15 Family-Friendly Fall Vacations on the East Coast

Looking for some awesome family-friendly fall vacations on the east coast? We’ve got your covered!

Once the summer madness is over, and the kids are settled into their school routines, it’s a great time to take a quick trip to enjoy the autumn weather.

There are several places on the east coast that are perfect for enjoying the cooler weather and watching the leaves turn. Some of our best trips have been in the fall for this reason!

The guide shares some of the best east coast fall vacations for families (or anyone else) looking to getaway for a long weekend.

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15 Family-Friendly Fall Vacations on East Coast (From North to South)

1. Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)

Although Martha’s Vineyard is known as a summer destination, it is also perfect for a fall weekend getaway or even a day trip. The island is quieter, as most of the tourists have left for the season. However, the weather is perfect, and there is still much to do.

Some of the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard can be done during the fall season, like bike riding, hiking, strolling through the towns, and even visiting lighthouses.

🤩 Try a bus tour to see the best parts of the island!

Many of the delicious restaurants, like the Lookout Tavern and Offshore Ale, both located in Oak Bluffs, are still open during the fall.

2. Finger Lakes (New York)

The Finger Lakes in New York is beautiful anytime, but it’s spectacular during the fall.

The southern area of the region, including Watkins Glen and Ithaca, are perfect for a fall weekend getaway, thanks to the beautiful gorges. Typically, the gorge trails close at the end of October, so plan a visit to the area for early in the season.

There is a lot to do in the area, including the Corning Museum of Glass and, of course, the many waterfall hikes. And take the time to walk around downtown Watkins Glen and enjoy the lake views.

3. Catskills (New York)

New York has no shortage of perfect places for a fall vacation, and the Catskills is just one more to add to this list.

From amazing waterfall hikes to small town shopping to unique attractions like Opus40, there is something for everyone in the Catskills.

One of the best things to do in the Catskills in the fall is a railbike ride to check out all of the foliage. Add in a gorgeous family-friendly sunset hike and you’re good to go.

4. Tarrytown/ Sleepy Hollow (New York)

There is no better place to celebrate fall and Halloween than in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow in New York.

Sleepy Hollow was made famous by the short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, written by Tarrytown native Washington Irving.

Visit his historic home, Sunnyside, during your stay in the area. And don’t forget to visit the “Headless Horseman Bridge” a few miles up the road.

There is more to do in the area, like visiting Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, and Phillipsburg Manor. And don’t miss one of the best jack o’lantern displays around.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is held annually at the Van Cortland Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, about 15 minutes from Tarrytown. The “Blaze” runs from the end of September to November and is worth adding to your fall weekend getaway itinerary.

5. New York City (New York

Fall is the best time to visit New York City! The weather is crisp, making it pleasant to walk around town. And the tourist attractions are less-crowded than during the Christmas season.

During your fall weekend getaway to New York, plan to spend an afternoon or morning wandering around Central Park. As the leaves change colors, it’s so beautiful to walk around and enjoy this oasis in the middle of the city.

🤩 Enjoy a self-guided tour around Central Park!

Fall is also an excellent time to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, New York City can be affordable with the many free and inexpensive things to do, including riding the Staten Island Ferry!

6. Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania)

A fall weekend getaway to the Pocono Mountains should be on everyone’s bucket list. This area of Pennsylvania is a great place to enjoy the fall foliage while also having plenty of things to do.

Start by booking one of the several excellent family-friendly resorts in the Poconos.

Then you can plan to enjoy some of the activities like hiking, the fall festivals, and ski-lift scenic rides. Or take one of the scenic train rides.

7. Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)

Philadelphia is fantastic in the fall! The weather is perfect for exploring the city’s many historical sites, like Independence Hall and Elfreth’s Alley.

It’s also a great time to enjoy Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River.

Visiting some of the city’s outer neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill is also a perfect way to spend a fall day. Enjoy the changing leaves as you hike in Wissahickon Valley Park, or enjoy the gorgeous Morris Arboretum.

There are so many ways you can enjoy a fall weekend in Philadelphia.

🤩 A Hop-On / Hop-Off tour is a great way to see Philadelphia!

If you have more than a weekend to spend, a road trip through Pennsylvania is a fun way to spend your fall break. The fall foliage in the state is some of the best!

8. Lancaster County (Pennsylvania)

Fall and farms go together so perfectly it’s hard to separate the two. And Lancaster County in Pennsylvania has plenty of farms to visit other fun fall things to do.

First, you’ll want to take a beautiful fall foliage train ride through the countryside. Then you’ll want to visit the amazing Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, which has dozens of fall themed activities.

If you’re looking for more outdoor fun, Lancaster County has several hiking trails, like the Conestoga Trail, a 63-mile trail that spans the county.

🤩 Visit a working Amish farm!

We also love visiting Dutch Wonderland during their Happy Hauntings and the Turkey Hill Experience to sample their delicious ice cream.

9. Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)

Pittsburgh is a small city that packs in a lot of fun. There are so many things to do in Pittsburgh for kids and adults alike. And it’s proximity to so many beautiful state parks, like Ohiopyle, make it ideal for a fall vacation.

In the city, you’ll be able to get views of the changing colors from the top of Mount Washington after riding one of the inclines. Or just enjoy the foliage while wandering around Frick Park.

🤩 A Hop-On / Hop-Off tour is a great way to see Pittsburgh!

Of course, there are also fabulous museums like the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and the John Heinz History Center. And don’t forget to get a bite to eat at the famous Primanti Bros.

10. Washington, DC

Another big city perfect for a fall getaway is Washington, DC. The weather feels a little cooler and the summer crowds are gone, leaving the museums and monuments along the National Mall less crowded and more enjoyable.

This is a great time to visit Arlington Cemetery and other popular sites. And you’ll definitely want to go to the top of the Washington Monument to see all of the fall foliage.

🤩 Enjoy an evening tour of the monuments.

If you want more things to do near Washington, DC, you’ll want to hop on the Metro to Alexandria, where you can take the FREE King Street Trolley to numerous shops, restaurants, and historic sites. It’ll give you a fun-filled fall family vacation, for sure.

11. Shenandoah Valley/Charlottesville (Virginia)

Is there anything better than driving through the Shenandoah Valley as the leaves change color? It makes an ideal stop on a road trip through Virginia any time of year, but it’s even more beautiful in the fall!

There is so much to do in the Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville that you might need more than a weekend.

While in Shenandoah National Park, try one of the hikes, like the Dark Hollow Falls waterfall hike. Or get a beautiful view of the valley from an easy accessible trail.

🤩 Take this self-guide driving tour through Shenandoah National Park

Visiting one of the several presidential estates, like Monticello, is a great way to spend your time. Or one of the many caverns in the area, like the one in Luray. And don’t forget to visit one of the many wineries nearby.

12. Williamsburg (Virginia)

This historic area in Virginia can’t be beat in the fall. The weather is beautiful and the crowds are low. And there are so many things to do in Williamsburg you can easily fill your weeklong fall vacation.

Of course, the main draw to Williamsburg is Colonial Williamsburg. As the largest living history museum in the world, it’ll keep you busy. And for more historical fun, you’ll want to visit Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Battlefield.

🤩 The America’s Historic Triangle ticket gives access to all of the sites!

And for some scary good fun, don’t forget to visit Busch Gardens during their Howl-O-Scream event.

13. Outer Banks (North Carolina)

Although it’s known as a summer destination, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is equally fun in the fall.

Home rentals tend to be less expensive than the popular summer months, but the weather is still great for enjoying the surf and sand. The water temperature is warm enough for swimming well into October.

🤩 Learn all about the “Lost Colony” on this walking tour

Many of the fun things to do in the Outer Banks, like Wright Brothers National Memorial and Jockey Ridge State Park, are open year-round. And other attractions, like the Bodie Island Lighthouse are open until the beginning of fall.

14. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg (Tennessee)

One of the most popular tourist destinations on the east coast is the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area of Tennessee. With outdoor attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s no wonder it’s a perfect place for a fall weekend getaway.

There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that it will be hard to narrow down how to spend your weekend. But places like Dollywood, the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, or Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, are some of the best places to start.

🎢Take a ride on a mountain coaster!

For the outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of awesome hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And don’t forget to visit Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee!

15. Dahlonega (Georgia)

One of the cutest towns in Georgia, Dahlonega is a perfect fall weekend getaway locale. With things to do like the Gold Museum and the Consolidated Gold Mine, as well as the several shops and delicious restaurants in town, there is plenty to do.

Outside of town, visitors can hike in the Chattahoochee National Forest or visit some of the local attractions like the Gibbs Garden, which is open through November. 

What to Pack for an East Coast Fall Vacation

Fall is one of the best times to plan a weekend getaway on the east coast. The weather is warm, but not hot, during the day, and it cools down at night. Perfect for sitting with a cup of cocoa by the fire.

You’ll want to wear layers during your fall break vacation. In the morning and evening, you’ll want a sweatshirt or jacket to keep you warm. However, you’ll want to have short sleeves during the middle of the day.

Although it’s not usually rainy, it’s always wise to bring a raincoat, poncho, or umbrella, just in case.

Plan Ahead For Your Weekend Getaway

Road Trip Preparation

If you’re planning a fall weekend getaway on the east coast, most likely you live close enough to drive to your destination. If that’s the case, make sure your car is ready to make the long haul!

We always check our tire pressure, oil levels, and lights before we head out on a road trip. These are some just ways to stay safe while on the road.

Book Your Hotel

Even if you’re just going away for a weekend in the fall, you want to stay at the best place for you and your family. Don’t forget to book early if your planning a trip over Thanksgiving break!

We use sites like Booking.com to find the great deals and places to stay.

Booking.com

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