Autumn in the USA is a canvas of time, stretching from September to November, where nature picks up its brush and paints the landscapes in fiery reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows. During this season, there are many fun things to do in the USA—think apple picking, hayrides, the sweet taste of pumpkin pie, and the comforting warmth of hot apple cider.
The weather? It's like a gentle embrace—cool and inviting, beckoning you to step outside and explore. As the leaves dance in shades of gold, there are many things to do in the USA during autumn! Read on this USA itinerary to discover what these activities are:
- Yosemite Day Tour
- Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
- Apple Picking
- Leaf Peeping
- Oktoberfest Celebrations
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
- Pumpkin Festival
- Wine Tasting
- Haunted History Tours
- Cranberry Harvest
1. Yosemite Day Tour
A day tour to Yosemite National Park is the perfect trip to the wilderness! Autumn paints the park in vibrant hues, with leaves changing from green to dazzling gold. The Yosemite Day Tour is considered one of the top things to do in the USA for several reasons. One such reason is that it offers a golden opportunity to witness some of the park's most iconic landmarks, including impressive rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome. Additionally, visitors can marvel at one of the tallest waterfalls in existence—Yosemite Falls!
Location: San Francisco, California
2. Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
Dive into the surreal beauty of Lower Antelope Canyon, sculpted from Navajo sandstone—a reddish-brown relic of time. Wander its narrow passages, where sunlight dances on the stone, casting mesmerizing colors.
Location: Near Page, Arizona (Tour starts from Las Vegas, Nevada)
3. Apple Picking
Since New England is synonymous with the apple harvest in autumn, you can spend a day picking the sweet and tart fruit straight from the trees! The experience is made even more delightful with the aroma of fresh apple cider donuts wafting through the air. As you fill your basket with crisp apples, you'll be surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn.
Location: New England
4. Leaf Peeping
Autumn in Vermont is a spectacle of nature's artistry, with forests transforming into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows. Known as 'leaf peeping', the activity of viewing and photographing the fall foliage is a beloved pastime. Drive through the scenic byways or hike up the state's picturesque trails, these are often considered one of the best things to do in the USA!
Location: Vermont
5. Oktoberfest Celebrations
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Oktoberfest, Cincinnati and Denver would be excellent destinations for embracing German traditions with great enthusiasm! When it comes to hosting Oktoberfest celebrations, these cities spare no effort, offering a delightful blend of traditional melodies, mouthwatering Bavarian cuisine, and an extensive array of beers.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado
6. Hot Air Balloon Rides
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October is a sight to behold! A multitude of hot air balloons gracefully fills the sky in all sorts of shapes and sizes. To indulge in an unforgettable experience, you might consider embarking on a hot air balloon ride. From high up above, you will behold a mesmerizing aerial view adorned with vivid colors and stunning landscapes beneath.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
7. Pumpkin Festival
The Pumpkin Festival in Laconia, New Hampshire, is a celebration of community spirit and creativity. The streets come alive with thousands of lit jack-o'-lanterns, with locals showcasing their artistic flair, but tourists are also invited to design and carve their own. It's a fun-filled event that brings together locals and visitors!
Location: Laconia, New Hampshire
8. Wine Tasting
Autumn holds a special allure in Napa Valley—the heartland of America's wine country. As vineyards gear up for grape harvest season during this time, their surroundings buzz with activity. For wine enthusiasts seeking to savor top-tier wines at their very origin, this is truly an opportune time. Guided tastings will provide aficionados with the chance to enjoy world-class wines directly from their original sources.
Location: Napa Valley, California
9. Haunted History Tours
As Halloween approaches, New Orleans becomes the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers who are fascinated by eerie tales and mysteries. Renowned for its rich historical background and captivating folklore, the city's atmosphere transforms into a haunting tapestry. Escorted by experienced guides, these tours will transport you through ancient streets and graveyards while blood-chilling tales of supernatural entities fill your ears.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
10. Cranberry Harvest
Autumn in Massachusetts brings the cranberry harvest, a unique spectacle that's not to be missed! The cranberry bogs are flooded, and the berries, detached from the vines, float to the surface, creating a stunning sea of red. You can witness this process at various cranberry farms across the state—it’s definitely one of the things to do in the USA!
Location: Various locations across Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Plymouth County
But don't limit yourself to just this. The United States has an array of experiences awaiting your exploration even beyond this hair-raising adventure in New Orleans. Don your favorite cozy sweater that embraces the essence of autumn, venture out into the crisp fall air, and surrender to the enchanting magic that only this season can offer as it sweeps you off on an unforgettable journey. With countless things to do in the USA, you'll find yourself confronted with an abundance of choices at every turn!