9 Unforgettable Fall Vacation Spots for Stunning Scenery and Luxury Stays
Experience the Magic of Fall with Luxurious Escapes
As the leaves turn and temperatures cool, autumn provides the perfect backdrop for a luxurious getaway. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant colors of New England, the charm of the South, or the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, we've curated the best destinations to visit this fall, each paired with a 5-star hotel recommendation to elevate your travel experience.
Have your trip planned by a professional. Click "Custom Plan My Trip" to inquire and schedule your complimentary pre-trip consult call today!
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Experience a quintessential New England autumn in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, where vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows paint the landscape. This region offers scenic drives, hiking, and world-class cultural experiences at museums like MASS MoCA.
Luxury Stay: Blantyre, Auberge Resorts Collection
This Gilded Age mansion-turned-resort boasts 110 acres of manicured grounds, farm-to-table dining, a world-class spa, and cozy fireplaces, creating the perfect retreat for fall evenings.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Autumn in Reykjavik showcases Iceland’s natural beauty with fewer crowds and mild weather. Explore stunning waterfalls, geothermal pools, and dramatic landscapes set against a backdrop of golden autumn hues.
Luxury Stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Enjoy exclusive access to the Blue Lagoon, minimalist Scandinavian design, and serene lava field surroundings at this luxurious 5-star resort.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s historic charm is enhanced by crisp fall air and colorful foliage. Stroll through moss-draped squares, admire elegant architecture, and savor the city’s renowned culinary scene without the summer crowds.
Luxury Stay: Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel
This boutique gem combines modern luxury with Southern hospitality, offering a rooftop pool, panoramic city views, and exceptional dining options.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Fall transforms Yellowstone into a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and increased animal activity. It’s the perfect time to witness nature at its best.
Luxury Stay: Amangani
Perched on East Gros Ventre Butte, this ultra-luxurious resort features breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains and convenient access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Manchester, Vermont
New England’s fall foliage is legendary, and Manchester offers some of the region’s best views. Crisp temperatures set the stage for hiking, apple picking, and exploring historic towns with stunning architecture.
The cool weather is ideal for activities like hiking, apple picking (a New England staple) and exploring historic towns — many of which offer a masterclass in 17th- and 18th-century architecture styles (Georgian, Victorian, Federal…). New England also regularly hosts harvest festivals and fairs during the fall, some of which have been celebrated since before the founding of the United States.
It’s worth noting that popular destinations like Vermont book up quickly. If you want to visit in fall, I strongly recommend booking by early summer, if not spring.
Luxury Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
This boutique hotel blends classic New England charm with contemporary elegance. Enjoy farm-to-table dining, cozy accommodations, and inviting common spaces, along with standalone cottages for a more private retreat.
South Carolina
A fall trip to South Carolina offers balmy temperatures (compared to the heat of summer). One of my favorite destinations is Bluffton, a quiet and scenic region that’s perfect for exploring the wildlife-abundant May River, where you can embark on personalized boat tours or kayaking adventures. Bluffton’s historic Old Town district offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and artisanal shops, while the city’s many fall festivals celebrate local culture and cuisine, allowing visitors to savor fresh seafood and regional specialties in a vibrant atmosphere.
Luxury Stay: Montage Palmetto Bluff
Set on 20,000 private acres, this upscale resort combines classic Southern sophistication with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy boating, golfing, and nature trails, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons are a great place to visit in fall if you’re looking for a taste of the finer things. While the beaches are generally too cold for swimming by mid-fall, they’re still gorgeous, and small towns offer a mix of luxurious dining and high-end shopping in a laid-back setting. There are also art galleries, historic sites and cultural festivals that add variety to a fall getaway.
Luxury Stay: The Roundtree, Amagansett
This boutique hotel combines New England charm with contemporary elegance. Recently remodeled in 2020, it features 14 beautifully designed rooms across the main house, barn, and private cottages. The Roundtree is an ideal choice for a serene autumn escape in the Hamptons.
Park City, Utah
While Park City’s ski season kicks off around Thanksgiving, fall is a wonderful time to visit for its festivals, events, and tranquil mountain landscapes. Surrounded by stunning pine forests, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting. The vibrant autumn foliage creates a picturesque setting for exploring this charming mountain town.
Luxury Stay: The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
This premier mountain resort blends upscale rustic design with European ski lodge aesthetics. From river adventures to fly fishing, or early access to the ski slopes, The Goldener Hirsch ensures a luxurious and adventurous fall getaway.
Kyoto, Japan
Fall in Kyoto transforms its historic temples, tranquil gardens, and bamboo groves into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and gold. Iconic landmarks like the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are especially beautiful during this season. Visitors can also experience Kyoto’s rich heritage through fall festivals such as Jidai Matsuri and the Kurama Fire Festival. Seasonal ingredients like chestnuts and matsutake mushrooms enhance Kyoto’s world-renowned cuisine.
Luxury Stay: The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
This luxurious hotel perfectly blends traditional Japanese elegance with contemporary comfort. Located near landmarks like Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijō Castle, it offers an authentic yet upscale base to explore Kyoto’s cultural and natural wonders.
