14 Best Places to Visit in the USA in November for a Fall Getaway

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Looking for the best places to visit in the USA in November? You’re in for a treat!

The diversity of the United States goes far beyond the kind of people living here but seeps deep into the landscape, creating deserts, wetlands, forests, and mountain ranges.

This diversity makes each season look a little different, so as you can imagine, some places make for a better vacation spot than others when the autumn breeze begins to morph into a sharp winter chill.

And as a northeast native (born and raised in Vermont), fall has a special place in my heart. Nothing beats fall foliage, especially in the USA.

The best places to visit in the USA in November are those whose weather and attractions fully embrace the changing of the seasons. Keep reading to learn more about them!

Best Places to Visit in the USA in November

San Diego, California

To avoid the fact that winter is coming on fast, San Diego should be high on your list of best places to visit in the USA in November.

November brings sweater weather to the coast with overcast mornings and sunny afternoons. The temperatures are cool and comfortable, averaging mid-fifties to high sixties.

If you want to catch the last bit of sunny days to visit the beach, I suggest you visit in the first couple weeks of the month.

But, coming towards the end of the month means experiencing San Diego’s Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations. Starting around the second week of November, there will be festivities going on into December.

Savannah, Georgia

If ‘southern belle’ could describe a place, I would use it to describe Savannah. The billowing willows, the quaint cobblestone streets, and the Greco-Roman-inspired southern architecture paint a truly American picture that is beautiful any time of year.

In November, you’ll find warm temperatures, perfect for exploring the city or lounging on Tybee Island.

There are many events to enjoy throughout the entire month, including a weekly farmer’s market, a Jewish food festival, a turkey trot, and a Christmas market.

Savannah is a great way to experience the US in November.

Sedona, Arizona

For my outdoorsy readers, Arizona is one of the best states to visit in November. And Sedona is the crown jewel of it all.

November weather in Sedona is perfect for hiking and biking, averaging a high of 64 degrees.

This pleasant weather brings a lot of events to the area, such as the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, an annual event in which people come from all over to participate and watch.

There’s also the Sedona Turkey Trot, hot balloon rides, and beautiful night skies to stargaze under.

November is one of the best times to visit the famous Sedona, so be prepared for crowds on the trails. Get started early to avoid the large numbers.

Key West, Florida

This tropical paradise is another one of the best places to visit in the USA in November. Perfect for an island getaway from the oncoming winter, Key West temperatures normally don’t dip below 60 degrees.

During the day, you’ll enjoy the comfortable 70-degree weather in Florida.

Visiting in November means preparing for the holiday season, tropical style. Every year, there is a Harbor Walk of Lights where Key West lights up its nautically decorated holiday tree.

The lights are lit every night until New Year’s Eve. You can also bear witness to the World Championship Power Boat Races that occur at the beginning of the month.

Finally, you may be tempted to start a new holiday tradition and experience Thanksgiving on the high seas.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Most of the locations we’ve mentioned have been about escaping the cooler temperatures, so you may be wondering where is the best place to travel in November in the US to actually see some fall color.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, has got you covered. Over 100 miles long, this massive park gets hit by the fall season like a storm, painting the valleys and peaks with oranges, reds, and yellows.

The weather is a little chilly but perfect for hiking and exploring the colorful trails.

The National Park Service website has ways to track the fall color so you can your visit at the optimal time of the month.

Napa Valley, California

November in Napa Valley comes with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, making it an especially good time of year to visit.

There is a pretty good chance of rain during November, but make sure to pack an umbrella, and it shouldn’t put much of a damper on your trip. Fall’s golden hue covers Napa Valley, so you’ll be able to experience autumn colors here, too.

Harvest season for olive oil starts in November, so be sure to pack a few bottles of prime-grown oil to take home with you.

If you’re looking for other things to do, Napa Valley holds its five-day film festival every year in November. It’s a film, food, and wine-filled week you won’t want to miss out on.

Las Vegas, Nevada

It doesn’t really matter what time of year you visit; Las Vegas always has something to fill your time. That’s what makes it one of the best places to visit in the USA in November.

There are always casinos and shows to enjoy, along with the delicious restaurants that can be found every few feet away, but this is also a great time of year to enjoy the Nevada outdoors.

Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park are two beautiful spots that showcase the vibrant colors of Nevada’s landscape.

They can be almost impossible to enjoy in the summer due to the extreme heat, so many outdoor lovers have found fall to be the best time to explore them.

If you’re looking to spend Thanksgiving in the city, there are a variety of restaurants that will give you a five-star kick-off to your holiday season. Not to mention, the Black Friday shopping is some of the best.

Chicago, Illinois

Visiting Chicago is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago lives up to its name with chilly winds and dipping temperatures in November. The second half of November may even bring a little snow to the city.

So pack your coat and buckle up for a cold but magical November getaway.

If you’re visiting at the beginning of the month, find the Navy Pier to experience the Pier Pumpkin Lights. You can also rent some skates or bring your own and lace up to glide on the McCormick Tribune.

A crowd favorite is watching the Christmas Tree lighting in Millenium Park. And finally, make sure you make it to the Magnificent Mile Festival.

This Christmas festival is held every year and electrifies the city with over 200 Christmas trees, parades, and performances for everyone to enjoy.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado is one of the most incredible states to visit in November due to the intensity of their fall colors.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those places, at any time of year, but specifically in fall, that you look at and think, “How does something like this actually exist?”

If you visit towards the beginning of the month, you’ll be pretty safe to enjoy the park without snow. However, as the month goes on, you will want to check the weather diligently to see if you’ll need to bring some extra snow-worthy equipment.

You can spend your time here biking, hiking, backpacking, or fishing. If you do happen to encounter snow, you can explore the park on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Whatever the case, you will not want to leave when your trip is over.

Washington, D.C.

One of the best places to visit in the USA in November is none other than the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

The Thanksgiving holiday is deeply American and a great time to visit a place that celebrates it with everything it has.

In DC, you can watch the Montogomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which takes place one week before the actual holiday. Then, next week, you can enjoy Black Friday shopping in Georgetown.

Witness the fall colors at Rock Creek Park, the perfect place for a cool morning or evening stroll. DC also has a wonderful dedication to the country’s veterans on the 11th, Veteran’s Day.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nothing says fall like the myriad of changing colors surrounding one of the most beautiful and famous buildings in America: the Biltmore.

Spend a couple of hours reveling in the workmanship and grounds of the Biltmore estate, then move on to the various events always happening in Asheville.

Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the North Carolina Arboretum to see the lights or cheer on the floats marching in the Asheville Holiday Parade. 

This is one of my favorite cities on the East Coast. You’re guaranteed to have a good time in Asheville.

Boston, Massachusetts

Next on the list is another one of my favorite East Coast cities and one of the best places to visit in the USA in November.

This is another prime location for discovering different hues of fall leaves. Walk before the oranges and reds as you explore the Freedom Trail, a path through Boston’s Historic Downtown.

This is a great time of year to catch a Boston Bruins or Celtics game and see these famous teams play on their home court.

There are also plenty of shows and concerts that will be happening in November. Purchase a ticket or two to see your favorites in action!

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine, has some unique November traditions that you won’t forget.

The first one is called the Early Bird Pajama Sale. On the designated day, hop out of bed and straight into the car and go shopping in your PJs!

Businesses will give you a discount for your attire. This sleepy city also has its businesses participate in the Bed Races. Businesses take to the streets on rolling, decorated beds for a bit of competition, and you can cheer them on from the sidelines.

You can also celebrate a seaside Thanksgiving by booking your holiday dinner at one of the top-rated restaurants in the area.

Burlington, Vermont

In this historical city, you can visit a museum that has special exhibits every fall dedicated to the area’s fall foliage and agricultural history. That’s got to be some pretty impressive color to have a whole exhibit dedicated to it.

But Burlington’s fall festivities don’t stop there. November is the best time of year to go apple picking at Shelburne Orchards, which, in my opinion, is the perfect fall activity.

There is plenty of sightseeing to do here, and don’t forget to add the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet to your list (it’s a real thing, look it up).

If you want to see what America in November is like, Burlington, Vermont is a perfect example.

Final Thoughts: USA in November

The best places to visit in the USA in November can be found all over the country, with all kinds of climates and events to enjoy.

Whether you’re trying to run from the winter chills or bring on the holiday spirit, you should be able to find what you’re looking for in one of these locations.

Happy Fall!

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