The Top Ten Most Beautiful Fall Destinations For 2025, According To A Veteran Traveler

Fall is a season that always seems to take people by surprise. The first leaves flutter to the ground almost unnoticed. The subtle taming of the green is barely perceptible even as the weather clings to the last gasp of summer. The storm approaches with the barest of whispers. And then things begin to move apace. Trees shudder with bursts of ochre and sage. The ground is textured with fallen leaves. The first hints of the autumnal chill see us searching for last year's scarves and misplaced mittens. Thoughts of summers spent lounging by pools and oceans recede. The fall vacation is less understood, yes. But it's also underrated.

Of course, making a list of the most beautiful fall destinations is no easy task; the Autumn months are famously picturesque. Still, the first cull is easy enough. Countries hugging the equator tend to skip the season entirely. Other candidates fall by the wayside for reasons of familiarity; the entirety of New England feels almost custom-made for a fall vacation, and sure, Paris is lovely in October. But such truths are far from secret.

Indeed, finding the best fall foliage spot in your state is one thing; planning an overseas trip that offers the full pre-winter experience is quite another. Such places need to offer more than a simple changing of leaves. The list below consists of locations that celebrate fall in diverse and unique ways. I have visited each of them during the fall season at least once, and in every case, they left an enduring impression on me and a keen desire to return to them someday.

Any talk of a trip to Japan often begins and ends with a discussion on how to find the most spectacular cherry blossom views. It's easy enough to understand why people gravitate towards the spring. The Japanese summer is split into two; it begins with a few months of intense rain and ends with enough sticky heat to put some of the world's most humid cities to shame. Winters are often bitterly cold, and although its most northern island is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding, the wind and slush of mid-winter Tokyo streets are simply not to everyone's liking. So, spring, sure.

But while autumn lacks the effervescence of Sakura-watching, it makes up for it via a celebration of yet another beloved item of Japanese foliage. Hunting for maple trees as they turn to a vibrant red is as much a tradition as waiting for the cherry blossoms to bloom. They line gardens, streets, and temples across the nation, but hiking through the wilderness in search of a vibrant maple is wildly enticing.

Meanwhile, Japan is alive with festivals that celebrate the season. North of Tokyo, in the region known as Tohoku, you'll find the Taimatsu Akashi, a carnival of fire that commemorates an attack on Sukagawa Castle in 1589. It amounts to what is surely the world's largest bonfire and is a sight to behold. Events are plentiful. You'll find hot air balloon competitions in Osaki — a quaint town some 28 miles north of Sendai. Meanwhile, Entsuin Temple puts on a light show that highlights the beauty of fall vegetation, and all of the usual Japanese autumn traditions — such as Otsukimi, a ritualized watching of the full moon with origins dating back to the eighth century — are on full display.

The United Kingdom (as a tourist destination) is sometimes disparaged as a place of lousy weather and subpar cuisine. Neither description is accurate. Traditional British food is simple fare, yes, but the legacy of an imperial past and the multicultural reality of its modern self have transformed the national palate. Meanwhile, the Island's weather is better described as mercurial; yes, showers spring from nowhere at the drop of a hat, but all that rainfall helps create one of the most vibrantly green spots on the entire planet.

With so much open countryside, the coming of Fall is much celebrated across the nation. The nights grow long as the mercury drops, but for much of the season, the weather turns to what the locals often describe as crisp — cold, but not bitingly so. Indeed, those looking for a beautiful fall getaway are spoiled for choice in the UK. Scotland offers some of the best, most picturesque hiking trails in all of Europe. The Lake District, a place of cozy pubs and scenic trails, is an absolute delight year-round, yet oozes old-world charm as pumpkin spice makes an appearance. And then there is the Forest of Dean.

You'll find the ancient forest less than twenty miles southwest of Gloucester, a gorgeous town known for its Gothic architecture, fine cheese, and Roman ruins. The 26,000-acre forest itself was made a national park in 1938, and today, it serves as a haven of nature trails, camping sites, and delightful picnic opportunities. Come fall, leaf peeping dominates the region. There are spectacular drives to enjoy, hikes that take in the changing hues of the forest's 20 million trees, and, come November 5^th, firework displays celebrating that most quintessential of British holidays, Bonfire Night, are an absolute must-see.

Finland has a relationship with the changing of the seasons that is unlike any other. Saunas are a national obsession: There are approximately three million of them dotted around the country, one for every two Finns, with some change left over. By tradition, branches with leaves still attached are taken into the sauna and used to increase blood flow via a gentle beating. Known as vihta, such bundles are usually homemade, not for sharing, and if well-crafted, can be used for years.

