21 Best Places to Visit in November in the USA

In my opinion, the best places to visit in November in the USA—the ones I personally like to visit— allow visitors to skip the summer crowds and take advantage of steep off-season discounts. I’ve always got a November trip planned somewhere in the U.S.!

You’ll find that fall leaf peeping is winding down in November, but there’s still plenty of color in some places around the country. And it’s just before holiday travel brings crowds.

If you’re after wildlife, late fall can be an ideal time for seasonal migrations. Head to Hawaii in November for humpback whales that are drawn to the state’s warm oceans. Birds also migrate south across North America this month. And if you know where to go, beaches are empty but still inviting. Win!

Best Places to Travel in November (USA)

I’ve offered my very best suggestions below, depending on what you’re looking for. These destinations in the US are all my favorites!

1. San Diego for Beach Time

Go here if you’re looking for an easy West Coast escape from the snow….if technicolor sunsets, tidepooling, and whale watching are your jam.

While the water is too cool to swim this month, you’ll still enjoy some 70-degree days…along with the occasional rainy day.

I live here in America’s Finest City and November might just be my favorite month…although honestly, it’s also a great place to travel to in May before summer crowds descend. (It’s, of course, extremely popular for summer vacations in August when the ocean water is ideal.)

But it’s the best-kept secret for winter travel…whichever neighborhood you stay in.

With 17 miles of stunning coastline and dozens of soft, sandy beaches to enjoy, you can join the locals for sunning and tide pooling here this time of year.

My favorite things to do here when out-of-towners visit:

• explore Old Town, the historic settlement from 1769 that harkens back to San Diego’s rich Mexican heritage. Plenty of great Mexican food here.

• ride San Diego’s hop-on on hop-off trolley to to visit the famous San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife, and Little Italy for good eats. (Mona Lisa Deli makes the best sandwiches this side of Italy!)

San Diego is a great California destination in spring and fall. A hike in scenic Torrey Pines State Park is always a good idea, with its epic panoramic ocean views.

If you have more time, go visit the seals (and boutiques) in upscale La Jolla, golf, or explore Coronado Island, conveniently across the bay.

Whatever you do, be sure to book a sunset sailboat cruise around San Diego’s harbor. (Watch for the famous “green flash” the last moment before the sun dips beyond the horizon).

Check price and availability on the San Diego sunset sail here.

2. New York City for the Macy’s Day Parade or NYC Marathon

Go here this month if you’re looking for a bucket list girls’ shopping trip, have always wanted to take the fam to the Macy’s Day Parade, or want to experience NYC energy when the city’s at its best.

New York City’s November is lovely—with an average high of 54°F—and there are tons of unique New York City activities you can’t do anywhere else. During my November trip, I loved seeing everyone decked out in their colorful scarves and mittens!

Here’s what’s on my list during a November trip to the city:

• I always walk the Brooklyn Bridge. A sunrise visit makes for gorgeous photos with very few people.

• I love watching the New York City Marathon. More than 30,000 runners converge on the city to run a course across all five boroughs. 

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in late November is iconic. (My best tip for staking out a good spot to view it is to either stake out a spot very early (like 6 or 7am); otherwise, expect to be deep in a crowd on a side street if you arrive closer to 8 am.)

Thanksgiving weekend also marks the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season with Black Friday bargains. Plus, New York City’s Christmas markets open this month!

My favorite is Bryant Park, perhaps the most multi-ethnic Christmas market in the world, but definitely check out Union Square and the Upper West Side, too. 

Christmas markets aside, my other fave thing to do in NYC this month is a leaf peeping tour on the Circle Line…and then taking a walk in Central Park for all the gorgeous colors.

If you’re new to the city, consider a whirlwind “New York in one day” guided sightseeing tour.

Check the price and availability of the NY in One Day tour here.

Talek | Travels with Talek

3. Key West for Sun and Fun

Go here in November if you’re looking for a beachy getaway on the East Coast and you love the idea of a film festival or boat racing championships.

Key West in November is ideal! (It’s also a great place to go in January, though, too…and even in June before it gets too hot.)

For starters, the weather will be cooler—expect highs in November of 79°F—and it doesn’t rain as much as it does during the summer months, particularly pleasant for a Miami to Key West drive.

A few of my favorite things to do in Key West this month are:

• the Key West Film Festival which takes place in the middle of November.

• the powerboat races at the Race World Offshore Championships.

