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Fall is one of the most underrated times to travel, primarily because it coincides with the shoulder season—the transitional period between the peak summer crowds and the busy holiday rush. During this window, travelers can often find lower average airfare and hotel rates, along with the added perks of cooler weather, seasonal festivals, and a more relaxed pace. From sunny beaches and cultural city breaks to mountain towns framed by fall foliage, autumn offers plenty of affordable options for a spontaneous getaway.
To determine the most affordable fall destinations for a last-minute trip, we tapped the pros at Kayak, who analyzed flight and hotel searches made between Sept. 16–30 for travel between Oct. 1–Nov. 15. Flight prices reflect average round-trip economy fares from U.S. airports, while hotel prices reflect the average nightly rate for a standard double room. The list was then narrowed down to destinations with the lowest average combined flight and hotel costs; however, prices are subject to change, and savings cannot be guaranteed.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Average flight and hotel cost: $367
Soak up the sun in Fort Lauderdale ahead of peak-season holiday travels—and score great deals on airfare and lodging. Instead of colorful foliage and leaf-peeping, an autumnal escape here means uncrowded beaches, pleasant temperatures in the mid-80s, and a wealth of cultural programming and events, many of which are free. These include the Riverwalk Fall Festival (Oct. 18), Pumpkins & Palm Trees (Oct. 29), and, most notably, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Oct. 29-Nov. 2). Since it’s not high season, you likely won’t have trouble scoring reservations at popular spots like the Michelin-starred Chef’s Counter at MAASS, the swanky YOLO Restaurant located along buzzy Las Olas Boulevard, or the waterfront Casa Sensei.
Atlanta, Georgia
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Average flight and hotel cost: $372
Atlanta might not be the first city that comes to mind for fall color, but it just might surprise you. Nicknamed the “City in a Forest,” Atlanta erupts in fiery shades of gold and crimson each October and November, with Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the BeltLine offering great leaf-peeping. Should you need a break from the outdoors, retreat to one of the city’s many museums and cultural institutions, including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (set to reopen in November following an expansion), the massive Georgia Aquarium, the quirky World of Coca-Cola, and the acclaimed High Museum of Art. When hunger calls, make a beeline to one of the city’s food halls, including Ponce City Market, Politan Row at Colony Square, Krog Street Market, and Chattahoochee Food Works for a DIY food tour.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Average flight and hotel cost: $381
With 60 miles of pristine shoreline, Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand offer a seaside escape you can enjoy without the summer crowds. Beyond the beach—but not too far from it—family-friendly attractions like Broadway at the Beach and the SkyWheel keep the fun going, while the half-mile-long Murrells Inlet MarshWalk offers a stroll past lively seafood shacks, outdoor bars, and live music overlooking the salt marsh. Golfers will find championship courses such as TPC Myrtle Beach and Dunes Golf & Beach Club more relaxed this time of year, while nature lovers can wander coastal trails at Myrtle Beach State Park or spot migratory birds at Huntington Beach State Park.
Tampa, Florida
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Average flight and hotel cost: $387
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a unique mix of cosmopolitan charm and family-friendly beaches, with Clearwater and St. Pete just a short drive away. In Tampa proper, you can wander through eclectic neighborhoods like the historic Ybor City, where converted cigar factories now house breweries, coffee shops, and music venues, or swanky Hyde Park Village, a leafy district of cafés, boutiques, and shaded courtyards. Fall brings its own seasonal flavor too: pick pumpkins at the Village Circle patch in Hyde Park Village (though Oct. 31) or soak up small-town fair vibes at the Hillsborough County Fair (Oct. 30-Nov. 9). For Halloween vibes, Busch Gardens transforms with Halloween Harvest fun and the thrills of Howl-O-Scream.
