Discover 19 must-see U.S. gems this November—from fall foliage escapes and cozy small towns to bucket-list national parks and vibrant city getaways. Whether you crave cheap places to travel or dream vacations destinations, these top places to travel will inspire your next trip. Save this article!
1. Telluride, CO
I really liked going to this pretty mountain town in late November. It was fun because ski season was starting, and, depending on the snow, some resorts were opening up during the month.
I got to ski before it got really crowded with people. The mountain town felt cozy and lively, with places like bars, restaurants, and fun spots all open. Plus, I found better prices on places to stay, which was a nice surprise!
I drove for 6 hours from Denver to have a little break. I went skiing down the slopes and cross-country skiing too. I rode a free gondola to visit a charming village that looked like it was from Europe. I also tried some tasty craft beers at a cool place called Telluride Brewing Co., which is one of the biggest microbreweries around!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 236 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Location: Southwest Colorado, western region of the United States
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- Vibe: arty, upscale alpine town
- Average temperature – minus 6 to 4°C
My favorite parts of the trip were skiing on the not-too-busy slopes and exploring the lovely mountain town. The town had warm, cheerful places like restaurants and cool spots to enjoy. I found places to stay that didn’t cost too much, which made me happy.
Driving six hours from Denver was worth it just to have some fun. I went skiing downhill and also tried skiing across the flat ground. There was a free gondola ride that took me to a village that seemed like something from a storybook. At the end of the day, I tasted delicious craft beers at a popular spot called Telluride Brewing Co.
- Staying at the gorgeous 4-star The Hotel Telluride – I was totally charmed the rustic-chic decor, the boutique vibe, the in-room Yoga kits and going for a detoxifying amethyst-infused oil ISUN facial in the on-site spa!
- Watching Eric Gales live at Sheridan Opera House, I loved the impressive historic 1903 venue and the Venetian hand-painted stage curtain!
2. New York
I really enjoyed visiting the big city in November. It felt magical with all its fall decorations and cozy weather. There were fun things to do that showed off how beautiful fall is and got everyone excited for the holidays. It was nice to be there before the big crowds came in December!
The shops on Fifth Avenue had amazing window displays, and the city was decorated with beautiful holiday lights. I loved how magical New York City felt as Christmas was getting closer.
I saw lots of cool things to do, like watching the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I also laughed a lot at the New York Comedy Festival. Plus, I loved the fun of the Bryant Park Winter Village and the Union Square Holiday Market when they opened.
I flew to New York City and landed at JFK Airport. I stayed for five special days in a cool and fun hotel called Moxy NYC in the Lower East Side.
I skated at the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, walked through Central Park with its beautiful fall leaves, and looked at the skyline from the Empire State Building. It was all even better because there weren’t as many people, and the autumn air felt fresh.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10011
- Location: Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic region
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- Vibe: Dynamic, diverse, and fast-paced
- Average temperature – 4°C – 13°C
My best memories from the trip were visiting Times Square with all its bright lights, and going to the huge toy store where there were so many fun things to see and play with. I also got to see a big, colorful parade in the streets. It made the whole visit exciting and fun.
Visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in winter was like stepping into a magical place. I sipped a yummy hot pear cider that tasted like cinnamon, and I walked through a sparkling tunnel of lights called the “Winter Cathedral.” It was so pretty, like something you would see in a fairy tale!
3. Kauai Island, Hawaii
The island felt like a magical place to visit anytime, but I went there in mid-November. The weather was nice and not too hot, plus there were fewer people around than in summer. I enjoyed exploring the green forests, hiking to see big waterfalls, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches!
It was right before the rainy season was about to begin, which happens at the end of this month. I found some great hotel and flight deals, as well as some fun events to enjoy. There was the yearly Kauai Marathon and lots of exciting Thanksgiving celebrations like the Turkey Trot & Shoot.
I landed at Līhuʻe Airport and spent ten amazing days at the lovely Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu. I relaxed a lot at the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay. I also visited the famous Na Pali Coast, saw Waimea Canyon, the stunning Wailua Falls, and went on a boat tour to watch whales. It was perfect timing since humpback whales were just starting to arrive!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 4-484 Kuhio Highway Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746.
