As the summer temperatures cool, the crisp air welcomes the autumn leaves, turning fiery golden shades of red, orange, and yellow. Re-live your favorite moments from family fall weekend getaways of the past to visit the vibrant harvest festivals and pumpkin patches this autumn.
Get ready to fall in love again with this enchanting season and all it has to offer as we explore the best east coast fall weekend getaways to escape to at this time of year. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, the East Coast in the fall is calling your name.
From the stunning seasonal fall foliage of Massachusetts to a bountiful pumpkin patch in the heart of North Carolina, pack your bags, grab some cozy sweaters, a pumpkin spice latte for the journey, and join us for unforgettable fall weekend getaways.
Whether you’re a leaf-peeping adventurer or just looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in autumn, then Bar Harbor, Maine, will have something to offer you. For starters, this delightful harbor town is one of the best east coast whale watching destinations at this time of year. Let the team at Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. introduce you to some of these gentle giants as they embark on their southern migration this fall season.
Bar Harbor, Maine, also offers one of the best fall weekend getaways on the east coast to enjoy the colorful displays of changing autumn leaves. Make sure to visit Acadia National Park while you’re in town. Here you can marvel at its striking vistas, and exceptional hiking trails and observe the local wildlife preparing for the upcoming winter amidst the falling leaves.
Treat yourself to a memorable fall weekend escape at the Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection, in Bangor, Maine.
If you’re looking for the perfect Autumn weekend getaway, Nantucket, Massachusetts, is ideal during this time of year. After catching the Nantucket ferry, you can check out the island’s breathtaking fall foliage, quaint shops, and delicious local seafood restaurants. Nantucket is the ultimate autumn sanctuary.
Here you can also explore Nantucket Island’s beaches, its three lighthouses, and the majestic Sankaty Head cliffs on a leisurely bike ride. Bike rentals are available from the island’s favorite, Young’s Bicycle Shop, as you take in the scenery and the clean ocean air. And, while you’re out on the bike, be sure to also stop in at Bartlett’s Farm for some fun seasonal apple picking, too.
Make it an unforgettable fall weekend getaway at the luxurious Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
Next, on our shortlist of the best east coast fall weekend getaways, is a trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, the Shenandoah is a magical way to enjoy the autumn season, where park visitors are treated to captivating exhibitions of the fall leaves. Here you’ll have countless photo opportunities to capture their vivid hues against the gorgeous panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
However, it’s when the sun sets, the Shenandoah National Park truly sparkles and makes for some of the most fantastic sights available in the harvest travel period. That’s because Shenandoah’s crystal-clear dark sky autumn nights are illuminated with a nightly display of the stars, planets, and the milky way above.
Treat yourself to a memorable fall weekend getaway at the Best Western Culpeper Inn in Culpeper, Virginia.
For those who enjoy a slice of delicious Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and hand-picking your jack-o-lanterns for Halloween, nothing tops a visit to a seasonal pumpkin patch. Surrounded by a sea of pumpkin patches, we recommend staying in Asheville, North Carolina, for an exciting pumpkin-picking adventure. Afterward, make sure you head over to the annual Eliada Fall Festival and see if you can navigate its incredible corn maze.
In our eyes, fall weekend getaways are all about enjoying trying something different, which is excellent news as Asheville, North Carolina, also happens to have a thriving craft beer scene. So, when you’re in town, be sure to join Evan at Beer City Brewery Tours for an insightful and fun tour of the best breweries Asheville has to offer.
Indulge after a harvest-themed break in Asheville, North Carolina, and stay at the incredible GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road.
As the temperature cools and the autumn weather takes hold, one of the best east coast fall weekend getaways has to be the historic city of Savannah, Georgia. While Savannah’s celebrated River Street offers an excellent range of shops and restaurants, we propose heading to the beaches of Tybee Island while you’re in town. Here you can explore the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum before taking the family out with the crew at Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour to meet Flipper and his friends.
Returning to Savannah, Georgia, our final tip on our list of top fall weekend getaways compliments the spooky elements associated with Halloween. That’s because Savannah is well known for its extensive history of famous haunted locations. With its family-friendly or adults-only ghost tours, join the brilliant team at Blue Orb Tours for a fascinating evening of hauntings and history-telling experiences.
Sleep well every night in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, by staying at the Best Western Savannah Historic District.