10 Best Destinations for the Perfect Fall Trip

It’s officially one week until fall, even if the weather hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet here in Chicago. While these summer temperatures are sticking around, we’ll be dreaming of crisp fall days perfect for cozy adventures. From the historic streets of Innsbruck and Mexico City to the peaceful quiet of the Oregon coast and a small town in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve put together a list of places across the globe to look forward to this coming season. But honestly, any of these spots make for a memorable trip regardless of the time of year. Start planning, and get ready to take off…

Byron Bay, Australia

Inspired by Saxon Kent on Instagram, Byron Bay will be breaking into the spring season on Australia’s northeastern coast. Spring is a great time to visit Byron Bay for warm weather before summer crowds hit. So, for those who live in the northern hemisphere and wish to hold onto summer a little longer, this is the place for you. The beaches of Byron Bay are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world, perfect for taking those surf lessons you’ve always wanted to try. Leave your phone at the hotel and quietly start the day, soaking in the sunrise while listening to the waves rolling in. Take a yoga class, visit a brewery, visit one of the year-round festivals, and enjoy the slower, more casual pace of life. 

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Canmore, Alberta (From Lattes Community Member: Jennifer Jayne)

If you've ever felt the urge to throw a weekend bag in the car, point yourself toward the mountains, and disappear for a few days: go to Canmore. There’s something almost unfairly magical about this little mountain town in the fall. The air is crisp, the trees vibrant shades of gold, and the mountain views are something else. What’s great about Canmore is you don’t have to choose between outdoor adventure and small-town charm. You can spend the morning hiking through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies, the afternoon exploring local shops, and the evening sitting on a patio with a drink. Grizzly Paw Brewing Company is great for a local beer or cocktail. Grab a seat near the fire on the outdoor patio. Patty Shack Burger Bar is the perfect place if burgers are your love language. And KJ Bakery’s pastries, breads, and breakfast treats are worth planning your morning around. There are hiking trails in every direction, scenic drives that’ll have you pulling over too many times, and Banff is only minutes away if you want to ride the gondola for sweeping views of the Rockies. Something unexpected about Canmore is how peaceful it feels. Life slows down here in the best way. It’s the place to linger over a coffee and notice how the mountains change color as the sun moves throughout the day. 

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Cannon Beach & the Oregon Coast

The summer high season begins to die down in September, with cooler temperatures blowing in and crowds thinning. October begins the peak of whale-watching season, and the beaches offer a quiet, secluded retreat from the busy nature of daily life. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and slow down. Reset by reconnecting with nature, spending time listening to the waves of the ocean, and walking an unending, rugged coastline with spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets. While the Oregon coast has plenty of places worth visiting, Cannon Beach is a great spot to explore if it’s your first time. Around 90 minutes from Portland, this charming coastal town has a vibrant arts scene, plenty of hiking trails, breweries, and activities like tide pooling and surfing. Explore the coast further by driving north to Astoria or south to Rockaway Beach or Pacific City. 

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Innsbruck, Austria

Located less than two hours away from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and France, Innsbruck is a destination all on its own. The Austrian city is often overlooked outside peak winter months and used as a pit stop on trains to almost anywhere else. This historic city has colorful buildings, a 500-year-old town center, local cuisine not to be missed, and much more. It’s the perfect combination of history, culture, and adventure. Its location in the Alps makes it a winter destination for skiing. Still, outside the snowy months, plenty of other activities await, including beautiful hikes as the leaves turn color. A pedestrian-friendly grand boulevard features restaurants, shops, and sidewalk cafes for leisurely afternoons exploring the town, and many historic buildings take visitors back in time. See the empty tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, tour Ambras Castle, known for its Renaissance architecture, see where the Habsburgs lived at Hofburg Imperial Palace, or experience Baroque style up close and personal at the 18th-century St. James Cathedral. 

