10 Best Fall Getaways In The South - Expert Travel Guide

Introduction

Fall in the South is a magical time. The air turns crisp. Leaves change colors. It is perfect for travel. Southern Living experts know the best spots. They share their top picks for autumn trips.

This guide covers ten amazing places. Each offers unique fall experiences. From mountains to coast, there is something for everyone. You will find great food, beautiful views, and fun activities.

Planning a fall trip can be easy. We provide all the details you need. Learn about the best times to visit. Discover hidden gems and popular attractions. Get ready for an unforgettable Southern autumn adventure.

Fall weather in the South is ideal. Days are warm but not hot. Nights are cool and comfortable. It is perfect for outdoor exploring. You can hike, bike, or just relax outside.

These destinations are chosen by travel experts. They know the South inside and out. Their recommendations are reliable and tested. You can trust these spots to deliver amazing fall memories.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is famous for fall foliage. Leaves turn bright red, orange, and yellow. The views are stunning from late September through October.

The city has a vibrant arts scene. You can visit many galleries and studios. Local crafts and music are everywhere. The food scene is also excellent. Try farm-to-table restaurants.

Outdoor activities abound. Hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive through scenic routes. Visit the Biltmore Estate gardens. They are especially beautiful in autumn.

Where to stay: Choose downtown hotels or mountain cabins. Many options suit all budgets. Book early because fall is popular.

Best time to visit: Mid-October for peak leaf colors. Check the National Weather Service for updates.

Top Activities in Asheville

• Hike to Looking Glass Rock
• Tour the Biltmore Estate
• Explore the River Arts District
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Visit local breweries

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is historic and charming. Fall brings milder temperatures. It is perfect for walking tours. The crowds are smaller than in summer.

Enjoy beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit plantations with autumn gardens. Take a ghost tour for some spooky fun. Halloween events are popular here.

Food lovers will rejoice. Charleston has amazing seafood. Try she-crab soup and shrimp and grits. Farmers markets are full of fall produce.

Where to stay: Historic inns or beach resorts. Both offer unique experiences. Beach weather is still warm in early fall.

Best time to visit: October to November. Avoid hurricane season peaks.

Must-Do Experiences in Charleston

• Walk through Battery Park
• Tour Magnolia Plantation
• Eat at Husk Restaurant
• Visit the City Market
• Take a harbor cruise

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a mountain paradise. It is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Fall colors here are incredible. Peak season is mid-October to early November.

The town has family-friendly attractions. Enjoy mini-golf, aquariums, and museums. Ober Gatlinburg offers ski lifts for leaf viewing. It is a fun way to see the scenery.

Outdoor adventures are plentiful. Hike to waterfalls. Go fishing in mountain streams. Photograph wildlife like elk and black bears.

Where to stay: Cabins with hot tubs are popular. They offer privacy and great views. Hotels downtown are convenient for walking.

Best time to visit: October for best leaf colors. Check Great Smoky Mountains National Park updates.

Gatlinburg Fall Highlights

• Drive through Cades Cove
• Ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
• Visit the Arts and Crafts Community
• Hike to Laurel Falls
• Attend Oktoberfest events

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known for its oak trees. They are draped with Spanish moss. In fall, the weather is perfect. Enjoy strolls in historic squares.

The city has a rich history. Take guided tours to learn more. Halloween brings ghost stories and events. Food festivals celebrate Southern cuisine.

River Street is lively with shops and cafes. Watch ships on the Savannah River. Visit nearby Tybee Island for beach time. Water temperatures are still swimmable in early fall.

Where to stay: Bed and breakfasts in historic homes. They offer charm and hospitality. Downtown hotels are also great.

Best time to visit: Late October to November. Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Savannah Autumn Activities

• Walk through Forsyth Park
• Take a haunted history tour
• Eat at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
• Visit Wormsloe Historic Site
• Attend the Savannah Food and Wine Festival

Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is full of antebellum homes. Fall is a great time to visit. The weather is cool for touring. Pilgrimage tours showcase historic properties.

The Mississippi River views are beautiful. Enjoy riverboat cruises. Fall festivals feature local music and food. The Natchez Balloon Festival is a highlight.

