The season’s best things to do, city by city.

Austin· Zilker Park· Festivals

Austin City Limits Music Festival

A two-weekend outdoor music festival in Zilker Park.

Zilker Park · Oct · until Oct 31

Austin· North Burnet· Sports

Austin FC home matches

MLS matches in Austin; the 2026 season ran from late February through early November.

Q2 Stadium · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Houston· Memorial Park· Arts & culture

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

A juried outdoor art fair in Houston's largest urban park.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Memorial Park · Oct · until Oct 31

San Diego· Mission Beach· Family

Belmont Park

A beachfront amusement park with a historic wooden coaster, arcade and bayside promenade.

Belmont Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Austin· Blanco, 50 mi west· Family

Blanco State Park river

A small spring-fed Blanco River park with tubing-style wading, picnicking, and camping close to Hill Country towns.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Blanco State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Boulder City· Outdoors

Boating at Lake Mead

Boating and water recreation.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lake Mead NRA · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Denver· City Park· Family

Boo at the Zoo

Select nights of Halloween activities at the zoo.

Denver Zoo · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Dallas· Fort Worth, 32 mi west· Family

Boo at the Zoo

A Halloween-season family event at the zoo with trick-or-treat style activities among the animal habitats.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Fort Worth Zoo · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Waterfront· Outdoors

Boston Harbor Islands ferries and island parks

Public ferries reach islands such as Spectacle, Georges and Peddocks for hiking, history and skyline views. Summer adds lighthouse cruises and evening programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Boston Harbor Islands (ferries from Long Wharf) · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Boston waterfront· Outdoors

Boston whale watch cruises

Half-day cruises out to Stellwagen Bank to see humpback, fin and minke whales.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Boston Harbor Cruises, Long Wharf · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Lusby, MD, 55 mi southeast· Family

Calvert Cliffs State Park Fossil Beach

Hike a wooded trail to a Chesapeake Bay beach where visitors hunt for Miocene shark teeth and other fossils.

Calvert Cliffs State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Chicago· Wheaton, 30 mi west· Outdoors

Cantigny Park gardens and trails

Walk formal gardens, trails and a golf campus, with a military museum on the grounds.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Cantigny Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Eastham, 85 mi southeast· Outdoors

Cape Cod National Seashore

Forty miles of protected dune, beach and bike trail on the outer Cape, with lifeguarded beaches in summer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Salt Pond Visitor Center · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Cape May, NJ, 85 mi south· Outdoors

Cape May Lighthouse climb and Victorian town

Climb the 199-step 1859 lighthouse for views over the Atlantic and Delaware Bay, then wander the Victorian streets and beaches nearby.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Cape May Lighthouse · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Castro· Festivals

Castro Street Fair

Neighborhood street fair.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Castro and Market Streets · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Nashville· Lebanon, 30 mi east· Outdoors

Cedars of Lebanon State Park cedar glades

Trails through rare limestone cedar glades, with spring wildflowers as a main draw.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Cedars of Lebanon State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Atlanta· Sandy Springs, 12 mi north· Outdoors

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Riverside trails, paddling and summer tubing within suburban Atlanta.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Chattahoochee River NRA · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Chicago· Loop· Outdoors

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll the downtown river path with cafes, kayak rentals and skyline views.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Chicago Riverwalk · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Hollywood· Arts & culture

Cinespia Outdoor Movies

Picnic-style classic film screenings on the cemetery lawn, with DJs and a bar. Season starts around Memorial Day and includes Halloween-weekend shows.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Fairbanks Lawn) · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Denver· Commerce City, 12 mi northeast· Sports

Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park

MLS home matches of the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City.

Dick's Sporting Goods Park · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Dallas· Richardson· Arts & culture

Cottonwood Art Festival

A twice-yearly juried art festival in a Richardson park, held in early May and early October.

Cottonwood Park · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Ipswich, 30 mi north· Outdoors

Crane Beach

Four miles of white sand and dunes with trails through the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a favorite summer beach day trip.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Crane Beach (The Trustees) · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Nashville· Baxter, 80 mi east· Outdoors

Cummins Falls State Park swimming and gorge hikes

Hike down to one of the state's largest waterfalls and swim in its plunge pool; the gorge route needs a permit and good footwear.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Cummins Falls State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Buzzard Point· Sports

D.C. United at Audi Field

MLS soccer at a riverside stadium near the Wharf and Navy Yard.

Audi Field · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Atlanta· Decatur, 6 mi east· Arts & culture

Decatur Book Festival

Author talks, a keynote evening and a street fair of booksellers and kids activities fill downtown Decatur for a weekend.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Decatur Square · Sep – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Center City· Family

Dilworth Park fountain

A plaza fountain beside City Hall where kids and adults cool off in warm months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Dilworth Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31

Dallas· Glen Rose, 85 mi southwest· Outdoors

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Fossilized dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed, plus swimming, hiking and camping.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Dinosaur Valley State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Wirth Park· Outdoors

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

A staffed native-plant garden and bird sanctuary open seasonally, with free programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Theodore Wirth Regional Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Osceola WI, 45 mi northeast· Outdoors

Fall Colors Train Ride

A 90-minute vintage-car diesel train ride along the St. Croix bluffs in peak color.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway · Sep – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Frontenac, 60 mi southeast· Outdoors

Fall Migration Birding at Frontenac State Park

Bluff trails above Lake Pepin that rank among the state's best places to watch warblers and other migrants.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Frontenac State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Nashville· West End· Arts & culture

Fall Tennessee Craft Fair

The fall edition of the juried craft fair in the park.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Centennial Park · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Dallas· Frisco, 25 mi north· Sports

FC Dallas home matches

MLS soccer at the Frisco stadium, from the late-winter opener through the autumn finish.

Toyota Stadium · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

New York· Fire Island, Long Island, 55 mi east· Outdoors

Fire Island Lighthouse and National Seashore

Climb the 1858 lighthouse and walk the boardwalk through the Sunken Forest on a car-free barrier island. Beaches and ferry-reached villages round out the day.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Fire Island National Seashore · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Austin· Fredericksburg, 78 mi west· Festivals

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

A German-heritage street festival with music, beer, and food in the center of Fredericksburg.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Marktplatz, Main Street · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Fredericksburg, 70 mi northwest· Festivals

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

Three-day German beer, music and food festival held in the center of Fredericksburg.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Marktplatz · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Downtown· Family

Frog Pond spray pool and carousel

In warm months the Frog Pond becomes a splash area for kids, with a carousel nearby. In 2026 the spray pool ran daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Frog Pond, Boston Common · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Houston· Galveston, 50 mi southeast· Family

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Gulf-front amusement rides, games and a seawall boardwalk extend over the water, busiest in spring break and summer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Pleasure Pier · Mar – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Taylors Falls, 45 mi north· Outdoors

Glacial Potholes at Interstate State Park

Walk the basalt gorge of the St. Croix to see deep glacial potholes, with naturalist tours in season.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Interstate State Park · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

New York· Lower New York Harbor· Outdoors

Governors Island

A car-free island a short ferry ride from Manhattan with parks, hammocks, art and harbor views. The island's historic houses open to the public on weekends in the warmer months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Governors Island · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Denver· Downtown Denver· Food & drink

Great American Beer Festival

The Brewers Association's national competition and tasting event pours beer from hundreds of U.S. breweries over a long weekend in downtown Denver.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Colorado Convention Center · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Summerlin South· Family

HallOVeen at the Magical Forest

Family Halloween event.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Opportunity Village Magical Forest · Oct 2 – Oct 31 · until Oct 31

Philadelphia· Fairmount· Holidays

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

A Halloween haunted-attraction experience inside the historic prison, with multiple themed attractions.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Eastern State Penitentiary · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Golden Gate Park· Festivals

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Free three-day roots music festival.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Golden Gate Park · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Germantown· Arts & culture

Historic Germantown house museums

A cluster of colonial and Revolutionary-era house museums in northwest Philadelphia, including the site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Historic Germantown · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Chicago· Porter, Indiana, 50 mi southeast· Outdoors

Indiana Dunes National Park beaches and trails

Swim from Lake Michigan beaches, climb Mount Baldy and hike dune and wetland trails within an hour of the Loop.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Indiana Dunes National Park · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Austin· Burnet, 70 mi northwest· Outdoors

Inks Lake State Park

Granite shorelines on a clear lake for paddling, swimming, fishing, and camping.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Inks Lake State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Houston· Katy, 30 mi west· Festivals

Katy Rice Harvest Festival

A weekend town-square festival celebrating Katy rice-farming heritage with a parade, music, food and vendors.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Historic Town Square · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Buena Park, 28 mi southeast· Holidays

Knott's Scary Farm

Halloween haunt with mazes, scare zones and shows run at the Orange County theme park on select nights.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Knott's Berry Farm · Sep 17 – Oct 31 · until Oct 31

Los Angeles· Exposition Park· Sports

LAFC Matches at BMO Stadium

MLS home matches for LAFC in Exposition Park, with the Banc of California supporters' section.

