Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

These unexpected cities are great for fall activities

Add these destinations to your fall travel bucket list

By
San Francisco, California
ninjason / Pixabay

Autumn travelers may want to rethink their traditional destination choices this year. According to a new survey by Clarks, some unexpected cities are ranking high for fall activities like walking trails, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes, thanks to their walkability and seasonal charm.

The survey, which polled over 1,000 Americans, revealed San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle as top fall destinations among large cities, with walkability playing a key role in their appeal. San Francisco, which scored highest among large cities with an index score of 86.7, was also praised for its beautiful fall foliage.

Recommended Videos

For mid-sized cities, Miami stood out with a nearly perfect score of 99.9, captivating travelers with its mild weather and cozy neighborhoods that are great for trick-or-treating.

Over half of respondents said walkability is essential when selecting a fall travel destination, while 72% named October as the peak of the fall season. 

The most unexpected cities for fall activities: The full list

Miami
orterrym / Pixabay

The Clarks study categorized the best fall destinations into two groups: large cities with populations over 500,000 and mid-size cities with populations between 100,000 and 500,000. 

Here are the top 10 cities in each category.

Top 10 large cities

  1. San Francisco, CA
  2. Las Vegas, NV
  3. Seattle, WA
  4. Boston, MA
  5. Denver, CO
  6. Chicago, IL
  7. Washington, D.C.
  8. Austin, TX
  9. San Diego, CA
  10. Philadelphia, PA

Top 10 mid-size cities

  1. Miami, FL
  2. Minneapolis, MN
  3. Cleveland, OH
  4. Oakland, CA
  5. Tampa, FL
  6. New Orleans, LA
  7. Omaha, NE
  8. Orlando, FL
  9. Honolulu, HI
  10. Colorado Springs, CO
Amanda Teague
Amanda Teague
Contributor
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…
Topics
The Obelisks of Rome: A pointed walking tour  
Take a walk into history with these fascinating Roman landmarks
City, Architecture, Building

When you walk around Rome, no matter which way you turn, you are likely to see the sky pierced by an obelisk. It is a defining part of the Roman skyline. But they don’t really belong here. Rome is a city that has never been shy about borrowing greatness. Few monuments illustrate that better than its obelisks. While these towering stone needles feel quintessentially Roman today, they began life in ancient Egypt, most carved along the Nile. While there, they were associated with the sun god and served as symbols of divine favor and royal power. Today, Rome boasts thirteen ancient obelisks, more than anywhere else in the world, including Egypt itself. 

Their journey to Rome began after Augustus conquered Egypt following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BCE. Bringing obelisks to the capital was more than an exercise in decorating the city; it was a statement of conquest. Egypt's sacred monuments had become Roman trophies, proclaiming that a new empire now enjoyed the favor of the gods. Later emperors continued importing obelisks, scattering them across circuses, temples, and public spaces. 

Read more
Oregon’s Tualatin Valley is a wine festival hub with idyllic views just outside Portland
This city escape is perfect for lively gatherings and self-guided tasting trails
Plant, Tree, Fir, Mt Hood Forest Grove

The Pacific Northwest's wine scene gained international acclaim with hotspots like the Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Gorge, praised for their well-crafted bottles. But fewer have heard of the Tualatin Valley, a destination brimming with over 40 estate wineries. Nestled along the northwestern edge of the Willamette Valley, it offers the quickest access to wine country from downtown Portland. 

Tualatin Valley’s wine-laden hills and tasting rooms start a mere 20 to 30 minute drive from the city, yet they feel hours away. In record time, you’ll find yourself luxuriating on a breezy hillside with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand. You can stretch your legs, admire Mt. Hood’s majestic peak, and chat with other lucky escape artists who also discovered this special place.

Read more
The new luxury in Europe is access—And travelers are booking a year ahead
How luxury summer travelers are changing their plans this year
Ermoupoli, Greece

We're well into another busy summer for European travel. But this summer, travelers have discovered the hardest part of planning a trip isn't so much choosing where to go -- it’s securing access to sought-after accommodations and experiences once in destination. According to a recent summer travel trends report by Classic Vacations, the leading luxury travel advisor resource, Europe continues to lead summer bookings with strong demand across Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Within these destinations, premium room categories and suites are increasingly booking 9–12 months in advance. Sought-after experiences such as hard-to-secure restaurant reservations, private transfers and guides, yacht charters, beach clubs, and iconic attractions are also filling months ahead of travel dates, creating a new reality where advance planning and local expertise are becoming increasingly essential.

Read more