There’s something magical about autumn travel. As the leaves begin to fall and the crisp breeze fills the air, the world transforms into a canvas of reds, golds, and oranges. For those bitten by the travel bug, fall offers an opportunity to explore destinations at their most enchanting.
Whether you’re a fan of leaf-peeping, harvest festivals, or simply cozying up with a warm drink in a new place, these top autumn destinations will inspire your next adventure.
From the misty lochs of Scotland to the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, we’ve handpicked the top 10 autumn travel destinations that will ignite your wanderlust and have you packing your bags before the last leaf falls.
1. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a sight to behold in autumn and is unquestionably one of the top autumn destinations in Asia. The ancient capital’s numerous temples and gardens burst into a riot of colors as maple trees don their fiery red coats. Known as “momijigari” or autumn leaf viewing, this spectacle draws visitors from around the world.
Don’t miss the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, where autumn foliage frames the city skyline in a picture-perfect scene. For a tranquil experience, wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where golden ginkgo leaves create a stunning contrast against the towering green bamboo.
A highlight of any autumn visit to Kyoto is the “maple tunnel” at Eikando Temple. As you walk through, you’ll be surrounded by a canopy of red leaves, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. For cultural immersion, time your visit with the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) in October, when a colorful procession in historical costumes winds through the autumn-hued streets.
2. New England, USA
When it comes to fall foliage, few places to visit in autumn can compete with New England. From the rolling hills of Vermont to the rocky coastline of Maine, this region offers the quintessential autumn experience.
Take a drive along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, a 34-mile stretch often hailed as one of the best leaf-peeping routes in the world. As you wind through the White Mountain National Forest, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of autumn colors.
In Vermont, the charming town of Stowe transforms into a fall wonderland. Enjoy scenic hikes with a backdrop of colorful leaves and indulge in local treats like apple cider and maple syrup.
For a unique autumn experience, head to Maine’s Acadia National Park. Here, you can witness the changing leaves while also enjoying coastal views and perhaps even spotting whales offshore.
3. Tuscany, Italy
Autumn in Tuscany is a feast for the senses. As the summer crowds disperse, the rolling hills take on warm hues of gold and russet, creating a photographer’s paradise. This harvest season brings the promise of excellent wine and hearty meals, making it one of the best places to visit in autumn for food and wine enthusiasts.
Visit charming hill towns like San Gimignano or Montepulciano, where you can savor locally produced wines and join in harvest festivals. The famous Chianti region is particularly beautiful in autumn, with vineyard tours and wine tastings at their peak.
In Florence, the reduced crowds allow for a more relaxed exploration of Renaissance art and architecture. Don’t miss the White Truffle Fair in San Miniato in November, where you can sample this prized autumn delicacy in various dishes.
4. Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria in autumn feels like stepping into a fairytale. The region’s famous castles, including the iconic Neuschwanstein, are framed by forests ablaze with fall colors, creating scenes straight out of a storybook and making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in autumn.
The Romantic Road, a scenic route connecting several picturesque towns, is particularly enchanting during this season. Medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber showcase their half-timbered houses against a backdrop of golden leaves.
In Munich, the capital of Bavaria, autumn means Oktoberfest. Despite its name, this world-famous beer festival actually begins in late September. Even after the festival ends, the city’s beer gardens remain delightful spots to enjoy the crisp autumn air and seasonal brews.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Bavarian Forest National Park, where extensive hiking trails wind through pristine autumn landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot deer during the rutting season.
5. Scottish Highlands, UK
The rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands become even more dramatic when touched by autumn’s brush. Mist-covered lochs, heather-clad hills, and forests of gold create a moody, romantic setting perfect for photography or simply soaking in the atmosphere, making it one of the top autumn destinations for nature lovers.
Visit Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest national park, for stunning autumn hikes and the chance to see red deer during the rutting season. The famous Jacobite Steam Train, known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express, offers a magical journey through autumn-colored landscapes.
No visit to Scotland in autumn is complete without a trip to a whisky distillery. As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a dram of Scotland’s national drink.
