A lot of people reserve traveling strictly for the summer or winter months. Between the impulse to get outside to enjoy the heat of summer and to fly south for the winter, traveling in autumn is often overlooked. I connected with some amazing travelers to share the top ten unexpected places to visit in autumn.
Ten Unexpected Places to Visit in Autumn
Kyoto, Japan
“If you’re dreaming of burnt orange and bright red leaves amongst a town riddled with history and beauty, then look no further. Kyoto, or Arashiyama more specifically, is where you need to be this fall! From September – November, you’ll find this magical part of Japan will astound you with its rich fall foliage. From the bamboo forest right up to the top of Mount Iwatayama scattered with snow monkeys, you cannot help but fall in love with Arashiyama this time of year.” – Sophie Matters, Travel Matters
Transylvania, Romania
“We visited Romania in the fall last year and simply fell in love with the country! The crispy air, the hearty meals, the beautiful sunny days, and the striking display of fall colours in the cities and in the countryside make Romania one of the most picturesque countries to visit this time of the year!” – Oksana St. John, Drink Tea & Travel
Whitewater Trail, Oregon
“One of the most beautiful places to take a fall hike in Oregon is the Whitewater trail by Mount Jefferson. The hike is extremely crowded in the summer, but if you go at the right time in fall, you may be the only person on the trail. Although the hike is 12 miles long round trip, it goes by quickly as you are surrounded by beautiful panoramic views, alpine lakes, colorful trees and maybe even a little bit of snow. This hike also offers one of the best views of snow-capped Mount Jefferson just a few miles in” – Laura Sausina, Fun Life Crisis
Split, Croatia
“Split is located in southern Croatia and is very well known for Diocletian’s palace and its Roman influences. Along with the palace that was built in the 4th century, Split offers beautiful white stone walls, many courtyards, cathedrals, and numerous shops, bars, and cafes. Along with the gorgeous crystal clear Adriatic sea and History all around, Split makes for the perfect place to visit in the fall.”
– Andrea Cvitanovic Mayfield, Andrea’s Travels
Louisville, Kentucky
“Louisville is more than just a world class city brimming with art, culture, food, bourbon, and the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere. It’s a big city with a small town feel, as the locals like to say. And fall is my favorite time to visit Louisville! It’s not just the crisp autumn air and crunchy colorful leaves that brings me back year after year. It’s also the fall horse races at Churchill Downs, bourbon tasting on the Bourbon trail, museum touring, art festivals, walking through miles of flickering expertly carved pumpkins, an amazing haunted house scavenger hunt (and a genuinely haunted sanitarium), and a theatre scene that rivals New York City.” -Lia Saunders, Practical Wanderlust
Walla Walla, Washington
“The quaint little Eastern Washington city of Walla Walla was not only voted the friendliest town in America in 2011, but it also just happens to be a beautiful place to visit in the fall! If you find yourself there in mid-October, you can admire the changing of the leaves while watching hot air balloons drift above the blue mountains during the annual Balloon Stampede festival, or perhaps explore the local Corn Maze before picking out the perfect Jack-o-Lantern at Klicker’s Pumpkin Patch. And early November is a great time to enjoy wine tasting at one of the 150 wineries in the valley during Fall Release weekend. For anyone looking for an authentic Northwest autumn experience, Walla Walla is the place to be!” – Kara Flerchinger, Flerish
Munich, Germany
“One of my favorite fall destinations is my hometown Munich. I love to walk through the grounds of Castle Nymphenburg where the many ponds reflect the golden hues in all its glory. The English Garden is another perfect spot for taking pictures of the fall foliage and very popular among tourists and locals alike. Temperatures might drop rather quickly in late October, but that also means you won’t have to worry about big crowds waiting for you at Munich’s many highlights.” – Norman, Années de Pèlerinage
Cascades Pass, Washington
“Just a few hours outside Seattle are Cascade Pass, Blue Lake and the Maple Pass Loop: just some of the fantastic hiking trails that offer views of beautiful foliage, deep red maple vines, vibrant golden larches and striking glaciers. Most of the campgrounds are free during off season – so you can spend the savings on a delicious bottle of red wine to sip by the fire!” – Danielle Reckless, Live Recklessly
Granby, Connecticut
“Granby embodies fall in every possible way. Think beautiful amber leaves, quiet walks in the woods and apple picking at local farms. Known by residents as a “hidden gem”, the area has an endless supply of family owned farms to explore and farm to table eateries.” – Mae-Gene Yew, The Wandering Suitcase
Lake Tahoe, California
“For most people, Lake Tahoe brings up images of snowy capped mountains an endless skiing, but I’m here to tel you that this gorgeous spot isn’t just for winter! There are plenty of sites to see and things to do for all seasons. My friend and I went last fall and hiked Mt. Tallac, a grueling hike, but one that led to this stunning view of Lake Tahoe!” – Charlotte Yang, A Study in Charlotte
What are your favorite places to visit in the autumn?