My favorite spot to watch them for a front row seat is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

Key West is also a great place to spend Thanksgiving day. You can rent a catamaran and set sail all day to enjoy the ocean and indulge in a special holiday meal.

Be sure to book a sunset sail here. Why fight the crowds in Mallory Square at sunset when you can enjoy a full bar, live music, and hors d’oeuvres for the show?

Check price and availability of the sunset sail in Key West here.

Disha | Disha Discovers

Read more on USA travel:

• Best US travel destinations in October—Where I love to go leaf peeping and other special fall events.

• 14 epic Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S.—My very favorite spots to celebrate Thanksgiving. Lots of unique festivals and holiday food events here + escapes from sad weather.

• 27 Unique USA vacations in December—These are my picks for destinations that celebrate Christmas in all the best ways + whale watching, desert beauty, and beachy spots that shine this month.

• California Getaways in December—This is your cheat sheet for how to escape the worst of winter with the best of California…which is still dreamy in December! (I’ve lived in California 50 years now so I know.)

• Best places to visit in California in January—Need a pick me up after the holidays while winter drags on? Come to California. I’ve got you covered with my favorite places to recharge here in my home state.

4. Asheville, North Carolina for Peak Colors

Go here in November for hiking, leaf peeping, and scenic drives galore. Or for history and art!

We loved, loved, loved our November visit to Asheville. In fact, we stayed just 30 minutes outside of the city in a sweet little cabin right on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

It was easy to split our time between waterfalls and fall hiking while still hopping into town to enjoy the serious foodie scene and to explore the city.

Some highlights of our trip included:

• a delicious meal at The Corner Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurants with 20 years of history in Asheville.

• brilliant gold and red foliage framing waterfalls everywhere. Located directly outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville makes a great leaf peeping base.

While October is a popular time to see the leaves change, November is better because the leaves have reached their peak colors. 

To make the most of the November leaves, go on a hike or drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. Be sure to add them to your Asheville itinerary. So many photos!

• Do not miss the Biltmore Estate, one of the largest homes in America. It has a library, an indoor swimming pool, 65 fireplaces, and a bowling alley. 

And in November, they’re already decorating for Christmas! While the mansion is beautiful any time of the year, the large evergreens, sparkling lights, and holiday wreaths make it extra special.

• Our favorite experience: a 2.5-hour guided electric bike tour across the city. We learned so much about Asheville history, saw gorgeous historic homes, and got lots of insider dining tips.

I recommend taking the tour on your first day so you can use the guide’s suggestions later on where you might want to revisit.

Check the price and availability of the Asheville e-Bike tour here.

Gabby | Journey to the Destination

5. Socorro, New Mexico for Bird Watching

Go here this month if you’re a nature lover addicted to bird watching!

Ever since we got a bird feeder and downloaded the Merlin bird ID app, we are obsessed with seeing birds on our travels. This is the place to go!

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is famous for its Bosque del Apache Festival Of The Cranes each November.

On our November trip, we were simply wowed. Thousands of sandhill cranes and geese migrate here for winter from the north.

Standing on pencil-thin legs, sandhill cranes have a captivating elegance. They spread their wings with stately grace. They dance and take flight, swaying against the sky.

Their large bodies are covered with brownish-gray feathers, and their heads are strikingly white and red.

And yet, the bland colors of the feathers blend with the colors of the meadow, making the cranes difficult to spot by a potential predator…all the better to escape coyotes in the area.

After sunset, waves of cranes are approaching from all sides. Birds flock to the refuge’s shallow swamps to survive the night safely.

At dawn, they take flight to feed at the surrounding fields and water reservoirs.

We loved hiking the trails at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, too. In fact, we spotted coyotes, deer, eagles, and hawks.

Since Albuquerque is just a one-hour drive north, it made a great day trip for us after a few days in the city.

Agnes | The Van Escape

6. Maui for Whale Watching

Go here in November for lower airfares and accommodations, plus fewer crowds than in high season.

I’ve been to Maui three times now and I really do love visiting off-season in November.

This might be the start of the wet season in some parts of this family-oriented Hawaiian island, but the popular resort areas such as Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, and even Kaanapali are mostly rain-free.

In the second half of November, whale watching season kicks off as the humpback whales migrate here from Alaska.

We’ve been twice on sunset cruises out of Lahaina. On our first cruise, whale sightings were scarce. Ironically, we had our best sighting just offshore during cocktail hour at a south Maui bar (sadly closed post-COVID or I’d point you to it).