BMO Stadium · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Chicago· Lake Geneva, WI, 80 mi northwest· Outdoors

Lake Geneva Cruise Line lake tours

Narrated boat tours past lakefront mansions, plus brunch, dinner and fall-color cruises.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lake Geneva Cruise Line · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Beverly, 20 mi north· Outdoors

Long Hill gardens

Historic estate gardens and woodland trails, with a seasonal bloom from spring bulbs to autumn color.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Long Hill (The Trustees) · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Elysian Park· Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Home Games

Major League Baseball at Chavez Ravine, with postseason games in October.

Dodger Stadium · Mar – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Lowell, 28 mi northwest· Family

Lowell National Historical Park

Tour restored textile mills and take canal boat rides through the city that drove the American Industrial Revolution.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lowell mills and canals · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

New York· Coney Island, Brooklyn· Family

Luna Park at Coney Island

Seaside amusement park beside the Cyclone roller coaster, the boardwalk and the beach. Rides and games run on a published calendar through the warm months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Luna Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Houston· Hermann Park· Arts & culture

Miller Outdoor Theatre season

Free performances including music, dance and festivals on the hillside theatre; a shorter 2026 season began in June.

Miller Outdoor Theatre · Jun – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Shakopee, 30 mi southwest· Festivals

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

A themed marketplace village with jousting, costumed performers, crafts and food each weekend of the late-summer season.

Renaissance Festival Grounds · Aug – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Jaffrey NH, 65 mi northwest· Outdoors

Mount Monadnock hike

One of the most-climbed mountains in the world, with bare granite summit views and fall foliage on several well-marked trails.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Monadnock State Park · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Nashville· Wedgewood-Houston· Sports

Nashville SC home matches

MLS matches at the soccer-specific stadium; the 2026 season ran late February to early November.

GEODIS Park · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Houston· Montrose· Festivals

Original Greek Festival

Greek food, dancing and pastries at a long-running cathedral festival.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral · Oct · until Oct 31

Austin· Round Top, 90 mi east· Festivals

Original Round Top Antiques Fair

A large antiques show of barns and tents in a tiny Texas town, held in multiple shows a year.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Original Round Top Antiques Fair · Oct 25 – Oct 31 · until Oct 31

Minneapolis· Uptown· Outdoors

Paddling the Chain of Lakes

Canoe and kayak the connected city lakes using public launches, with rentals available at Bde Maka Ska.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

New York· Hopewell Junction, Hudson Valley, 68 mi north· Food & drink

Pick-your-own apples at Fishkill Farms

A family farm with apple, peach and berry picking in season and a farm store. Picking is by reservation only.

Fishkill Farms · Aug – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Diego· Downtown Waterfront· Arts & culture

Rady Shell Summer Concerts

San Diego Symphony plays outdoor concerts on the downtown bayfront, from classical programs to pop and film nights.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · Jun – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Salem, 16 mi north· Festivals

Salem Haunted Happenings

A month-long October celebration across the Witch City with parades, costume events, tours and themed shops that draw huge crowds.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Downtown Salem · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Diego· Mission Valley· Sports

San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium

The city's MLS club plays its home matches in Mission Valley.

Snapdragon Stadium · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Waterfront· Festivals

San Francisco Fleet Week

Navy ship tours, Fleet Fest and air show over the bay.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Fisherman's Wharf and Piers 27/35 · Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Seattle· Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands (ferry from Anacortes)· Outdoors

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Prairie and shoreline walks at the site of the 1859 Pig War standoff, with foxes, whales offshore and seasonal visitor-center hours.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

American Camp and English Camp · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Boston· Saugus, 10 mi north· Family

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Reconstructed 1600s ironworks with a working waterwheel and museum on the site of the first integrated ironworks in North America.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Saugus Iron Works · May – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Miami· Key Biscayne· Outdoors

Sea turtle nesting season

From spring through autumn loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest on Miami-Dade beaches, with dawn nest surveys and lighting rules to protect hatchlings.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Miami-Dade beaches · Mar – Oct · until Oct 31

Seattle· SoDo· Sports

Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field

MLS matches with a standing-section supporters culture and some of the league's biggest crowds.

Lumen Field · Feb – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Dallas· East Dallas· Arts & culture

Shakespeare Dallas at Samuell-Grand

Outdoor Shakespeare productions with picnicking, a summer season in June-July and a fall show.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Samuell-Grand Amphitheater · Jun – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Sedona, 115 mi north· Outdoors

Slide Rock State Park Swimming

Slip down natural red-rock water slides in Oak Creek and picnic under the canyon walls; the swim area is the main draw in warm months.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Slide Rock State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

New York· Williamsburg, Brooklyn· Food & drink

Smorgasburg

An open-air market of dozens of independent food vendors beside the East River with a skyline backdrop. Run weekly in the warm months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Marsha P. Johnson State Park · Apr – Oct · until Oct 31 · typical season

Dallas· Fair Park· Festivals

State Fair of Texas

The long-running fair with Big Tex, fried food, a midway and livestock shows.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Fair Park · Sep – Oct · until Oct 31

Phoenix· Central Phoenix· Festivals

Arizona State Fair

Thursday-through-Sunday fair with rides and concerts.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Arizona State Fairgrounds · Oct 1 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Dallas· White Rock Lake· Family

Autumn at the Arboretum

Over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash are arranged into themed pumpkin houses across the gardens.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden · Sep 19 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Nashville· Grassmere· Family

Boo at the Zoo

A Halloween evening event at the zoo for families.

Nashville Zoo · Oct 16 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1 · typical season

Nashville· Belle Meade· Family

Cheekwood Harvest

A six-week autumn festival with pumpkin displays across the gardens.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens · Sep 19 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Denver· Littleton· Family

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms

A weekend corn maze at the Gardens' working farm site.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Chatfield Farms · Sep 18 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Denver· Denver· Arts & culture

Denver Film Festival

Annual November festival of new features, documentaries and shorts with filmmaker guests, run by Denver Film.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Denver Film, Sie FilmCenter and Ellie Caulkins venues · Oct 22 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Phoenix· Superior· Outdoors

Fall Plant Sale and Boo-tanical Bash

Fall plant sale and Halloween bash at the arboretum.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum · Oct 17 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Atlanta· Austell, 15 mi west· Family

Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

Haunted mazes and scare zones after dark on select nights, with a daytime Tricks and Treats option for families.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Six Flags Over Georgia · Sep 11 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Atlanta· Helen, 75 mi north· Festivals

Helen Oktoberfest

Alpine-themed Bavarian town hosts one of the longest Oktoberfests in the US, with live oompah bands, beer, and German food in the Festhalle.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Helen Festhalle · Sep 10 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Minneapolis· Apple Valley, 20 mi south· Family

Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular

An autumn trail of thousands of lit, carved pumpkins at the zoo, alongside seasonal animal-themed activities.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Minnesota Zoo · Sep 25 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Seattle· Rainier Beach· Outdoors

Kubota Garden Fall Color Tours

Guided weekend walks through the 20-acre Japanese-inspired garden at peak maple color, in its centennial year.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Kubota Garden · Oct 17 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

San Francisco· Woodside, 25 mi south· Holidays

Nightfall at Filoli

A Halloween evening experience of glowing gardens and spooky entertainment on the historic estate.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Filoli Historic House and Garden · Sep 26 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Atlanta· Midtown· Family

Scarecrows in the Garden

Scarecrow displays and autumn events.