Ruska is the Finnish word for the changing of the leaves, and in the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland, Fall represents an end to the midnight sun and the ever-present annoyance of mosquitoes. The beginning of the season is a time of berry picking, especially bilberries and other Scandinavian staples such as cloudberries and the oh-so-tart lingonberries. Late fall often sees the first blush of snow, but without the biting cold of the winter months to come. Adventurous souls can head to the depths of the Arctic Circle to the village of Saariselkä, over 670 miles north of Helsinki. There's a greater chance of an aurora during the winter months, but a late-night sighting in autumn is not out of the question. During the early months of fall, Lapland is alive with the spirit of Ruska as the native trees dotting the lakes and rivers turn golden in anticipation of the cooler weather to come. Meanwhile, opportunities to enjoy cross-country skiing begin as early as October, well before the Christmas rush brings in the big crowds.

The city of Seoul naturally dominates the conversation when it comes to South Korea. It's hardly surprising; over half of the entire population of the small East Asian country lives there. It's crowded then, and although taking the decision to skip the Namsan Tower and opt for a city wall hike instead helps alleviate the travel stress, further afield, there are yet more wonders. Seasoned travelers have whole lists dedicated to the best day trips out of Seoul, but when it comes to a fall vacation, one region literally looms over all the others. Naejangsan National Park is an autumnal delight.

You'll find the park about 150 miles south of the capital, in a heavily wooded and mountainous region that stretches across the provinces of Jeonbuk-do and Jeollanam-do. The park itself has 31 square miles to explore, much of it dominated by the mountain that gave the estate its name. Temples abound, and there are also sculpture parks, cable car rides, and a whole area dedicated to the preservation of maple trees.

You will also find waterfalls and nutmeg trees fringing hiking trails that take you across all nine summits. The Five Colored Dangpoon Path passed through a forest of burgundy towards the Uhwajeong Pavilion, which rests in a nearby lake. Indeed, so beloved is the park in Autumn that you'll find annual forecasts detailing when exactly the leaves are due to change; late September to early November seems to be something of a sweet spot.

There are those who actively pursue the most egregiously hot locations in the world, and those of us who are a little more judicious when it comes to selecting a holiday in the sun. Morocco, or more specifically its capital, Marrakech, is blisteringly hot come summertime. In both June and July, average temperatures come within a breath of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not that avoiding the excesses of the African summer is the sole reason to plan a shoulder season visit. In the fall, the weather is cooler, yes; by October, the average temperature is down to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and by November, it's dropped another ten points. But you'll also find yourself in the midst of pomegranate season if you opt for an autumn trip. During such times, the already delightful Moroccan cuisine comes alive with the sweetness of the fruits' bejeweled seeds.

And then there are the mountains. The Atlas Mountains occupy some 1,200 miles of North African real estate. The foothills of the Moroccan leg of the journey are filled with lush vegetation, including radiant fields of violet crocuses prized for the saffron that lies hidden beneath their petals. There are hiking trips to enjoy, rock climbing and mountain bike trails, or, for the less adventurous, cultural touchstones such as the Taskin martial dance and traditional craftwork. There are also many luxury mountain retreats, a proliferation of wellness centers, and landscapes dotted with Beber villages. Yes, Marrakech and its surrounding regions are an absolute must-visit for history buffs, but heading over there during cooler, less-crowded climbs is one of those pro-tips you might want to consider.

European tourism is dominated by a small number of major players: France offers a world of culture and fine dining; Spain and Turkey have gloriously hot summers, and Italy is something of an all-rounder. Still, there are underrated European destinations that cater to hiking enthusiasts, foodie hotspots that don't easily trip off the tongue, and regions of extraordinary beauty that come alive during the fall. Georgia is one such place. Located on the Eastern banks of the Black Sea and bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, this country of 3.7 million people has a long and fascinating history. Its capital, Tbilisi, is an architectural marvel littered with Turkish bathhouses, Orthodox churches, and Soviet Brutalist monuments. To its east, however, lies the Kakheti region. It is the very definition of wine production; they have been cultivating grapes in the region for 8,000 years.

The Rtveli Wine Harvest Festival is an annual treat, and a tour of the region in the fall is up there with some of the best wine tasting adventures on the planet. The Tusheti National Park is littered with alpine meadows to explore on foot or by rented four-by-four if you prefer. Here, the pine forests give way to birch trees, but you'll also find bear nut, wetlands, fields of primrose, and wandering, adorable, Bezoar goats. The whole place looks like it was painted by one of the Old Masters; few people seem able to resist its charm, and it often feels like a natural alternative to the much more expensive Switzerland.

Romania is a land of protected treasures, a vast, forested region of close to a million square miles split roughly between mountainous valleys and rolling plains. Packs of grey wolves lurk in its forests, bears — a genuine rarity in Europe — stalk the Carpathian foothills, and in Transylvania, ancient castles peer out from atop craggy peaks.