For a truly memorable experience, head to the Isle of Skye. Here, the otherworldly landscapes take on an even more mystical quality in the fall, with the Cuillin mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to the changing colors.
6. Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a natural wonder that becomes even more spectacular in autumn. The valley’s crystal-clear lakes reflect the vibrant fall foliage, creating a mesmerizing display of color and making it one of Asia’s most beautiful places to visit in autumn.
As you explore the park, you’ll encounter nine Tibetan villages, multi-level waterfalls, and colorful pools set against a backdrop of snowy mountain peaks. The most famous spot is Five Flower Lake, known for its otherworldly blue-green water surrounded by trees in their autumn finery.
Take a leisurely walk along the wooden pathways that wind through the park, offering countless photo opportunities. With summer crowds gone and pleasant weather, autumn is the perfect time to visit this natural wonderland.
7. Transylvania, Romania
Autumn in Transylvania offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. While the region is often associated with Dracula lore, the stunning fall landscapes and medieval architecture truly captivate visitors, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in autumn.
Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend, is particularly atmospheric when surrounded by autumn foliage. The medieval city of Sighișoara, with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, becomes even more enchanting when framed by fall colors.
Nature lovers should visit Piatra Craiului National Park, where hiking trails offer stunning views of the Carpathian Mountains clothed in autumn hues. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit local markets and try seasonal Romanian dishes like cozonac (sweet bread) and plăcintă cu dovleac (pumpkin pie).
8. Banff National Park, Canada
The Canadian Rockies put on a spectacular show in autumn, with Banff National Park as the star performer. Golden larches contrast beautifully with snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn and solidifying its place among the top 10 autumn travel destinations.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, always photogenic, reach new levels of beauty in fall. The surrounding mountains, reflected in the crystal-clear waters and framed by autumn colors, create unforgettable vistas.
Take a drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in the world. Here, you’ll witness the changing colors of aspens and larches set against rugged mountains and glaciers. Autumn is also prime time for wildlife viewing in Banff. Look for elk during their rutting season and bears fattening up before hibernation.
9. Loire Valley, France
Autumn in the Loire Valley is a dream for history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike. With fewer crowds, you can explore the region’s famous châteaux, surrounded by vineyards and forests painted in fall colors, making it one of the best places to visit in autumn in Europe.
Iconic castles like Chambord and Chenonceau take on a magical quality when framed by autumn foliage. This is also the perfect time for wine lovers, as the grape harvest is in full swing in Franvr. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample the region’s famous wines at their freshest.
For a truly immersive experience, take a bike ride along the Loire à Vélo cycling route. As you pedal through the countryside, you’ll be surrounded by the colors and scents of autumn.
Don’t miss the gardens of Villandry Château, which are particularly beautiful in fall. The changing leaf colors accentuate the geometric patterns of the formal gardens, creating a living work of art.
10. Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
For those seeking autumn adventures in the Southern Hemisphere, Patagonia offers a wild and dramatic landscape transformed by fall colors. From March to May, this region at the southern tip of South America puts on a spectacular show, earning its place among the top autumn destinations for nature enthusiasts.
The lenga trees in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park turn a vibrant red, strikingly contrasting the iconic granite towers. Across the border in Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park offers the unique spectacle of autumn foliage, framing the massive Perito Moreno Glacier in a colorful display.
Wildlife viewing is excellent in Patagonian autumn. Keep your eyes peeled for guanacos, Andean condors, and if you’re very lucky, even the elusive puma.
Hiking trails like the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine are less crowded but still accessible in autumn. To taste local culture, visit a Patagonian estancia (ranch), where you can experience gaucho traditions and enjoy a traditional asado (barbecue) amidst the autumn scenery.
Takeaway
These top 10 autumn travel destinations offer diverse experiences, from cultural immersion to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re drawn to New England’s fiery reds or Tuscany’s golden hues, autumn travel promises unforgettable memories. Let OneAir turn your fall travel dreams into a reality. With our curated flight options and exclusive deals to these stunning destinations, you can focus on creating memories instead of worrying about overpaying for travel.
