19 Amazing Places To Visit In November In The USA

1. Telluride, Colorado

Ending November in beautiful Telluride was an awesome decision — ski season was just starting up, the slopes were quiet, the mountain-town vibe was cozy, early-season lodging deals were easy to snag, and I even caught the fun Thanksgiving Weekend celebrations. I drove six and a half hours from Denver for an early four-day winter break and spent my mornings on the slopes.

I also squeezed in hopping on the free gondola to the European-style Mountain Village which had twinkling lights and gorgeous alpine architecture, sipped on local craft beers at the buzzing Telluride Brewing Co. and soaked up the après-ski buzz without the peak-season crowds. I should just mention that the snowfall can vary a lot from year to year, so I was glad I checked conditions before booking!

• Location: Southwest Colorado, western region of the United States
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• Vibe: arty, upscale alpine town 
• Average temperature – minus 6 to 4°C

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the rustic-chic 4-star The Hotel Telluride – I was charmed by the boutique vibe, exposed Douglas fir beams, handy in-room yoga kits, and indulging in their blissful amethyst-infused ISUN oil facial in their spa!

2. New York

New York City was spectacular during this month — I found the air was crisp, the trees in Central Park glowed golden, and the city buzzed with early holiday magic but without December’s packed sidewalks!

I flew into JFK and spent five cozy days at the trendy 4-star Moxy NYC Lower East Side joining the cheering crowds at the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and discovering the European-style Union Square Holiday Market which had the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air.

I skated to jolly Christmas tunes at the iconic Rockefeller Center, sipped on a hot buttered rum while wandering the twinkling Bryant Park Winter Village, crunched through leaf-strewn paths in world-famous Central Park, and soaked up the dazzling skyline from the famous Empire State Building — all with festive lights twinkling and better hotel rates than December.

• Location: Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic region
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• Vibe: Dynamic, diverse, and fast-paced
• Average temperature – 4°C – 13°C

My personal highlights…

3. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai made a truly magical early winter vacation — I discovered the weather was warm and breezy, the crowds had thinned, and it was just before the rainy season started, so I found great deals on hotels and flights.

I flew into Līhuʻe Airport (LIH) and spent ten dreamy days at the beautiful 4-star Koloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū, unwinding on Hanalei Bay’s crescent-shaped beach and sipping sunset cocktails.

I hiked to the roaring Wailua Falls, explored the breathtaking Waimea Canyon and the dramatic Na Pali Coast, and joined a whale-watching boat tour right at the start of humpback season. I discovered the island even had fun Thanksgiving celebrations such as the local Turkey Trot which gave the trip a lively, festive twist.

• Location: Northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Central Pacific region of the United States
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• Vibe: Lush, laid-back tropical paradise
• Average temperature – 21°C – 27°C

My personal highlights…

• Savoring golden Baja fish tacos and a smoky black bean–jalapeño dip while watching the waves roll in at Duke’s Kauai on Taco Tuesday was bliss!

4. Charleston, South Carolina

I found this month to be a wonderfully charming time to visit Charleston — the air was mild, the fall foliage made the historic streets even prettier, and I loved exploring without the usual crowds while cozying up in restaurants serving seasonal Lowcountry menus (the Okra and Tomato Stew was my favorite)! I also found excellent off-season hotel deals and even managed to catch the festive Turkey Day Run.

I touched down at Charleston International Airport (CHS) and spent a lovely late-fall break at romantic 4-star Pinch Hotel. I spent it strolling the cobblestone streets of the pastel-colored French Quarter, admiring the fiery leaves at the historic Magnolia Plantation, touring the atmospheric Boone Hall Plantation, and taking a breezy boat ride around the picturesque harbor with the city skyline glowing in the beautiful autumn light.

• Location: Southeastern United States
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• Vibe: elegant Southern charm 
• Average temperature – 8°C- 20°C

My personal highlights…

• Sipping on a blush-pink martini crowned with an edible violet accompanied by stone-fired margherita flatbreads adorned with fresh basil at the trendy The Rooftop at the Vendue.

5. The Florida Keys

My late-November getaway to the Florida Keys was everything I hoped for — warm, sunny weather without the heavy humidity, hurricane season finally over, and lighter crowds (and prices) than peak winter made it perfect for peaceful snorkeling, swimming, and boating — though the short days meant I had to plan activities earlier.

After landing at Key West International Airport (EYW), I settled in for ten dreamy days at the chic 4-star Islander Resort on Islamorada, relaxing under the palms and hopping between my favorite beaches such as the family-friendly Higgs Beach in Key West and quiet Sombrero Beach in Marathon.

