We’ll always remember our journey to Zion Nationwide Park one November. After battling the summer time crowds on a earlier go to, we returned to seek out the paths nearly fully to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colors have been nonetheless holding on within the decrease canyon, and the expertise felt a lot extra private and uncooked.
That journey reminded us that travelling within the shoulder season is usually one of the simplest ways to actually join with a spot.
For those who’re making an attempt to determine the place to go within the USA earlier than the chaos of the vacation season kicks in, November is your month. It’s a little bit of a candy spot for journey. The summer time crowds are lengthy gone, and the winter rush hasn’t fairly arrived but, which may imply higher offers and extra respiration room.
We’ve road-tripped, hiked, and explored our approach throughout america for years. Primarily based on these experiences, we’ve put collectively this listing of our favorite locations to go to in November. Whether or not you’re in search of a closing dose of sunshine or a comfortable metropolis break, this information has you coated.
Fast Checklist: Finest Locations to Go to in November within the USA
November is likely one of the finest months for a US journey, providing a candy spot between autumn’s peak and the vacation rush. Listed here are a dozen of our high suggestions:
Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert mountaineering & sunny patios
Maui, Hawaii: Whale watching season & epic sunsets
New York Metropolis, New York: Thanksgiving parade & pre-holiday buzz
New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz music & Creole delicacies with out the humidity
Zion Nationwide Park, Utah: Crowd-free canyon hikes & crisp air
Asheville, North Carolina: Late autumn colors & Blue Ridge Mountain views
Telluride, Colorado: Early snow & a quiet mountain city
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Peaceable hikes & deep blue water
Napa Valley, California: Cabernet season & cosy vineyard excursions
Savannah, Georgia: Historic squares & delicate temperatures for strolling
San Antonio, Texas: Historic missions & festive River Stroll
Palm Springs, California: Mid-century trendy model & poolside leisure
Why Journey to the USA in November?
November is considered one of our favorite months for exploring america as a result of it feels such as you’re getting an inside scoop. It’s the definition of a shoulder season month.
The climate is usually nonetheless nice in lots of components of the nation, however the crowds are considerably smaller than in the summertime or the festive season. This could result in higher costs on flights and lodging, and also you get to expertise well-liked spots with out feeling rushed. It’s a improbable time to plan a highway journey or a metropolis break earlier than the winter chill units in.
Finest Locations to Go to in November for Heat Climate
For those who’re trying to escape the autumn chill and discover some sunshine earlier than winter units in, these are our go-to spots in November. The climate is good; heat sufficient for the seaside or a hike, however with out the extraordinary warmth of the summer time months.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
We’ve hiked Camelback Mountain in the summertime, and belief me, doing it in November is a very completely different expertise. We hit the path early within the morning with only a gentle jacket and felt energized by the crisp desert air, not drained by the warmth. That feeling of reaching the highest and searching over the valley is what a visit to Scottsdale is all about.
Why Go to in November: The climate is just about excellent. Day by day temperatures are snug for the whole lot from {golfing} and mountaineering to easily stress-free on a sunny patio. The town is alive however not overly crowded like it’s in the course of the peak season.
High Issues to Do:
Hike Camelback Mountain or discover the McDowell Sonoran Protect.
Wander by the artwork galleries and outlets in Outdated City Scottsdale.
Go to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence and architectural faculty.
The place to Keep: Scottsdale has an incredible vary of locations, from sprawling luxurious resorts with golf programs to extra intimate boutique resorts close to Outdated City.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Certainly one of our most memorable moments in Maui was sitting on the coast and seeing the primary humpback whales of the season breach within the distance. November marks the start of their return to Hawaiian waters, and there’s an actual sense of pleasure within the air.
Why Go to in November: It’s the candy spot earlier than the height vacation crowds arrive. The official whale watching season kicks off, the climate is improbable, and you’ll usually discover higher offers on flights and lodging. Simply do not forget that November is the beginning of the wet season in Hawaii, so may need just a few showers.
High Issues to Do:
Drive the enduring Highway to Hana.
Watch the dawn from the highest of Haleakal? Nationwide Park.
Take a ship tour to see the humpback whales.
Loosen up on the sands of Ka’anapali Seaside.
