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5 U.S. Destinations to Visit in the Fall

| Updated Jun 19, 2023

We are nearing the end of the summer travel season — a bummer for a lot of people, but a boon for many RVers looking to take advantage of reduced crowd sizes, and better rates, among other things.

Oh, and don’t forget about those amazing colors courtesy of Mother Nature.

If you’re already at work on developing a plan for fall travel, the good folks at Travel Trivia has come up with another one of their lists that we love — “5 Under-the-Radar U.S. Cities to Visit in the Fall.”

  1. Camden, Maine

I did a story about our visit to this area a few years ago and can definitely attest to the beauty of the area. Calling itself the “Jewel of the Maine coast,” Camden offers just about the perfect East Coast experience. In the fall, you’ll be able to pull on your favorite sweater, watch the boats, or take part in this arts-focused community by visiting one of its many art galleries or the opera house that's open year-round. September in Camden delivers an average temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Just one month later, temps drop to an average of 55 degrees.

Why to RV Here in Fall: If it’s autumn colors you seek, it’s autumn colors you get in Camden. The trees in the area are ablaze with reds, yellows, and oranges as soon as autumn arrives. The Hawthorn Inn in Camden says that autumn is the best time to visit their town.

5 U.S. Destinations to Visit in the Fall 1
A panoramic shot taken with my iPhone6 of the harbor at Camden
  1. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Oregon is a favorite destination for longtime RV Lifestyle contributor Campskunk so be sure to check out some of his past stories about the region. Cannon Beach is about 90-minutes from Portland. And it's worth the travel time. National Geographic named the beach one of the best in the world in 2017. Rugged rocks and a sandy coats make for a nice walk for those nature lovers. Quaint seaside towns are dotted along the coast, where it feels like time stopped in the 1950s. Old-fashioned arcades and boardwalks offer all sorts of hidden gems. Temperatures dip in the fall, but the rainy season doesn't start until November.

Why You Should Visit in Fall: Fall is one of the warmest seasons in this area. The water along the Oregon coast stays warm until October, perfect if you plan on doing one of the many water-based activities offered in the area. Locals call it the Second Summer.

  1. Park City, Utah

We at the RV Lifestyle love Utah! We’ve written about many things the state has to offer in the past, so if you don’t go exactly to Park City, you’ll still do well here. Fall is a great time to visit this mountain town because you'll skip the cold temperatures and the crowds but still get all the chic style the town has to offer. October temperatures are a comfortable 62 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery with just a jacket. Park City has a great main street easily walkable. It's filled with adorable independent stores so feel free to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.

Why You Should Visit in Fall: There are events happening in Park City year-round, but the annual Park City Wine Festival is a great excuse for a visit in the fall. The festival brings together more than 100 food and wine merchants. They offer wine tasting sessions and cooking classes, too, perfect for taking your foodie knowledge to the next level.

 

  1. Alexandria, Virginia

Located a short drive from Washington, D.C.Alexandria is a perfect base for exploring the nation's capital. But it's a great vacation destination, too. Established in 1749, the city offers visitors plenty of opportunity to take in its more than 250 years of American history. Check out Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, or take a sightseeing tour down the Potomac on a riverboat. With school back in session, you'll have far fewer young visitors to contend with on these historic sites. It's a great location for tree colors, too.

Why You Should Visit in Fall: If you love Halloween and all things spooky, visit Alexandria in October. Take one of the late-night ghost tours through the Old Town and learn where spirits are rumored to still be haunting residents today. There is also an annual Halloween parade.

  1. Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City landed atop Travel Trivia’s fall must-visit list and we’re not really surprised because we love South Dakota! In fact, check out our video below of “Top 5 Places to Visit Along I-90 in South Dakota.”  So why go in the fall? By the time Labor Day arrives, the area gets a lot quieter and a lot easier on your wallet. Rapid City is the perfect base for visiting Mount Rushmore, located 30 minutes away by RV. There is a lot more to this western town than that famous monument. Rapid City is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Badlands National Park, Custer State Park (the nation's top state park, according to a panel I served on a few years ago), and the Crazy Horse Memorial are all within a short driving distance. Due to a lack of crowds, you'll be able to hike to your heart's content without battling for space on the trails. Plus, AccuWeather reports the average temperatures in the fall hovers at a comfortable 60 degrees — perfect weather to get outside and explore.

Mike Wendland

Published on 2019-08-20

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

One Response to “5 U.S. Destinations to Visit in the Fall”

September 03, 2019at7:00 am, Best State Parks Across the U.S for Fall RVing | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] Parks for Fall Camping” as Travel Pulse recently did (and not to be confused with the “5 U.S. Destinations to Visit in the Fall” that we recently brought […]

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