Outdoor lovers can explore trails. The Natchez Trace Parkway offers scenic drives. Bike or hike along this historic route.

Where to stay: Historic inns or chain hotels. Both are available. Book early for festival times.

Best time to visit: October for festivals and nice weather.

Natchez Fall Attractions

• Tour Longwood Mansion
• Attend the Natchez Balloon Festival
• Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway
• Visit Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
• Enjoy riverfront dining

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs is known for thermal baths. Fall is a lovely time to relax. The surrounding mountains have colorful leaves. Visit from late October to November.

The town has a national park right in the city. Bathhouse Row offers historic spas. Hiking trails are nearby for nature lovers. Lake Hamilton is perfect for boating.

Fall events include music festivals. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is popular. Enjoy local arts and crafts shows.

Where to stay: Historic hotels or lake resorts. Many have spa services. Cabins are available in the area.

Best time to visit: November for peak foliage and events.

Hot Springs Must-Dos

• Soak in thermal baths
• Hike in Hot Springs National Park
• Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens
• Boat on Lake Hamilton
• Attend fall festivals

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is historic and educational. Fall brings cooler weather for exploring. Colonial Williamsburg has living history exhibits. Busch Gardens has Halloween events.

The area has many vineyards. Fall is harvest season for grapes. Wine tasting is a fun activity. Apple orchards are also nearby.

Outdoor activities include biking and hiking. The Colonial Parkway is scenic. Jamestown and Yorktown are close for day trips.

Where to stay: Colonial houses or modern hotels. Both offer good access. Resorts have full amenities.

Best time to visit: September to October. Enjoy Halloween events and nice weather.

Williamsburg Autumn Tips

• Visit Colonial Williamsburg
• Go to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
• Tour local wineries
• Bike the Colonial Parkway
• Pick apples at nearby orchards

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is famous for its culture. Fall weather is less humid. It is great for walking tours. Halloween is big here with vampire tours.

Music festivals happen in autumn. Food events celebrate Creole cuisine. Enjoy beignets and coffee in cooler weather. Street performers are everywhere.

Visit cemeteries and historic sites. Garden District homes have beautiful gardens. Streetcars are a fun way to get around.

Where to stay: French Quarter hotels or Garden District B&Bs. Both are iconic. Book early for festivals.

Best time to visit: October to November. Avoid hurricane season.

New Orleans Fall Experiences

• Take a ghost tour
• Attend Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
• Eat at Café du Monde
• Visit City Park
• Explore Magazine Street shops

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is surrounded by mountains. Fall foliage is spectacular. Lookout Mountain offers great views. Rock City gardens are beautiful in autumn.

The Tennessee River runs through the city. Riverboat cruises are relaxing. Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge. Visit the aquarium and museums.

Outdoor activities include hiking and biking. Raccoon Mountain has trails. Fall festivals feature local crafts and food.

Where to stay: Downtown hotels or mountain cabins. Both are convenient. Many hotels are family-friendly.

Best time to visit: Late October for best leaf colors.

Chattanooga Highlights

• See Rock City's Fairyland Caverns
• Ride the Incline Railway
• Visit the Tennessee Aquarium
• Hike on Lookout Mountain
• Attend the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

Helen, Georgia

Helen is a Bavarian-style village. It is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall brings Oktoberfest celebrations. The town is decorated with autumn themes.

Leaf peeping is excellent here. Drive through mountain roads. Hike to Anna Ruby Falls. The views are stunning with fall colors.

Family activities include mini-golf and tubing. Visit candy shops and breweries. Arts and crafts stores sell local items.

Where to stay: Alpine cabins or downtown inns. Both offer charm. Book early for Oktoberfest.

Best time to visit: October for Oktoberfest and peak foliage.

Helen Autumn Activities

• Celebrate Oktoberfest
• Hike to Anna Ruby Falls
• Tube down the Chattahoochee River
• Shop for German imports
• Drive the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is a Victorian town. It is built into the hillsides. Fall colors enhance the historic buildings. The weather is perfect for exploring.

The town has many art galleries. Live music is common in cafes. Halloween events include ghost tours. Visit Thorncrown Chapel for beautiful architecture.