The place to Keep: For luxurious, look to the resorts in Wailea. For a extra laid-back, native vibe, try the city of Paia on the North Shore.
3. Key West, Florida
There’s a sure appeal to Key West that’s arduous to clarify. We beloved ending our days at Mallory Sq., watching the road performers and the unimaginable sundown over the water. It feels much less such as you’re within the US and extra such as you’ve escaped to a unusual Caribbean island.
Why Go to in November: The summer time humidity has subsided, abandoning sunny climate and common temperatures of 21°C – 27°C are excellent for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It’s an excellent time for snorkelling or diving because the water remains to be heat and hurricane season is over.
High Issues to Do:
Stroll down the energetic Duval Avenue.
Go to the Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum (and see the six-toed cats).
Be a part of the Sundown Celebration at Mallory Sq..
Take a day journey by ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
The place to Keep: We suggest discovering a guesthouse or inn within the historic Outdated City to be near the motion.
4. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, California
Standing at Badwater Basin at dawn is an expertise that sticks with you. It’s the bottom level in North America, and within the cool morning air of November, the silence and scale of the salt flats are unimaginable. It’s a spot that’s largely inaccessible in the summertime, which makes visiting this time of yr really feel particular.
Why Go to in November: Security and luxury. The dangerously excessive summer time temperatures have dropped, making it prime time to discover the park’s well-known landscapes in the course of the day. The clear, dry air additionally makes for a number of the finest stargazing within the nation.
High Issues to Do:
See the salt flats at Badwater Basin.
Watch the dawn or sundown over the badlands from Zabriskie Level.
Hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Keep up late for some unbelievable stargazing.
The place to Keep: Lodging is restricted, so e book forward. The Oasis at Loss of life Valley affords a few choices proper contained in the park.
Finest Locations to Go to in November for Metropolis Breaks
November is a perfect time for a metropolis break within the US. The climate is usually cool and crisp, excellent for strolling, and also you get to see these locations rework as they gear up for the vacation season.
5. New York Metropolis, New York
We as soon as spent per week in New York in mid-November and it felt like we had the town throughout its finest transition. The autumn colours have been nonetheless clinging to the timber in Central Park, however the first vacation lights have been beginning to seem (you already know we love Christmas in NYC). There was a buzz within the air in regards to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however the intense December crowds hadn’t arrived but. It was the right steadiness.
Why Go to in November: That is your probability to see iconic vacation occasions with fewer crowds. The climate is cool and cozy for exploring the completely different neighbourhoods on foot.
High Issues to Do:
Watch the large balloons get inflated the evening earlier than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Go ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or at Rockefeller Middle.
See a Broadway present earlier than the ticket costs climb for the vacations.
Take a stroll by a quieter Central Park.
The place to Keep: Midtown is handy for first-timers who need to be close to Instances Sq. and the theatre district. For a extra neighbourhood really feel, we love staying within the West Village.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Our favorite journeys to New Orleans have been within the fall. We now have an incredible reminiscence of grabbing beignets and occasional and simply wandering by the French Quarter for hours, listening to jazz musicians on avenue corners. You may’t do this comfortably in the summertime warmth, however in November, the climate is excellent.
Why Go to in November: The oppressive warmth and humidity of summer time are gone. It’s the right time to discover the town’s historic structure and cemeteries on foot. Plus, the town hosts distinctive occasions just like the Bayou Basic.
High Issues to Do:
Hearken to genuine reside jazz on Frenchmen Avenue.
Discover the structure and historical past of the French Quarter.
Journey the St. Charles Streetcar to the Backyard District to see the grand properties.
Indulge within the metropolis’s well-known Creole and Cajun meals.
The place to Keep: Staying at a lodge with a balcony within the French Quarter is a traditional New Orleans expertise.
7. San Antonio, Texas
We took a night boat tour alongside the San Antonio River Stroll simply as they have been placing up the vacation lights. Seeing the cypress timber draped in color, mirrored within the water beneath, was magical. The town feels extremely festive, however in a relaxed, Texan approach.
Why Go to in November: The climate is delicate and nice, which is good for strolling alongside the River Stroll and exploring the town’s historic Spanish missions. The well-known vacation lights show often begins the day after Thanksgiving.
