Sure summer vacation is great but there are some places that are just better in the fall. The weather has cooled down and visiting museums and theme parks is easier because the summer crowds have gone. Then there are some places that are just meant to be seen in the fall because they’re just that much prettier, the leaves have changed colors and the towns give off this warm fall vibe that is like non-other and when you see and feel that warm sun glow through the leaves you get this cozy feeling inside.

While a few of the top cities are in the autumn picturesque states of New England surprisingly enough several of the more popular destinations aren’t even close and may surprise you with being at the top of the list.

Honolulu, Hawaii

What, Hawaii you ask? Yes. Fall for Honolulu happens to be the in between period for their two high seasons summer and winter, when all the snowbirds come down. Since its low season, you’ll find great deals on everything from hotel accommodations to adventure tours and you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with. You can also take advantage of the fact that fall is humpback whale season when the whales swim down from Alaska to the islands to mate.

Savannah, Georgia

This may not be the first place that comes to mind but it has definitely made the list for a reason. This destination is popular for several reasons; in the fall temperatures are mild compared to the hot Georgia summer, there are a number of quaint Bed & Breakfasts that travelers love to stay at and its ghostly history adds just the perfect amount of Halloween spook for October visitors. Also a historic seaport it is a charming city that you can tour about on a classic trolley to visit the city squares and learn about the history of Georgia’s “first city”.

Providence, Rhode Island

A popular New England destination in the fall, Providence, RI is. Filled with quaint historic neighborhoods that are filled with stylish hotels, great antique shops and fabulous hometown cafes. Tour the picturesque homes that landscape the city and experience true New England beauty. Your Rhode Island visit is sure to be a pleasant one as you can experience a piece of American history.

Nashville, Tennessee

Welcome to the heart of American rock and roll to the one place in the US known as “Music City”. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and is just a short drive away from Elivis’ hometown of Graceland. Nashville is a great destination for all music lovers especially in the fall when it hosts a number of music festivals including the Americana Music Festival, the Biscuits & Bluegrass Festival and several others.

San Diego, California

In Southern California it seems to feel like summer all year round and fall in San Diego actually offers some of the best weather of the year. The scorching summer heat is offer with but the days are still sunny and warn allowing people to still be able to bask in the sun on the great sandy beaches. Fall also means the summer crowds have left and that their area shorter lines at themes parks like Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, meanings you’ll enjoy your time more.

San Francisco, California

This city allows California residents and travelers to get a feel for the American East Coast on the West Coast. There’s that East Coast vibe of unique and hip neighborhoods like the Castro District and Height & Ashbury that can compare to Greenwich Village and SoHo in New York.  The scenery at this time of year is also picturesque as the chilly and foggy weather of the summer as cleared and ironically the warm and sunny weather of the fall as come along. Tour San Francisco and its famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Lombard Street.

Boston, Massachusetts

This city defines what is fall on the American East Coast. With traditional New England American architecture and trees whose leaves turn yellow, red and orange like clockwork Boston is a sight to see in the autumn season. Walk around this beautiful cities old cobblestone streets or take a seat in a bar and enjoy a beer from one of the many local microbreweries while watching a New England Patriots football game. You can sightsee Boston and learn about its deep American history and get a real feel for America.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Home to the famous Mardi Gras Festival, New Orleans has a lot to offer when they’re aren’t people crowding the streets in masquerade costumes. Yes, New Orleans has great bars and great nightlife but there’s more to the city than that. Experience the French culture of New Orleans when you visit the French Quarters and try their famous beignets, you can’t visit the city and not have one, and walk around the historic Jackson Square.

Washington, D.C.

What’s great about visiting Washington, D.C. in the fall is not only is the landscape beautiful but tourist season has died down and the crowds will be much less. With a multitude of museums and monuments the fewer people there are in your way the better, nothing is worse than having 50 tourist crowded in front of one museum display. Fall is the best time to take advantage of the slow tourist season before the cold east coast winter hits the city.

New York City

While New York is full of life year round there are few reasons why New York City is better in the fall. First, the humidity of the summer has come to an end and it’s more bearable to walk around the city sightseeing and taking a stroll through New York’s central park. Second, public transportation in New York City is so great that you can easily to a train to upstate New York and get your fix of fall colors, perhaps even go apple picking.