- Location: Northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Central Pacific region of the United States
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- Vibe: Lush, laid-back tropical paradise
- Average temperature – 21°C – 27°C
My favorite parts of the trip were the marathon and the Thanksgiving celebrations. I loved watching everyone run in the Kauai Marathon. The Turkey Trot & Shoot was really fun too, with lots of people enjoying themselves. I felt happy and excited to be there.
- Dining on large Baja Fish Tacos with a Black Bean & Jalapeño dip while gazing at gorgeous ocean views on Taco Tuesday at Duke’s Kauai.
4. Charleston, SC
November turned out to be a good time to visit this old city by the sea! The weather felt nice and cool, the leaves were colorful and pretty, and I enjoyed walking around without too many people around. Eating at small, snug places with special fall food was great too.
The best part about visiting when it’s not peak time is that I got to stay in nice places without spending too much money. There were lots of fun things to do, like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the Literary Festival. I really liked the family-friendly Harvest Festival, the Turkey Day Run, and the beautiful Festival of Lights too.
I arrived at Charleston Airport and spent a little fall vacation there. I walked around the old French Quarter, admired the colorful leaves at Magnolia Plantation, visited Boone Hall Plantation, and enjoyed a boat ride to see the harbor.
- North Charleston Visitor Center Address: 4975-B Centre Point Drive (800) 774-0006.
- Location: Southeastern United States
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- Vibe: elegant Southern charm
- Average temperature – 8°C- 20°C
My favorite parts were visiting the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, which had lots of yummy things to eat, and going to the cool Literary Festival. I also loved the Harvest Festival with my family, ran in the Turkey Day Run, and saw the Festival of Lights.
Charleston Airport was where my adventure started, and I liked walking through the pretty French Quarter, seeing the colorful leaves at Magnolia Plantation, exploring Boone Hall Plantation, and enjoying a boat trip in the harbor.
- Staying at the elegant and romantic 4-star Pinch Hotel – I loved all the unique boutique details such as the hand‑painted Farrow & Ball wallpapers, antique woven rugs, wood‑fired ceramics, and potted cacti in the windowsills!
- Sipping on a crisp Blush Martini topped with an edible flower and accompanied with stone-fired margherita flatbreads at The Rooftop at the Vendue.
5. The Florida Keys
I went on a trip to a group of beautiful islands this month. The weather was warm and sunny, just right for being outside. There weren’t many people around, so I got to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and boating with lots of space and quiet.
It was easier on the wallet than during the busy months, and the air felt nicer with less humidity. Plus, it was the time when hurricanes were nearly over, finishing up their time from June to November.
I also discovered many local festivals and events, like the Key West Fantasy Fest, the Key West Film Festival, and the World Offshore Powerboat Championship.
I flew to the Key West airport and spent 10 lovely days at a fancy hotel called the Islander Resort on Islamorada. I relaxed on nice sandy beaches, especially liking the white sand at Higgs Beach in Key West and the peaceful Sombrero Beach in Marathon.
I saw the amazing coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, took a drive along the beautiful Overseas Highway, found cool mangrove trees on Islamorada, and watched sunsets that were just like pictures!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 106240 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, +1 305-712-6596
- Location: Southern tip of Florida, stretching into the southeastern United States
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- Vibe: tropical and quirky island escape
- Average temperature – 21°C – 27°C
I loved visiting Key West, especially the fun aquarium and the colorful butterflies at the butterfly zoo. Seeing the old pirate treasures was exciting too! I enjoyed walking around Mallory Square, where everyone waits for the sun to set. Drinking a cold coconut drink was refreshing, and watching jugglers was always a fun way to end the day.
Walking along Duval Street in Key West was exciting, with all its lively bars and music. I really liked the relaxed atmosphere there. At Sloppy Joe’s Bar, I tried a spicy watermelon drink that was served super cold in a jar, and it tasted delicious!
6. Arizona’s Flagstaff
Last year in this month, I went to a beautiful city in the mountains. It was a really special time, where everything felt magical and nice.
The air was cool and fresh, and the trees were still showing off their pretty fall colors. Snow had just started to sprinkle over the tall San Francisco Peaks. I enjoyed feeling the warm and cozy mountain town atmosphere and going on quiet hikes with fewer people around.
