Unlock the Magic of Fall: 5 Inspiring Escapes to Discover Now
Fall invites us to slow down and look up—to trade schedules for spontaneity and routine for wonder. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a school break or simply need a long weekend to feel something again, the season is bursting with opportunities to reconnect: with nature, with your family, and with the adventurous side of yourself.
From train windows that frame red rock canyons to skies dotted with hundreds of hot-air balloons, here are five unforgettable fall escapes—each crafted for travelers who seek more than just destinations. These are for the ones who crave discovery, connection, and story-worthy moments.
California’s Secret Season
There’s something magical about California in the fall—locals call it the secret season, and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why. Summer crowds thin, the coastal sun lingers, and the air feels just right—like a fresh start. Whether you’re building sandcastles in San Diego, exploring tide pools in Monterey, or feeling the nostalgia of Disneyland in Halloween mode, the Golden State makes it easy to unwind, play, and explore.
Why We Love It
Kids Free San Diego in October—kids eat, stay, and play free across dozens of top attractions like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and museums.
Monterey Bay is a haven for fall whale-watching and coastal hikes along 17-Mile Drive.
Disneyland or Legoland in fall? It’s decked out in pumpkins, magic, and shorter midweek lines.
Avandra’s Tip: Mid-October is the best mix of great weather and fewer crowds - perfect for families with a school Fall break
Colorado Road Trips for the Soul
For those of us based in Denver, sometimes the most meaningful journeys are just a few hours away. Fall in Colorado is a full sensory experience: golden aspen leaves flicker like flames, crisp mountain air fills your lungs, and stargazing feels like time travel.
These road trips aren’t just beautiful—they’re grounding.
Snowmass Glamping – Wake up beneath yellow aspens, sip cocoa under canvas, and fall asleep to the rustle of the forest. Glamping outside of Snowmass in fall is a masterclass in stillness.
Great Sand Dunes – Sandboard down golden dunes by day, and stargaze under pitch-black skies at night. There’s a quiet here that settles your bones.
Telluride – Nestled at the end of a dramatic box canyon, Telluride feels like a secret whispered by the mountains. In October, aspen-draped cliffs turn gold, and the gondola ride between town and Mountain Village becomes a slow-motion autumn painting. Hike to Bridal Veil Falls, sip cider downtown, or just watch the golden hour flood the valley with light.
Crested Butte – Often called the wildflower capital of Colorado, Crested Butte in fall is equally show-stopping. Kebler Pass, just outside town, boasts one of the largest aspen groves in the U.S.—a golden cathedral arching over one of the most scenic drives in the state. Downtown, painted in Victorian charm, offers cozy cafés and family-run bakeries to warm up in between hikes.
Avandra’s Tip: For peak color in Telluride and Crested Butte, aim for late September to early October. And always bring layers—the best fall days start frosty, peak sunny, and finish under star-strewn skies.
Rockies to the Red Rocks
If you love the idea of Colorado’s alpine beauty but crave a touch of the desert’s wild red rock magic, there’s a perfect answer: the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks train journey. It’s an unforgettable two-day luxury rail trip linking Denver’s mountains to Utah’s iconic canyonlands. This isn’t just a train ride. It’s a slow-motion journey through some of the West’s most breathtaking—and often overlooked—landscapes.
What to Expect
Glass-domed train cars and gourmet meals served at your seat.
An overnight stay in Glenwood Springs—don’t forget your swimsuit for the hot springs!
Daylight-only travel, so you don’t miss a single view.
Avandra’s Tip: Add a few extra days in Moab to explore Arches or Canyonlands—sunrise hikes here feel like a dream you get to keep.
Iceland in the Autumn
If you're longing for something truly different, look north. With direct flights from Denver, Iceland is closer than you think—and in October, it’s full of moody magic.
Imagine soaking in a steaming geothermal lagoon with chilly air on your cheeks. Watching the northern lights ripple across the sky. Walking between tectonic plates or beneath waterfalls that roar with meltwater. It’s all there—otherworldly, yet accessible.
Why October Works
Fewer tourists = more space and serenity.
Aurora season is just beginning, with long dark nights perfect for chasing lights.
Fall colors hit the mossy tundra, transforming it into a sea of gold and rust.
Avandra’s Tip: You only need 4–5 days for a rich Iceland itinerary. Rent a car, stay outside Reykjavik, and chase the unknown.
Let’s Craft Your Perfect Fall Adventure Together.
Reach out today to explore how we can bring your travel dreams to life—with insider tips, personalized itineraries, and exclusive access to the best deals. Fall is fleeting. Don’t let this season pass without a new story to tell.
Connect with Avandra now—because the journey you crave starts here.