As summer fades, fall’s crisp, fiery colors appear in the natural world. Reds, ambers, and yellows replace the dark greens of the summer, and serene landscapes undergo remarkable transformations.
But where are the best places to witness the changing of the season? Here are four hand-picked destinations to truly appreciate fall’s rich and vibrant colors, with recommendations on what to see and where to stay.
Top 10 Places in October
Besides Locals Insider, major outlets like Travel + Leisure, U.S. News Travel, and Yankee Magazine regularly highlight New England for October foliage, while Luxury Travel Magazine features East Coast fall getaways. For Asia, Japan Web Magazine and similar titles emphasize Kyoto’s autumn leaves. These magazines consistently recommend classic fall color regions—New England, Kyoto, the Black Forest—showing broad agreement on the best October travel spots.
- Sydney, Australia – Spring jacarandas bloom purple, festivals abound, and beaches are inviting.
- Aruba, Caribbean – Fewer crowds, calm beaches, and stunning turquoise waters in shoulder season.
- Kyoto, Japan – Temple gardens and hillsides glow red and gold in crisp autumn air.
- New England, USA – Classic fall foliage, covered bridges, and mountain drives peak mid-October.
- Black Forest, Germany – Amber forests, vineyard harvests, and peaceful hiking trails in cooler weather.
- Yellowstone, USA – Golden aspens, wildlife sightings, and quiet before winter closures.
- Sicily, Italy – Warm seas, harvest festivals, and golden autumn light without summer crowds. Explore boutique hotels in Palermo.
- Vienna, Austria – Chestnut trees shine gold, paired with cultural concerts and festivals.
- Seoul, South Korea – Palaces and mountain parks blaze with crimson leaves under clear skies. Here is our guide to Seoul’s cool things to see and do.
- Serengeti, Tanzania – End of dry season brings dramatic wildlife gatherings and clear viewing light.
Best Places to Go in October for Fall Colors
Kyoto, Japan
While many people are attracted to the cherry blossom season in Kyoto (March 20th to April 14th), the fall foliage in this Japanese prefecture is even more striking.
Though fall colors peak at the start of December, you can arrange a trip to Kyoto from late October through November to see glaring reds and incredible contrasts in one of Japan’s most beautiful regions.
There are many spots in Kyoto to see the rich Autumnal foliage, but many of the temples, like Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and Ginkaku-ji, have glorious gardens where you can sit in awe of the changing nature around you.
What to See & Do
Of all the places in Kyoto to appreciate the fall colors, the mountain village of Takao is perhaps the best. Here, you will see bright red maple trees in valleys and on mountainsides; one of the most stunning examples of the rich hues of fall.
Alternatively, spend some time at Okochi-Sanso Villa, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful gardens, in the foothills of Mt. Ogura. It was formerly owned by Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro, and you don’t need to complete the formal registration processes required to enter many of Kyoto’s imperial properties.
The entrance fee is Y1,000 ($6.75) per person, and a hot cup of matcha tea is included to warm your heart at the end of your retreat.
Where to Stay
Kyoto isn’t short of boutique hotels, but the Four Seasons, Kyoto, is the place to stay for unrivalled luxury.
This five-star retreat, situated in Higashiyama Ward, was built around an 800-year-old heritage pond and is a tranquil yet refined base from which to explore the delights of Kyoto in the fall. Deluxe rooms start at $1,710 per night, while two-bedroom Japanese Tatami Residences cost $4,049 nightly.
Japan is, in general, a great place to visit in October or November, fewer tourists, not that hot, not too cold. We liked Tokyo for its great public hot spring onsens, Osaka for its designer shopping, and Hiroshima for culture and local vibes.
Acadia National Park, New England, USA
Acadia NP is the only national park in the northeast and is locally known as the “Crown Jewel of New England.” Fall is arguably the best time of the year to visit this park, situated in the mid-section of the Maine coast.