Everyone in the restaurant sucked in their breath when they saw that whale breach so close. It was magical.

A whale watching cruise from Lahaina is your best option to get a good view of these friendly giants. You can check price and availability on the tour we did here or here.

We especially loved that there was a naturalist on board, as we learned so much about the whales!

Other things I love about visiting Maui this month:

• low season means more affordable accommodations at many of the island’s luxurious resorts and condos. Ditto for cheaper airfares.

On our most recent Maui visit, we spent our first few days at an Airbnb in Kaanapali and found it way windier than Kihei and Wailea to the south.

Then we drove the Road to Hana (our third time) and used our Chase points to stay *free* at Hyatt’s incredible Hana-Maui Resort. Highly recommended!

• There’s a better chance of catching a sunset or stargazing from the summit of Haleakala as evening skies tend to be clearer.

• Huge winter swells at Ho’okipa Beach Park make it exciting to watch pro surfers and windsufrers this month.

Don’t miss the food trucks all over the island! There are a bunch within walking distance of the Hana-Maui Resort, too.

Everything fjust eels so much more relaxed on your Maui itinerary off-season.

And to top it all off, the Made in Maui Festival also takes place in November. There’s no better place to find that perfect Hawaiian souvenir for your friends and loved ones.

Maui is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hawaii!

Sarah | CosmopoliClan

Looking for nice weather in November?

Head to Hawaii for beach time, whale watching, or to see the Big Wave surfers. Daytime temperatures range from 70 to 86°F.

Just be aware that November is the start of Hawaii’s rainy season, so expect a few more showers than in the summer (but still plenty of sunshine).

Other warm places in November on the U.S. West Coast include Palm Springs, with a balmy high of 89°F, and Las Vegas, which ranges between 63 and 70°F in November.

San Diego is sunny with empty beaches and daytime highs in the 60s. Even warmer are Key West and Miami with 79°F during the day, cooling to just 70°F overnight.

Texas Hill Country averages a high of 71°F, while Sedona, AZ is a little cooler at an average of 64°F—but still lovely!

7. Everglades National Park for Wildlife

Go here this month for spectacular weather, hiking, and kayaking.

The Everglades National Park is one of the most unique destinations anywhere.

Located in sunny Florida, it’s an easy day trip from Miami. On our visit, we flew into Miami, spent two days at the park, and then road-tripped down to Key West.

A November visit is well-timed for lower humidity and a break from high temps. Bonus for no mosquitos or hurricanes this time of year.

Wildlife is at its best during November’s dry season. On our visit, we were wowed by all the alligators lolling about in the grass, in the rivers, and in the marshes.

With mild temperatures between about 60°F and 78°F, we spent plenty of time hiking, kayaking, and enjoying a tour on a traditional airboat with lots of alligators swimming by!

You can book an airboat tour of Everglades National Park here. It includes an educational wildlife presentation by an Everglades ranger!

November is also when the manatees migrate to the Everglades. And, because water levels drop during dry season, you’re likely to see lots of wildlife meeting at water holes.

Don’t miss the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge while you’re here!

This is a real gem inside the national park. The refuge contains the second-largest mangrove forest in the world, forming fascinating labyrinths of water and islands with rich wildlife, including some endangered species.  

Paula | Paula Pins the Planet

8. Texas Hill Country for Fall Hikes

Go here for peak fall foliage, amazing wineries, and unique small towns.

In Central Texas, expect a later burst of fall country than other U.S. hot spots. In fact, foliage tends to peak at the beginning of November. We loved the cooler temps (average 70 degrees) this time of year, too.

Our favorite November activities here are:

• hiking Lost Maples State Natural Area or nearby Garner State Park for fall foliage. Downtown Austin’s many parks have their fair share of fall color in Texas.

• the Hike & Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake for cycling. Awesome foliage and skyline views here!

• Hiking Enchanted Rock. November temps make it much nicer than other times of year.

Small towns like Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Boerne, and Marble Falls are bursting with food, wine, and craft festivals throughout the season. You’ll find plenty of wineries and barbecue joints with spacious patios.

Fredericksburg’s German heritage is on full display in November through its Christmas decorations. Don’t miss the traditional German Christmas pyramid in the town square.