Atlanta Botanical Garden · Oct 1 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

Minneapolis· Chaska· Family

Scarecrows, Pumpkins and Harvest Fun

A fall harvest display of scarecrows, pumpkins and gourds on the arboretum grounds.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum · Sep 18 – Nov 1 · until Nov 1

San Diego· Old Town· Festivals

Dia de los Muertos in Old Town

Altars, art installations and lighted displays in Old Town, culminating around Nov 1-2.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park · Sep 1 – Nov 2 · until Nov 2

Austin· Blanco, 50 mi west· Outdoors

Hill Country Lavender Farm

A working lavender farm with free entry and a shop; bloom peaks around June.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Hill Country Lavender · Apr 16 – Nov 28 · until Nov 28

Houston· Todd Mission, 55 mi northwest· Festivals

Texas Renaissance Festival

A themed weekend village with jousting, artisans, music and feasting, running through the fall in the Piney Woods.

Texas Renaissance Festival grounds · Oct 10 – Nov 29 · until Nov 29

Atlanta· Dawsonville, 65 mi north· Outdoors

Amicalola Falls State Park

Georgia's tallest cascading waterfall with a boardwalk and stairs viewing area, and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail; spring flow and fall color are best.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Amicalola Falls State Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Phoenix· Tempe· Sports

Arizona State Sun Devils Football

Big 12 football in Tempe under the Sun Devil Stadium lights, with tailgating near Tempe Town Lake.

Mountain America Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Phoenix· Tucson, 115 mi southeast· Sports

Arizona Wildcats Football at Arizona Stadium

Take in a Big 12 college football Saturday on the University of Arizona campus.

Arizona Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Various, route changes· Outdoors

Atlanta Streets Alive

Car-free Sundays turn city streets into open space for biking, walking, skating and dancing.

Suggested trip: 1 day

City of Atlanta streets (rotating routes) · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Downtown Atlanta· Sports

Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

MLS matches with a loud supporters section in a retractable-roof stadium.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium · Feb – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Northwest DC· Outdoors

Autumn in Rock Creek Park

Hiking, biking and leaf viewing along Rock Creek.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Rock Creek Park · Oct – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Dallas· Waco, 95 mi south· Sports

Baylor Bears football home games

College football on the Brazos River, with tailgating beside the stadium.

McLane Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

New York· Hudson Highlands, 45 mi north· Outdoors

Bear Mountain State Park

Hudson Highlands hiking with a summit tower, lake boating and fall color, plus a seasonal ice rink. Reachable by train from the city with a short transfer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Bear Mountain State Park · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

San Francisco· Berkeley, 12 mi east· Sports

Cal Bears Football

College football in a stadium above the Hayward Fault with views of the Bay.

California Memorial Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Thurmont, MD, 65 mi northwest· Outdoors

Catoctin Mountain Park

Rocky overlooks like Chimney Rock and Hog Rock reward short hikes, with strong fall color in October.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Chicago· Loop / Chicago River· Outdoors

Chicago Architecture Center river cruise

A guided boat tour along the Chicago River explaining the skyline's landmark buildings.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Chicago Architecture Center · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

San Diego· Del Mar· Sports

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Racing Seasons

Seaside horse racing with a summer meet and a fall meet that begins in early November.

Del Mar Racetrack · Jul – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Dallas· Fort Worth, 32 mi west· Arts & culture

Enchanted Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden

An outdoor exhibit in the botanic garden running through autumn.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden · Sep 12 – Nov 30 · until Nov 30

San Antonio· Northwest side· Family

Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Select-night Halloween event with scare zones, shows and daytime family programming.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Six Flags Fiesta Texas · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30

Dallas· Arlington· Family

Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas

Select-night Halloween event with scare zones, shows and haunted houses.

Six Flags Over Texas · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Houston· Galveston, 55 mi southeast· Outdoors

Galveston Island State Park

Gulf beach on one side and bay wetlands on the other, with kayak trails, birding and quieter sand than the seawall.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Galveston Island State Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Athens, 70 mi east· Sports

Georgia Bulldogs football at Sanford Stadium

Saturday college football between the hedges in one of the SEC's signature game-day towns.

Sanford Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Midtown Atlanta· Sports

Georgia Tech football at Bobby Dodd Stadium

ACC college football in an intimate on-campus stadium with skyline views.

Bobby Dodd Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Great Falls, VA, 15 mi northwest· Outdoors

Great Falls Park

Watch the Potomac plunge through Mather Gorge from overlooks, then hike or rock-watch along the river trails.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Great Falls Park (NPS) · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Harpers Ferry, WV, 65 mi northwest· Outdoors

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Explore a historic river town at the Potomac-Shenandoah confluence, with Appalachian Trail access and Maryland Heights hikes.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

New York· Gardiner, Hudson Valley, 85 mi north· Outdoors

Hiking the Shawangunk Ridge at Mohonk Preserve

Seventy miles of carriage roads and trails across cliffs and ridge views, popular for hiking, biking and climbing. Cross-country skiing is possible in snow.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Mohonk Preserve · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Houston· EaDo· Sports

Houston Dash home matches

Houston’s NWSL side plays home matches at the same downtown stadium from spring into autumn.

Shell Energy Stadium · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Houston· EaDo· Sports

Houston Dynamo FC home matches

MLS soccer at the downtown stadium, with a loud supporters section and a long regular-season schedule.

Shell Energy Stadium · Feb – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Kennesaw, 25 mi northwest· Outdoors

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Hike to the summit for skyline views and walk Civil War earthworks through hardwood forest, especially lovely in fall.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Las Vegas· Mount Charleston· Outdoors

Lee Canyon Summer Chairlift and Bike Park

Scenic chairlift, bike park, hiking and disc golf.

Lee Canyon · Jun – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

San Antonio· Vanderpool, 85 mi west· Outdoors

Lost Maples fall foliage

Bigtooth maples turn red and orange in the canyons, making this the Hill Country's best-known fall color hike.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lost Maples State Natural Area · Oct – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Manassas, VA, 30 mi southwest· Outdoors

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Rolling Civil War battlefield with walking trails, historic Henry Hill and seasonal ranger programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Manassas National Battlefield Park · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Miami· Miami Gardens, 15 mi north· Sports

Miami Hurricanes football

College football Saturdays for the Hurricanes in the fall.

Hard Rock Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

New York· Kerhonkson, Catskills edge, 95 mi north· Outdoors

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Clifftop lakes, waterfalls and white quartz carriage roads on the Shawangunk Ridge, with swimming and hiking in season. Snowshoeing and skiing are possible in winter.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Minnewaska State Park Preserve · May – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Boston· Lexington and Concord, 15 mi northwest· Family

Minute Man National Historical Park

Walk the Battle Road and the North Bridge where the Revolutionary War began; Patriots Day in April brings reenactments.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Minute Man NHP · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Dahlonega, 65 mi north· Food & drink

Montaluce Winery and Restaurant

Tuscan-style estate tasting room and restaurant in the north Georgia wine country, with vineyard views.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Montaluce Winery · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Nashville· Burns, 35 mi west· Outdoors

Montgomery Bell State Park

Hiking, lake paddling and fall color on forested ridges west of the city.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Montgomery Bell State Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Los Angeles· Angeles National Forest, 22 mi northeast· Outdoors

Mount Wilson Observatory

Historic mountaintop observatory with a 100-inch telescope, tours and trail access.

Mount Wilson Observatory · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Nashville· Manchester, 65 mi southeast· Outdoors

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Walk trails along two rivers and waterfalls around an ancient earthwork enclosure with a museum on site.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Philadelphia· Chester, 15 mi southwest· Sports

Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park

MLS soccer on the Delaware River waterfront, with a supporters section known for drums and chants.

Subaru Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Boston· Plymouth, 40 mi south· Family

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Living-history museum with a re-created 1627 English village and a Wampanoag homesite staffed by interpreters.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Plimoth Patuxet Museums · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Denver· Morrison· Arts & culture

Red Rocks Concert Season

Concerts in the natural sandstone amphitheater, with shows announced across spring and fall dates.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Red Rocks Amphitheatre · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

New York· Oyster Bay, Long Island, 30 mi east· Arts & culture

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Theodore Roosevelt's family home, now preserved with period furnishings and grounds above Oyster Bay. Guided house tours and a trail to the shore are on offer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Sagamore Hill · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Seattle· Ballard· Outdoors

Salmon Viewing at the Ballard Locks

Watch salmon climb the fish ladder.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks · Jun – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

San Diego· Mission Valley· Sports

SDSU Aztecs Football

San Diego State's college football team plays home games in Mission Valley.