Outdoor activities include hiking and fishing. Lake Leatherwood is nearby. Enjoy scenic train rides through the mountains.

Where to stay: Historic hotels or treehouse cabins. Both are unique. Many places have hot tubs.

Best time to visit: October for festivals and foliage.

Eureka Springs Must-Dos

• Tour the Crescent Hotel
• Visit Thorncrown Chapel
• Shop downtown art galleries
• Hike at Lake Leatherwood
• Take a haunted tour

Practical Tips for Southern Fall Getaways

Planning makes trips better. Here are tips from experts. They will help you enjoy your fall vacation.

Pack layers. Mornings and evenings are cool. Days can be warm. Bring jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes.

Book accommodations early. Fall is a popular time. Hotels and cabins fill fast. Reserve at least two months ahead.

Check leaf forecasts. Timing varies each year. Use resources like the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Map.

Plan for events. Many towns have festivals. They can affect crowds and prices. Buy tickets in advance if needed.

Drive safely. Mountain roads can be winding. Watch for wildlife. Enjoy scenic stops along the way.

Try local foods. Fall harvest brings fresh produce. Enjoy apples, pumpkins, and pecans. Visit farmers markets.

Packing Checklist

• Light jacket or sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera for photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Map or GPS device
• Binoculars for leaf peeping
• Rain gear just in case

FAQ Section

When is the best time to see fall colors in the South?

It depends on the location. Mountains change first. Higher elevations peak in early October. Lower areas peak in late October or November. Check local forecasts for accurate timing.

Are these destinations family-friendly?

Yes, all are great for families. They offer activities for all ages. Parks, museums, and outdoor fun abound. Always check for child-specific events.

What is the weather like in the South during fall?

Days are usually warm. Temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F. Nights are cooler, from 40°F to 60°F. Rain is possible, so pack accordingly.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least two months early. Popular spots fill quickly. For festivals, book three to four months ahead. This ensures better prices and availability.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions?

Check local guidelines before traveling. Some places may have rules. Most areas are fully open. Always have masks handy just in case.

What are the must-try fall foods?

Try apple cider, pumpkin pie, and pecan treats. Southern comfort food is great in cooler weather. Enjoy stews, soups, and fresh baked goods.

Can I see fall colors without hiking?

Yes, many scenic drives offer great views. Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace are examples. Train rides and cable cars also provide access.

Real Examples and Statistics

Fall tourism is big in the South. U.S. Travel Association data shows increases. Visits to national parks rise by 25% in autumn. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited park.

Hotel prices can be lower than summer. Average rates drop by 15% after Labor Day. This makes fall a budget-friendly time to travel.

Leaf peeping generates significant revenue. States like Tennessee see over $1 billion from autumn tourism. Local businesses thrive during this season.

Festivals attract large crowds. Helen's Oktoberfest brings 50,000 visitors each year. Planning ahead is key for such events.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip

Step 1: Choose Your Destination

Consider your interests. Love history? Pick Williamsburg or Natchez. Prefer outdoors? Choose Asheville or Gatlinburg. Think about travel time and budget.

Step 2: Check the Calendar

Look up peak foliage times. Mark festival dates. Avoid holidays if you want fewer crowds. Plan around your available dates.

Step 3: Book Accommodations

Reserve your stay early. Compare hotels, cabins, and B&Bs. Read reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Confirm cancellation policies.

Step 4: Plan Activities

Make a list of must-dos. Book tours in advance. Note operating hours for attractions. Allow flexibility for spontaneous fun.

Step 5: Pack Smart

Use the packing checklist above. Include medications and important documents. Prepare for various weather conditions.

Step 6: Travel Safely

Check your vehicle before driving. Have a map or GPS. Share your itinerary with someone. Follow local safety guidelines.

Conclusion

The South offers amazing fall getaways. Each destination has unique charm. From mountains to cities, there is much to explore.

Plan ahead for the best experience. Book early and check foliage reports. Enjoy local foods and festivals.

Fall is a special time in the South. The weather is perfect. The scenery is breathtaking. Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Use this guide to choose your ideal spot. Whether with family or friends, adventure awaits. Happy travels this autumn!

For more travel tips, visit our guides section. Share your fall photos with us on social media.