Vacations in the spring and summer are iconic for a reason, but there is something truly magnificent about travel in fall. Cooler temperatures bring fewer crowds, and the crisp air and changing leaves set the tone for adventure. Whether in search of colorful foliage or stunning scenery without all the buzz of other tourists, there are so many fantastic places to visit through autumn's peak in October in the USA.
Spending autumn in New England offers travelers the chance to soak in the ambiance of quaint towns while being surrounded by one of nature's most colorful displays. Places to visit in the fall on the East Coast include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Each state brings its own charms, from pleasant heritage railways to coastal towns and scenic byways, including the world-renowned Kancamagus Highway. Visitors can soak in fall's beautiful hues on lake cruises or from the comfortable seats of deluxe motorcoaches, each offering a fresh perspective on the scenery.
Places to travel in October and November also include destinations across America's West. Aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr, vacationers can head toward national parks, including Yellowstone and Yosemite, or venture out to California. Once in California, the Coast Starlight weaves up the state along the shore of the Pacific to present glamorous cities, wineries, mountains, and more. Fall trips may also stretch across the country, traveling from San Francisco in the West to Chicago in the Midwest or even further to New York in the East, aboard Amtrak trains. There are also autumn tours that highlight New Orleans and the beauty of the deep South. Of all vacations in the U.S., fall trips are perhaps the most unique of all with their wide range of offerings.
(227 reviews)
The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to...
(82 reviews)
Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day escorted adventure featuring national parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction. View the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde national parks, before riding the...
Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colors on this fall tour along America's scenic East Coast. Stay in Massachusetts's capital city of Boston with time to explore its unique history and culture, then journey to the charming village of North Conway in the beautiful White Mountains - one of the most stunning locations to...
(7 reviews)Fiery autumn foliage and captivating destinations make it easy to fall in love with the Eastern states and provinces of the United States and Canada on this memorable tour. Split your time between the two nations, admiring the ever-changing landscape as you travel by train along Canada's bustling Windsor Corridor and cruise the St. Lawrence and...
(149 reviews)The vibrant hues of autumn guide the way on this seasonal journey through New England and Eastern Canada. Spend ten days marveling at the subtle distinctions between regions, discovering in each how the changing leaves are as unique as the destinations themselves. Soak up the history of Boston, the starting point of your fall foliage adventure,...
(48 reviews)Nature's majesty and American history abound on this journey through the Great Lakes shorelines, featuring Wisconsin and Michigan. Starting in Chicago, ride Amtrak to Milwaukee, before exploring the heritage and picture-perfect landscapes of Door County Peninsula. Next, venture through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and cross the Canadian border to...
(114 reviews)Watch as the warm hues of autumn overtake the landscape on this 8-day guided journey through New England. The tour begins as the group discovers the Colonial history of Boston. From Boston, we travel out of the city and into some of the best places for fall foliage viewing in all of the United States. The first stop is North Conway, where we will...
(48 reviews)California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
(10 reviews)Discover North America's East Coast, a place that harbors deep-rooted traditions and cities where history was quite literally written. Over 13 memorable days, travel between the United States and Canada - first aboard a Holland America cruise ship and later aboard VIA Rail's Corridor Service. Set sail from Boston and explore Portland or Bar...
Whether it is the sites of yesteryear, fall scenery, or iconic towns you seek, there is plenty to see on this New England journey. Your round-trip expedition begins in Boston, where you have time to see the sites both on your own and with a scheduled sightseeing tour. Moving into Maine, Portland and Bath await. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the...
(91 reviews)The vibrant hues of autumn color the backdrop for this tour to some of New England's most historic and picturesque sites. This round-trip tour begins and ends in Boston, and in between, experience popular East Coast locations like coastal Kennebunkport and Portland in Maine, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and Newport in Rhode Island. Delight...
(40 reviews)Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...
Jul 24, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Whether in America’s national parks, the Canadian Rockies or traveling from coast to coast, discover the top destinations to visit in North America in 2026.
Read more
Jun 12, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Witness the changing colors of the season like never before while embarking on these top experiences and excursions on our North American fall foliage tours.
Read more
May 15, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
From the remote expanses of wild Alaska to the stunning islands and fjords of Scandinavia, here are our top destinations for Northern Lights tours in 2026.
Read more
May 07, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Find your ideal adventure by discovering the best places to visit in Canada in the fall, from cultural cities with fewer tourists to the stunning Canadian Rockies.
Read more