Snapdragon Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Chattahoochee Hills, 30 mi southwest· Food & drink

Serenbe farm and trails

Farm-centered community with restaurants, a weekend market, gardens and trails south of the city.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Serenbe · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Front Royal, VA, 70 mi west· Outdoors

Skyline Drive Fall Foliage

Drive or hike the 105-mile ridge road through peak Blue Ridge color, with overlooks and trailheads every few miles.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Shenandoah National Park · Oct – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Lithia Springs, 20 mi west· Outdoors

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Wooded trails along a rocky creek lead to the ruins of a Civil War era textile mill, with lake paddling nearby.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Sweetwater Creek State Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Tallulah Falls, 100 mi northeast· Outdoors

Tallulah Gorge State Park

A two-mile-deep gorge with rim trails, a suspension bridge over the river and scheduled dam-release whitewater weekends.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Tallulah Gorge State Park · Mar – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Houston· College Station, 95 mi northwest· Sports

Texas A&M Aggies football at Kyle Field

SEC football in one of the country’s biggest stadiums, with Aggie traditions like the Midnight Yell and 12th Man.

Kyle Field · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Austin· UT campus· Sports

Texas Longhorns football

College football Saturdays on campus, including home games on October 31 and November 21, 2026.

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Austin· San Marcos, 30 mi south· Sports

Texas State Bobcats football

College football in San Marcos with a Hill Country tailgating scene and a short drive from Austin.

UFCU Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Los Angeles· Pasadena· Sports

UCLA Bruins Football at the Rose Bowl

College football Saturdays in the historic Rose Bowl, with seven home games in the 2026 season.

Rose Bowl Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Las Vegas· Paradise· Sports

UNLV Rebels Football

College football on the UNLV campus-area calendar, with home games played at Allegiant Stadium.

Allegiant Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Nashville· Vanderbilt campus· Sports

Vanderbilt football home games

SEC football played on campus in the heart of Nashville through the autumn.

FirstBank Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Seattle· University District· Sports

Washington Huskies Football at Husky Stadium

College football on the shore of Lake Washington, famous for boat-in tailgating and views of the Cascades.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Husky Stadium · Sep – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Boston· Providence RI, 50 mi south· Festivals

WaterFire Providence

Bonfires blaze on braziers down the downtown Providence rivers with music and performers on select evenings through the warm season.

Waterplace Park and downtown rivers · May – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Cleveland, 80 mi north· Food & drink

Yonah Mountain Vineyards

Mountain-view tasting room and cave near the Helen area, with seasonal events.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Yonah Mountain Vineyards · Apr – Nov · until Nov 30 · typical season

New York· Elmont, Long Island, 18 mi east· Sports

Thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park

Historic racetrack and home of the Belmont Stakes, with a grandstand and family-friendly infield days. The venue reopened after renovation.

Belmont Park · Sep 18 – Dec 6 · until Dec 6 · typical season

San Francisco· Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 33 ferry)· Family

Alcatraz Island Tour

Ferry out to the former federal prison for an audio tour of the cellhouse and island gardens.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Alcatraz Island · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Hermitage, 12 mi east· Arts & culture

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

Tour the president's mansion and grounds, with seasonal events such as ghost tours and carriage experiences listed by the museum.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Hermitage · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Angel Island, 6 mi north by ferry· Outdoors

Angel Island State Park

Take a ferry to an island park with a loop trail, Civil War-era Camp Reynolds and views of the skyline.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Angel Island State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Pasadena· Outdoors

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Guided kayak tours, pontoon cruises, boardwalk trails and a bison viewing platform preserve coastal prairie and bayou habitat.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Armand Bayou Nature Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Arrington, 25 mi southeast· Food & drink

Arrington Vineyards tasting

Taste wines on a hillside winery lawn south of Nashville, popular on warm weekends.

Arrington Vineyards · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Atlanta· Buckhead, 6 mi north· Arts & culture

Atlanta History Center and Swan House

Museum, historic Swan House mansion and woodland gardens covering the city's history across several campuses.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Atlanta History Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

New York· Fort Greene· Arts & culture

BAM Next Wave Festival

Brooklyn Academy of Music's autumn season of new dance, theater and music from artists around the world. The 2026 lineup includes an anniversary concert of Einstein on the Beach.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House · Oct – Dec · until Dec 31

Austin· Zilker Park· Outdoors

Barton Springs Pool

A spring-fed, year-round swimming hole in Zilker Park that stays cool in summer and chilly in winter.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Barton Springs Pool · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31

Austin· Fredericksburg area, 70 mi west· Food & drink

Becker Vineyards wine tasting

A Hill Country winery with tastings, lavender fields, and live music events.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Becker Vineyards · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Brenham, 70 mi northwest· Food & drink

Blue Bell Creameries Visitor Center

A self-guided visit with an observation deck over the production floor and a scoop shop for ice cream made on site.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Blue Bell Creameries · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Chadds Ford, 30 mi southwest· Arts & culture

Brandywine Museum of Art and Wyeth collection

A converted grist mill beside the creek holds works by three generations of the Wyeth family and American illustrators, with riverside trails outside.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Brandywine Museum of Art · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Needville, 45 mi southwest· Outdoors

Brazos Bend State Park

Lakes and trails bring close views of alligators and birds, and an observatory runs public star nights.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Brazos Bend State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Potomac, MD, 14 mi northwest· Outdoors

C&O Canal Towpath at Great Falls Tavern

Walk or bike the flat historic towpath past locks and the Potomac falls, with seasonal mule-drawn boat rides run by the park.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Waco, 95 mi south· Family

Cameron Park Zoo

A Brazos River bluff zoo with a Texas habitat area and animal encounters including penguins.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Cameron Park Zoo · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Franklin, 20 mi south· Arts & culture

Carnton and Carter House battlefield tours

Tour a Civil War mansion that served as a field hospital and the surrounding Franklin battlefield; anniversary programs run each late November.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Carnton Plantation · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Coolidge, 55 mi southeast· Family

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Visit the towering Hohokam 'Great House' built in the 1300s, shielded by a modern roof, with a visitor center and short walking loop.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Boston· Ipswich, 30 mi north· Arts & culture

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Grand Roaring Twenties mansion and Grand Allee lawn, home to summer concerts, house tours and events.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Castle Hill (The Trustees) · Apr – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Avalon, 30 mi offshore· Outdoors

Catalina Island Adventures in Avalon

Ferry-access island with zip lines, glass-bottom boats, hiking and bison tours.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Avalon · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Cedar Hill, 20 mi southwest· Outdoors

Cedar Hill State Park

A Joe Pool Lake park offering trails, mountain biking, swimming and camping close to the city.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Cedar Hill State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Ventura, 65 mi northwest· Outdoors

Channel Islands National Park

Boat trips from Ventura Harbor to island trails, kayaking, snorkeling and whale watching.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Colorado Springs, 70 mi south· Family

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

A mountainside zoo known for its giraffe feeding deck and a wide collection of animals, set on Cheyenne Mountain.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Seattle Center· Arts & culture

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Glasshouse, garden and galleries showing large-scale Dale Chihuly installations, with evening hours and seasonal programs like yoga.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Chihuly Garden and Glass · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Boerne, 30 mi northwest· Food & drink

Cibolo Nature Center Farmers Market

Saturday-morning market of local growers and makers beside Cibolo Creek trails.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Cibolo Nature Center and Farm · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Como Park, St. Paul, 8 mi east· Family

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Free zoo and Victorian-style conservatory with seasonal flower shows, a pumpkin display and daily keeper talks.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Como Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Golden Gate Park· Outdoors

Conservatory of Flowers

A Victorian glasshouse holding tropical plants, orchids and seasonal exhibits, a rainy-day anchor in the park.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Conservatory of Flowers · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Sun Valley, Denver· Arts & culture

Convergence Station

A four-world immersive art installation of hidden rooms, sculpture, light and sound that visitors explore at their own pace, a dependable rainy- or snowy-day option.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Meow Wolf Denver · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Downtown· Food & drink

Dallas Farmers Market

An open-air produce shed plus an indoor food hall, with seasonal pumpkin and bloom weekends.

