Not sure where to travel to in the U.S. in the late fall? Here are a few recommendations for you to consider.
Sedona, Arizona
Photo by Geoff Livingston
Pleasant weather for hiking at Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock on top of less crowds makes Sedona attractive during the month of November. Red Rock State Park makes for a scenic walk while Centennial Trailhead makes for a good spot for stargazing. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are common day trips (3 hours one way) taken from Sedona, as they are only a 12 minute drive from one another. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a location for browsing galleries and boutiques, designed to feel like a traditional Mexican village.
Tampa, Florida
Photo by Jeremy Thompson
Visit Tampa in November if you’re looking for the perfect weather, warm days and cool nights. Fall events, food festivals, and walking or biking the Riverwalk are fun activities to do. Beaches including Clearwater or St. Pete can be ideal for swimming and tanning, with weather in the mid-70s. Busch Gardens (pictured above) and ZooTampa with an open-air safari are good choices for families! And if you come at the beginning of the month, you can attend Hulaween, a electronic music festival less than three hours away!
Telluride, Colorado
Photo by Woody Hibbard
If you want early access to skiing and snowboarding, mixed with crisp mountain air before winter sets in, November is a good time to go to Telluride. It has a free gondola that you can ride from the city to Mountain Village, as it gives passengers outstanding sights of the San Juan Mountains. Horse-drawn sleighs are available at the Aldasoro Family Ranch and the ice skating rink is found at the Telluride Town Park. Hiking at Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls still may be possible, if you prepare by dressing in layers.
North Pole, Alaska
Photo by Haydn Blackey
The town of North Pole in Alaska is as unique as it sounds, hosting a Christmas-themed Santa Claus House and viewing for Northern Lights. At the Antler Academy across from the Santa Claus House, people can meet live reindeer. Streets such as Santa Claus Lane and Candy Cane Lane are festively decorated, with candy cane-striped lampposts and elaborate light displays. Events such as Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, with local vendors, food, and fireworks, starts near the end of November.
The City of Angels has absolutely perfect weather year-round, so why not escape the cold and go there? The average temperature during this month is 73 degrees and therefore, a good time to walk the Runyon Canyon, see the festive lights at The Grove, or attend the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Other events include the LA Zoo Lights or the Avenue 26 Night Market for food trucks. For a less basic experience, the Valley Relics Museum, the Venice of America Canals, St. Vincent Court, or taking the Angels Flight railway to the Grand Central Market.
This island offers excellent weather with little rain and warm temperatures in the mid-80s while peak season is slowing down. The seas are calmer then and there is abundant sunshine! It is perfect for diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, ATV tours, exploring villages, and whale watching. If I were to go, I would likely choose to swim in the clear water around my bungalow most of the time.
Morocco
Photo by Lalo Fuentes
By visiting Morocco in October, you will be able to avoid the heat, making it ideal for exploring cities such as Marrakech and Fes, hiking through the Atlas Mountains, and surfing along the coast of Essaouira. In the Sahara Desert, you will even be able to ride camels or rejuvenate in a traditional Moroccan Hammam bath! Other unique activities include pottery workshops or the Arabian Nights dinner experience in the dunes of the Moroccan Desert.
Iceland
Photo by Erik Cooper
Iceland in October provides visitors with lower prices and stunning autumn colors. Not to mention the prime opportunity for viewing the Northern Lights or ice caving at Crystal Cave. Glacier hiking at Solheimajokull Glacier, boat tours at glacier lagoons, and snowmobiling are fun winter activities to participate in too. Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland with the Blue Lagoon being an incredible geothermal area with a swim-up bar.
Switzerland
Photo by Robert Heath
A beautiful Swiss cities to visit in October is Zurich, for viewing fall foliage, soaking in the thermal baths, stopping at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, and hiking Ebenalp Seealpsee. The Engadine Valley is worth visiting, along with Lago di Saoseo, despite it being a two-hour hike. Or if you would like to experience a train ride, Glacier Express or Bernina Express, strolling along Lake Lucerne, and wine harvest celebrations are are unforgettable options as well.
Tuscany, Italy
Photo by Michael Kuhn
Another place for fall foliage and wine harvests is Tuscany. The Boccaccesca Food & Wine Festival in Certaldo hosts cooking shows, tasting experiences, and live music. You can trek in the Casentino Forests National Park or along the coast at Maremma Park for autumn colors. The Arezzo Antiques Fair is Italy’s oldest and largest antique market that occurs the first Sunday of every month. Wine lovers may prefer to go to Montepulciano, the location of underground wine cellars. Explorers might want to climb the Towers in San Gimignano, before shopping and dining in the town.
Not only do the mountains look stunning, being topped with snow in June, but the weather also tends to rise to the 70s during the day, making it enjoyable for hiking, fishing, camping, and kayaking. However, the weather can tend to be unpredictable in the nighttime and early morning, so be sure to bring a few extra layers just in case! Another perk to visiting in June is that the park is fully open, yet less crowded than the other summer months.
