Fall Getaways You Can Still Plan for 2021

Fall represents the perfect time to squeeze in one more family getaway. Not only does the season bring with it the last of the year’s beautiful weather, but it gives your whole family something to look forward to after summer’s end. When you plan fall getaways with care, you’ll find countless seasonal opportunities, from natural phenomena like changing foliage and whale watching to harvest time activities.

And autumn also comes with countless cozy activities, from pumpkin picking to apple harvests, hayrides to corn mazes. Where to travel this fall? Here are some of our favorite ideas to help you hit the ground running.

Scope Out Gorgeous Fall Foliage

The palette of autumn, from burnished gold to brilliant copper and showy scarlet hues, comes to life on a tour of the Eastern seaboard. In Maine’s Acadia National Park, enjoy a hefty dose of color whether bird watching, whale watching, hiking, biking, or kayaking. And you’ll never lack breathtaking scenery while exploring the park’s rugged coastline, granite peaks, and iconic lighthouses. Or head south to Georgia’s Amicalola Falls State Park, where you can explore breathtaking scenery chock full of oak and maple trees. Don’t forget to visit the tallest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet. Here are some tips for planning family national park vacations.

For those longing to check out the West, consider a trip to Aspen, Colorado. There, catch the glorious transition of aspens from bright green to vibrant gold. What are some great outdoor activities you can participate in during your visit? They include a visit to the Maroon Bells to soak in one-of-a-kind scenery and go for a family-friendly hike. And for those in love with the Southwest? Head to the “Land of Enchantment” in Taos, New Mexico. Prepare for jaw-dropping landscapes on a drive along the 83-mile Enchanted Circle drive.

Climb a Mountain on a Cog Railway

The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway recently completed a $100 million renovation. The tracks are located near Colorado Springs, Colorado, and afford awe-inspiring views of the region’s fall aspens. The nine-mile ride rises to an elevation of 14,115 feet, culminating in expansive scenery atop Pikes Peak. You’ll also find an elevated pathway, an overlook, and a state-of-the-art environmentally sustainable Visitor Center.

If you’re after an East Coast adventure, head to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. There, take a ride to the top on the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the first of its kind in world history. The White Mountains are New Jersey’s hidden gems and have been a protected wilderness since 1918. Located on an 800,000-acre preserve, they attract some six million visitors annually. Promoting the enjoyment, protection, and understanding of the White Mountains, the Appalachian Club (AMC) organizes activities in the area. This organization can help your family make the most of the more than 1,200 miles of trails and 23 developed campgrounds in the area. There are many easy family day hikes in this wilderness, including Mt. Pemigewasset and the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park.

Whale Watch on a Fall Family Trip

Is a whale-watching adventure on your family’s bucket list? If so, plan a mini-vacation to the East Coast. Unique destinations let you scope out passing whale pods, from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Cape May, New Jersey, and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. More than one million tourists a year flock to the region to see finbacks, humpbacks, pilot whales, and minke whales. At the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, observe right whales, a critically endangered species. Join the New England Aquarium Whale Watch from Boston for the best chances at spotting these gentle giants.

Or, if the West Coast intrigues you, take a trip to Monterey Bay, California. Dolphins, killer whales, blue whales, and humpback whales swim off the Pacific Coast through mid-December. And when your family wants to dive more deeply into an exploration of marine life? Nothing beats a visit to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Other excellent Pacific Coast spots for year-round whale viewing include Newport Beach, California, and Depoe Bay, Oregon.

Celebrate the Harvest in Wine Country

The delicious sights, sounds, and smells of autumnal wine country come to life during harvest-time vineyard activities, from crushing grapes to making wine. Changing leaf colors splash the rolling hills with warm hues. And when you choose your destination with care, enjoy access to countless kid-friendly activities. For fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, think Walla Walla, Washington, the ideal destination for a vineyard tour. Or head south to Sonoma, one of the most famous wine regions in the nation. The region packs plenty of rustic charm. You’ll also find many incredible opportunities to admire fall colors while hiking, bicycling, and more. The perfect place to stay? The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Other excellent wine destinations to consider? The Texas Hill Country, featuring scenic drives along Highway 16. Explore some of the best wineries in the region before digging into arguably the nation’s best BBQ. Or discover Traverse City, Michigan, a new wine region located on Lake Michigan. Savor delectable pairings at excellent regional wineries like Left Foot Charley. And there’s no end to family-friendly activities, from lakeshore boat tours to horseback riding and stand-up paddleboarding excursions. Check out these six tips for visiting wine country with kids to ensure your trip is enjoyable for every member of your family.

Fall Getaways Your Family Will Love

Yes, you can still plan a last-minute fall getaway filled with memory-making experiences. When you choose the right location, enjoy picturesque scenery while indulging in family-friendly adventures. And when you’d like to do a little adulting? Have your wine and drink it, too, by organizing a family trip to wine country. Despite common misconceptions, these areas are chock full of fantastic activities that appeal to all ages.

We specialize in family vacations, including fall getaways. We’d love to help you design the perfect autumnal getaway! An itinerary with the optimal mix of independent exploration, hands-on tours, fantastic accommodations, and outdoor adventures your family will savor. Let’s start planning!