While October sees its fair share of rain, temperatures range from the low 40s to high 50s, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The national park’s fall colors are perfect in October, with mountains blanketed in oranges, reds, and yellows.
Also, many trails are much quieter than during the peak summer months from June to September.
What to See & Do
We highly recommend booking a trip up Cadillac Mountain during your time in Acadia National Park. You can drive to the summit, but you must make a reservation. Acadia charges $30 per vehicle, and permits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until October 26th.
The peak, at 1,527 ft (465 m), provides exceptional views of the Atlantic shoreline. It’s culturally significant, too, as it’s known as the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise.
Where to Stay
Bar Harbor is the ideal base for your fall exploration of Acadia National Park in Maine, with several high-end hotels and a raft of delightful seafood restaurants. We recommend the charming and historic Acadia Hotel Ocean View on a hilltop overlooking Frenchman’s Bay. Double ocean view rooms start at $339 per night.
The New Forest, Hampshire, England
England’s four seasons are among the best defined in the world. In fall, expect crisp, bracing mornings, low afternoon suns, and chilly evenings, where a cup of cocoa in front of a roaring fire is in order.
Of all the places to experience the fiery reds and oranges of the English autumn, the New Forest in Hampshire is hard to beat. Miles of walking and cycling trails, natural beauty spots like the Hatchet Pond, and various wildlife-spotting opportunities await.
What to See & Do
You don’t need an itinerary to enjoy the freedom and changing colors of fall in the New Forest, with endless miles of walking and cycling tracks waiting to be explored. That said, a very special pig pilgrimage occurs every Autumn, and it’s well worth seeing.
Up to 600 Pannage Pigs are released into the New Forest every fall to rummage for fallen acorns and chestnuts. The tradition has been going strong since the time of William the Conqueror, and it makes for an excellent wildlife photo opportunity during your visit to the New Forest.
Where to Stay
Our recommended New Forest National Park lodging is the opulent Rhinefield House Hotel in Brockenhurst, Hampshire. Known by locals as “the jewel in the forest,” Rhinefield offers superior classics to master suites, with dining in the wood-panelled Armada Restaurant replete with local delicacies. Classic doubles start at GBP 264 ($355) while suites are priced at GBP 489 ($658) nightly.
Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada
Bella Coola in British Columbia is home to “the fall feast.” In other words, it’s salmon spawning season, which usually runs from August until October. Thousands of sockeye and coho salmon run upstream from the Pacific Ocean, leaping over rocks and turning the water yellow, orange, and red.
Of course, they also bring Bella Coola’s most famous visitor in large numbers. Grizzlies and black bears are almost guaranteed to be seen in the fall, while you may also spot moose and several other native species during your visit.
What to See & Do
Bear viewing is the number one activity in Bella Coola in October. The safest and easiest way to view the bears and the leaping salmon is to visit the viewing platform at Tweedsmuir Park. An e-fence initiative is in place, reducing wildlife and human conflict and ensuring both human and animal safety.
You can book two- and three-day tours to visit the bears, which include accommodation and boat trips. Glacial Grizzly Tours, operated by the reputable BC Grizzly Tours, cost $2,195 per person, and all meals are included on a 42-ft boat.
Where to Stay
The pick of the accommodation options close to bear-spotting territory is the Tweedmuir Park Lodge in Bella Coola. It is a comfortable wilderness lodge on 60 acres, offering accommodations in chalets, lodges, and suites. You can book a Grizzly Bear Safari directly with the lodge, running annually from August 15th until October 13th, with a minimum three-night stay required.
Where Will You Visit this Fall?
Acadia NP in New England and Bella Coola in BC are the pick of the North American destinations in the fall. But if you’re keen to go further afield, the New Forest in Hampshire, England, is wonderful at this time of the year, as is Kyoto prefecture in Japan. Explore these areas of natural beauty to see autumn in all its glory this year.
