Top 10 Fall Travel Destinations for Seniors in the USA

Fall is a wonderful time to pack your bags and explore the beauty of the United States. As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s the perfect season for travel and enjoying all the natural beauty that autumn has to offer.

Here are our top ten senior-friendly travel destinations that make the perfect vacation getaway during the fall season.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine: The picturesque village of Bar Harbor is perfect for strolling and enjoying fresh lobster by the waterfront. Acadia National Park, located near Bar Harbor, offers breathtaking fall views. You can take scenic drives, easy hikes, and even relax on Sand Beach. 

• Attractions: Acadia National Park offers easy walks, like the Jordan Pond Path. The Park Loop Road and the 40-mile All-American road are some of the most beautiful drives in the country. While at Acadia, don't miss the sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain. You’ll be the first to see the sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. You’ll need a vehicle pass to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which is sold in advance online at recreation.gov. Trust us; it’s worth it. 
• Accessibility: Some of Acadia’s trails and carriage roads are wheelchair accessible.
• Fall Weather: The area is breathtaking during the fall, and the average temperature is between 45 and 60 degrees.

2. Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning fall foliage views. You can explore the Biltmore Estate, take leisurely hikes, and enjoy the city's vibrant arts scene. 

• Attractions: The Biltmore Estate is a must-visit, with its grand mansion, beautiful gardens, and winery. The estate is known for its Christmas decorations, but it is incredibly charming when decorated for fall. In Asheville, you can also explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers breathtaking mountain views and easy pull-offs for scenic stops. There are also short hikes off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Visitor Center Loop at milepost 384 is 1.2 miles round trip, and the Folk Art Center to Bull Mountain at milepost 282 is two miles round trip. 
• Accessibility: Biltmore and Blue Ridge Parkway offer accessible options, including paved paths and wheelchair-accessible areas.
• Fall Weather: Asheville’s elevation and many tree species make for beautiful fall colors. Expect temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees during the fall months.

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Cape Cod’s charming coastal towns are less crowded in the fall. You can stroll along the picturesque beaches, visit historic sites like nearby Plymouth Rock, and enjoy fresh seafood.

• Attractions: Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore, take a scenic drive along Route 6A to see historic homes, and enjoy seafood at local restaurants. Cape Cod is known for its fresh oysters, clams, lobsters, and finfish, to name a few. Discover pristine beaches and nature trails within the protected area of the Cape.
• Accessibility: Many national seashore beaches have boardwalks or ramps and accessible trails.
• Fall Weather: Cape Cod’s beaches are peaceful in the fall, and the Fall foliage is a sight to behold. Average fall temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees. 

4. Sedona, Arizona: Sedona’s red rock formations contrast beautifully with the autumn leaves. Take a scenic drive, relax at the many spas, and explore unique art galleries. 

• Attractions: Enjoy the natural beauty of Red Rock State Park, explore the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, and take a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
• Accessibility: The Sedona area offers several wheelchair-accessible trails, and many attractions have accessible facilities.
• Fall Weather: The red rock formations stand out even more against the golden foliage, and the temperature ranges from 50 to 80 degrees in fall.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Santa Fe’s adobe buildings create a unique backdrop for fall foliage. Visit art museums, enjoy the vibrant culture, and savor spicy southwestern cuisine. 

• Attractions: Explore historic Santa Fe Plaza, visit art museums like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and enjoy the historic adobe buildings. Don’t miss the Native American art and vibrant street markets. You can also see an opera. The Santa Fe Opera has a famous open theater that offers 360-degree views of the landscape.
• Accessibility: Many of Santa Fe’s attractions are wheelchair accessible, and the city has accessible parking and restrooms.
• Fall Weather: The adobe buildings of Santa Fe look stunning against the autumn hues of the surrounding area. Expect temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees during the fall months.

6. Door County, Wisconsin: Door County has been called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Enjoy scenic drives, lighthouses, and apple orchards throughout the area. While visiting, take a boat tour, sample local wines, and savor homemade pies. 

• Attractions: Take a scenic drive along the Door County Coastal Byway and visit lighthouses like Cana Island Lighthouse. The town even has a lighthouse festival during the fall season. When visiting Cana Island Lighthouse, climb to the top for stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding fall colors. You can also enjoy apple picking, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and applesauce at the many orchards. 
• Accessibility: Many attractions have accessible facilities, and some orchards offer wheelchair-accessible paths.
• Fall Weather: Door County is known for its charming small towns, and the beautiful fall foliage. Average fall temperatures range from 45 to 60 degrees.