I explored the otherworldly coral reefs at the biodiverse John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, drove the iconic Overseas Highway, kayaked through tranquil mangroves, caught the adrenaline-filled World Offshore Powerboat Championship and ended my days watching fiery sunsets. I found out the star-studded Key West Film Festival also took place this month.

• Location: Southern tip of Florida, stretching into the southeastern United States
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• Vibe: tropical and quirky island escape
• Average temperature – 21°C – 27°C

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the nightlife on Duval Street, especially sipping on spicy watermelon margaritas served ice-cold in salt-rimmed mason jars at the legendary Sloppy Joe’s Bar!

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

My November stop in Flagstaff was simply gorgeous — the air was crisp, fall colors still lingered in the rugged Coconino National Forest, and the nearby volcanic San Francisco Peaks were dusted with early snow, giving the whole city an atmospheric cozy mountain feel.

Cooler temperatures made hiking easier, off-season rates made hotels more affordable, and there were no peak-season crowds. I stopped off on my Route 66 road trip and spent three unique days at the trendy 4-star Little America Hotel. I hiked the photogenic Fatman’s Loop past dramatic volcanic rock formations, stargazed under gorgeously clear skies at the fascinating Lowell Observatory, and spent my evenings sampling local wine bars, craft breweries, and cute coffee shops downtown.

• Location: Northern Arizona, southwestern region of the United States
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• Vibe: mountain-town cool
• Average temperature – 7°C to 13°C

My highlights…

7. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

I found the Smokies magical toward the end of the month — lower elevations still had splashes of fall color, crowds had thinned, elk and deer were easier to spot, and the crisp air made long hikes and scenic drives a joy, though I started early to avoid being out after dark.

Off-season rates made lodging more affordable, and I got to attend a mix of awesome festive events — from the dazzling lights of the magical Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas to the enchanting Winterfest in Pigeon Forge.

I drove just over an hour from Asheville and spent four cozy days hiking through the golden leaves of the idyllic Cades Cove, spotting elk in remote Cataloochee Valley, and leaf-peeping along the winding Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the elevated Newfound Gap Road. I ended my trip shopping for handmade pottery and crafts at the wholesome Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show — it was the perfect way to bring a piece of the mountains home!

• Location: Southeastern United States
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• Vibe: Misty, tranquil wilderness
• Average temperature – 1°C- 14°C

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the boutique-style 4-star Historic Rocky Waters Inn – I loved the cozy romantic vibe, the fresh pine-scented air, and waking up to the zen-like sound of the river flowing past my balcony each morning!

8. Death Valley National Park, California 

I found out for myself that this month was hands-down the best time to visit Death Valley National Park — the scorching summer heat had cooled to mild, safe temperatures ideal for hiking, and I loved watching the golden sunrise at the otherworldly Zabriskie Point without worrying about heat exhaustion!

The park was wonderfully peaceful (the rangers told me March and April brought the biggest crowds), the night skies were spectacular and I found out there was even free entry on Veterans Day as well as fun events such as the historic Death Valley ’49ers Encampment and the iconic Century Cycle Ride during November.

I flew into Las Vegas, drove two hours, and stayed for three unforgettable days at the exceptionally-located 4-star Ranch at Death Valley. I hiked the colorful walls of the narrow Golden Canyon, stood on the surreal salt flats at lunar-esque Badwater Basin, and soaked up the otherworldly landscapes! I just have to mention that I found temperatures really dropped quickly after dark so I was glad I bought layers.

• Location: Eastern California, southwestern region of the United States
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• Vibe: otherworldly and extreme
• Average temperature – 9°C – 25°C

My favorite highlights…

• Taking a journey along Artist’s Drive and seeing the surreal swirls of mint green, lavender, pink, rust red, and yellow – the guide at the visitor center told me they were caused by oxidized metals in the volcanic rock.

9. Bayou Country, Louisiana

Moss-draped Bayou Country made a truly unique late fall break — I discovered the weather was cooler and less humid, mosquitoes had vanished, and it was the perfect time to glide through the hauntingly beautiful swamps and enjoy lively Cajun music festivals without summer’s crowds.

Hotels offered great off-season discounts, the fall foliage gave the bayous a colorful edge, and the cooler temperatures meant more active wildlife! I flew into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), drove two hours to Houma, then 15 minutes more to the charming Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast, where I based myself for a truly extraordinary week.

