Originally posted on Family Vacationist.

10 fun and easy fall getaways you can enjoy in a weekend

Go for hike, pick some apples, and do all the other quintessential autumn activities on these family-friendly fall weekend getaways.
Beth Luberecki

Posted by Beth Luberecki

Cooler weather, vibrant foliage, pumpkin everything—fall is hard to beat. In much of the U.S., it’s the Goldilocks season: not too hot, not too cold. You’ll also find smaller crowds and better prices, making it an ideal time to travel. Of course, back-to-school schedules mean long vacations can be tricky. That’s where fall weekend getaways shine.

Across the country, there are countless spots—many just a short drive from major cities—where you can savor autumn without using up too much PTO. Stretching it into a three-day weekend only sweetens the deal. That’s plenty of time to pick apples, hike under colorful canopies, snap photos in pumpkin patches, and indulge in every other fall favorite. Here are my top picks for fall weekend getaways brimming with autumn charm.

10. Salt Lake City, Utah

Sunset over Salt Lake City and the mountains (Photo: S. Greenwood)
Fall brings spectacular sunsets to Salt Lake City and the mountains (Photo: S. Greenwood)

Combining the vibrancy of a city with views of the Wasatch Mountains and easy access to outdoor fun, Salt Lake City is an ideal fit for long weekend getaway in the fall. Spots like Memory Grove Park and City Creek Canyon are full of walking, hiking, and biking trails awash with fall colors. Liberty Park is another good option for not only fall foliage but also playgrounds, paddle boats, and Tracy Aviary, home to more than 300 birds from around the world.

NATURAL WONDERS: The 13 best national parks to visit in the fall

The Salt Lake Explorer Pass gives you admission to the aviary and 13 other Northern Utah attractions for a single price, including perfect-for-fall sites like Red Butte Garden and This Is the Place Heritage Park. Hogle Zoo always offers a range of special October events for spooky season, and Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest features live music, family-friendly activities, traditional Bavarian food, and more than 50 varieties of beer for the grownups. Plus there’s lots of spooky fun to be had here, like the popular Fear Factory and the city’s Grimm Ghost Tours.

Where to stay for fall weekend getaways in Salt Lake City: The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City has 700 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Wasatch Mountains, along with amenities like fire pits and multiple dining options.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.