Thanks so much for including Louisville in this list! What a great roundup. Fall is my favorite season and I can’t wait to tick all these places off my bucket list!
Thanks so much for getting involved with this post! Louisville seems amazing in the fall… Hope to work together soon!
Thank you so much for including Croatia on this list! Beautiful compliation of all of these wonderful places to visit! Hope to work together again very soon 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Andrea. I’ve always wanted to travel to Croatia! I’m happy to have had the chance to connect with you and learn more. I agree, hope to stay in touch! 🙂
These places look beautiful. I wish I could travel more. At least I get to experience it through these pictures 🙂
Agreed! Thanks so much for your comment. I love getting to hear other people’s perspectives of different places around the world. Glad you enjoyed too!
These pictures look amazing! Now I’m dying to travel. I was born and raised in Washington state and I totally agree that Walla Walla is a must-see in fall!
Thanks for sharing! What a creative idea for a post <3
xo Nicole
http://www.damatoadventures.blogspot.com
Thanks for your comment Nicole! I had a great time working with other bloggers on this post. Definitely agreed they sure take some AMAZING photos! Glad to see you agree with Wall Walla as well! 🙂
Wow those are such gorgeous spots! I’ve never been to any of those places, I need to get out more haha. Virginia is also very beautiful in the Fall.
XOxo
I’m sure Virginia is beautiful! I’ve been a few times visiting James Madison University, but unfortunately didn’t see much else outside of the campus. Have you ever been to Shenandoah Valley? I’ve always wanted to go!
Thanks for your comment as well!
Great list! I chuckled when I saw Walla Walla on it! My husband is from Dayton (about 30 minutes from there) and I visited his little hometown for the first time in 2015. If you do go to Walla Walla make sure to stop by Ice-Burg Drive-In. It’s an old time hamburger joint that has the most amazing hamburger and fries I have EVER had!
=) Bridget | http://nuttyhiker.com
Thanks for the tip Bridget! 🙂
I’d love to go to Munich one day soon. Maybe I’ll put it on my list for next autumn!
Agreed! Would love to visit. So thankful for Norman for submitting that as one of the places to visit! Thanks for your comment 🙂
The places are all beautiful. I’d love to be able to go to all of them someday.
One Awesome Momma
Thanks for the comment, Belle! Agreed- I will definitely be adding ALL of these places to my personal bucket list.
This is such an amazing roundup! Autumn in Kyoto Japan looks so fun! I would love to go there someday just to enjoy the season and culture there. Amazing shots!
Thanks for your comment! I’ve been seeing Kyoto more and more on different lists of places to travel. Would love to check it out as well!
So fun! Now I want to go to all these places! 🙂
Thanks for the comment Kara! I agree, we had such a nice round up of places from around the world. Thanks so much for getting involved! 🙂
What a wonderful post. I hope to travel more someday. Thank you for sharing such inspiring photos. We live on a beautiful planet.
Thanks so much Michelle! Agreed, nature sure is breathtaking.
What a great list! Autumn is my favorite season and so beautiful!
Thanks Tori! It’s quickly becoming my favorite, as well.
Oh my gosh. I love fall! I live in Florida so these pics are giving me life! Thank you!
Awesome! Glad I can help provide some autumn spirit down south! 🙂 Thanks for your comment Jen!
I might go to Munich in the middle November, I hope there will still be some autumn feeling, not winter yet)
Sounds amazing! Would love to see some of your pics from Munich in November. Thanks for the comment!
All these places look amazing! I’m especially in love with the photo from Kyoto – it looks so magical with the fall leaves (:
Camilla | http://cammi.dk
Thanks for the comment, Camilla! I agree, I’d love to check out Kyoto in the fall I’ve been hearing such great things about it!
These places look stunning! I’d love to visit Kyoto and Oregon!
Agree, Serena! Thanks for the comment!