The forests are genuinely wild, and when autumn comes, the landscape turns delightfully tawny as the sycamores, meadow, and poplars make ready for winter. That latter season can be harsh, but during the fall, temperatures, even on the Transylvanian Plateau, are more than manageable. By November, rainfall is more prevalent, and mountainous regions feel the first dusting of snow. It all leans heavily into the mystique of one of Europe's most untamed wildernesses, one rich in folklore and dotted with ancient churches and Gothic monuments.

Bran Castle is, of course, a highlight. The former home of the notorious Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Transylvanian prince, served as the inspiration for Dracula's infamous abode. Today, it is one of Europe's best-preserved Medieval fortresses and a genuine window to the past. Open year-round, a Halloween dinner party and tour is almost too tempting to refuse despite the rather pricey entrance fee. For a shade under $300, you can enjoy an after-dark dinner in the courtyard, replete with a glass of wine and enough ambiance to put every other Halloween event you've ever experienced into a somewhat spooky spot of shade.

When it comes to a city break vacation in Poland, would-be explorers are spoiled for choice. Krakow is one of the most underappreciated destinations in all of Europe, Warsaw is one of the top-ranked vacation spots out there, while Gdansk remains both undiscovered and hiding in plain sight. Still, when it comes to visiting in the fall, few places pack quite as much bang for your buck as the Masurian lakes.

You'll find them in the northeast of the country, about a two-hour drive southeast of Gdansk. Spread out over 150 square miles of rugged terrain, bodies of water, large and small, await. The ever-impressive Śniardwy, known for its changeable weather and rocky shoreline, is a highlight, but there are also small, half-forgotten bodies of water hidden by forests and dotted with islets. The whole region is overpopulated during summer, but in early fall the crowds dissipate even as the prospect of swimming among the changing landscape refuses to subside.

Taking a rented boat out to an uninhabited island is highly recommended. There, picnics under the linden trees bring you so close to nature that lingering there until dusk approaches is not unheard of. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts could not be better served. There are trails for all fitness levels, and cycle paths abound. Things begin to get chilly come October, but there are still plenty of things to see and do, even if such things consist mostly of sitting back and taking in the beauty all around you.

Kyrgyzstan is a land of snow-capped peaks, forests of poplars, and is blessed with a rich and colored history. As one of the most undepreciated adventure holiday destinations out there, it stands to reason that it deserves a spot on most people's travel radar. And there are few better times to take a visit than during the fall season.

The Issyk Kul – ranking second in size globally for an alpine lake – is by far one of the main draws. Blessed with the stunning backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains, it is a popular route for hiking enthusiasts filled with valleys, spa destinations, and a fine selection of hotels, lodges, and hostels to choose from. Meanwhile, traditional yurts with a lakeside view bring a whole new meaning to the term "glamping". The lake's high altitude means that things are quite chilly year-round and, as autumn progresses, the mercury drops steadily from the high 40s to around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. During such times, most of the passes are closed. Early fall is fine, but by October, things tend to get a little dicey.

Still, over the lowlands, even late fall has much to offer. The native juniper trees keep everything looking fresh and clean, and in early October, marathon runners invade the world's largest walnut forest to compete against a backdrop of dappled, yellow leaves. It's a great time to experience the harvest and soak up a slice of unspoiled nature.

Armenia has been a center of viniculture for over 6,000 years, and the Areni Wine Festival – which takes place in early October — is more than happy to demonstrate the virtues of such a distinguished pedigree. Despite being landlocked, the small nation south of the Caucasus sports some of Asia's most underrated beaches full of mountain views, thanks to the dominating presence of Lake Sevan. Dotted with archaic places of worship and celebrated as a trout-fishing mecca, the lake is huge — 525 square miles in total – picturesque and, during fall at least, free from crowds. Indeed, its high altitude keeps the region cool year-round, but during the autumnal months, the crisp air and slight chill make it an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and enjoying some of its many bike trails.

Meanwhile, fall also presents an excellent time to explore the rest of the country. While not heavily forested, copses of trees are common, and such woodland provides much-needed texture to the landscape as the leaves begin to turn. Seasonal celebrations also abound: The International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place in mid-October, and the sight of hundreds of balloons drifting over the capital is truly something to behold. As harvest time winds down, the rather excellent national dish of ghampa starts showing up on menus across the nation. A simple dish consisting of stuffed pumpkin and sweet, spiced rice is one of those dishes you'll want to replicate back home.

My decades of traveling have taken me all over the world, and my slight aversion to the depths of the summer heat has always created a slight bias towards autumnal visits. I have been to all of the places mentioned above and have tried to create a highly curated list of personal recommendations. I kept things up to date by checking official tourist sites and modern blogs when it comes to detailing the history and geography of any given region, and all information relating to festival dates was drawn from high-quality sources.