Autumn is a season for change, as the kids head back to school, beach bums mourn the end of summer, and we all hunker down to prepare for the winter to come. Beginning your hibernation too early, though, means missing out on one of the best shows of the year: the turning of the leaves across the country. Along with some of Fall’s favorite activities — think apple picking, pumpkin carving and football Sundays — one of the best ways to celebrate the season is to get out and view the beautiful Fall foliage. Whether you’re in need of a serious vacation or a quick weekend road trip, check out our favorite destinations for viewing Fall colors from coast to coast:

Northeast 

The Northeastern United States have developed a reputation for being one of the most stunning places to take in the Fall colors, and rightfully so. A drive through the region offers breathtaking vistas, vibrant colors, and crisp coastal air. Stay in a vacation rental in the popular White Mountains in New Hampshire or the Green Mountains in Vermont for postcard-worthy panoramas. Maine’s Acadia National Park and Pennsylvania’s Poconos complete the quintessential New England Autumn experience.

Northwest

The Northwest offers beautiful vistas and unmatched scenic byways for taking in the Fall foliage colors. Visit Mt. Hood in Oregon or the Cascade Mountains in Washington for a burst of color backdropped by white snow blanketed peaks — a view unlike any other in the area. Northern California, Oregon and Washington are also known for some of the best wines in the country, and Fall just so happens to be their shining moment. Also known as “Crush Season” in these parts, August through October is the time when wine grapes ripen, are plucked from their vines, and are crushed to make that tasty libation. If you consider yourself a wine aficionado — or even if you just like to indulge occasionally — plan a winery tour during this time to partake in the festivities.

Southeast

Though many travelers head North each Fall, we can’t neglect the South in our roundup, which also produces a beautiful show each Autumn. The leaves change later in the season down South, making for an ideal late-Fall vacation and a relaxing getaway before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Among the most colorful spots are the Appalachian Range and the Great Smoky Mountains, with some of the most beautiful states to visit being the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Rocky Mountains

Come Autumn, the Rocky Mountains put on a display unlike any other. The famous Aspen trees that blanket much of Colorado’s landscape turn a vibrant shade of yellow as Autumn arrives. Visit popular Summit County destinations (Vail – Keystone – Breckenridge), head up to Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, or take a drive to Aspen, which was named for its abundance of these colorful trees.

Want to get out and enjoy the Fall colors? Check out our vacation rentals around the U.S. to find the perfect Autumn getaway! 

Photo Credit 1: brentdanley / Foter    Photo Credit 2: FlyingColors (i) Contact / Foter    Photo Credit 3: Pacheco / Foter