5 Best Fall Vacation Destinations of 2021

Believe it or not, the hot summer months are coming to a close and the cool and cozy autumn days are creeping in. So while the sun is setting earlier and you’re taking your sweaters out of storage, take advantage of this short but beautiful season with some Fall travel.

There are so many Fall vacation destinations across the US to choose from, each offering its own unique attractions, festivals, and special ways to enjoy the Fall season. Whether you are seeking the best foliage, fright fest, or apple picking, there are Fall travel destinations for you.

We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best Fall vacation destinations in 2021 for you to learn more about. Explore these options to find the best location for your unforgettable autumn retreat.

And as always, be sure to pair your Fall travel experience with the best and most affordable accommodations offered at top resorts in these destinations and beyond. Shop all timeshares for sale and timeshares for rent to find your perfect place to stay at an unbeatable price.

Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania

Located in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are truly a sight to behold. Discover breathtaking scenery, especially during the autumn months with the changing leaves, as well as attractions for all ages. Not to mention, the Poconos are located just a few hours outside the exciting cities of Philadelphia and New York City if you are looking for an exciting day trip.

Some of the most popular things to do in the Poconos include:

• Go hiking at Ricketts Glen State Parks where you’ll find scenic bridges and cascading waterfalls
• Visit Bushkill Falls where you can find eight impressive waterfalls and some beautiful quiet hiking trails
• Check out a fast-paced race over at the Pocono Raceway

Stay at Carriage House at Pocono Manor located at the base of Mt. Pocono and within the Carriage House Country Club. Enjoy access to golf, swimming pools, a fitness center, and an outdoor firepit area for those cool Fall nights.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Historical Williamsburg, VA is an absolutely delightful destination for a Fall travel experience. See the nation’s rich history further enhanced by the colorful and vibrant foliage of the season. The destination is home to many activities for all ages and interests, as well as numerous autumn and Halloween-themed happenings to get you into the spirit of Fall.

Some of the most notable seasonal offerings in Williamsburg include:

• Go on a Ghost Tour throughout the Colonial South of Williamsburg to experience a fun mix of horror and history
• Tour the scenic campus of the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest higher education institution in the country, and take in the gorgeous history of the school
• Take the family to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to experience Halloween’s Howl-O-Scream attractions that take over the theme park
• If you visit during October, be sure to catch The Williamsburg Fall Arts Festival, Yorktown’s Market Days and Fall Festival Celebration, and the Yorktown Wine Festival. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time!

Find luxury accommodations for your trip at Vacation Village at Williamsburg, located on 78 glorious acres of land with so much to offer guests. Have access to delightful amenities including numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a health spa, and a variety of sports courts.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This southern destination may not scream “Fall” to you, but the weather during these months is cool enough to need a light jacket while still taking advantage of that golden sun. Not to mention, you’ll still enjoy incredible foliage with golden-yellow leaves among a sea of green trees—there’s nothing else like it.

There are plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures to be had in New Mexico during the Fall months, including:

• Visit Santa Fe National Forest for incredible hiking, biking, and star gazing opportunities
• Sante Fe is known for its impressive selection of museums and art galleries, be sure to check these out when the sun goes down
• The Harvest Festival in Sante Fe takes place during the first October weekend, where you can pick pumpkins, help make cider, and even stomp grapes by foot

Complete the perfect Fall travel experience by staying at Diamond Resorts Villas de Santa Fe. Located at the base of Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this delightful property offers classic southwestern decor, a fitness center, game room, and a heated outdoor swimming pool to dunk in.

Asheville, North Carolina

Find southern hospitality and a cozy Fall getaway in the beautiful destination of Asheville. This North Carolina hotspot is known for its incredible dining options, and the Fall season is the best time to enjoy comforting dishes with a scenic foliage backdrop. But there’s so much else to do in Asheville besides dine. Find a wealth of activities to enjoy during the wonderful season.

When visiting, be sure to add these top sights and activities to your itinerary:

• Ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Smoky Mountains to have a front row view of the vibrant foliage. You can also stop along the way for scenic hikes and stunning photo opportunities
• Go apple picking with the family at any of Asheville’s many “pick your own” orchards. They are one of the biggest producers of apples, and celebrate the Fall season with festivals, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and much more
• Check out Downtown Asheville for shopping and dining. And be sure to walk along the Urban Trail to see some impressive and historical landmarks while learning more about the city

After a day of exploring, head on back to Peppertree Vacation Villas where you will love the comfortable and spacious villa-style accommodations. The resort also boasts an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course for some great Fall play.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nothing compares to the vibrant Fall foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. This alone is reason enough to make Gatlinburg one of the best Fall vacation destinations, however there is so much more to do and see. Visitors will love the lower temperatures and less humidity for a more comfortable getaway.

When visiting Gatlinburg during the autumn months, be sure to check out:

• The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook that gives you the most stunning view of the foliage and allows you to see further out than anywhere else in the area
• Ride the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway at Ober Gatlinburg, where you can take in a birds-eye view of the gorgeous scenery below. The Gatlingburg Sky Lift also offers incomparable views from the top of Crockett Mountain
• Experience favorite seasonal events including the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff, Oktoberfest, and Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort is the perfect homebase for your getaway. Discover luxury villa accommodations, an indoor waterpark right on-site, a miniature golf course, a full-service spa, and a great selection of dining options.