It’s a great time to explore because the cooler weather makes long hikes easier, and the places to stay are cheaper, which is really cool!
I paused my trip on Route 66 and spent three special days at the trendy Little America Hotel. I looked at the fall colors in Coconino National Forest and hiked along Fatman’s Loop, where I saw amazing volcanic rocks. I also had fun stargazing at Lowell Observatory and found great places to eat, cozy coffee shops, nice wine bars, and cool craft breweries!
- Visitors Center Address: 1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Location: Northern Arizona, southwestern region of the United States
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- Vibe: mountain-town cool
- Average temperature – 7°C to 13°C
I really enjoyed watching the leaves change colors in the forest. Walking around Fatman’s Loop, I saw some cool rocks made from old volcanoes. At night, I looked at stars at the observatory. I found fun places to eat, drink hot chocolate, and even tried some grape juice for grown-ups!
- Sampling the citrusy Daily Driver craft beer and gorging on spicy tater tots at the trendy Mother Road Brewing Company.
7. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
This month, I visited a well-known U.S. national park and I’m glad I did! The trees were still showing off their fall colors, and there weren’t many people around. I saw deer and elk moving about, enjoyed the cool weather for long walks, and had quiet, lovely drives through the park.
The places to stay were less expensive, and there were fun holiday events and craft fairs that made everything feel warm and cheerful.
The events felt like a fun mix of celebrating the end of fall and the start of Christmas magic. There was the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, and then early Christmas things like the Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood and Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, where I saw millions of sparkling lights.
I drove for a little over an hour from Asheville to spend four cozy days there. I loved hiking with fewer people around and seeing the pretty fall leaves in Cades Cove and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
I took a drive to see the colorful leaves on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap Road. I even spotted elk in Cataloochee Valley and bought special handmade things at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show.
- Visitors Center Address – 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517-8397
- Location: Southeastern United States
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- Vibe: Misty, tranquil wilderness
- Average temperature – 1°C- 14°C
Some of my favorite moments were seeing the beautiful fall leaves and hiking in quiet places. I loved driving along the winding roads, looking for animals like elk. I also enjoyed finding special handmade crafts at a local show. It was a cozy and happy time.
- Staying at the 4-star Historic Rocky Waters Inn – I loved the boutique decor, the cozy romantic vibe and waking up to the zen-like sound of the flowing river on my balcony each morning!
8. California’s Death Valley National Park
In November, I went to the desert. The hot summer was gone, and the weather was nice and cool. It was safe and just right for looking around. I loved seeing the strange shapes and watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point.
During this time, there weren’t many people around since most visit in spring. The weather was ideal for looking at stars, and on Veterans Day, which is the 11th, we could enter the park without paying!
I found out there were other fun things happening too, like the cowboy-themed Death Valley ’49ers Encampment. There was a big bike ride called the Death Valley Century Cycle Ride, and the Fall Star Party where people who love looking at stars met at Sunset Campground!
I landed in Las Vegas and took a two-hour drive to stay three amazing days at a nice place called the Ranch at Death Valley. I explored the Golden Canyon, watched a beautiful sunrise at Zabriskie Point, and walked on the salt flats at Badwater Basin, which felt like another world.
- Visitors’ Centre Address: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
- Location: Eastern California, southwestern region of the United States
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- Vibe: otherworldly and extreme
- Average temperature – 9°C – 25°C
The best parts of my trip were the fun adventures and amazing views. I loved the cowboy-themed event and watching people race on their bikes. The stargazing night was exciting at the big campground.
I flew into Las Vegas and drove to a great place called the Ranch at Death Valley. I spent three fun days exploring, saw the sunrise light up Zabriskie Point, and walked on the cool, salty ground at Badwater Basin. It felt like stepping into a different world.
- Taking a journey along Artist’s Drive and seeing the surreal swirls of mint green, lavender, pink, rust red, and yellow – the guide at the visitor told me they were caused by oxidized metals in the volcanic rock.