Short on time? You can still sample the best of Texas Hill Country in the fall on a full-day tour from Austin or San Antonio. (Includes hotel pick up.) Explore the famous LBJ Ranch, stroll historic Fredericksburg, and experience the music of Luckenbach.

You can book a day tour to Texas Hill Country here.

Kate | Lone Star Travel Guide

9. Sedona, Arizona for Red Rock Vistas

Go here in November for mountain biking, astonishing red rock vistas + good energy.

When you think about otherworldly nature in the U.S., places like Yosemite, Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon may come to mind. But have you ever been to Sedona?

Imagine being surrounded dramatic red rocks rising straight up around you while you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast. Your Sedona itinerary can include easy wanders for great views or all-day challenging excursions. Both are available in abundance here!

That’s what you can expect visiting Sedona in winter. And possibly a dusting of snow. (So pretty on the red rocks!)

Even if you’re not really into the idea of energy vortexes, I think you’ll feel the good vibes here.

Sedona, of course, attracts lots of new age crowds. There are even Sedona vortex hikes!

Here’s what we did on our last November trip:

• Hiked Cathedral Rock. It was so cool to see a woman playing her flute in the stillness near the top! Looking for a bigger challenge? Head to Devil’s Bridge.

• Rented a bike at Thunder Mountain Bikes—well, Steve did, anyway—to head out on the epic red rock single tracks at Soldier Wash Trails.

The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival this month has over 90 vendors with bike demos, skills clinics, live music and great food.

• Got one of the better massages of our lives at Uptown Massage.

• Ate at soo many excellent restaurants. Elote Cafe was good, but Mariposa and 89Agave Cantina were better!

Spending Thanksgiving? Start your day with the annual Turkey Trot, a festive 5K race that will prep you for the calorie overload to come.

L’Auberge de Sedona hosts a decadent brunch and dinner that will make your trip so memorable, it might become your annual Thanksgiving tradition.

And finally, Sedona is considered “dark sky country” due to its lack of light pollution. It’s the perfect place for a nighttime stargazing tour!

Jenifer | The Evolista

10. Burlington, Vermont for Scenic Drives

Go here for the last of the fall colors and skiing.

Not only does this vibrant New England town have charm to spare, but Burlington also serves as a gateway to the beautiful nature of Vermont. 

We were here in early November and we:

• Drove famous Smugglers’ Notch for late fall colors. Goods were once smuggled between the U.S. and Canada through here! Be aware that this pass will close at some point this month due to the potential for snow.

• If so, head instead to the 65-acre Centennial Woods Natural Area instead. It is directly adjacent to Burlington and offers not only splendid trees but also plenty of streams and other natural features to explore.

The Centennial Woods Loop is a great 1.8-mile hike that showcases the beauty of the area. 

• During mid to late November, the first snowfall of the season occurs! Our favorite places for skiing and snowboarding? Head to Bolton Valley and Cochran’s Ski Area, just a few miles from Burlington.

• Walk down Church Street for tasting craft beer, cheese, and maple syrup. Our personal rec for dinner: Vermont Pub and Brewery. 

Then head to a concert at Higher Grounds Music Venue. It’s a must-see venue and their November concert lineup is always incredible.

Haley | Gathering Waves

11. Palm Springs to Restore

Go here in November for desert beauty, pool time, and relaxation.

As a San Diego native—if we start to get rain and cooler weather this month—Steve and I hop on over to Palm Springs. Also makes a fab girlfriends’ getaway.

With average temperatures hovering around 78°F, Palm Springs doesn’t get better than this. November is the perfect month to pamper yourself in the Old Hollywood mecca of Palm Springs.

Fun things we loved last November here were:

• Our stay at Les Cactus , a gorgeous boutique hotel with such a fun Palm Springs vibe. Between the free snacks and the saltwater pool, we never wanted to leave!

• Taking Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tramway—from the desert floor up, up, up into the pristine pine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Up at the top, you can grab a bite at a café or head into the pines for a hike. Bring warm layers! There’s likelyto be snow up here this month.

If you’re looking for active adventures, Palm Springs delivers with gorgeous desert hikes and stargazing in two internationally designated Dark Sky Parks (Joshua Tree National Park and Borrego Springs).

You can tee off at more than 110 local golf courses or follow in the footsteps of celebrities when you swing a racquet at dozens of tennis courts here.

Looking to relax? Palm Springs is home to world-famous spas, chef-crafted cocktails, and top-shelf restaurants.