High Issues to Do:
Discover the outlets, eating places, and public artwork alongside the River Stroll.
Go to The Alamo and the opposite 4 missions that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Browse the stalls on the Historic Market Sq., the most important Mexican market within the US.
The place to Keep: We suggest a lodge proper on the River Stroll to have the town’s essential attraction at your step.
8. Chicago, Illinois
There’s nothing fairly just like the weekend earlier than Thanksgiving in Chicago when the town formally kicks off the vacation season. We went for the Magnificent Mile Lights Competition one yr, and seeing Mickey Mouse lead the parade as they lit up one million lights down the avenue was pure enjoyable.
Why Go to in November: Chicago goes all-out to start the festive season. It’s chilly, however the metropolis’s power will heat you up. It’s additionally a good time to discover Chicago’s world-class indoor sights.
High Issues to Do:
Attend the Magnificent Mile Lights Competition.
Store on the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market.
Go ice skating on the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
Spend a day exploring the Artwork Institute of Chicago or the Discipline Museum.
The place to Keep: The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that supply quick access to many of the essential sights and transportation.
Finest Locations in November for Out of doors Journey & Surroundings
For many who need to get out and discover, November affords some unimaginable alternatives. The paths are quieter, the temperatures are excellent for an extended hike, and the sunshine is usually softer, which is nice for pictures.
9. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
As we talked about, our November journey to Zion was a game-changer. We rented dry fits in Springdale and hiked a piece of The Narrows. Wading by the Virgin River with these large canyon partitions towering above us, and with solely a handful of different individuals in sight, was an unforgettable journey. It’s a very completely different park with out the summer time crowds.
Why Go to in November: The extreme summer time warmth is gone, making for excellent mountaineering circumstances. The park is way quieter, and on weekdays, you may usually drive your personal automobile into Zion Canyon, which isn’t allowed throughout peak season.
High Issues to Do:
Hike The Narrows (be sure you hire acceptable cold-water gear).
Discover the Emerald Swimming pools Path.
Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Freeway and search for bighorn sheep.
Hike The Watchman Path for an incredible view of the valley.
The place to Keep: The city of Springdale is situated proper on the park’s entrance and has loads of resorts and eating places.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
We drove a piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway simply exterior of Asheville one November, considering we had missed all the autumn foliage. However the decrease elevations have been nonetheless stuffed with color, with deep reds and golds clinging to the timber. The views over the mountains have been hazy and exquisite. It proved that the surroundings right here is spectacular lengthy after the height season ends.
Why Go to in November: You may usually catch the final of the autumn color. The crisp mountain air is invigorating for hikes, and the town itself is a comfortable place to return to, with a improbable meals scene and dozens of craft breweries.
High Issues to Do:
Drive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (test for highway closures).
Hike within the Pisgah Nationwide Forest.
Tour the Biltmore Property, which is often embellished for Christmas beginning in early November.
Discover the colourful downtown space’s outlets, galleries, and eating places.
The place to Keep: You may select from stylish resorts downtown or hire a secluded cabin within the close by mountains for a real retreat.
11. Sedona, Arizona
We took one of many well-known Pink Jeep Excursions on our final go to. Bouncing over the purple rock trails was a blast, and our information identified all of the completely different rock formations and vortex websites. Doing it in November meant we may benefit from the open-air automobile with out baking within the solar.
Why Go to in November: The climate is good for mountaineering and exploring the outside. The brilliant blue skies create a exceptional distinction with the deep purple rocks, making for glorious images. The religious power of the vortexes feels much more highly effective within the quiet of the low season.
High Issues to Do:
Take a jeep tour to discover the backcountry.
Hike the paths round Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.
Browse the distinctive outlets and artwork galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Procuring Village.
Watch the sundown from the Airport Mesa viewpoint.
The place to Keep: Lots of Sedona’s resorts are constructed to mix in with the panorama and supply unimaginable views and spa companies.
12. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley in November is a special sort of stunning. The grapevines, having achieved their work, are turning sensible shades of gold, orange, and deep purple. We keep in mind sitting in a quiet tasting room, savouring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon whereas a hearth crackled within the hearth. It felt subtle and extremely stress-free.