9. Louisiana’s Bayou Region
It was a different kind of fall break! When I visited during this month, I noticed the weather was cooler, and there weren’t as many mosquitoes. It was the perfect time to explore the mysterious swamps on boat rides and enjoy Cajun music festivals without the big summer crowds.
The hotels had cool discounts, and the trees were changing colors, which made everything look pretty. Because it wasn’t too hot, I saw more animals moving around, and it was a perfect time to spot alligators because there weren’t many bugs around.
I landed at the New Orleans Airport and drove for two hours to get to a town called Houma. Then, I drove a bit more to stay at a lovely place called Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast. I spent a whole week there exploring and having a great time.
I visited a place with big old trees called Oak Alley Plantation, and then I drove along a pretty road by the water called Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. I went on a boat ride to see the swamps. In West Monroe, I listened to live music at Landry Vineyards, and I had fun celebrating National Louisiana Day on the 9th with great jazz music!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 4484 LA-1, Raceland, LA 70394
- Location: Southern Louisiana, southeastern region of the United States
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- Vibe: Mysterious and soulful
- Average temperature – 10°C – 21°C
I got to New Orleans and drove for two hours to reach a small town called Houma. Then, I drove a little further to stay at a nice place called Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast for a week. During my visit, I explored lots of interesting places and had a wonderful time.
I saw really old trees at Oak Alley Plantation and drove along a beautiful road called Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. I took a boat ride through the swamps. In West Monroe, I enjoyed live music at Landry Vineyards and celebrated National Louisiana Day with some amazing jazz music!
- Going on a fun swamp tour with Cajun Country Swamp Tours and seeing alligators, roseate spoonbills, and the noisy great blue herons!
10. Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park
Going to Capitol Reef National Park this month was a great choice! The weather was cooler, which made hiking the impressive red rock canyons and exploring the beautiful trails much more pleasant. There weren’t many people around, so I could really enjoy the amazing desert views and the lovely golden cottonwood trees without any rush.
The sunlight came in at a low angle, making the Waterpocket Fold and sandstone cliffs look magical and beautiful.
I flew to Salt Lake City and then drove for four hours to get to the park. I stayed there for four days, and it was really beautiful.
I took a walk to see Cassidy Arch and then strolled along the Capitol Gorge Trail. I watched the leaves turn colors by the Fremont River near Fruita. In the Dark Sky Park, I gazed at the stars. I also visited Cathedral Valley, which had big, impressive rocks. It was all calm and pleasant!
- Visitor’s Center Address: Torrey, UT 84775
- Location: South-central Utah, western region of the United States
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- Vibe: remote and rugged
- Average temperature – minus 2°C to 12°C
I loved walking to see Cassidy Arch and exploring Capitol Gorge Trail. The leaves by the Fremont River in Fruita turned beautiful colors, and I spent time looking at stars in the Dark Sky Park. Seeing the big rocks in Cathedral Valley was amazing. Everything felt peaceful and nice!
Staying at Capitol Reef Resort was exciting because I got to sleep in a real fun Conestoga wagon. It had comfy red chairs and a little fire pit outside, but there wasn’t a TV, which was kind of cool!
11. City of Pittsburgh, PA
I visited a historic city one November and saw that the pretty fall leaves were still on the trees in the parks and by the rivers. The cool air felt nice as I walked around the lovely neighborhoods and old buildings.
Downtown was getting bright with festive lights, and at Phipps Conservatory, the holiday season was kicking off. I loved the Light Up Night and visiting cozy cafes. It was nice seeing museums and enjoying the views from the Duquesne Incline without lots of people around.
I landed at Pittsburgh International Airport and spent three fun days at the cool and stylish Industrialist Hotel. I rode the Duquesne Incline to see the beautiful fall scenery, visited the Carnegie Museums, checked out handmade items at the Holiday Market in Market Square, and tried some craft beers at the Church Craft Brew Works.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania, northeastern region of the United States
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- Vibe: grit-meets-innovation
- Average temperature – 7°C to 13°C
My favorite parts were seeing the city light up with holiday decorations and relaxing in cozy cafes. I liked going to museums and enjoying the view from the Duquesne Incline when it wasn’t crowded. I arrived at the Pittsburgh Airport and stayed at a cool hotel for three days.
