Autumn getaways offer smaller crowds and a more leisurely pace for many couples who look for beautiful fall foliage, romantic inns, stunning beaches and seasonal festivals. Relax and enjoy exceptional weather at these top-notch destinations. Hit the road with that special someone when the temperatures turn cool and the leaves turn fiery.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Fall months bring fewer crowds to the warm ocean waters of Alabama’s gorgeous Gulf Coast. You’ll find more affordable prices now on both hotels and rental condos at Gulf Shores, and you may just have the lovely white sand beaches all to yourself.
Washington, Connecticut
Treat yourself to a special fall facial with organic pomegranate, pumpkin, and honey in the 20,000-square-foot spa at the Mayflower Grace. The 30-room inn is a convenient jumping-off point for antiquing in Litchfield Hills or driving to the pre-revolutionary village of Kent.
Park City, Utah
The slopes don’t open until the end of November, so fall is the time to enjoy Park City’s still-temperate weather and outdoor adventures such as hiking and mountain biking. For some serious culture in this mountain town, offerings range from art at the Kimball Art Center to live-music at the Eccles Center venue.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Michigan’s Mackinac Island is home to beautiful Lake Huron views and quaint shops as well as bed-and-breakfasts. The island is an easy drive and ferry ride from much of the Midwest, making it a frugal option for a romantic getaway.
Big Sur, CA
Fall in Big Sur calls for clear, warm days and cool, starry nights. Do your stargazing for two at the Post Ranch Inn, which has not only an enviable position overlooking the Pacific Coast but also one of the largest hotel telescopes in the U.S. The privacy makes it an ideal romantic destination, where secluded cottages feature outdoor hot tubs built for two.
Also check out Bristol, Rhode Island for a little coastal town; Missouri Wine Country around Hermann and Augusta for a handful of boutique wineries; Acadia, Maine for a hike through the pine trails of Acadia National Park; Natchez, Mississippi for a foodie’s paradise in the bed-and-breakfast capital of the south; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Spring Creek Ranch, an ideal spot for those seeking seclusion and romance in a unique way.
