Fall color fans get ready — autumn is right around the corner. And that means it’s time to start planning a leaf-peeping trip. All up and down the east coast, you’ll find beautiful spots to enjoy the amazing hues of the season. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the very best destinations for a fall vacation, plus ideal home base resorts available on RedWeek.com.
Rhode Island
Fall Color Peak: Early to late-October
Leaf Peeping Opportunities: The smallest state in the U.S. is big on fall color. On the coast in Newport, stroll the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, where you’ll not only see glorious autumn colors, but also some of the most majestic estates and mansions in the country. Goddard Memorial State Park is another great fall destination, with a diverse array of deciduous and evergreen tree species that burst into dazzling shades every October.
Where To Stay: Book a suite at Wyndham Long Wharf and you’ll enjoy easy access to the best of Newport, including the Newport Fisherman’s Wharf. On-property, have an autumn BBQ in the resort’s pavilion, or settle in for a movie in the surround-sound theater.
Boston, Massachusetts
Fall Color Peak: Mid-October to early November
Leaf Peeping Opportunities: Boston is an urban environment — but it has more than its fair share of autumn colors to revel in. Downtown’s Public Garden is home to Japanese maple trees that turn an alluring shade of red in the fall, while the 44-acre Boston Common’s oak, beech and chestnut tree deliver natural fireworks during the season. Take a stroll through Beacon Hill for even more spectacular sights amidst the historic homes and architecture.
Where To Stay: Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House is just steps from some the city’s most beloved spots, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the New England Aquarium, and the vibrant North End neighborhood — a must-visit if you’re a fan of Italian food.
The Catskills, New York
Fall Color Peak: Early to mid-October
Leaf Peeping Opportunities: Take a journey out to southern New York state during the fall and you’ll uncover an autumnal wonderland. The Mountain Top Arboretum in Tannersville offers 178 acres of easy-to-explore meadows and forests, with colors ranging from deep red to bright orange. Over in in New Baltimore, the Hannacroix Creek Preserve (the HCP to locals) is home to Irving Trail, one of the Empire State’s greatest fall treks, ending up at a picture-perfect waterfall.
Where To Stay: Located in scenic Callicoon, New York, Villa Roma Resort takes the Catskills’ brand of rustic luxury to another level, with an on-site golf course, expansive two- and three-bedroom villas, and two heated outdoor pools.
Vermont’s Green Mountains
Fall Color Peak: Early to mid-October
Leaf Peeping Opportunities: Vermont’s autumn beauty comes primarily from the abundance of native sugar maples in the state. The state’s Green Mountains are excellent for getting an eyeful of the changing colors, with charming small towns like Manchester, Dorset, and Waitsfield offering the chance to take a truly unforgettable fall road trip.
Where To Stay: Stowe, Vermont, is one of the state’s most popular leaf-peeping destinations — and Smugglers’ Notch Resort puts you right in the center of it all. In between your leafy excursions, you’ll enjoy eight swimming pools (with four waterslides), ziplining adventures and several full-service restaurants.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Fall Color Peak: Late-October to early-November
Leaf Peeping Opportunities: Williamsburg, Virginia, is renowned for its colonial historic attractions — but in the fall, the primary draw is the fiery foliage in the region, with maples, sweet gums, crape myrtles, and ginkgos providing gorgeous colors. The Basset Trace Nature Center is an ideal option, with a trail that winds through a canopy of trees, while the Governor’s Palace Gardens offer a stunning natural tunnel of orange branches — one of autumn’s most incredible photo opps.
Where To Stay: The elegant Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony is a perfect home-away-from-home during your fall escape. Just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, the resort’s many amenities include 54 holes of championship golf, beautifully manicured gardens, and impeccably plush accommodations.
