Autumn is a fantastic season for family getaways! The crisp air, the smell of fallen leaves (unless you live in San Diego like us!), and the stunning array of colors make it an ideal time to explore the great outdoors and charming locales.
Here's a few places that we have traveled in the fall and love!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, ME:
Consider planning a trip to destinations where the foliage is at its peak vibrancy, such as Acadia national park. Renowned for it's breathtaking landscapes and quaint small towns that come alive with festive autumnal decorations and activities.
There's so many hikes (and a lot of kid-friendly ones for little legs) and places to explore. It's a great spot to have some great family time.
COEUR D'ALENE, ID:
This is a really popular spot during the summer months, but if you don't mind a bit cooler temperatures, fall is a great time to go. It's less crowded, and the prices for things like boat rentals are much more reasonable (when we went in early September, it was literally HALF the price that it was in August to rent a boat).
Going out on the lake to just sight see all of the gorgeous autumn colors, and look at all the beautiful lakefront houses was one of my favorite parts.
CARLSBAD, CA:
If you're looking for a warm, beachy spot to visit in the fall, San Diego is truly the best place. It's the warmest weather this time of year without all of the foggy marine layer that sometimes comes at the beach in the summer. The beaches aren't crowded during the fall, and there's so many fun places to visit with kids.
Carlsbad is a great destination spot because in the downtown area, it's really walkable and there's lots of fun spots nearby. You are close enough to add on a fun theme park for the day- think about doing Legoland or Disneyland during your trip. Both places are so fun in the fall, and not as crowded as the summer.
For discounted LEGOLand tickets, click here.
For Disneyland deals, click here.
ANOTHER OPTION: KEEP IT LOCAL IN THE FALL!
Visit local harvest festivals, apple orchards, or farmers' markets to enjoy fresh seasonal produce and fun activities. Go on scenic drives to take in the fall foliage, have a picnic by a serene lake, or simply spend a cozy evening together with hot chocolate and a good book.
Participate in hayrides, corn mazes, and other traditional autumn activities that will delight both children and adults alike. Engage with the local community, learn about the history and traditions of the places you visit, and maybe even pick up a few recipes for autumnal treats to try at home.
Trips don't always have to be big. Fall is a great time to find things close by and focus on day trips because there's usually some fun festivals and things happening nearby.
WHAT TO PACK FOR FALL TRIPS:
When preparing for your autumn adventure, make sure to pack plenty of layers to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures. Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, while afternoons may warm up, so having a variety of clothing options will keep everyone comfortable. Think cozy sweaters, lightweight jackets, and scarves that can be easily added or removed as needed.
Don’t forget to bring a good camera or your smartphone to capture all the beautiful moments—whether it's the kids jumping into piles of leaves, scenic vistas, or candid family moments by a cozy fireplace.
I also love bringing a camera for kids to use on trips. They love capturing memories of the trip and it's fun looking a the trip through their eyes. Here's my favorite kids' camera.
If you have younger children, a sturdy stroller can be a lifesaver, making it easier to navigate both rugged paths and busy town centers. Here is the stroller we have been using lately and love for trips.
A well-organized family backpack with multiple compartments can help keep all your necessities in check. Here's the one we use on every trip (discoung code MINIVOYAGER20). Stock it with snacks, water bottles, a Mini Voyager Travel Kit, first-aid supplies (our favorite travel first aid kit here), and any other essentials you might need throughout the day. I also like to include some hand warmers and a small blanket in the car that we can use if needed.
Happy fall traveling! And if you have other suggestions of great places to visit in the fall, send me a message on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. I'd love to connect on there.