Charleston, South Carolina
Photo by Doug Kerr
If you’re looking to visit the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, in June, you may want to look into water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with the temperatures being in the 80s, and possibly the 90s! Spoleto Festival, ArtWalk on the first Friday of the month, and the Charleston Farmers’ Market on Saturdays are all events in the city to add to your calendar. The White Garden Park at the Battery will be blooming and sunset cruises are excellent options as well.
Yosemite National Park, California
Vernal Falls – Photo by Domenico Convertini
June is a good month to travel to Yosemite National Park due to the snow having melted, which reveal the beautiful waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Nevada Falls. On average, the temperature at this time of year is in the high 80s. As for hiking, it is said that the Mist Trail is one of the best, with Mirror Lake also being a great spot to view.
Portland, Oregon
Photo by Kunal Mukherjee
June in Portland, Oregon will likely be filled with consistently pleasant weather and hardly, if any, rain. During this month, the Rose Festival to kick off the summer concert season, Festival of Balloons, and Portland Beer Week take place. On the other hand is Portland’s Forest Park, Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, Multnomah Falls, or Powell’s City of Books are all free!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Photo by Bill Ilott
Typically for June, the weather in Cape Cod, is in the 70s and sometimes 80s, along with a cool, ocean breeze. The beaches aren’t yet too crowded, with the water still being a little colder. At Nauset Light Beach, you may be able to attend one of their campfires with games and music or the Cape Cod Pirate Festival with contests, food and drinks, and dancing.
Which of these sound like the right option for you? Please comment below.
You have to admit, Hawaii is, hands down, the most gorgeous state in the United States. It is located in the south-western part of the U.S., nearly 2,000 from the mainland. It is the home of 137 volcanic islands, as well as, Polynesian culture, whether it be cuisine, traditions, mythology, or etiquette.
The state is comprised of 8 main islands, 7 of which are inhabited and only 6 of which can be visited by the public. So, which of the 6 should you catch a flight to? I’ll help you decide by giving you a summary of each one.
Kauai
Photo by Imogene Huxham
Kauai is filled with valleys, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and cliffs, which is why it is referred to as the “Garden Island.” The bad part is that the average annual rainfall is high, and it is generally humid. But if you don’t mind either of those conditions, Kauai could be the island to pick.
It is less of a tourist-filled location, and more of a rural area. However, the extraordinary sunsets and beaches make this island attractive for some travelers.
Kauai was also the set for the films Honeymoon in Vegas, South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Jurassic World,Soul Surfer,The Descendants, Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides, Avatar, and King Kong.
In addition, there is an array of activities to choose from, such as horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking along the river, ziplining in the jungle, taking a helicopter tour, visiting historical landmarks, farmers markers, playing a round of golf, or riding ATVs.
Points of interest:
Waimea Canyon
Na Pali State Coast Wildnerness Park
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Hawaiian Trading Post – shop with souvenirs and hand-crafted gifts
Spouting Horn Blowhole
Queen’s Bath
Ha’ena State Park
Wailua Falls
Maniniholo Dry Cave
Kapa’a – popular town known for colorful storefronts, and restaurants including local cuisine
Poipu Beach
hawaii – the big island
Haena Beach – Photo by Pedro Szekely
The largest island named Hawaii is often called The Big Island. It is absolutely one-of-a-kind, with the varying landscapes of different-colored sand beaches, mountains with snow-covered peaks, lava deserts, and rainforests. While this big island feels less crowded than others due to its size, there is still much to see and do.
On the Kona coastline, you have the opportunity to view the bluest water with sea turtles and dolphins. If you prefer water excursions, you could swim with manta rays, go sailing, scuba dive, kayak, parasail, go deep sea fishing, canoe, and paddleboard. If you would rather participate in land activities, you can take a scenic drive, visit one of the several breathtaking beaches, ziplining over a river gorge, go on one of the greatest hikes you’ve ever been on, or play golf at one of the world-class courses on the Kohala Coast.
Points of Interest:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hapuna Beach State Park
Heiau – historic site with ancient Hawaiian temples
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Hulihe’e Palace
Hilo Farmers Market
Akaka Falls State Park – Akaka Falls & Kahuna Falls
Punaluu Beach – known for black sand
Historic Hilo Town
Mauna Kea – the tallest volcano in the world/highest point in the state, renowned for stargazing
Papakōlea Beach – known for sand with a green hue
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Waipi’o Valley Overlook
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
OAHU
Photo by Alan Light
The bustling island of Oahu is urban, luxurious, and consists of resorts sitting on the golden, sandy beaches, some of which are more secluded than others. The nightlife is vibrant, the weather is warm, and the adventures are endless. Plus, it is a great place to get the feel for the Polynesian culture and traditions!
Sitting on the south shore of Oahu is Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. It was previously the home of Hawaii’s monarchy. Now, this city is centered around its dining and shopping.
Points of interest:
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Byodo-In Temple
Waikiki Beach
Lanai Lookout
Kaneohe Sandbar
Pearl Harbor Museum
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Laie Falls
Tantalus – botanical region popular with birdwatchers
Waimea Bay Beach Park – perfect for surfing
Diamond Head State Monument
Maunawili Falls
Pu’u O Hulu Trail
Lanikai Beach
Crouching Lion
MAUI
Photo by Brett Samuel
Compared to the other 5 islands, Maui could be considered mid-sized. Being more developed than Kauai, but less tourist-filled than Oahu is a main reason that people enjoy traveling here. In this spot, you will uncover wildlife, culture, history, and Hawaii’s most note-worthy beaches. From Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, is a spectacular view of the sunrise, through a set of clouds.