Dallas Farmers Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Arts District· Arts & culture

Dallas Museum of Art

A major encyclopedic art museum anchoring the Arts District, with rotating exhibitions and weekend programs.

Dallas Museum of Art · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Golden Triangle, Denver· Arts & culture

Denver Art Museum

Wide-ranging collection including Indigenous art of the Americas, Western American art and rotating special exhibitions in Gio Ponti's castle-like tower.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Denver Art Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Clarksville, 50 mi northwest· Outdoors

Dunbar Cave State Park

Guided cave tours and lakeside trails around a historic cave once used for dance halls and Native American shelter.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Dunbar Cave State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Capitol Hill· Food & drink

Eastern Market Weekend Market

Historic Capitol Hill market hall with weekend flea market, farmers' stalls, prepared foods and local makers.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Eastern Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Denison, 75 mi north· Outdoors

Eisenhower State Park on Lake Texoma

A Lake Texoma shoreline park for fishing, camping, hiking and boating within day-trip range of Dallas.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Eisenhower State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Miami· Key West, about 160 mi south· Arts & culture

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The writer's island house and garden, home to dozens of polydactyl cats descended from his six-toed pet.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Hemingway Home · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Atlanta· Druid Hills, 5 mi east· Family

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Giant dinosaur skeletons, a walk through global ecosystems and rotating exhibits, good for rainy days in any season.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Fernbank Museum of Natural History · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Chicago· Museum Campus· Family

Field Museum

Dinosaurs, Egyptian tombs and natural-history halls make a good rainy or cold-weather outing.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Field Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Franklin, 20 mi south· Food & drink

Franklin Farmers Market

A Saturday morning market of local produce, baked goods and crafts that runs all year in Franklin.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Franklin First United Methodist Church · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Logan Square· Family

Franklin Institute science museum

Hands-on science exhibits, a giant walk-through heart and a planetarium make this a dependable rainy-day outing for families.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Franklin Institute · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Colorado Springs, 70 mi south· Outdoors

Garden of the Gods Park

Free city park of towering red sandstone fins with paved and dirt trails, climbing, guided walks and views of Pikes Peak year-round.

Garden of the Gods · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Georgetown, 45 mi west· Family

Georgetown Loop Railroad Ride

A heritage steam and diesel train climbs the Clear Creek canyon over the Devil's Gate High Bridge between Georgetown and Silver Plume, with themed rides in autumn and December.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Georgetown Loop Railroad · May – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Bluemont, VA, 55 mi west· Family

Great Country Farms

A Loudoun County farm for u-pick berries, pumpkins, animals and playgrounds, with seasonal events and a holiday run in Nov-Dec.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Great Country Farms · May – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Griffith Park, Los Feliz· Family

Griffith Observatory Planetarium and Telescopes

Hilltop observatory with exhibits, planetarium shows and free evening telescope viewing, plus skyline views.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Griffith Observatory · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Gruene, New Braunfels, 50 mi south· Arts & culture

Gruene Hall live music

Texas's oldest continuously running dance hall hosts regional and touring acts most nights.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Gruene Hall · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Gruene, New Braunfels, 35 mi northeast· Arts & culture

Gruene Hall live music

Texas's oldest continually operating dance hall hosts live country and Americana most days, including Honky Tonk Thursdays.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Gruene Hall · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Saratoga, 45 mi south· Outdoors

Hakone Estate and Gardens

A historic Japanese garden in the Santa Cruz foothills with ponds, tea house and workshops such as flower arranging.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Hakone Estate and Gardens · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Dripping Springs, 30 mi west· Outdoors

Hamilton Pool Preserve swimming

A collapsed grotto with a waterfall and a natural swimming pool, visited by timed reservation.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Hamilton Pool Preserve · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Hershey, 95 mi west· Family

Hersheypark

A chocolate-themed amusement park with coasters and a water-park section, which also runs fall and holiday events later in the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Hersheypark · May – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Second Ward· Outdoors

Houston Botanic Garden

A former golf course turned into display gardens, native ecosystems and walking trails near downtown, with a rotating calendar of seasonal programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Houston Botanic Garden · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Huntsville, 70 mi north· Outdoors

Huntsville State Park

Pine-forest hiking, paddling and camping on Lake Raven, with fall color unusual for east Texas.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Huntsville State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Chicago· Union, IL, 60 mi northwest· Family

Illinois Railway Museum train rides

Ride restored streetcars, interurbans and steam-era trains, with seasonal events such as the Pumpkin Train and Happy Holiday Railway.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Illinois Railway Museum · May – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Idaho Springs, 30 mi west· Wellness

Indian Hot Springs Soak

Mineral hot-spring pools and a historic geothermal cave in the mountains west of Denver, especially welcome after a ski day.

Indian Hot Springs · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Georgetown, 28 mi north· Family

Inner Space Cavern tours

A cave discovered by highway drilling, with guided tours, gemstone panning, and a rain-proof outing.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Inner Space Cavern · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Lynchburg, 75 mi south· Food & drink

Jack Daniel's Distillery tours

Walk the hollow and charcoal mellowing grounds of the Tennessee whiskey distillery in Lynchburg, with guided tours and tastings offered on site.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Jack Daniel's Distillery · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Miami· Watson Island, Miami· Family

Jungle Island

A bayside wildlife park with a treewalk village, aviary, animal encounters and seasonal evening events.

Jungle Island · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Japantown· Wellness

Kabuki Springs and Spa

A Japanese-style communal bathhouse with hot pools, steam and sauna, an easy cold-weather retreat.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Kabuki Springs and Spa · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Miami· Key West, about 160 mi south· Arts & culture

Key West Art Center and Gallery

A member-run gallery with rotating shows, plein-air meetups and a holiday open house.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Key West Art Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Arts District· Outdoors

Klyde Warren Park free programming

A deck park over the freeway with fitness classes, food trucks, storytime, running club and movies in the park.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Klyde Warren Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Lockhart, 30 mi south· Food & drink

Kreuz Market barbecue in Lockhart

A pilgrimage-style Central Texas barbecue stop in the self-declared barbecue capital, sold by the pound.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Kreuz Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Lancaster, 65 mi west· Food & drink

Lancaster Central Market

The country's oldest continuously operating public farmers market sells local produce, baked goods and Pennsylvania Dutch fare on set market days.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lancaster Central Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Rice Park, St. Paul, 10 mi east· Arts & culture

Landmark Center Events

Restored federal courthouse on Rice Park hosting concerts, exhibits and seasonal programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Landmark Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Nashville, east of downtown· Arts & culture

Lane Motor Museum

A quirky European-leaning collection of rare cars, microcars and amphibious vehicles, with free vehicle demonstrations on weekend mornings.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Lane Motor Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Carlsbad, 35 mi north· Family

LEGOLAND California Resort

Brick-built rides, Miniland USA and a water park, with seasonal Halloween and Christmas events layered on the year-round park.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

LEGOLAND California · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Miami· Loxahatchee, 70 mi north· Family

Lion Country Safari

A drive-through safari with herds of animals roaming open habitats, plus a walk-through gardens area with feedings and talks.

Lion Country Safari · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Lockhart, 30 mi south· Outdoors

Lockhart State Park

A modest Depression-era park near Lockhart with a nine-hole golf course, trails, a pool, and camping.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Lockhart State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Burnet, 70 mi northwest· Family

Longhorn Cavern tours

Guided walking tours go through a cave of water-carved limestone that stays cool in every season.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Longhorn Cavern State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Luckenbach, 75 mi northwest· Arts & culture

Luckenbach Texas

Tiny Hill Country landmark with a general store, bar, picking circles and a dance hall with regular live music.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Luckenbach general store and dance hall · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Luray, VA, 90 mi west· Family

Luray Caverns

Walk lit paths through towering limestone formations and hear the Great Stalacpipe Organ in a Shenandoah Valley cave open year-round.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Luray Caverns · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Waco, 95 mi south· Food & drink

Magnolia Market at the Silos

A shopping and food-truck campus around the Waco silos, with seasonal decor and its Silobration concert series.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Magnolia Market at the Silos · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Mammoth Cave, KY, 90 mi north· Outdoors

Mammoth Cave National Park cave tours

Take a guided tour through the world's longest known cave system, or hike the surface trails when autumn color peaks.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Mammoth Cave National Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Downtown Embarcadero· Family

Maritime Museum of San Diego

A fleet of historic vessels, including the Star of India, moored on the bay.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Maritime Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Southeast Austin· Outdoors

McKinney Falls State Park

Creek waterfalls, swimming holes, and trails sit inside Austin city limits, with camping available.

