Originally published on Travel + Leisure.

21 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in the Fall for Oktoberfest, Halloween Ghost Tours, and Picturesque Strolls

From Maine to California, these destinations offer an abundance of autumnal appeal.

By Katrina Brown Hunt

Published on September 10, 2026

Bow Bridge in Central Park at New York City during autumn

JaysonPhotography / Getty Images.

While the end of summer can often seem bittersweet, the fun doesn’t need to stop when you’re in a big city. As the temperatures drop and the trees turn shades of bright yellow, burnt orange, and brilliant red, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can outside before hunkering down for winter. Of course, there’s nothing like a country drive to admire the gorgeous fall foliage, but urban areas have their own autumnal charm. Imagine leaf-crunching your way through New York’s Central Park, or sipping bourbon with a chill in the air on Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail. 

From Savannah with its Halloween ghost tours to Santa Fe with its chile harvest, here are the best American cities to visit in the fall.  

Salt Lake City

America's Best Cities for Fall Travel: Salt Lake City

Adam Barker

Autumn in Salt Lake City generally means lower prices, smaller crowds, and the chance to see bright foliage while hiking or driving along Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. This time of year also brings the Utah State Fair, held just northwest of downtown every September and featuring its own rodeo. And be sure to get your ticket for Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of beer, German food, and live music held at the Snowbird ski resort between August and mid-October.

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.