Summary of Affordable Fall Travel Destinations
Fall brings colorful leaves and mild temperatures that make exploring the outdoors all the more ideal.
Fall is here, ushering in a brand-new season for travelers to enjoy. From coast-to-coast, and north to south, cities across America offer something unique for travelers to adore, including fall festivals, music events, and lengthy hiking trails to explore, all covered in a blanket of colorful fall foliage. Moreover, the mild temperatures associated with autumn enhance the sightseeing experience in some of America’s hottest towns, both literally and figuratively.
To help travelers plan their affordable autumn excursions, we asked Priceline to compile data on the 20 most budget-friendly U.S. locations to visit this season, focusing on nightly hotel rates at properties rated three stars or higher. Pack your fall travel essentials and discover the best destinations that won’t break the bank.
Miami
Visitors will find a fantastic fall travel destination in Miami. The Florida city is as vibrant as they come and offers travelers a chance to extend their summer vacations while relaxing on sugar sand beaches lapped by gin-clear waters just a little longer.
Average nightly hotel rate: $174
Atlanta
Atlanta provides an array of activities throughout the fall, including apple picking just outside the city center and a plethora of fall festivals to attend. Don’t miss the Yellow Daisy Festival, one of the best craft fairs in America, and the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival for mouthwatering culinary experiences.
Average nightly hotel rate: $172
Indianapolis
Make your way to Indianapolis this fall for great deals and a wonderful experience. The city hosts its farmers market throughout the season and features various pumpkin patches where you can find the perfect gourd.
Average nightly hotel rate: $171
Orlando
Home to one of the best amusement parks in the world, Orlando makes for an excellent fall family escape. As the region enters its shoulder season, you’ll likely find great deals on rental cars and reservations.
Average nightly hotel rate: $167
Tampa
Florida is the place to be for excellent fall travel deals, particularly in Tampa. Not only can travelers soak up some sun, but they can also explore the area’s amusement parks, along with participating in Fall Fest, a festival celebrating the joys of autumn.
Average nightly hotel rate: $166
Milwaukee
Feel the autumn air by heading to Milwaukee this season. The city offers numerous activities, including hiking through Grant Park to witness the fall foliage and discovering plenty of apple orchards for fruit picking or simply enjoying a delightful homemade apple pie.
Average nightly hotel rate: $163
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a fall lover’s paradise. With warm days and cool nights, it offers plenty to explore, including festivals galore. Venture out for a hike on its expansive public trail system, and enjoy exciting Halloween events, such as the Spooktacular Balloon Festival, featuring balloons filled with candy for trick-or-treaters.
Average nightly hotel rate: $163
Reno, Nevada
If you’re looking for spectacular fall foliage alongside great hotel deals, visit Reno. The region features endless hiking and biking trails under a canopy of changing leaves, while also providing the best time for fishing as the Truckee River is brimming with trout.
Average nightly hotel rate: $162
Dallas
Visit the third-largest city in Texas for a host of fall fun. Here, visitors can explore the beautiful city with comfortable temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid-70s. Don’t forget to visit the Dallas Arboretum to see the stunning fall blooms and its renowned pumpkin show.
Average nightly hotel rate: $157
Albuquerque
If you enjoyed the balloon-themed activities in Scottsdale, consider a second trip to Albuquerque. Here, visitors can participate in the festivities at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, including the opportunity to take a ride in a balloon for stunning views of fall colors.
Average nightly hotel rate: $156
Houston
If visiting Texas’s third-largest city wasn’t exciting enough, perhaps a trip to Houston, the state’s largest city, will be. Experience both great deals and lively events like the Texas Renaissance Festival and the Southern Smoke food festival.
Average nightly hotel rate: $154
Phoenix
Phoenix offers a plethora of seasonal delights for travelers this autumn, accompanied by hotel prices that are quite reasonable. Dive into the excitement at the Arizona State Fair, enjoy Oktoberfest, and indulge in the delights of the annual Garlic Festival.
Average nightly hotel rate: $154
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Another Florida destination for deal lovers this fall is Fort Lauderdale. This city by the sea offers travelers a warm-weather escape with plenty of activities, including Halloween theme weeks at Flamingo Gardens and the city’s Annual Halloween Bar Crawl.
Average nightly hotel rate: $153
San Jose, California
Fall is a fantastic time to visit northern California, specifically the city of San Jose. Positioned in the foothills of Silicon Valley, this city is an excellent destination for tech enthusiasts to explore events such as Tech or Treat at the popular Tech Interactive.
Average nightly hotel rate: $150
Arlington, Virginia
Explore the breathtaking fall colors in Arlington. The county is filled with excellent spots to view the changing leaves, such as the walking trails at the Long Branch Nature Center, along the Mount Vernon Trail, and at the Potomac Overlook Regional Park.
Average nightly hotel rate: $144
Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington, Minnesota, is another fantastic location for viewing fall colors. Here, we recommend spending a little time inside the Mall of America, which hosts numerous fall events, including the Underwater Pumpkin Carving at Sea Life and the mall-wide Mall-O-Ween celebrations.
Average nightly hotel rate: $141
Jacksonville, Florida
Experience even more beachfront fun in Jacksonville, Florida. The city along the Atlantic coast hosts a vibrant array of events throughout the year, particularly in the fall. During this cooler season, visitors can enjoy Jacksonville’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest, listen to music at the A Taste Of Blues Festival, and participate in River City Pride.
Average nightly hotel rate: $128
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
For those seeking a plethora of festivals, Oklahoma City is a prime destination this season. Not only will visitors find attractive hotel rates, but they’ll also encounter exciting festivities like the Oklahoma State Fair, the Fiestas de las Américas, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Red Earth FallFest Parade & Powwow, honoring Indigenous cultures in the region.
Average nightly hotel rate: $115
Kissimmee, Florida
Last but not least, Kissimmee provides travelers yet another chance to enjoy Florida in the fall, with accommodations typically available for under $100 per night. While visiting, travelers can explore nearby amusement parks and delight in numerous fall festivals, including Legoland Florida Resort’s Brick-or-Treat and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney.
Average nightly hotel rate: $99
Laughlin, Nevada
Finally, Laughlin, Nevada, offers the best travel deals of the fall season, with average nightly hotel rates at just $97. Located a short drive from Las Vegas, this city provides similar casino fun while also offering abundant outdoor activities throughout the season, such as exploring the nearby Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail or visiting the eerie Oatman Ghost Town, just a 30-minute drive away.
Average nightly hotel rate: $97