Suggested trip: 1 day

McKinney Falls State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Downtown Mesa, 20 mi east· Arts & culture

Mesa Arts Center Performances and Galleries

Four theaters and five art galleries host touring music, theater, dance and exhibitions through the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Mesa Arts Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Bryan, 100 mi northwest· Food & drink

Messina Hof Winery and Resort

A long-running Texas winery with tastings, tours and harvest-season events near College Station.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Messina Hof Winery · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Mill District· Food & drink

Mill City Farmers Market

A Saturday farmers market, outdoors May-October and indoors in the Mill City Museum lobby on first and third Saturdays November-April.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Mill City Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31

Minneapolis· Loring Park / Lowry Hill· Arts & culture

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Open-air garden of large-scale sculpture, including the Spoonbridge and Cherry, set beside the Walker Art Center.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Walker Art Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Minneapolis· Longfellow· Outdoors

Minnehaha Falls and Park

A 53-foot waterfall in a city park, striking when frozen in winter and busy in summer with music, creek paddling and a splash pad.

Minnehaha Regional Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Mission Valley· Arts & culture

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

California's first mission, with a church, museum and gardens open to visitors.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Mission San Diego de Alcala · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Camp Verde, 95 mi north· Family

Montezuma Castle National Monument

See a Sinagua cliff dwelling about 900 years old, tucked into a limestone alcove above Beaver Creek.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Montezuma Castle National Monument · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Miami· Delray Beach, 50 mi north· Arts & culture

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

A Japanese museum and strolling gardens with seasonal cultural weekends such as Oshogatsu, Obon and Orchid Weekend.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Morikami Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Chestnut Hill· Outdoors

Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The official state arboretum of Pennsylvania offers a canopy walk, a fernery and blooming collections across Chestnut Hill's hillside grounds.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Morris Arboretum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Diablo, 35 mi east· Outdoors

Mount Diablo State Park

Drive or hike to a summit that offers some of the longest views in the state, with wildflowers in spring.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Mount Diablo State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Marin, 15 mi north· Outdoors

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Redwood canyons, ridge trails and Bay views a short drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Mount Tamalpais State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Boston· Fenway· Arts & culture

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

One of the largest art museums in the US, with ancient to contemporary collections and rotating special exhibitions.

Suggested trip: 1 day

MFA Boston · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Seattle Center· Arts & culture

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Frank Gehry-designed museum of music, science fiction, horror and games, with rotating exhibitions through the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day

MoPOP · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· North Phoenix· Arts & culture

Musical Instrument Museum

Wander galleries of instruments from nearly every country, with headphones that play each one, plus a concert hall with a touring lineup.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Musical Instrument Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Center City· Arts & culture

Mutter Museum

A museum of medical history displaying anatomical specimens, antique instruments and pathology collections.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Mutter Museum, College of Physicians of Philadelphia · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Germantown· Food & drink

Nashville Farmers' Market

Browse farm sheds, an indoor market house and a changing events calendar with produce, prepared food and live music near Bicentennial Mall.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Nashville Farmers' Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Fredericksburg, 70 mi northwest· Arts & culture

National Museum of the Pacific War

Sprawling WWII Pacific theater museum and combat zone, with frequent talks and living-history events.

Suggested trip: 1 day

National Museum of the Pacific War · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Natural Bridge Caverns, 20 mi north· Family

Natural Bridge Caverns above-ground adventures

Zip lines, climbing, the Twisted Trails maze and gem panning above the caves make a full-day family outing.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Natural Bridge Caverns · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Natural Bridge Caverns, 75 mi southwest· Family

Natural Bridge Caverns and Christmas at the Caverns

Texas's largest show cave runs cavern tours year-round and a holiday lighting event in late fall.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Natural Bridge Caverns · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Downtown· Arts & culture

Neon Museum Evening Visit

Walk the Boneyard of retired Las Vegas signs after dark, when many restored pieces are lit.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Neon Museum · Oct 18 – Dec 31 · until Dec 31

San Francisco· Golden Gate Park· Arts & culture

NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences

Thursday-evening, adults-focused nights at the natural history museum with themed programming, music and drinks among the exhibits.

Suggested trip: 1 day

California Academy of Sciences · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Santa Monica, 15 mi west· Family

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Oceanfront amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, coaster and arcade at the end of the pier.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Pacific Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Seattle Center· Family

Pacific Science Center

Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium and IMAX screenings make this a dependable rainy-day outing for families.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Pacific Science Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Palm Springs, 107 mi east· Outdoors

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A rotating tram car climbs from the desert floor to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park trailheads, often with snow up top in winter and cool air in summer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Pearl District, 3 mi north· Food & drink

Pearl Farmers Market

Saturdays feature South Texas farmers and ranchers, Sundays local artisans, held rain or shine.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Pearl · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Lahaska, Bucks County, 35 mi north· Festivals

Peddler's Village seasonal festivals

A Bucks County shopping village with themed gardens and a year-round calendar of seasonal weekend festivals, from spring blooms to a lit holiday display.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Peddler's Village · Mar – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Austin· Johnson City, 40 mi west· Outdoors

Pedernales Falls State Park

Limestone river ledges, a wading and swimming area, and hiking and camping make this one of the nearest Hill Country river parks.

Pedernales Falls State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Dallas· Victory Park· Family

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

A hands-on science museum with dinosaur skeletons, a children's museum and rotating special exhibits, good for any rainy day.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Perot Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Midtown Phoenix· Arts & culture

Phoenix Art Museum

The Southwest's largest art museum, with rotating exhibitions, fashion design, Western American art and family programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Phoenix Art Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Denver· Manitou Springs, 70 mi south· Outdoors

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

A rack railway carries riders from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak for sweeping views over the plains and the Front Range.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

New York· Flushing· Outdoors

Queens Botanical Garden

A compact Flushing garden open Tuesday to Sunday through the year, with seasonal plantings and art installations. Admission is free in the winter months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Queens Botanical Garden · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31

Nashville· Oak Hill· Outdoors

Radnor Lake hiking and wildlife watching

Easy lakeside trails minutes from the city with good chances to see waterfowl, deer and fall foliage.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Radnor Lake State Natural Area · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Center City· Food & drink

Reading Terminal Market food crawl

A historic indoor market where Amish bakers, deli counters and roast-pork sandwich stands let you graze your way through lunch in any weather.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Reading Terminal Market · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Summerlin West· Outdoors

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive

13-mile scenic loop; hours vary by season, reservations Oct 1 to May 31.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31

Boston· Salem, 16 mi north· Arts & culture

Salem Witch Museum

A stage-set presentation and exhibit on the 1692 witch trials, open year-round and busiest around Halloween.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Salem Witch Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Balboa Park· Arts & culture

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Aircraft and spacecraft exhibits in Balboa Park's former Ford Building.

Suggested trip: 1 day

San Diego Air & Space Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Balboa Park· Arts & culture

San Diego Natural History Museum

Regional natural history exhibits, fossils and rotating shows in a Balboa Park landmark.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Nat · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Escondido, 30 mi north· Family

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

A 1,800-acre wildlife park where African savanna species roam open habitats, with cart safaris and overnight Roar & Snore options.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

San Diego Zoo Safari Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Union Square· Family

San Francisco Cable Car Ride

Ride the moving landmark up Nob Hill from the Powell and Market turnaround.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Santa Barbara, 95 mi northwest· Family

Santa Barbara Zoo

Hillside zoo near the beach with giraffes, gorillas, a train and sea views.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Santa Barbara Zoo · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Waterfront, Pier 57· Family

Seattle Great Wheel

Enclosed 175-foot Ferris wheel over Elliott Bay, with seasonal light shows after dark.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Seattle Great Wheel · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Jean, 25 mi south· Arts & culture

Seven Magic Mountains

Ugo Rondinone's seven towers of day-glo stacked boulders rise from the desert south of town, a free large-scale art stop.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Seven Magic Mountains · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Chicago· Museum Campus· Family

Shedd Aquarium

An indoor day out with dolphin and beluga programs, an Amazon exhibit and a vast fish collection.

