Autumn on the East Coast Hot Spots to Visit This Season

Leaves begin to gently slough off their branches. One by one, the once green emeralds of the trees now fall to the ground in a sea of red and orange. Pumpkin spice lattes are available, and a crisp wind nips at your coat. It’s the quintessential picture of autumn on the East Coast.

Inevitably, summer always gives in to its cooler cousin. It’s one of the only times of the year when things get colorful and prettier at the same time. With all of this beauty, you may be planning a road trip across the country to see some of these wonders. Since the autumn on the East Coast is the hot spot for the leaves changing, there are seven essential cities you need to see to really understand the definition of “fall.” From New York to Orlando, let’s begin by taking a trip up north.

Portland, ME

When one thinks of autumn on the East Coast, the state of Maine should pop into mind. With some of the most beautiful foliage in the U.S., Maine really steps up its game when the fall hits. Besides being known for heavy snowfall, the city of Portland becomes a masterpiece for the leaf peeping crowd.

One of the best places to catch autumn colors is Bradbury Mountain. If you do choose to do a little hiking up the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a splendid site of the foliage and ever-changing leaves. Is hiking not your thing? You can always stop by the Harvest on the Harbor. It’s an annual event celebrating one of Maine’s delicacies, the lobster.

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New York, NY

You can’t even begin to think of the autumn season without picturing what it would be like in Central Park. Not only can you actually walk in Central Park, but you can also book a room in a hotel right across from it. There’s also another spot in New York that you may have never heard of.

Dubbed “The High Line”, this park is actually built on an old railway line. With an interesting origin, the aesthetics of the park are absolutely gorgeous come September. Besides the visuals offered by the park, numerous food kiosks (that are only available during the fall season) are open for business.

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Boston, MA

Similar to New York, Boston is another city ripe for a fall season. While some may think winter in Boston is more beautiful, autumn in the capital of Massachusetts has its own perks. One of our favorite stops– Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum. This park showcases some of the prettiest and most exquisite plants on the planet. With the crackle of fall in the air, the Arboretum is a great source to get your plant fix. Boston also houses some natural skating rinks, including Frog Pond, which opens in late fall.

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Orlando, FL

If East Coast in autumn weather isn’t your cup of tea, than Orlando, FL may be a great alternative for a fall trip. Why Orlando? Firstly, it’s not nearly as cold. Since Florida bakes during the summer, the fall temperatures don’t drop nearly as much as its northern neighbors. Secondly, a major advantage is theme parks. Prices are drastically reduced during the fall season, and can be a great (and cheap) family vacation. Throw in two popular restaurants (The Coop and Txokos Basque Kitchen), and you’ve got a recipe for an excellent fall adventure!

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Virginia Beach, VA

While the beach in the name says it all, sizzling temperatures and bikini bodies aren’t the only reasons you should visit Virginia Beach. On the north side of the city, the Chesapeake Bay is a major tourist attraction that oozes with wildlife during the fall season. Specifically, fishing is a great way to spend your time if you are an avid angler.

Along with the wildlife, snow geese and ducks begin migrating in the autumn months. You can visit Back Bay National Refuge Park and watch a show in the wilds that you won’t soon forget. And as always, don’t forget to eat until your hearts content at the fabulous restaurants popping up around town.

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Providence, RI

Tucked cozily away, the small town of Providence, RI harbors an exciting array of activities and sights to behold when summer begins to fade into autumn on the East Coast. Naturally, the falling leaves are a must-see for any traveler. However, one of the highlights that makes Providence special in the autumn is WaterFire. WaterFire is a series of bonfires that are setup along the city’s river. They glow through October and are a sight to behold. To pacify your nerdy side, the city hosts the Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror Film Festival during the fall as well.

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Savannah, GA

One of the things the South is best known for is its food. Savannah doesn’t disappoint, especially in the autumn months. During the time between the 100 degree days of July and the mild winters, the fall is that perfect time to celebrate food. Two popular food festivals include Shalom Y’all (a Jewish food festival) and the Savannah Bacon Festival.

If you’re looking for something a bit edgier, many haunted attractions become hot spots come the fall season. The Moon River Brewing Company’s tours of their allegedly haunted facilities is always a favorite for locals. Not to mention city tours, such as the City of the Dead tour by Blue Orb. If food and scares are your thing, then Savannah has you covered.

The East Coast is popping during the fall season. With so much to do, it’ll be hard to choose just one destination.