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Inverness + Scottish Highlands, Scotland

For a particularly remote getaway, the Scottish Highlands offer a colorful autumn retreat. This area of Scotland offers dramatic landscapes and exceptional fall colors, from the grass covering the rolling hills to the trees. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and breathe in the crisp fall air while journaling or catching up on a good book. Take your time hiking the region with stunning locations like Cairngorms National Park, the Isle of Skye, and Glenfinnan, where you can see the famous track the Hogwarts Express takes on its way to the school. For a great base in the Scottish Highlands, stay in Inverness. The capital of the Highlands, Inverness, has a delicious food scene, cozy shops (including bookshops!), and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for spending a long weekend or an extended stay. You might even spot a few dolphins in the Moray Firth if you’re lucky! 

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La Rioja Region, Spain

If you love Rioja wine, why not head to the Rioja region of Spain during harvest season? Visiting La Rioja in late autumn is the perfect opportunity to soak up the season's beautiful colors and participate in the grape harvest. The weather is also milder, making outdoor time much more enjoyable. Visit towns like Logroño, a mid-sized city known for pinxtos, with a Baroque-style Cathedral and a museum that teaches the region’s history dating back to before the Roman Empire. Step back in time at the Church of San Bartolome, dating to the 12th century, with its earliest construction in the Romanesque style and Gothic elements added when it was completed in the 13th century. Or head to Haro, the capital of La Rioja, for a more charming small-town experience. The historic center takes visitors back to medieval times with centuries-old architecture and religious sites representing multiple eras of architectural styles and design, including Renaissance and Baroque. Haro is also home to the Museum of Wine and Vine, focusing on the history of oenology (winemaking) in the region. 

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Lisbon, Portugal

Tourist season begins to slow as temperatures drop in Lisbon, making it an ideal destination to visit later in the year. This historic city offers beautiful fall colors, like many other places in Europe, and is full of stunning architecture, delicious food, and local culture. Explore outdoor markets and art galleries, and don’t be afraid to venture outside the city to explore small towns such as Sintra. September is also the beginning of surf season in Nazare, a coastal town about 90 minutes north of Lisbon. These extraordinary waves have become an adventurous challenge for XXL surfers, looking to conquer one of the world’s largest and most dangerous waves. Simply seeing them with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience.

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Lucca, Italy

Located in Italy’s Tuscany region, Lucca is a charming, fairytale-like town that offers a more laid-back experience compared to other cities in the area. The location of Lucca couldn’t be more ideal. It is within a half hour of the beach, and day trips to places like Livorno, Pisa, Florence, and Siena are easy. Beyond the location, Tuscany in autumn is breathtaking, with beautiful fall colors and vineyards at peak harvest season. Lucca itself is a medieval town known for Renaissance walls that tower over the city and historic villas. Tour the palace where Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bonaparte, lived or the botanical gardens she opened. Walk through the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which used to be a Roman amphitheater, or climb the steps of the historic 14th-century Guinigi Tower for views from above. And don’t forget - you’re in Italy during harvest season! Drink delicious Tuscan wines and enjoy the regional cuisine.

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Mexico City, Mexico

Fall offers comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s, making it a great time to explore Mexico City, a place steeped in culture. Take advantage of this time of year by participating in celebrations like Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos, exploring all of the parks and historical sites throughout the city, a culinary scene bursting with flavor, and more. Each neighborhood offers something different, with a unique identity that sets it apart from the others. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, Mexico City’s dining scene is just as vibrant as the city’s color and is worth visiting for that alone. If that weren’t enough, Mexico City has a multitude of museums, many dedicated to art, from Frida Kahlo’s home to historical pieces and ancient ruins. And book lovers, get ready because Mexico City has one of the largest libraries in Latin America – Biblioteca Vasconcelos. 

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Santa Monica, California

Last but certainly not least, add Santa Monica to your bucket list for a fall weekend trip. The stunning part of Los Angeles has beautiful beaches, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch bioluminescent waves. Take a bike ride down to Venice Beach for a different, grittier vibe that feels as if you walked into the world of Pac Sun circa 2002, and enjoy a quiet escape walking through the Venice canals. Head up the coast to walk along the picturesque Malibu coastline, play tourist by heading deeper into LA, visiting Hollywood Hills and Studio City, or get out of the city altogether by taking an extended trip up the coast. Fall provides some of the best waves of the year in Southern California, and as winter approaches in Northern California.