Shedd Aquarium · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Snoqualmie, 28 mi east· Outdoors

Snoqualmie Falls Viewing Park

268-foot waterfall with an observation deck and a trail to the base, most dramatic in winter and spring runoff.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Snoqualmie Falls · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Clear Lake, 25 mi southeast· Family

Space Center Houston

NASA’s official visitor center, with a tram to Mission Control, flown spacecraft and a Saturn V hall.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Space Center Houston · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Blue Diamond, 15 mi west· Outdoors

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

A historic ranch below the Wilson Cliffs with picnic lawns, short trails and a ranch house, a quiet alternative to the busier Red Rock loop.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· Murfreesboro, 30 mi southeast· Outdoors

Stones River National Battlefield

Walk and bike the Civil War battlefield and national cemetery, with ranger talks and living-history programs listed on the park calendar.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Stones River National Battlefield · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Strasburg, Lancaster County, 65 mi west· Family

Strasburg Rail Road steam train ride

A vintage steam locomotive pulls wooden coaches through Amish farmland on a short scenic run, with seasonal themed trains through the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Strasburg Rail Road · Mar – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Downtown· Family

The Alamo

Walk the 1718 mission and battle site, plus the Ralston Family Collections Center exhibit.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Alamo Church and Collections Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Brentwood· Arts & culture

The Getty Center

Hilltop museum campus with European art, architecture and the Central Garden.

Suggested trip: 1 day

The Getty Center · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Nashville· West End· Arts & culture

The Parthenon

Visit the full-scale Greek temple replica with a 42-foot Athena statue and an art museum inside.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Centennial Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Pine, 90 mi northeast· Outdoors

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Hike down to the base of one of the largest travertine bridges in the world and peer into a cool, tree-lined gorge.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Clarkdale, 100 mi north· Outdoors

Tuzigoot National Monument

Explore the hilltop ruins of a Sinagua pueblo overlooking the Verde River valley, a good stop on a Verde Valley wine and history day.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Tuzigoot National Monument · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Diego· Downtown Embarcadero· Family

USS Midway Museum

Tour a decommissioned aircraft carrier's flight deck and hangar with restored aircraft and veteran docents.

Suggested trip: 1 day

USS Midway Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· King of Prussia, 20 mi northwest· Outdoors

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Rolling parkland preserving the 1777-78 Continental Army winter camp, popular for cycling, hiking and kite flying.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Valley Forge National Historical Park · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Chicago· Volo, IL, 50 mi northwest· Family

Volo Auto Museum

A sprawling collection of classic cars, movie vehicles and antiques in a rural lake-county setting.

Volo Auto Museum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

New York· Poughkeepsie, Hudson Valley, 75 mi north· Outdoors

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

A converted railroad bridge 212 feet above the river, one of the longest elevated pedestrian bridges in the world. Fall foliage views are a draw.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Walkway Over the Hudson · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Seattle· Montlake· Wellness

Washington Park Arboretum

230 acres of gardens and woodland trails, with Azalea Way blooms in spring and strong fall foliage.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Washington Park Arboretum · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Houston· Washington, 75 mi northwest· Family

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The birthplace of Texas, with Independence Hall, a living-history farm and museum, plus big Texas Independence Day events each March.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

New York· Riverdale, Bronx· Wellness

Wave Hill public garden and cultural center

A quiet Hudson River estate with gardens, greenhouses and Palisades views. Open daily with seasonal plantings and art and nature programs.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Wave Hill · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Millville, NJ, 45 mi southeast· Arts & culture

WheatonArts glass museum and studio

A South Jersey arts campus with a glass museum and live glassblowing demonstrations in a working studio.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

WheatonArts and Cultural Center · Apr – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Litchfield Park, 25 mi west· Family

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park

Feed giraffes, see hundreds of species and ride a safari train at an Arizona zoo that combines an aquarium and open-air park.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Wildlife World Zoo · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

San Francisco· San Jose, 48 mi south· Family

Winchester Mystery House Tours

Guided tours of a sprawling Victorian mansion famed for stairways to nowhere, with seasonal Halloween and holiday dressing.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Winchester Mystery House · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Winterthur, DE, 35 mi southwest· Outdoors

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

The former du Pont estate pairs a 1,000-acre naturalistic garden with a vast collection of American decorative arts.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Winterthur · Jan – Dec · until Dec 31 · typical season

Chicago· Museum Campus· Sports

Chicago Bears home games

Watch NFL football on the lakefront at Soldier Field from early September into January.

Soldier Field · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Dallas· Arlington· Sports

Dallas Cowboys home games

NFL home games including a Thanksgiving Day game on November 26, 2026.

AT&T Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· South Philadelphia Sports Complex· Sports

Eagles football at Lincoln Financial Field

NFL home games draw a famously loud green-clad crowd to the stadium from September through the regular season's end.

Lincoln Financial Field · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Houston· South Houston· Sports

Houston Texans home games

NFL games in a retractable-roof stadium from September into winter.

NRG Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Paradise· Sports

Las Vegas Raiders Home Games

NFL home games at Allegiant Stadium from September into January.

Allegiant Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Miami· Miami Gardens· Sports

Miami Dolphins home games

NFL home games at the stadium through the autumn and early winter.

Hard Rock Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Seattle· SoDo· Sports

Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field

NFL home games with the 12s at Lumen Field, known for loud crowds and a waterfront-skyline setting.

Lumen Field · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Nashville· Downtown· Sports

Tennessee Titans home games

NFL home games from September into January; the 2026 finale at home is January 3.

Nissan Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Washington, DC· Landover, MD, 10 mi east· Sports

Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium

NFL Sunday football at the Commanders' home stadium just outside the Beltway.

Northwest Stadium · Sep – Jan · until Jan 31 · typical season

Atlanta· Downtown· Family

Georgia Aquarium seasonal events

Haunted Seas in the fall and WinterTide later in the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Georgia Aquarium · Oct – Feb · until Feb 28 · typical season

Minneapolis· White Bear Lake, 15 mi northeast· Food & drink

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

U-pick strawberries in early summer and apples from late summer into winter at a family orchard.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Pine Tree Apple Orchard · Jun – Feb · until Feb 28 · typical season

Philadelphia· Tannersville, Poconos, 95 mi north· Outdoors

Camelback Resort and Camelbeach Waterpark

A Poconos mountain resort offering a waterpark and aerial adventure in summer and skiing and snow tubing in winter.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Camelback Resort · Jun – Mar · until Mar 31 · typical season

Seattle· Port Angeles, 85 mi west via ferry· Outdoors

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

Mountain-top meadows and trails with views over the Olympic range in summer, and limited winter snow play when the road opens.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Hurricane Ridge · Jun – Mar · until Mar 31 · typical season

New York· Midtown· Outdoors

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Skate on the sunken plaza beneath the Rockefeller Center tree and golden Prometheus statue. One of Manhattan's best-known cold-weather outings since 1936.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Rockefeller Center · Oct – Mar · until Mar 31 · typical season

San Francisco· Presidio· Arts & culture

Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle

An exhibition on the stylist who shaped the look of Sleeping Beauty, shown at the museum in the Presidio.

The Walt Disney Family Museum · Oct 23 – Apr 18 · until Apr 18

Los Angeles· Anaheim, 28 mi southeast· Sports

Anaheim Ducks Home Games

NHL hockey at Honda Center, the Orange County arena.

Honda Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Atlanta· Downtown Atlanta· Sports

Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena

NBA home games downtown during the regular season and playoffs.

State Farm Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Nashville· Sparta area, 85 mi east· Outdoors

Burgess Falls State Park

A short river trail leads to a series of cascades ending in a 130-foot waterfall that is strongest after rain.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Burgess Falls State Park · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Phoenix· Arcadia / Paradise Valley· Outdoors

Camelback Mountain Hiking

Strenuous desert summit hike, sunrise to sunset.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon Trailhead · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Chicago· Near West Side· Sports

Chicago Blackhawks home games

See NHL hockey at the United Center from October through the spring.

United Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Denver· LoDo, Denver· Sports

Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena

NHL hockey home games for the Avalanche in downtown Denver.

Ball Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Dallas· Victory Park· Sports

Dallas Mavericks home games

NBA home games from an October 24, 2026 home opener to an April 11 finale.

American Airlines Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Dallas· Victory Park· Sports

Dallas Stars home games

NHL hockey at the downtown arena, running from the October opener through the regular season.

American Airlines Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Denver· LoDo, Denver· Sports

Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

NBA home games of the Nuggets at downtown Denver's Ball Arena.

Ball Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Austin· Fredericksburg, 90 mi west· Outdoors

Enchanted Rock climb and stargazing

Scramble up a huge pink granite dome for sweeping Hill Country views, with cooler months the best time to hike and a dark-sky setting for stars.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Miami· Sunrise, 35 mi north· Sports

Florida Panthers home games

NHL hockey in the Broward suburbs, an easy winter night out when the ice is the coolest spot in South Florida.

Amerant Bank Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

San Francisco· Mission Bay· Sports

Golden State Warriors at Chase Center

NBA basketball in Mission Bay.

Chase Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Austin· Bend, 100 mi northwest· Outdoors

Gorman Falls hike

A trail leads to a travertine waterfall hidden in a river canyon, best in the cooler months.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Colorado Bend State Park · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Houston· Downtown· Arts & culture

Houston Grand Opera season

Opera productions at the Wortham Theater Center across the autumn-to-spring season.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Wortham Theater Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Houston· Downtown· Sports

Houston Rockets home games

NBA home games downtown from the late-October opener through the spring.

Toyota Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Las Vegas· Boulder City· Outdoors

Lake Mead Hiking Season

Cooler-months hiking.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lake Mead NRA · Sep – Apr · until Apr 30

Phoenix· Apache Junction, Superstition Mountains, 40 mi east· Outdoors

Lost Dutchman State Park Superstition Hikes

Walk desert trails at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, with wildflower blooms and big sunsets in the cooler months.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lost Dutchman State Park · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Miami· Downtown Miami· Sports

Miami Heat home games

NBA basketball on the downtown bayfront, with the regular season spanning the cooler months.

Kaseya Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Minneapolis· Downtown St. Paul, 10 mi east· Sports

Minnesota Wild Hockey

NHL hockey in downtown St. Paul, with home games from October into April.

Grand Casino Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Nashville· Downtown· Sports

Nashville Predators home games

NHL home games from a home opener on October 1, 2026 to a season finale on April 10, 2027.

Bridgestone Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30

Phoenix· Central Phoenix· Outdoors

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

A steep 1.2-mile climb to a 2,610-foot summit with sweeping Valley views, popular at sunrise in the cooler months.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw Recreation Area · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Boston· Providence RI, 50 mi south· Sports

Providence Bruins hockey

AHL hockey, Boston Bruins affiliate, in a downtown arena with a 2026-27 season of themed nights.

Amica Mutual Pavilion · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Phoenix· Tucson edge, 115 mi southeast· Outdoors

Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain District)

Drive the Cactus Forest Loop and hike among giant saguaros; the cooler months are the best time to be out in the desert.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Saguaro National Park East · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

San Antonio· East Side· Sports

San Antonio Spurs home games

NBA home games, opening October 20, 2026.

Frost Bank Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

San Francisco· San Jose, 48 mi south· Sports

San Jose Sharks at SAP Center

NHL hockey in downtown San Jose.

SAP Center · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Seattle· Lower Queen Anne· Sports

Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena

NHL hockey.

Climate Pledge Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Phoenix· Roosevelt Lake, 75 mi east· Outdoors

Tonto National Monument Cliff Dwellings

Climb to 700-year-old Salado cliff dwellings above Theodore Roosevelt Lake along the Apache Trail region.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Tonto National Monument · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Las Vegas· Las Vegas Strip· Sports

Vegas Golden Knights Home Games

NHL hockey at T-Mobile Arena during the regular season and playoffs.

T-Mobile Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Washington, DC· Penn Quarter· Sports

Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena

NHL hockey in Chinatown-Penn Quarter, easy to reach by Metro.

Capital One Arena · Oct – Apr · until Apr 30 · typical season

Denver· Downtown Denver· Arts & culture

Colorado Symphony Season

The Colorado Symphony's classical, pops and holiday programs at Boettcher Concert Hall, the country's first in-the-round hall.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Boettcher Concert Hall · Sep – May · until May 31 · typical season

Houston· Downtown· Arts & culture

Houston Symphony season

Classical, pops and film-with-orchestra programs run at the downtown hall through the concert season.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Jones Hall · Sep – May · until May 31 · typical season

San Diego· Mission Trails, 10 mi northeast· Outdoors

Mission Trails Regional Park

One of the country's larger urban parks, with hiking to Cowles Mountain and a lake and visitor center.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Mission Trails Regional Park · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Nashville· Downtown· Arts & culture

Nashville Symphony season

Orchestral concerts in an acoustically celebrated hall, running through the fall-to-spring season.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Schermerhorn Symphony Center · Sep – May · until May 31 · typical season

Houston· East End· Arts & culture

Orange Show Monument

A folk-art maze of tile, wrought iron and found objects built by one man, with seasonal tours and events nearby.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Orange Show Center for Visionary Art · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Philadelphia· Avenue of the Arts· Arts & culture

Philadelphia Orchestra concert season

One of America's major orchestras plays its subscription season in the Center City concert hall, from classics to film-score evenings.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center · Sep – May · until May 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Willow Beach, AZ, 50 mi southeast· Outdoors

Rainbow Trout Fishing at Willow Beach

Fish the cold Colorado River below Hoover Dam, where rainbow trout are stocked near Willow Beach.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Lake Mead National Recreation Area · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

San Antonio· Southside, 8 mi south· Outdoors

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Bike or walk the Mission Reach trail linking four 18th-century missions in Texas's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, Espada · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Miami· South Beach· Food & drink

Stone crab season at Joe's

The classic South Beach restaurant reopens each mid-October for stone crab claws, a seasonal Florida tradition running into spring.

Joe's Stone Crab · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Phoenix· Scottsdale· Arts & culture

Taliesin West Tours

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's desert winter home and architecture school, built from local stone and sand in the McDowell foothills.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Taliesin West · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· North Las Vegas, 15 mi north· Outdoors

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Trails

Walk the washes and badlands of an Ice Age fossil site where mammoth and camel remains were found, free to enter and best in cool weather.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Las Vegas· Overton, 55 mi northeast· Outdoors

Valley of Fire State Park Hiking and Scenery

Nevada's oldest state park offers red sandstone formations, petroglyphs and short trails that are comfortable in the cooler half of the year.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Valley of Fire State Park · Oct – May · until May 31 · typical season

Los Angeles· Downtown LA· Arts & culture

LA Opera Season

Grand opera productions at the Music Center pavilion.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion · Oct 17 – Jun 20 · until Jun 20

Denver· Dillon, 68 mi west· Sports

Arapahoe Basin Skiing

High-altitude ski area with one of the longest seasons in North America, often opening in October and skiing into early summer.

Suggested trip: 1 day or 2 days · 1 night

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area · Oct – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season

Chicago· Navy Pier· Arts & culture

Chicago Shakespeare Theater season

Classic and contemporary productions in a courtyard-style theater on Navy Pier.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater · Sep – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season

Seattle· Downtown· Arts & culture

Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall

Orchestral concerts, holiday programs and film-with-orchestra nights in the downtown hall.

Benaroya Hall · Sep – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season

Seattle· Seattle Center· Arts & culture

SIFF Cinema at the Film Center

Independent and repertory screenings, including the fall Scarecrowber horror series and retrospectives of classic directors.

Suggested trip: 1 day

SIFF Film Center · Sep – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season

Seattle· Downtown· Arts & culture

The 5th Avenue Theatre

Broadway-style musicals produced in a restored 1920s downtown theater.

5th Avenue Theatre · Sep – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season

Las Vegas· Boulder City, 25 mi southeast· Family

Weekend Vintage Train Rides

Heritage diesel and rail-car excursions along the old Hoover Dam construction railroad route, alongside a small railroad museum.

Suggested trip: 1 day

Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City · Sep – Jun · until Jun 30 · typical season