Traveling in autumn can mean less crowds, cooler temperatures and better bargains. It’s also a magical season around the world, filled with lively festivals, fresh food from local harvests, and breathtaking fall color. If you’re looking to witness the best fall foliage in the world, these top destinations offer some of the most beautiful autumn landscapes.

Experience North America’s East Coast when it’s bursting with red, orange and yellow leaves. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich and enjoy Bavaria’s splendid array of foliage. Go wine tasting in California’s Napa and Sonoma when the vineyards turn bright red. Or, journey to East Asia to see spectacular autumn colors in Korea, China and Japan. Wherever your heart takes you this season, here are ten fall hot spots you won’t want to miss!

➡️FIND BUDGET-FRIENDLY FALL FOLIAGE TOURS IN THE WORLD

#1 New England, USA

Up and down the East Coast of the United States, trees explode in a spectacular display of color every autumn. Kick off a week-long tour from New York where you can experience world-famous Central Park during its most beautiful time of year.

Then travel to the northeastern states, known as New England, and experience winding roads and forests as they transform in an arrange of yellow, orange, red and brown foliage. Take a scenic 1920’s steam train in Connecticut. Then, visit Martha’s Vineyard on this fall colors tour. Or, head to Acadia National Park through Maine.

Best time to visit: From late September to mid-October

Highlights:

• Vermont’s Route 100, often called the “Skier’s Highway,” offers breathtaking views.
• Acadia National Park in Maine provides a stunning coastal backdrop to the autumn foliage.
• Boston’s Arnold Arboretum offers a city escape with beautiful fall colors.

---

#2 Kyoto, Japan

Japan’s gardens, forests, and trees truly experience the four seasons throughout the year, from the enchanting cherry blossoms to snow-covered canopies. Fall is no different, offering a rich blend of orange and red across the country.

Kyoto is a top destination for viewing the best fall colors in the world. The city’s ancient temples and gardens are framed by vibrant red and orange maple leaves, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Enjoy leaf peeping throughout Japan with fall foliage tours departing from Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya or Kyoto. Go hiking in beautiful Hokkaido where fall color first appears and enjoy a three-day tour. If you’re traveling later in November, try Kyoto, home to dozens of historic temples and gardens, where you can experience autumn leaves illuminated on a night tour.

Best time to visit: From mid-November to early December

Highlights:

• Tofuku-ji Temple is famous for its stunning autumn foliage.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove provides a unique contrast of green and red.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers panoramic views of the city and its autumnal beauty.

---

#3 Quebec, Canada

Much like the East Coast of the United States, this region of Canada comes alive with autumn foliage. Wander through Algonquin Provincial Park and experience fall colors against the backdrop of beautiful lakes.

Visit Quebec, one of the most beautiful fall foliage in the world. Witness spectacular fall foliage in Montreal and Quebec City. Fly over the Thousand Islands on a helicopter tour and see brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Enjoy the majesty of Niagara Falls when the leaves change. Or, travel to Cape Breton and the Maritime regions on this tour to enjoy the most beautiful coastline, bays, and hiking trails in Eastern Canada.

Best time to visit: From late September to mid-October

Highlights:

• Mont-Tremblant National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities amidst the fall colors.
• Quebec City’s historic streets are even more charming with the backdrop of autumn leaves.
• The Charlevoix region provides breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and vibrant foliage.

---

#4 Bavaria, Germany

Nothing says autumn like celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany. While Bavaria is most known for its world-famous festival in Munich, this rural region of Germany also offers stunning views of fall foliage.

Escape from the city for a bit to explore the local towns (all of which also celebrate their own Oktoberfests) and hike along scenic trails beneath an array of fall leaves. If you’re looking for a Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle day tour, travel from Munich to Neuschwanstein to see the fall colors wrapped around this fairy tale castle.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October

Highlights:

• Neuschwanstein Castle looks even more fairy-tale-like surrounded by fall colors.
• The Romantic Road offers a scenic drive through charming medieval towns and beautiful landscapes.
• Berchtesgaden National Park is perfect for hiking and enjoying the autumn scenery.

---

#5 Great Wall, China

The Great Wall of China offers a unique and breathtaking fall foliage experience. The sections of the wall near Beijing, such as Mutianyu and Jinshanling, are surrounded by forests that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn. This combination of ancient history and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination.

Hiking along the Great Wall during the fall provides stunning panoramic views and a chance to appreciate the historical significance of this iconic structure against a backdrop of brilliant autumn colors.

While in China, be sure to visit Mt. Huangshan and Zhangjiajie National Park for spectacular fall color.

Best time to visit: From late September to mid-October

Highlights:

• The Mutianyu section provides a restored and scenic part of the wall with beautiful fall colors.
• Jinshanling offers less crowded trails with stunning views of the autumn landscape.
• Simatai, known for its rugged beauty, offers a more adventurous hike with fall foliage.

---

#6 Yosemite National Park，USA

Yosemite National Park in California is famous for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems.

Yosemite is a masterpiece throughout the year, but fall offers that perfect gap between ice roads and heavy, summer crowds. Plus, the numerous hikes and trails transform with fall colors. Travel on a variety of Yosemite tours to enjoy an intimate and thorough tour of this beloved national park.

Best time to visit:  From late September to early November

Highlights:

• Yosemite Valley offers stunning views of fall foliage against the backdrop of El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Mariposa Grove’s giant sequoias are framed by colorful autumn leaves.
• Tioga Road provides a scenic drive through the park’s high country with beautiful fall colors.