12. Smoky Mountains for Crowd-Free Hikes

Go here this month for leaf peeping and wildlife.

Visiting the Smoky Mountains in November is perfect to skip the summer crowds here.

Brisk autumn weather makes for great hikes with the last of the fall colors, followed by cool evenings, expect lows between 41°F and 35°F.

Think marshmallow roasts and apple cider.  Most cabins in the area include hot tubs.

On our November visit, we loved:

• seeing Cades Cove and Clingman’s Dome crowd-free. We found spectacular views along Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road.

Best of all, we saw black bears, wild turkeys, elk, and deer!

• the outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are still open but transitioning to holiday celebrations. Check out the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees and the Smoky Mountain Christmas in the Dollywood theme park.

Looking for truly breathtaking views? See the Smoky Mountains on a helicopter tour. Your 25-minute tour ranges 50 miles from Gatlinburg to the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Check the price and availability of the Smoky Mountains helicopter tour here.

Dan | Cabin Critic

13. Sonoma, California for Wine Tasting

Go to Sonoma County in November for colorful vineyards and fog-free days.

It’s the best of California in fall. Daytime temperatures are generally in the 60s or low 70s, perfect for wine tasting, leaf peeping, and hikes at the many county, regional, and state parks in the valley here.

On our last visit, we arrived at peak color in early to mid-November. We saw entire hillsides of vineyards turning from yellow to burgundy!

While the valley is the best place to experience fall colors, kayaking or floating down the Russian River is another great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Sonoma in November.

A visit to Sonoma also makes a great weekend from the Bay Area, too.

The weather is warm enough for outdoor pursuits during the day and offers higher chances of fog-free days along the coast. 

Sonoma is a world-class wine destination. Be aware though, that post-COVID, you’ll likely need advanced reservations for tasting at the large wineries.

Tip: Rather than getting overwhelmed by all the options, choose a few small family wineries and a few large brands to compare and contrast vastly different wine tasting experiences.

On our November visit to Sonoma, we:

• loved our stay at The Calderwood Inn in Healdsburg. The most beautiful, historic B&B! The gourmet breakfast was amazing.

• brought our e-bikes and enjoyed a fantastic ride along Dry Creek Road. We stopped at a small winery, Martarona Family Winery, which had gorgeous wines (the Zin! The Petite Sirah!) and bonus points, we were the only ones there!

• Then rode over to Francis Ford Coppola Winery for the exact opposite experience.

This place is huge! It even includes an outdoor pool. Service was personalized and fun, with our server reaching for all kinds of special bottles from Coppola’s vast inventory that weren’t on the tasting menu.

Holiday lights and celebrations kick off here in mid-November, so after-dark strolling in towns such as Sonoma and Healdsburg is a joy. Look for November holiday wine sales and get a jump on gift-buying season.

What could be better than wine tasting in Sonoma? How about adding a day trip to nearby Muir Woods?

This full-day tour from San Francisco includes a hike through the giant coastal redwoods, views of San Francisco Bay, and wine tastings at two wineries!

Dhara | Roadtripping California

14. Vail, Colorado for Spa Deals

Go here for off-season discounts.

Although Vail is renowned for its winter skiing and summer nature, most of the year it’s not a destination for those with a tight budget or little patience to sit in traffic.

However, in November, before ski season kicks into gear, Vail makes an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas by car. Just be aware that some restaurants do close down during this period.

What we loved in November:

• The Colorado River Road is a gorgeous loop drive west of Vail. It follows the famed river, meanders through pastoral valleys, and is virtually deserted in November.

• Take Highway 24 over to the historic town of Leadville, the highest incorporated town in the nation. We highly recommend the quaint little City on the Hill for your coffee stop there! We literally have the t-shirt.

• A visit to its mining museum is well worth the modest admission price, but call ahead for hours.

Keep your eyes out for bighorn sheep while driving at this time of year.

Condos are more affordable in Vail in early November and offer versatility to cook in or eat out.

Many area hotels offer day spas—and condos often contract with spas—so booking is easy. For current November spa discounts, check out: Well & Being Spa at The Hythe, the Sonnenalp Spa, and the Spa at Gravity Haus Vail.

Shara | SKJ Travel

15. Roanoke, Virginia for Leaf Peeping

Go here this month to drive the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you love the outdoors, you should know that Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains can be dazzling in the fall.

What we did on our trip:

• took a long, meandering drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, which jogs to the east of downtown, stopping at Explore Park, milepost 115.