7. Stowe, Vermont: No fall destination list is complete without the New England town of Stowe, Vermont. Stowe is known for its charming village with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic gondola ride with breathtaking views of the fall foliage. 

• Attractions: Stowe Mountain Resort is a fantastic destination to see the colors of fall. You can take a gondola ride up Mount Mansfield, which is Vermont’s highest peak. The rides offer sweeping views of the colorful landscape below. And if you're craving ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s is only 15 minutes down the road in Waterbury. You can take a factory tour or enjoy the ice cream shop and a scoop of your favorite fall flavors.
• Accessibility: The gondola ride is wheelchair accessible, and the resort has accessible facilities and ramps. They also offer guided tours and assistance for those who need it.
• Fall Weather: Stowe’s location in the Green Mountains makes it the perfect spot to witness the vibrant colors of fall. The temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees in the fall season.

8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: This park offers accessible trails and stunning fall colors. Drive along Skyline Drive, visit historic sites, and take in the mountain vistas.

• Attractions: The 105 miles of Skyline Drive offer gorgeous views. A few recommended pull-off stops are Buck Hollow Overlook at milepost 32.8 and The Point Overlook at milepost 55.5. Visit the Byrd Visitors Center and take short, easy hikes to the waterfalls. Don’t miss Dark Hollow Falls Trail, which is a short hike to the falls and the striking autumn foliage.
• Accessibility: The park provides information about all the accessible trails and facilities.
• Fall Weather: Shenandoah’s vistas are spectacular with colorful leaves, and the park offers a calm escape. Fall temperatures are usually between 45 and 65 degrees.

9. Napa Valley, California: Napa Valley’s vineyards are a sight to behold in the fall. You can enjoy wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and scenic drives through the rolling hills.

• Attractions: Have fun wine tasting at world-famous vineyards and savor farm-to-table dining. If you’re into wine and trains, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a 36-mile round trip to St. Helena and back, stopping at wineries throughout the area. 
• Accessibility: Many wineries and balloon ride providers have accessible options.
• Fall Weather: In the fall, the vineyards turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees.

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire: If you are looking for a beautiful fall drive, then don’t miss the Kancamagus Highway. Taking a drive along the “Kanc” is one of the most picturesque fall foliage routes in all of New England. 

• Attractions: The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic byway that winds through the heart of the White Mountains. Along the route, you’ll find numerous pull-offs and overlooks so you can stop and admire the fall foliage. One of the most breathtaking views of the Appalachian Trail also runs through the White Mountains.
• Accessibility: The Kancamagus Highway is accessible by car and offers easy access to scenic viewpoints. Many pull-offs have accessible facilities and parking.
• Fall Weather: It’s the intensity of the fall colors that makes the White Mountains so special. Expect cool, crisp temperatures between 35 and 55 degrees in the fall.

With so many beautiful fall destinations, it’s hard to pick just ten. So, whether you’re exploring historic cities, admiring natural wonders, or savoring local cuisine, fall travel destinations in America offer something special. 

If you want to travel but don’t want to travel alone or don’t want to plan a trip, there are options for you. Here are some travel groups and tour companies that offer senior travel packages and tours within the United States this fall. 

• AARP Travel: AARP offers a variety of travel discounts and resources for its members. They partner with various travel providers to offer exclusive deals on guided tours, road trips, and vacation packages.
• Road Scholar: Road Scholar specializes in educational travel programs for older adults. They offer 50+ all-inclusive programs with a wide range of trips, cultural excursions, and outdoor adventures.
• Grand Circle Travel: Grand Circle Travel offers domestic travel options designed for older adults. Their tours often highlight cultural immersion, local experiences, and small group sizes for a more intimate experience.
• Tauck Bridges: Tauck Bridges specializes in family-friendly travel, including domestic destinations. While not exclusively for seniors, their tours offer activities suitable for multi-generational travel, making it a great option for older adults traveling with family.

A few advantages of traveling with a tour group are:

1. Guided Tours: Tour groups often provide experienced guides who can offer insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders.
2. Safety: If you’re a solo traveler, traveling in a group can be a safer option. Guides can handle emergencies and unexpected situations. 
3. Easy: Tour groups take care of all the details, such as transportation, accommodations, activities, itineraries, and meals, making your travel hassle-free.
4. Make Friends: Group travel allows you to connect with other travelers, make new friendships, and reduce feelings of being alone during the trip. Sharing experiences and group activities helps enhance the overall enjoyment of a trip.
5. Accessibility: Many tour groups can arrange for accessible transportation, accommodations, and activities to help anyone with mobility challenges.  

Fall is a great time to get out and explore. Embrace the beauty of the season, enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors, and make memories on your next autumn vacation. 

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