I rode the Incline to see pretty fall trees, visited museums, found handmade goodies at a holiday market, and tasted tasty craft drinks at a local brewpub.
- Stopping by Dancing Gnome Brewery for a fun-filled night, delicious food, and mouth-watering brews – my favorites were the fruity Spy Dolphin and the potent Track Botanical beer!
12. Alabama’s Gulf Shores
I thought this beautiful seaside town was perfect for a November trip! The weather was nice and warm, still reaching the 70s. The busy summer visitors were gone, which made staying there less expensive. It was a great time for quiet walks on the beach, watching birds flying south at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and paddling a kayak on the calm waters.
At the start of the month, it was still warm enough for swimming, and I loved relaxing on the beach and watching the waves. There were lots of fun events like the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. I also enjoyed the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, where there were many yummy food trucks and special drinks.
I landed at Pensacola Airport in Florida, then drove for an hour to my destination. I spent a week enjoying peaceful beaches like Cotton Bayou Beach and Alabama Point East. I went for hikes and watched birds at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. I also explored the trails and pier at Gulf State Park and paddled a kayak in the calm coastal waters.
- Visitors Center Address: 3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Location: Southern Alabama on the Gulf Coast, southeastern region of the United States
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- Vibe: relaxed beach town
- Average temperature – 9 – 21°C
One of my favorite things was listening to amazing musicians at the Songwriters’ Festival. I also loved tasting different foods and drinks at the Food Truck Festival.
Landing in sunny Florida, I drove to beautiful beaches where I swam and relaxed. I went on nature walks to see birds and even paddled a kayak in the peaceful water.
- Staying at the modern 4-star The Lodge at Gulf State Park – I especially loved the gulf-facing infinity pool and the rooftop garden which was filled with hardy sea rocket and muhly grass which had feathery rose‑pink flowers.
- I went on a dolphin-watching cruise with Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises at The Wharf, where I spotted playful dolphins and even got to feed the swooping seagulls!
13. Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, New Mexico, was a fun place to visit in late fall. The summer can get pretty hot, but in fall, it’s cooler and nicer. There weren’t too many people either, which was great. As someone who loves Breaking Bad, I was excited to see where they filmed the show, and it was even better because I didn’t have to share it with lots of other visitors!
The sunny, cool days were great for walking and looking around, with beautiful views of the golden cottonwood trees by the Rio Grande.
I also enjoyed the many colorful festivals in Albuquerque. The whole month was busy with exciting events like the fun Dia de los Muertos, the bright Southwest Arts and Crafts Festivals, the energetic Albuquerque Tango Festival, the Enchantment – Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival, and the adorable Doggie Dash and Dawdle!
I landed at Albuquerque Airport and had a great weekend exploring. I walked around the old, pretty buildings in Old Town, went on a fun ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway, and enjoyed hiking on the cool trails in the Sandia Mountains.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 522 Romero St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
- Location: Central New Mexico, southwestern region of the United States
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- Vibe: quirky and artsy
- Average temperature – 13°C to 18°C
My favorite parts of the trip were the colorful festivals in Albuquerque. The whole month was full of fun events. I loved Dia de los Muertos, the Southwest Arts and Crafts Festivals, the lively Albuquerque Tango Festival, the Enchantment – Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival, and the cute Doggie Dash and Dawdle!
After landing at Albuquerque Airport, I had an amazing weekend. I explored the charming old buildings in Old Town, took an exciting ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, and hiked on the cool trails in the Sandia Mountains.
- Staying at the 4-star ARRIVE Albuquerque – I loved the funky, Insta-worthy decor and the powder-blue Victrola Bluetooth speaker in my room which looked like a vintage radio!
14. LA, CA
This city in Southern California is really warm this month. I went there when most people don’t, just to feel the winter sun. I had fun enjoying the sunshine at lots of parks and beaches!
Want to Explore More?
When I went in November, the weather was still sunny and not too hot, with hardly any rain. It was just right for visiting places outside, like beaches and neighborhoods, without lots of people around.
Finding a place to stay was easier and didn’t cost as much, which was nice. The city felt cozier and more like home without so many tourists around. There were lots of fun bars and clubs, making it a cool spot for a birthday adventure!
