The Best Fall Vacation Ideas in the US
Planning on visiting the US in the fall? Get stuck into cycling, wine tasting and whale watching on these TRIPS by Culture Trip and other small-group adventures.
As leaves turn into a mosaic of amber, rust and orange, and the air turns crisp and cool, the idea of a short break away – either to embrace the weather or to escape it – can be hard to resist. In the US, fall is one of the best times of year for a vacation. From hiking in Yosemite National Park to cruising along the Alaskan coast and visiting the Grand Canyon, there are many possibilities. Here, we round up the best fall vacation ideas in the US – bookable on Culture Trip.
Explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks – by Intrepid Travel
Wyoming is one of the best states in the US to embrace fall, when yellow, gold and orange leaves bring color to the mountains and forests in the Cowboy State. On this six-day adventure, you’ll explore Grand Teton National Park, including a hike up to Inspiration Point – one of the best viewing spots in the region. Keep an eye out for grizzly bears, moose, elk and beavers as you go. After visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, it’s on to Yellowstone National Park, where you’ll stop by the Old Faithful geyser and the kaleidoscopic Grand Prismatic Spring and spot wolves in the wild with the help of a wolf-tracking expert.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Jackson, Mississippi
ENDS AT
Jackson, Mississippi
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
12
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Hike in Zion National Park – by Intrepid Travel
What better way to explore the most incredible natural landscapes in the USA than by venturing deep into the wild, Wild West? On this four-day retreat in Utah and Arizona, you’ll be based at a mountain ranch in Zion, with day trips to the spectacular rock formation of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley, where you’ll learn about the cultural heritage of the native Navajo people and tuck into a traditional, home-cooked Navajo lunch. Finally, stop by the lesser-known Peek-a-Boo slot canyon en route to Las Vegas.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Las Vegas, Nevada
ENDS AT
Las Vegas, Nevada
DURATION
4
GROUP SIZE
12
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Discover LA, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, all in one go – by Intrepid Travel
From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Las Vegas to the tranquility of Zion, this 10-day desert adventure journeys through some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the USA. Fall is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon, as the crowds aren’t quite so enormous. Also, the temperatures are considerably more comfortable. After hiking through Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park and exploring Monument Valley with a Navajo guide, you’ll stop by Joshua Tree National Park, which is renowned for its unusual rock formations, cactus fields and desert wildlife. Cap off your trip by catching rays on the beaches in LA.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Las Vegas, Nevada
ENDS AT
Los Angeles, California
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
12
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Go whale watching in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska – by Intrepid Travel
If you’re looking for an adventure filled with majestic scenery and a chance to view an abundance of wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, this six-day journey through the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska could be the ideal getaway. Early fall is a prime window to visit, during which time the days are still relatively long, and the cold isn’t quite so harsh. Experience Anchorage in shades of copper and gold, try to spot bald eagles at Point Woronzof, cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park, and hike to the edge of the vast Exit Glacier. You’ll also visit a family homestead to learn all about the intricacies of dog sledding and the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Anchorage, Alaska
ENDS AT
Anchorage, Alaska
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
10
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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