---

#7 The Lake District, England

The Lake District is one of the best autumn destinations in the world. The area’s tranquil lakes and rugged mountains create a beautiful contrast with the rich autumn colors. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, boat rides, and explore charming villages, making it a perfect destination for experiencing fall foliage.

The Lake District’s stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere provide an ideal setting for a peaceful and picturesque fall getaway.

Best time to visit: From late October to early November

Highlights:

• Grasmere and its surrounding hills offer some of the best views in the region.
• Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, is stunning in the fall.
• The Borrowdale Valley is perfect for scenic drives and walks.

---

#8 Jiuzhaigou Valley, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairy-tale landscapes. This nature reserve in Sichuan Province, China is famous for its multi-tiered waterfalls, colorful lakes, and diverse forest ecosystems.

In autumn, the valley transforms into a painter’s palette of red, yellow, and green foliage set against the crystal-clear blue lakes, making it one of the most beautiful fall destinations in the world.

Best time to visit: From mid-October to early November.

Highlights:

• Five-Flower Lake is known for its stunning multi-colored water.
• Nuorilang Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the valley.
• The Mirror Lake provides breathtaking reflections of the autumn colors.

---

#9 South Korea

South Korea‘s autumn foliage is renowned for its brilliant colors and scenic landscapes. Popular destinations for fall foliage include Seoraksan National Park, Nami Island, and the ancient city of Gyeongju. The country’s diverse natural beauty is highlighted by the vibrant red and yellow leaves of maple and ginkgo trees.

South Korea’s national parks and historical sites offer numerous opportunities for hiking, photography, and cultural experiences during the fall season.

The best time to visit: From mid-October to early November

Highlights:

• Seoraksan National Park offers stunning mountain scenery and vibrant autumn colors.
• Nami Island is famous for its picturesque tree-lined paths.
• Gyeongju’s historical sites are beautifully framed by fall foliage.

---

#10 Canadian Rockies, Canada

Discover majestic natural beauty in Western Canada. The Canadian Rockies are known for their breathtaking mountain scenery and vibrant fall colors. The region’s national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, offer some of the most beautiful fall landscapes in the world.

Visitors can enjoy the stunning contrast of golden aspen trees against the rugged peaks and glacial lakes, or take a drive along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper for enchanting views of yellow and orange valleys.

Best time to visit: From late September to mid-October.

Highlights:

• Banff National Park offers stunning views of fall foliage against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
• Jasper National Park provides diverse landscapes and beautiful autumn colors.
• Lake Louise is particularly picturesque with its turquoise waters and surrounding fall foliage.

---

#11 Napa Valley & Sonoma County, USA

Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California are famous for their vineyards and scenic landscapes. In autumn, the vineyards turn golden and red, creating a beautiful contrast with the rolling hills and blue skies. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours from San Francisco, scenic drives, and harvest festivals, making it an ideal destination for experiencing fall foliage.

The region’s wineries and charming towns offer a relaxing and picturesque setting for a fall getaway, with numerous opportunities to explore the beauty of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

Best time to visit: From late September to early November.

Highlights:

• Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail offers a scenic drive through vineyards and wineries.
• Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is known for its picturesque vineyards and fall colors.
• Wine tasting tours provide a relaxing way to enjoy the autumn scenery.

---

#12 Great Smoky Mountains, USA

One of the most stunning fall foliage destinations in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains remain a best kept secret among travelers and receive less crowds than some other fall hot spots. This breathtaking Southern mountain range runs along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Peak fall foliage time is generally mid-October to early November.

You can get here on tours departing from major East Coast cities including New York, Boston and Washington DC. If you’re already traveling through Tennessee, discover a one-day fall colors tour from Pigeon Forge.

Best time to visit: From mid-October to early November

Highlights:

• Clingmans Dome offers panoramic views of the fall colors from the highest point in the park.
• Cades Cove provides a scenic drive and opportunities to see wildlife amidst the autumn foliage.
• The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers beautiful views of the fall colors and historic buildings.

---

#13 Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is synonymous with idyllic landscapes, rolling vineyards, and historic hilltop towns. In autumn, Tuscany’s countryside is painted with shades of gold, orange, and red, making it one of the best places to experience fall colors in the world.

The region’s rich history and cultural heritage, combined with its stunning autumn scenery, offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Best time to visit: From late October to early November.

Highlights:

• The Chianti region is perfect for a scenic drive through vineyards and olive groves.
• Val d’Orcia offers iconic views of cypress trees and medieval towns surrounded by fall foliage.
• Florence’s Boboli Gardens provide a peaceful retreat with beautiful autumn colors.

---

#14 The Pyrenees, Spain and France

The Pyrenees mountain range, straddling the border between Spain and France, is a breathtaking destination for fall foliage. The region’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to high peaks, showcase a stunning array of autumn colors.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails, picturesque villages, and historical sites, all set against the vibrant backdrop of fall.

Best time to visit: From mid-October to early November.

Highlights:

• Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park in Spain offers incredible hiking trails and fall views.
• The French side of the Pyrenees features picturesque villages and scenic drives.
• The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in Catalonia is a hidden gem for fall foliage.

---

#15 Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia‘s dramatic landscapes and vast wilderness areas provide a unique backdrop for fall colors. The region’s lenga trees turn a vibrant red and orange, contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes.

The best time to visit is from late March to early May, making it an ideal destination for experiencing fall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Best time to visit: From late March to early May

Highlights:

• Torres del Paine National Park in Chile offers stunning autumn scenery and diverse wildlife.
• Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina features beautiful fall colors against the backdrop of massive glaciers.
• The Carretera Austral scenic route provides breathtaking views of the Patagonian fall foliage.

---

FAQ