Why Go to in November: The valley is celebrating “Cabernet Season,” the right time to style the area’s signature daring purple wines. The autumn surroundings within the vineyards is beautiful, and the wineries are far much less crowded than in the course of the harvest season.
High Issues to Do:
Go wine tasting with a concentrate on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Take a hot-air balloon trip for a chicken’s-eye view of the colorful vineyards.
Get pleasure from a connoisseur meal at one of many valley’s many Michelin-starred eating places.
Journey the Napa Valley Wine Practice.
The place to Keep: For a traditional expertise, e book a room at an enthralling inn or B&B in cities like St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga.
13. Telluride, Colorado
We visited Telluride as soon as within the quiet window between fall mountaineering and peak ski season. We rode the free gondola up the mountain over a valley dusted with the early snow of the yr. The city was so peaceable, and searching down into that well-known field canyon felt like we had a secret view all to ourselves earlier than the winter crowds arrived.
Why Go to in November: You get to expertise the calm earlier than the storm of ski season, usually at a cheaper price. The ski resort typically opens on Thanksgiving weekend, providing a number of the earliest runs of the yr in North America.
High Issues to Do:
Journey the free gondola between the city of Telluride and Mountain Village for unimaginable views.
Stroll alongside the historic, Victorian-era Fundamental Avenue.
Test for early-season snowboarding or snowboarding.
Benefit from the quiet, cosy ambiance within the native eating places and bars.
The place to Keep: Select between the historic inns within the city of Telluride or the fashionable, ski-in/ski-out resorts in Mountain Village.
14. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
We took a visit to Lake Tahoe in November and went for a hike round Emerald Bay. The air was crisp, the scent of pine was all over the place, and the lake was a shade of blue so deep it didn’t look actual. With nearly nobody else on the path, it was one of the crucial peaceable and spectacular walks we’ve ever had.
Why Go to in November: It’s the true quiet season. The summer time and winter crowds are gone, making for a peaceable and stress-free go to. You may usually discover nice offers on lodging, and the paths at decrease elevations are excellent for mountaineering.
High Issues to Do:
Hike the paths across the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park.
Drive the 72-mile scenic highway that circles your entire lake.
Discover the outlets and eating places in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe Metropolis.
See if the Heavenly Gondola is operating for wonderful views of the lake.
The place to Keep: For a comfortable journey, hire a cabin close to the West Shore. For extra motion and facilities, search for a lodge in South Lake Tahoe.
Finest Locations to Go in November for a Distinctive Expertise
Typically you desire a journey that’s a bit of completely different. These locations supply one thing particular in November, from diving deep into American historical past to absorbing some mid-century trendy model within the desert.
15. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Visiting Plymouth within the weeks main as much as Thanksgiving is a strong expertise. We walked the grounds of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and noticed the Mayflower II reproduction, and it actually introduced a brand new depth to a narrative we’ve all heard. Standing there, you may’t assist however mirror on that slice of American historical past.
Why Go to in November: That is the setting for the unique Thanksgiving story, and visiting this month makes the historical past really feel extremely related and alive. The massive summer time crowds are gone, leaving a quiet, reflective ambiance. October can also be an incredible month to go to.
High Issues to Do:
Discover the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a dwelling historical past museum.
See Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II ship on the waterfront.
Wander by the historic downtown and Burial Hill cemetery.
The place to Keep: Search for a historic inn or a lodge alongside the waterfront for the complete New England expertise.
16. Savannah, Georgia
We took a ghost tour on a cool November night in Savannah, and the town’s ambiance was excellent for it. With the Spanish moss hanging from the traditional oak timber and the gaslights flickering within the historic squares, the spooky tales felt solely plausible. Afterwards, we simply walked for hours, having fun with the cool air.
Why Go to in November: The climate is good for exploring Savannah’s stunning and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer time humidity is a distant reminiscence, and the town’s many squares are a delight to find on foot.
High Issues to Do:
Stroll by a number of the 22 historic squares, every with its personal character.
Tour a historic residence, just like the Mercer Williams Home from Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil.
Discover the outlets and eating places alongside the revitalized Broughton Avenue and River Avenue.
The place to Keep: We suggest reserving a room in one of many boutique resorts or historic inns situated proper within the Historic District.
