend in the road. Hike or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove loop, one of the Great Smokies’ best wildlife viewing destinations. Here, you’ll have the chance to catch sight of white-tailed deer, coyote and even black bears. And waterfall lovers won’t want to miss Rainbow Falls, which plunges 80 feet into a verdant valley.
Check out our Gatlinburg travel guide.
Where To Stay: At Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge, enjoy Wyndham’s signature style and service in a location adjacent to both the national park and the championship Eagles Landing Golf Course.
Vail, Colorado
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains turn an awe-inspiring shade of gold every fall, thanks to the annual foliage of the region’s famed aspen trees. Vail is known as one of the world’s best ski destinations, but it’s equally amazing in the autumn, with trails leading to groves of glowing aspens; you may have seen photos of this phenomenon, but it’s something that really comes to life when you see it in person. The area’s peak varies from year to year, but if you’re visiting any time between early September and mid-October, you’re likely to experience some serious fall color.
Check out our Vail travel guide.
Where To Stay: Add a little luxury to your fall getaway. Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail offers sweeping mountain views, a state-of-the-art spa and sumptuous suites.
Kauai, Hawaii
Scenic natural beauty and outdoor adventure come together perfectly in Kauai. Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” it’s filled with pristine landscapes, from postcard-perfect beaches to lush tropical rainforests. It’s all great eye-candy, but Kauai compels you to discover more, whether you’re learning to surf the waves at Poipu Beach Park (the waters are usually gentle here so it’s great for beginners) or trekking through the 45 miles of trails in the Kokee State Park, where you’ll encounter an array of exotic wildlife. Fall in Hawaii is an ideal time to visit; there are fewer crowds, making it even easier to find your own slice of paradise.
Find out which Hawaiian island is right for you.
Where To Stay: Just steps from Poipu Beach Park, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club offers easy beach access, two-bedroom / two-bath villas, two outdoor pools, and tasty eats at The Kiawe Grill.
Start planning your fall outdoor adventure vacation with RedWeek now.