In Maui, you can enjoy their frequent festivals, underwater reefs, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and jungles abundant with flowers.
Visitors adore swimming with sea turtles, horseback riding, whale watching, windsurfing, snorkeling, and surfing, if you know how!
Points of interest:
Wailea Beach
The Garden of Eden
Kaanapali Beach
Maui Ocean Center
Paia – beach town with coffee shops and boutiques
Ali’i Kula Lavendar Farm
Iao Valley State Monument
Haleakala National Park
Waianapanapa State Park – known for its black sand
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Napili Beach
Hana Lava Tube
Old Lahaina Luau – great for experiencing hula, traditional dancing, and a Hawaiian buffet
Pua’a Ka’a Waterfalls
lanai
Photo by Curt Smith
Lanai could be considered the most exclusive island of the 6, having remote beaches, high-end resorts, world-class amenities and services, professional golf, and exquisite cuisine. It is ideal for relaxing and healing in a peaceful setting at the spas, which offer lava stone lomilomi and algae body wraps. While this island is private, it does not lack adventure with off-roading in a four-wheel drive vehicle and swimming in tide pools that have been naturally carved out of volcanic rock.
When exploring, you will find unique rock formations and colorful underwater reefs. Popular activities here are lawn bowling, deep sea fishing, shooting clays, scuba diving, private boat charters, and whale watching,
Points of interest:
Lānaʻi Art Center
Keomuku Village
Shark’s Bay
Koloiki Ridge
Lanai City – with restaurants, shops, a park, and theater
Shipwreck Beach (on the north shore)
Kaunolū Fishing Village
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Hulopoe Beach
Sweetheart Rock (at the end of the Puupehe Trail)
Keiki Tide Pool
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
Fisherman’s Trail
Polihua Beach
The Cavendish – 9-hole, free public golf course
Molokai
This would be the quietest and least developed island listed in this blog, therefore, probably not for everyone. It is more for those who don’t mind straying from the beaten path and connecting with nature rather than being pampered at a four-star hotel. That being said, Molokai still has wonderful beaches, rainforests, and the tallest cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Points of interest:
Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove
Murphy’s Beach
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
North Shore Sea Cliffs
Halawa Tropical Flower Farm
Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
One Ali’i Beach Park
Molokai Forest Reserve
Hālawa Valley – can only be explored on a guided hike
Molokaʻi Heritage Site
Halawa Beach Park
Aliʻi Fishpond
Pāpōhaku Beach
Moaula Falls
Kamakou Preserve
Palaau State Park
I know it seems tough to choose which one to visit still, but hopefully helped a little in knowing the difference between the islands and what they have to offer.
Fewer crowds combined with 60 degree weather in March should draw you to San Diego, also named America’s Finest City. It’s a nice time to sit on the beach and bask in the sun, or get a glimpse of the green foliage and spring time flowers blooming. For EDM festival goers, you may want to try out the CRSSD Festival at the beginning of the month. If that’s not your style, you could also give the Spring Busker Festival a whirl. There, you would witness professionals from across the country displaying their unique talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing. Not to forget the San Diego Zoo, which has been acclaimed by many visitors as the best!
Miami, Florida
Having personally visited Miami in March, I can say that it is an amazing time to go! The weather is beautiful with clear skies and a daily average of 75 degrees. For my stay, I relaxed on the beach, went on a boat ride, made a trip to Barton G. for dinner, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, the Superblue museum in Wynwood, and rode around in a slingshot, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Of course I stopped into one of the nightclubs, since Miami is known for that, as well as for hosting Ultra Music Festival, and Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest, which both take place in March.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Photo by Reinhard Link
St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix is right around 78 degrees at this time of year with low chance of rain, making it spectacular for swimming in the ocean. Tourists on those islands like participating in snorkeling, hiking, fishing, golfing, ziplining, parasailing, boat rides, and kayaking too!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Chena Springs – Photo by Kodachron
Fairbanks, Alaska may be frigid in March, but it is said to be the best time to marvel at the aurora borealis in the Borealis Basecamp igloos with transparent roofs. It can be seen on most nights when the sky is dark and clear. Polar bears and moose are also more likely to be seen on guided wildlife tours during the spring. The Chena Hot Springs is an excellent spot for seeing ice sculptures or taking a soak. Ice fishing is also an option, for those that it may interest.
Dallas, Texas
Photo by Maciej Kraus
During the day, Dallas will reach an average of 71 degrees, while at night, it will drop to around 48 degrees. If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to attend the Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the North Texas Irish Festival, or grab a drink at one of the pubs! For basketball fans, March Madness will be returning to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the regional round of the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship at the end of March. And, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is where you can check out for the Dallas Blooms Spring!
Where would you visit in March? Let me know in the comments!
A Sweet Paradise 
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