Autumn is the perfect time to visit a new city. The kids are back in school, the weather is settled and the days are shorter, making for shorter commutes. But that’s not all; fall colors provide a backdrop for discovering a new city on an adventure that can be had year-round.
This fall, visit one of these great cities that offer something for everyone, including families and outdoor adventurers.
Boston
Boston is a city where history, culture and modern amenities meet. Home to the oldest public park in America, Boston Common, the Freedom Trail and countless historical sites including Paul Revere’s House and the USS Constitution Museum. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place for travelers of all ages.
Philadelphia
This city is home to Independence Hall as well as countless other attractions; from art museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation to outdoor activities like Boathouse Row and Pennypack Creek. Whether you need a day or a week, there is always something going on in Philly.
Atlanta
Atlanta has always been one of America’s greatest cities—and this fall will be no different. Atlanta’s natural beauty is found not only during the warmer months but also when fall colors show up in October. Some favorite spots include Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge which includes three miles of hiking trails that wind through forests of cedar elms and chinquapin oaks that are turning gold for autumn with a backdrop of tall pines, overlooks of lakes and freshwater marshes. The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers an Instagram-worthy backdrop with more than 55 acres containing over 25 themed gardens including: formal Italianate garden, water lily pool garden, heritage rose garden, wildflower meadow garden among others.
San Francisco
San Francisco has always been a city of unique neighborhoods and this fall is no different. The city’s natural beauty is found not only during the warmer months but also when fall colors show up in October. Some favorite spots include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Telegraph Hill—all within easy driving distance from each other.
Chicago
Chicago is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. From the Magnificent Mile to the Field Museum, Chicago offers something for everyone. With so many outdoor activities like kayaking along Lake Michigan—even in colder weather—this is one city where the family can have fun all year-round.
New York City
New York City may be busy year-round but it’s worth it. The New York Botanical Garden offers some of the most spectacular views with its Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Fragrance Garden, Enid A Haupt Conservatory which is home to more than 700 species of plants from around the world and 50 acres of gardens with two miles of walking trails so you can visit any time of year!
Can’t visit these cities this year? There are still plenty of places across North America offering fall foliage season like the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina or the White Mountains in New Hampshire!