This 1,100-acre recreation is full of hiking and cycling trails…not to mention camping, disc golf, and kayaking on the Roanoke River.

• reveled in the final striking pops of colorful foliage at the Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival.

• walked the scenic Smith Mountain Lake hiking trails. The highlights: Turtle Island Trail and Chestnut Ridge Trail. 

While in Roanoke, don’t miss the Roanoke Star, the world’s largest man-made star at 100 feet tall. The iconic steel star has been welcoming visitors to Roanoke since 1949.

The overlook atop Mill Mountain wowed us with far-reaching foliage-filled views across the Roanoke Valley.

Erin | Go Hike Virginia

16. Boston, Mass for the First Thanksgiving

Go to Boston in November for American history.

Not only is the weather gorgeous in Boston in November, but the fall folliage displays are gorgeous.

During our fall trip, we:

• walked the historical Freedom Trail and saw the graves of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere!

• taste tested our way through Boston’s famed North End and slew of top-rated Italian restaurants. (We highly recommend Panza.) If you see a long line snaking out of a humble bakery, it’s probably people waiting at Mike’s Pastry for cannoli! Delicious.

• saw the city by Boston Duck Boat. This incredible tour in an actual military amphibious vehicle is a crowd pleaser. In fact, kids love that it heads directly into the water! Tours close through the winter after Thanksgiving Day weekend, however.

You can also enjoy a traditional harvest feast in Boston on Thanksgiving, full of New England culinary traditions. Reserve at the Beehive Restaurant, Harvest or Grana at the Langham.

Or explore nearby towns that shine this season…like Salem—home to the Salem Witch Trials—and coastal Plymoth, where the Pilgrims landed in the 17th century and the first Thanksgiving took place. 

Each November, Plymouth hosts “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade and Celebration” the weekend of Thanksgiving. 

One of our favorite things to do is visit Plimoth Pawtuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation… differently than the town of Plymouth) to walk back in history and experience a 17th-century English colony. 

You can also explore a Wampanoag homestead, and learn what life was like during this time period. Modern-day members of the Wampanoag Tribes in Massachusetts will share their history and culture.

Harvest festivals and opportunitites for pumpkin carving abound!

Keri | Bon Voyage with Kids

17. Washington D.C. for an eBike Tour

Skip springtime cherry blossom crowds for a crisp, crowd-free tour of the nation’s capital.

Instead of enduring peak tourist traffic in the spring to see the cherry blossoms, why not visit Washington D.C. off season instead?

Our favorite fall activities in Washington D.C, are:

• e-biking the National Mall and then into the Tidal Basin. We stopped at the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. EBike rentals are easy with convenient eBike stands all over.

Best photo oppurtinities are at sunrise or sunset when the light is just right.

The Tidal Basin is the gateway for the city’s famous Japanese cherry blossom trail, and you can glide along it unencumbered this month on an eBike.

• wandering past theYoshino and Kwanzan trees. Imagine an artist’s paintbrush swirling orange, gold, red, and yellow paint across a canvas.

Built in the 1800s, the Tidal Basin is about 107 acres in size. It is transformed in November when the trees change color. Be aware that they drop their leaves by Thanksgiving, however.

• taking the hop-on hop-off bus. It’s a great way to get your bearings in the city and see lots of iconic sights in a short time frame.

Reserve your tickets for the Washington D.C. hop-on hop-off bus here.

Terri | Female Solo Trek

18. Death Valley for Desert Colors

November is perhaps the best time all year to visit.

Due to its extreme temperatures, there’s only a narrow window of time for the best experience in Death Valley National Park.

It’s a great place to enjoy California in spring, but visiting in November is equally perfect; the summer heat is gone, the winter crowds have yet to arrive, and the weather is beautiful.

Expect temperatures to be pleasant, usually hovering in the 70s during the day. At night, you’ll be treated to crystal clear skies with uninterrupted views of the stars. 

There are many ways you can spend a day exploring Death Valley in November.

• We began with sunrise at Zabriskie Point, where the morning sun lights up the badlands in lovely shades of pinks and purples.

• Next up: Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US. Here, the stunning salt flats stretch out in a field of white as far as the eye can see.

Make sure you turn around and look for the sign on the hills behind the Basin, which marks sea level and puts your elevation in perspective. 