17. Las Vegas, Nevada
Many individuals consider Vegas as simply The Strip, however we love utilizing it as a base for desert adventures. One November we rented a automobile and drove out to the Valley of Hearth State Park. Exploring the unimaginable purple rock formations within the delicate climate was improbable, after which we returned to the power and lights of the town at evening. It’s one of the best of each worlds.
Why Go to in November: The desert warmth has subsided, making it the right time to discover close by pure wonders. Again within the metropolis, you may usually discover nice offers on resorts and reveals earlier than the busy vacation season.
High Issues to Do:
Take a day journey to hike in Valley of Hearth State Park.
See one of many unimaginable Cirque du Soleil reveals.
Discover the wildly completely different themes of the resorts alongside The Strip.
Go to the spectacular Hoover Dam.
The place to Keep: For first-timers, staying mid-Strip offers you quick access to the principle sights.
18. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs simply feels cool. We spent a weekend there merely appreciating the mid-century trendy design, from the distinctive homes to the retro resorts. After a morning of exploring, we spent the afternoon simply stress-free by the pool within the heat solar. It was an ideal, low-key getaway.
Why Go to in November: The climate is idyllic. It’s sunny and heat sufficient to lounge by the pool however snug sufficient for mountaineering or tennis. It’s the quintessential stress-free desert escape.
High Issues to Do:
Journey the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.
Hike the scenic trails within the Indian Canyons.
Take a self-guided tour of the town’s well-known mid-century trendy structure.
Store for classic finds within the Uptown Design District.
The place to Keep: Deal with your self to a keep at one of many metropolis’s many restored mid-century trendy resorts or boutique inns.
19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is considered one of America’s nice strolling cities. We beloved grabbing a traditional Philly cheesesteak at Studying Terminal Market after which strolling it off by exploring the streets of the Outdated Metropolis. The historical past right here feels so tangible, from Independence Corridor to the cobblestone alleys.
Why Go to in November: The crisp fall climate is ideal for a history-heavy journey that requires plenty of strolling. The town additionally hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade within the nation, providing a novel vacation expertise.
High Issues to Do:
Go to Independence Nationwide Historic Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Corridor.
Run up the “Rocky Steps” on the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork.
Eat your approach by the wonderful Studying Terminal Market.
Discover the charming, historic streets of the Outdated Metropolis.
The place to Keep: Middle Metropolis or the Outdated Metropolis are one of the best bets for being inside strolling distance of most main historic websites.
Ideas for Travelling within the USA in November
Test the Climate: The climate throughout america varies wildly in November. You would be swimming in Florida or snowboarding in Colorado. At all times test the particular forecast to your vacation spot proper earlier than you permit.
Pack in Layers: For many locations, layers are your finest pal. A t-shirt, a fleece, and a water-proof or windproof jacket will cowl you for many metropolis breaks and outside adventures.
E-book Round Thanksgiving: November is mostly a shoulder season with good offers, however the week of Thanksgiving is a significant journey interval. E-book flights and lodging properly upfront in case your journey falls over the vacation.
FAQ: Finest Locations to Go to within the US in November
For the warmest climate, you’ll need to head south. Southern Florida (just like the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and desert locations like Scottsdale and Palm Springs constantly supply probably the most sunshine and warmest temperatures in November.
Sure, it’s a wonderful time for a lot of parks, particularly the desert parks within the Southwest like Zion, Loss of life Valley, and Grand Canyon, the place summer time temperatures are excessive. Nevertheless, in mountain parks like Yosemite or Glacier, many roads and companies could also be closed on account of snow.
You may go massive by watching the well-known Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Metropolis, or you may go historic by visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts. Alternatively, many individuals use the lengthy weekend for a quiet getaway to a nationwide park or a calming seaside vacation spot.
You’ll be catching the very tail finish of the season, however you may nonetheless discover good fall color in decrease elevations and extra southerly states. Locations like Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and even Napa Valley in California can have stunning foliage properly into November.
Prepared for a November Getaway?
November is a improbable and sometimes ignored month to discover america. With fewer crowds and a mixture of festive power and low season calm, it affords a novel probability to see a number of the nation’s finest spots in a special gentle.
So, the place will you go?