Cozy Fall Travel Ideas: Easy Fall Weekend Trips for 2025
As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into red, orange, and gold, fall becomes one of the best times of the year to travel. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning a longer escape, autumn is the perfect season to embrace cozy vibes, all-things apples + pumpkins, and beautiful scenery. Our team has gathered our favorite cozy fall travel ideas across the U.S. These are perfect options for anyone planning easy fall weekend trips.
Pittsburgh, PA: A Hidden Gem for Fall Adventures
Western Pennsylvania is one of the best spots for fall foliage, and Pittsburgh is the perfect base for a cozy autumn weekend.
Scenic Bike Trails: Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the riverfront bike trail that takes you down the city’s famous three rivers. The nearby mountains also offer bike trails that will be surrounded by vibrant fall colors!
Architectural Icons: Visits to Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob are even more stunning when framed by autumn leaves. Both houses were designed by Frank LLoyd Wright and are the perfect day trip from Pittsburgh.
City + Nature Combo: Pittsburgh is the perfect combination of city exploration with easy access to nature, making it a versatile fall destination.
Bend, OR: Cozy Breweries + Mountain Views
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Bend is a charming town that’s perfect for outdoor lovers and anyone seeking a fall escape!
Brewery Heaven: Despite being a small town, Bend is home to dozens of breweries. Many of the breweries feature fireplaces and cozy outdoor seating, perfect for sipping a seasonal beer after enjoying a hike in the mountains.
Year-Round Trails: Hiking and mountain biking are especially magical in fall when the air is cool and the scenery glows, and this region has no shortage of great options!
Charming Downtown: Bend’s downtown is full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. You’re sure to love the laid-back mountain town vibe.
Boston, MA: Classic New England Fall Charm
Boston is an amazing city to visit year-round, but we find it is at its most vibrant in the fall. You’ll be able to enjoy a blend of history, great sightseeing, and seasonal beauty during a visit in October!
Fall Foliage Everywhere: Despite being a big city, Boston has some incredible parks right downtown, like Boston Commons, which will be full of beautiful leaves. A walk through neighborhoods like the South End will be even more charming with all of the fall foliage.
City Energy: With its many colleges back in session, the city buzzes with activity in the fall, and it’s an incredibly vibrant energy to be part of.
History + Adventure: Stroll the Freedom Trail, enjoy the waterfront, or take a ferry to Salem for a spooky autumn day trip where you can learn more about the Salem Witch Trials and enjoy seasonal treats and festivals.
Asheville, NC: Blue Ridge Parkway Magic
A classic fall favorite, Asheville offers some of the most iconic autumn views in the country. It’s the pinnacle of a foliage-filled destination!
Scenic Drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway is world-famous for its fall foliage, and for good reason. As you drive the Parkway, there are plenty of places to pull off to take in the sweeping views. Our favorite? Craggy Gardens! Be sure to pack layers, snacks, and take your time to maximize the drive.
Art + Food: Cozy cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and a thriving arts scene make Asheville an all-around cozy fall destination. The walkable downtown has no shortage of incredible food options, including one of our favorites, Chai Pani. Our only advice? Come hungry!
Outdoor Exploration: Asheville is truly an all-season destination, but its proximity to mountains make it a mecca for hiking and mountain biking. In the fall, hikes in the region are breathtaking with all of the foliage turning bright colors.
Burlington, VT: A Cozy Lakefront Escape
For quintessential New England charm, Burlington is hard to beat in autumn.
Lake Champlain Views: Crisp fall days are perfect for walking along the lakefront with a hot drink in hand. It’s about as scenic as it gets!
Local Flavor: Visit cider mills, sample maple treats, and enjoy the farm-to-table food scene. Burlington proper is full of incredible dining options (Honey Road is one of our favorites!), but nearby Stowe makes for a great day trip. Plus, you can stop by the Ben & Jerry’s factory to pick up some ice cream!
Charming Streets: Burlington’s downtown is incredibly walkable, and we recommend taking your time to meander through the Church Street Marketplace, filled with boutique shops and warm cafés.
Plan Your Cozy Fall Getaway
Whether you’re dreaming of easy fall weekend trips close to home or looking for cozy fall travel ideas across the U.S., these destinations offer the perfect mix of autumn scenery, outdoor adventures, and cozy vibes. From biking the trails near Pittsburgh to sipping cider in Vermont, there’s no better time to pack your favorite sweater and plan your fall adventure.