I explored the grand Oak Alley Plantation, cruised the meandering Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, joined a fun swamp boat tour, caught live music and sipped on a velvety Landry Bayoutage Red Blend at the rustic Landry Vineyards, and even celebrated the family-friendly National Louisiana Day on the 9th which had incredible jazz performances.

• Location: Southern Louisiana, southeastern region of the United States
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• Vibe: Mysterious and soulful
• Average temperature – 10°C – 21°C

My highlights…

• Going on a Cajun Country Swamp Tour, spotting menacing-looking alligators, blush-pink roseate spoonbills, and squawking great blue herons while breathing in lungfuls of the earthy cypress aroma!

10. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 

Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in November really was an inspired choice — I found the cooler weather made hiking the red rock canyons a breeze, the cottonwood trees along the winding Fremont River glowed golden, and the trails were blissfully quiet.

The low-angle autumn light cast a warm glow across the Waterpocket Fold and sandstone cliffs, making the landscapes look even more dramatic. I flew into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), drove four hours southeast, and spent four beautiful days exploring.

I hiked to the striking Cassidy Arch, wandered the narrow Capitol Gorge Trail, admired the fall colors near the charming Fruita (originally a Mormon settlement), stargazed under the clear skies (it’s actually a designated International Dark Sky Park), and explored the remote but striking Cathedral Valley.

• Location: South-central Utah, western region of the United States
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• Vibe: remote and rugged
• Average temperature – minus 2°C to 12°C

My personal highlights…

11. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I found November in Pittsburgh to be seriously cozy and atmospheric — fall foliage was still visible in the parks and river valleys, the crisp air made wandering its historic neighborhoods a joy, and festive lights were just starting to twinkle downtown and at the historic Phipps Conservatory.

Flying into Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), I checked into the trendy 4-star Industrialist Hotel for four festive days — kicking off the holiday season with the dazzling Light Up Night, shopping the European-style Peoples Gas Holiday Market, and riding the historic Duquesne Incline for stunning views over the golden hills. I also explored the world-class Carnegie Museums and sampled craft beers inside the quirky Church Brew Works — all without the pesky summer tourists.

• Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania, northeastern region of the United States
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• Vibe: grit-meets-innovation
• Average temperature – 7°C to 13°C

My highlights…

• Stopping by the Dancing Gnome Brewery for a fun night of tasty food and brews — my favorites were the fruity Spy Dolphin and the bold Track Botanical beer!

12. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores made a beautiful warm winter escape this month — I found the weather had stayed warm enough for beach days and even early-month swims, the summer crowds had vanished, and hotel rates were blissfully lower. All this made it the perfect time for quiet beach walks, spotting birds and kayaking.

I flew into Pensacola International Airport (PNS), drove an hour west, and spent a blissful week relaxing on quiet stretches of sand — the family-friendly Cotton Bayou Beach and the dune-fringed Alabama Point East turned out to be my favorites!

I hiked the expansive Gulf State Park’s scenic trails, took a magical dolphin-watching cruise, strolled the photogenic pier at sunset, and joined in the fun at the legendary Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. I heard from locals that the popular Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival also took place this month.

• Location: Southern Alabama on the Gulf Coast, southeastern region of the United States
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• Vibe: relaxed beach town
• Average temperature – 10 – 23 °C

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the modern 4-star The Lodge at Gulf State Park – I loved the gulf-facing infinity pool and the breezy rooftop garden with rose-pink muhly grass swaying in the salty air.

13. Albuquerque, New Mexico

I loved my trip to Albuquerque in New Mexico in late fall – the summer heat had faded into cool, sunny days, the crowds were lighter, and the golden cottonwoods along the mighty Rio Grande were stunning. As a Breaking Bad fan, it was also the ideal time to hunt down filming locations without bumping into loads of other tourists! 

This month was full of colorful events — I was lucky enough to catch the hauntingly beautiful Dia de los Muertos celebrations and I saw posters for the mid-November Enchantment Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival as well.

I arrived at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and spent an awesome long weekend exploring. I wandered the adobe-lined streets of the quaint Old Town, rode the dizzying Sandia Peak Tramway and saw jaw-dropping views, and hiked the crisp-weather trails in the rugged Sandia Mountains — it was a wonderful mix of culture, scenery, and late-fall charm!

• Location: Central New Mexico, southwestern region of the United States
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• Vibe: quirky and artsy
• Average temperature – 13°C to 18°C

My highlights…

• Staying at the funky 4-star ARRIVE Albuquerque – I loved the photogenic décor and queuing up ‘Take Five’ on the powder-blue Victrola Bluetooth speaker that looked like a vintage radio! 

14. Los Angeles, California

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