• And finally, it was off to Artist’s Palette, one of California’s most colorful highways! The highlight is the vibrant, color-splattered hills; they make for unique and memorable photos.

Death Valley is stunning, and there’s no time better than November to see it!

Ale | Sea Salt & Fog

19. Chicago, Illinois for the Best of the Windy City

Go here for epic winter games and events.

I lived in Chicago for seven years in the late 80s and early 90s so it’s got a special place in my heart.

When the humid summer finally gives way to breezy fall colors, I fall in love with Chicago all over again.

Think: fall foliage in the botanical gardens…vibrant colors in city parks…cozy cafes.(It’s a popular place for a solo writing retreat.)

Also on tap this month: The Annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade and Bears games at Soldier Field.

Things I love to do in fall in Chicago are:

• the world-class museums. The Art Institute of Chicago right in the city’s Loop is world famous for its French impressionist paintings, modern art, and ancient artifacts. The Museum of Contemporary Art is great, too…as is the Field Museum, with its huge T.rex skeleton!

• kick off the Christmas markets and holiday season, Head to events like Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and the Chicago Christmas Tree lighting. 

• ice skating at the Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon. It’s a fabulous rink that opens the third week in November.

And finally, the best way to see Chicago? From the water on a 1.5 hour guided architecture cruise…a Chicago tradition since 1935!

Reserve your skip-the-line ticket for the Chicago architecture cruise here.

Natalie | Voyage Scribe

20. Las Vegas for Nightlife

Go here for experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

You can’t beat Vegas in November! Daytime temps have settled to a mellow 70°F (from summer highs over 100°F!). Nights in the desert here are still chilly, though, so bring a wrap!

Plus, this month brings the Las Vegas Grand Prix for Formula 1 fans, the Latin Grammy Awards, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, the Neon City Festival, and that’s just for starters.

In addition to its worldwide reputation as a gambling mecca, Vegas has a well-deserved reputation for drawing top-tier performing artists. So be sure to check the official Las Vegas calendars for upcoming events!

And since they tend to spend a week or so in residence, it’s easy to get a ticket. Our top tip: Check out Fremont Street Experience for a list of free live music every night!

On our last visit, we took a break from Vegas to get out into nature with a tour of historic Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Highly recommended.

See the Insta-worthy memorial bridge and learn about the incredible construction by thousands of workers from all 50 states during the Great Depression.

Check the price and availability of the VIP Hoover Dam tour here.

21. Moab for Canyon Views

November makes for an idyllic hiking getaway.

Moab, Utah is the perfect November destination for any adventure lover. With fewer crowds and perfect weather (highs averaging 46 to 60°F), hiking is idyllic at this time of year.

Moab is a small gateway town nestled in Utah’s eastern desert, not far from Colorado. In Moab, you also have access to two of the west’s best national parks, Arches and Canyonlands…great places to visit on a Utah road trip itinerary.

In short, Moab makes a great base for all kinds of day trip adventures…whether you’re a hiker, mountain biker, rock climber, or base jumper!

Some of our favorite Moab experiences have included:

• Exploring and mountain biking nearby Dead Horse State Park. It offers some of the most majestic canyon views anywhere and eight miles of hiking trails.

Or, beginners can check out the Klonzo trail system—just 30 miles from downtown Moab—with miles of well-marked looping trails.

In Moab, you can rent a Jeep, a UTV, or an ATV and spend time rock crawling and heading to the backcountry, but in a vehicle instead of on foot.

• Stargazing at nearby Arches National Park. This is a compact little park so it’s easy to see. Consider arriving at sunset for epic photos and staying to stargaze without any light pollution.

During November, the daytime temperatures drop, so there’s no need to be miserable hiking in extremely hot weather. The nighttime temperatures, although cooler, are not freezing.

In late November, you might encounter some early-season snowfall, so if you’d like to have snow-free trails, plan your trip for earlier in the month.

Looking for a memorable evening activity? Reserve your spot on the Moab Sound & Light Show for a cowboy-style dinner and slow cruise on the Colorado River. Watch the canyon face glow orange after dark.

Check the price and availability of the Moab Sound & Light Show here.

Jenny | Limitless Hiker

These are the very best November vacations.

With its diverse geology, culture, weather, and attractions, the U.S. in November offers so many beautiful between-season opportunities to breathe in nature, immerse in cities, and marvel at wildlife.

Whether you’re peaceful cabin in the woods for fall foliage or a warm weather getaway, fall beauty beckons.

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