Orlando, Florida
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Average flight and hotel cost: $393
While Orlando is best known as the home of Walt Disney World and Universal, the city offers much more than its iconic theme parks—though they’re absolutely worth exploring in their own right. In fall, the parks dial up the magic with seasonal programming: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney (through Oct. 31), Halloween Horror Nights at Universal (through Nov. 2), and EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival (through Nov. 22) are just a few of the marquee events that make autumn one of the most exciting times to visit. Venture outside the theme parks to explore downtown Orlando, which is teeming with eclectic galleries, colorful murals, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The city also surprises with plenty of free attractions, like strolling Lake Eola Park, exploring the Orlando Urban Trail, or catching live music at Dr. Phillips Center’s Seneff Arts Plaza. Culinary connoisseurs will be impressed by Orlando’s Michelin-ranked dining scene, from Papa Llama, serving splurge-worthy Peruvian plates, to UniGirl in Mills Market, known for its wallet-friendly onigiri—Japanese rice balls wrapped in nori and filled with savory flavors.
Houston, Texas
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Average flight and hotel cost: $399
Space City makes a splendid fall getaway, thanks to events like the nearby Texas Renaissance Festival (through Nov. 30), Día de los Muertos celebrations (Nov. 2), and, of course, plenty of football games and tailgates courtesy of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. When you’re ready to head outdoors, stroll or bike through Buffalo Bayou Park for sweeping skyline views or wander the trails at the Houston Arboretum for a refreshing break from the city’s bustle. Other free attractions abound, from the renowned Menil Collection to contemporary installations at Discovery Green. And as one of the best food cities in the U.S., there’s something to satisfy every craving here, from Viet-Cajun fusion at Crawfish & Noodles to Southeast Asian-Latin American cuisine at Hawker Street Food Bar. And, of course, no trip to Space City would be complete without an afternoon at Space Center Houston.
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Average flight and hotel cost: $405
The “City of Oaks” comes alive in late October and November, when colorful foliage paints the city’s greenways, lakes, and parks in shades of red and gold. Admire the colors up close and personal in Umstead State Park or along the Neuse River Greenway before heading downtown, which is dotted with craft breweries like Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing and Brewery Bhavana, plus farm-to-table restaurants, such as Flour and Barrel for seasonal small plates and Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Ashley Christensen. Finally, no fall trip here is complete without a visit to the N.C. State Fair (Oct. 16-26), offering a mix of classic carnival attractions, concerts, and indulgent eats that captures the playful spirit of the season.
Denver, Colorado
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Average flight and hotel cost: $408
At exactly one mile high—hence its nickname, “The Mile High City”—Denver is an outdoor playground that shines brightest in autumn. By late September, the aspen groves in and around the city turn luminous gold, making hikes at Mount Falcon, Red Rocks Park, or along the Cherry Creek Trail feel downright cinematic. Cooler nights call for cozying up in the city’s art-filled districts like the River North Art District (RiNo) or the Golden Triangle Creative District (GTCD). Alternatively, embark on day trips to nearby spots like the arty college town of Boulder, the adventure-filled city of Colorado Springs, or upscale Vail—all best enjoyed before the peak-season ski crowds arrive.
Miami, Florida
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Average flight and hotel cost: $410
Miami may be synonymous with spring break, but autumn brings a more laid-back magic. The beaches are just as pristine, yet the crowds are thinner and the pace more relaxed. Foodies need not miss the South Beach Seafood Festival (Oct. 22-25), while culture vultures and arts enthusiasts can take their pick of programming ahead of winter’s Art Basel buzz. Festivals add seasonal spark, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes at The Berry Farm’s Harvest Festival (through Nov. 9) to immersive scares at Jungle Island’s Horrorland (through Oct. 31).
Baltimore, Maryland
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Average flight and hotel cost: $431
Located along the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is at its brightest—and briniest—come fall, when oyster season begins, making it the perfect time to slurp half-shells paired with a local craft beer along the harbor. Go leaf-peeping in nearby state parks like Patapsco Valley or Gunpowder Falls, or take to the water on a scenic Inner Harbor cruise for skyline views framed by fall color. Back in Baltimore proper, the season comes alive with festivals like the Inner Harbor International Arts & Eats Festival (Nov. 15-16), while Lexington Market and crab shacks like By The Docks serve up Maryland seafood at its freshest. Fall also brings a crisp energy to the city’s cultural scene, with free museums like the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art alongside neighborhood murals and indie galleries that showcase the city’s creative edge.
