6 Beautiful Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy This Fall

Ahh, autumn. A time of comfort and transformation. In the Northern Hemisphere, vibrant greens turn into striking oranges and yellows, while blooming flowers flourish in the south. Fall is also a perfect opportunity to visit destinations during quieter times—so breathe in the fresh air and celebrate the beauty of this colorful season.

Here are some of the top destinations to explore in the fall.

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico

In early October, head to New Mexico’s capital to witness a stunning display of hot air balloons filling the sky. This spectacle is part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival globally. Starting in 1972 with just 13 balloons, the event now showcases over 500. Among the most delightful events is the Special Shape Rodeo, featuring balloons shaped like animals, cartoon characters, and other imaginative designs soaring above Balloon Fiesta Park.

Fall brings significantly cooler temperatures, with the mercury dropping from the 80s to the 50s. This makes road trips to the drier regions of the state much more inviting, including the 275 square miles of desert at White Sands National Park, roughly a -hour drive south of Albuquerque.

Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Chaco

The 118-room Hotel Chaco, situated in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town, features Southwest-inspired decor with its rugs, stone walls, and exposed wooden beams. Dinogo's associate director of podcasts, Aislyn Greene, suggests visiting the Level 5 rooftop restaurant at sunset for breathtaking views of the city.

2. Perth, Australia

September marks the beginning of spring in Australia, making Western Australia a prime location to experience this seasonal transition. While much of the state is dominated by the arid Outback, heading southwest to Perth reveals a much lusher landscape. Each September (this year from September 13 to 29), Kings Park and Botanic Garden hosts the Everlasting Kings Park Festival, celebrating the thousands of wildflowers that bloom during this month. This year, the festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, attracting thousands to enjoy native floral displays, attend workshops, and engage in family-friendly activities.

While visiting this part of Australia, consider exploring the Margaret River wine region, known for its exquisite cabernet sauvignon, or take a one-hour ferry ride from Perth to Rottnest Island, where you can spot the incredibly adorable quokkas.

Recommended Accommodation: The Adnate Perth-Art Series

This 250-room hotel is just a 20-minute stroll from Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Its interior is adorned with artwork as vibrant as the wildflowers in Kings Park, featuring large murals and over 600 giclée prints throughout the property.

Pro tip: Before wandering through Kings Park to take in the flowers, Dinogo's editor at large, Laura Dannen Redman, suggests making a stop at the coffee shop Cooee for an authentic flat white.

3. San Francisco, California

“Sshhh: There’s a month when San Francisco’s weather doesn’t swing through four seasons in a single day,” notes Dinogo contributor Mark Ellwood in an article about some of the world’s top off-season destinations. While July and August can be “particularly notorious” for unpredictable weather, September offers a more enjoyable experience with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s an excellent time to explore the new green spaces in this remarkable city, including the 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops, a park that opened in 2022, built atop the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels.

In addition to the array of new hotels and restaurants that make San Francisco an exciting destination, fall also brings a variety of cultural events (such as the Portola Music Festival). Additionally, Broadway fans can catch Wicked returning to the Orpheum Theatre from August 28 to October 13, 2024, followed by Hamilton, which will be performing from November 27 to January 5, 2025.

Recommended Accommodation: 1 Hotel San Francisco

Among the many stunning—and luxurious—hotels opening in San Francisco, the newly opened 1 Hotel San Francisco in 2022 stands out. Conveniently situated in the central Embarcadero neighborhood, it’s just a five-minute stroll from the Ferry Building. The hotel’s soothing neutral tones and wooden furnishings create a cozy atmosphere amidst the city's vibrant energy.

4. Stowe, Vermont

It’s well-known that the northeastern USA is packed with breathtaking spots to witness the fall foliage. Stowe is one of the most famous locations in the region, claiming the title of “Fall’s Color Capital.” Its stunning autumn vistas are attributed to its proximity to the Green Mountains, where Smugglers’ Notch State Park offers expansive views of yellow, red, and orange hues across peaks and valleys.

A road trip through this area might feel like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, but there’s a new reason to take a break from driving. The Northern Vermont 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail reopened in July 2024 after much of it was damaged by flooding in 2023. This pathway for walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders stretches from St. Johnsbury to Swanton, crossing 18 towns. Explore the quaint towns and savor local food and brews along the way.

Recommended Accommodation: Secluded Tree House Airbnb

Maximize your fall coziness with the variety of Airbnbs in the beautiful rural areas of Vermont. Just a 25-minute drive north of Stowe, you’ll find a cozy retreat in this secluded Airbnb located in the village of Johnson. This multi-story cabin accommodates six guests and features a hot tub to enjoy the vibrant fall colors of the surrounding trees.

5. Norway

Norway has been in the spotlight recently (have you seen the funny ad it made about Oslo?) and has secured a spot on Dinogo’s Best Places to Visit in 2024. Bodø, located on the northern coast, has been designated a 2024 European Capital of Culture. Meanwhile, Kristiansand, a city in the south, inaugurated a museum (formerly a grain silo) in May, which houses the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism.

What makes late autumn a particularly exciting time to visit Norway is scientific. NOAA predicts that the aurora borealis will start to peak towards its solar maximum during this period. To witness this phenomenon, head north to the aurora zone for the best viewing opportunities—notable spots include Tromsø and the remote Svalbard archipelago (approximately 600 miles north of the mainland). Perhaps it’s time to embark on that EV road trip you’ve been considering, as Norway is one of the most electric car-friendly nations in the world.

Recommended Accommodation: Wood Hotel Bodø

Opened in May 2024, Wood Hotel Bodø appeals to outdoor enthusiasts with its primarily wooden resort. Guests can explore numerous hiking trails right from the hotel or indulge in thrilling activities like electric mountain biking and tackling a via ferrata route.

6. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Autumn isn’t just about blooming flowers and falling leaves—there’s plenty of reason to get outside this season. West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park boasts stunning fall foliage, but the real excitement is on the water—it’s Gauley Season. For six weeks following Labor Day, the dam-controlled Gauley River opens up for thrilling whitewater rafting. Adventure seekers should tackle the class V+ rapids of the Upper Gauley, while the Lower Gauley offers more accessible rapids ranging from class III to V.

If you’re after some fall foliage views, the New River Gorge Scenic Drive provides a three-hour route for admiring the vibrant poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods as they turn orange and yellow (usually by mid-October).

Recommended Accommodation: Adventures on the Gorge

For those seeking a more luxurious experience than New River Gorge’s first-come, first-served primitive campsites, Adventures on the Gorge provides a variety of lodging options, including glamping sites and cabins (some featuring hot tubs). The outfitter also organizes raft trips, making your whitewater adventure even more convenient.