The Best Places to Visit in the Underrated Travel Month of November
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November may not be top of mind when it comes to planning vacations, but the late-fall month is sneakily one of the best times of the year to travel.
For nearly all of the continental U.S., the weather is beautiful: Our most southern states have finally freed themselves of the worst of the hot weather, and further north, crisp fall temperatures make it an excellent time for outdoor excursions. Plus, many of the most popular destinations for the holiday season—think Florida or New York City—are still in shoulder season (until Thanksgiving for New York City, that is), which means less-crowded resorts and better pricing, while you still get to take advantage of all of their delights.
As for which trip is the best for you and your family, it all depends on what you like to do. Do you dream of long days spent lazing on soft-sanded beaches with the sun in your face? Are you a leaf peeper who's hoping to spend several days hiking in multi-colored forests? (Though keep in mind that in most areas of the U.S., you'll have to visit in early to mid-November to catch decent foliage.) Or is a city vacation more your speed, with plenty of picks for boutique shopping and exciting new restaurants? Our list has it all. Read on to discover 20 of the absolute best places to visit in November.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
While this coastal area with beaches aplenty may be best known as a summertime destination, there's a reason why everyone flocks to New England in the fall. The autumn season brings lively festivals, like the Provincetown Food & Wine Festival, and the opportunity for unique adventures, like visiting a cranberry bog. Check out Wequasset Resort and Golf Club for your stay: a family-friendly hotel in Harwich with five on-site restaurants and bars, plus comfy rooms big enough for large groups.
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
November is one of the best months to visit the Caribbean: You avoid the crowds and sky-high rates of the holiday season, but still get a healthy dose of sun. Cap Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is one of our favorite recommendations in the region. Wedged between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts stunning beaches and a wealth of hotel properties. One of the most fun resorts for multi-generation trips is Eden Roc Cap Cana: With family-friendly and adults-only pools, plus one of the best kids clubs in the Caribbean, it's an ideal spot to snag some R&R.
Great Smoky Mountains
With far fewer people than you'll find during peak season (mainly summer), there is no better time to explore America's most-visited national park than November. Days here are generally still warm this time of year—but with a gentle chill at night, it's perfect s'mores weather. Retire to The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina, for the night: The hotel actually has its own private entrance into the park, making it ideal for avid hikers.
Islamorada, Florida
Located in the Upper Keys, and only about 90 minutes south of Miami, is this warm-weather paradise, which is known for sport fishing, stunning coral reefs, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Book a room at The Islands of Islamorada, where accommodations include both one-bedroom suites and villas with full kitchens for bigger groups. The 600-foot sandy beach is also a major draw and perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. Don't miss breakfast and feeding the tarpons at Robbie's, our favorite spot in the Keys.
Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
There are few places more beautiful in the fall than the Laurel Highlands, a 3,000-square-mile stretch of mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania, just east of Pittsburgh. A drive here can take you by covered bridges, river valleys, and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania's largest state park. Make sure to carve out a few days to explore Nemacolin, a sprawling, family-friendly resort with activities like cosmic bowling and mini-golf—plus a year-round pool and three different hotels on property.
Maui, Hawaii
This summer's devastating wildfires means this Hawaiian island needs our support more than ever—and, apart from Lahaina, the island is open and ready to welcome to visitors. Wailea—on the opposite end of the island and less than 40 minutes from the airport—is home to five of the island's most beautiful beaches and makes an ideal home base. If you book the new Maui Strong package at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, you can even donate part of your resort stay to the Maui Strong Fund.
Middleburg, Virginia
There is something for every type of traveler in this bucolic pocket of Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the nation's "horse and hunt" capital, due to the large amount of fox hunts and steeplechase races that take place in the area, it's also notable for local wines, historic landmarks, and stellar restaurants. History buffs should book a room at the super-charming Red Fox Inn & Tavern, which has been welcoming guests into its cozy rooms since 1728.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November is festival season in this lively Wisconsin spot—but still not peak tourist season—making it one of the most fun times to visit Brew City. Some of the best events during the month include Grace's Fine Art and Craft Festival, Holiday Folk Fair International, and Enchant, an immersive event featuring everything from a giant light maze to a European-style holiday market.
Missoula, Montana
There is hardly anywhere in the state of Montana where you won't be greeted by stunning vistas, but the area around Missoula is one of our favorites in late fall. From its location in the northern Rocky Mountains, you can easily reach excellent spots for fly-fishing, kayaking, and hiking. For a resort with activities the whole family will love, book a stay at the nearby Resort at Paws Up: November activities at the 37,000-acre ranch include everything from horseback riding to cow croquet.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is always a good idea if you're planning a food-focused vacation, but there is no better time to take advantage of its culinary legacy than in November. The first weekend of the month welcomes Bayou Bacchanal, a celebration of all things Caribbean (but with a special emphasis on food). And for those looking to learn more about one of the city's most famous sandwiches, make sure you're in town for the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, which features nearly three dozen different vendors of the tasty treat.
New York, New York
The holiday season is one of the most popular seasons to visit The Big Apple, but with it comes sky-high room rates and lots of crowds. Early November, however, is the calm before the storm: Temperatures are more moderate and the streets aren't as packed, but the city is still buzzing with excitement. (Well, when is it not?) Enjoy the late-fall leaves in Central Park, see a Broadway show, and take a stroll in the picturesque West Village. We recommend booking a room at the Freehand New York—an affordable, family-friendly hotel with a superb location in Gramercy Park.
Greater Palm Springs, California
If you're looking to escape to warmer climates for a November trip, there are few places with a better guarantee of perfect weather than Palm Springs and its surrounds. Two new hotels are opening in fall 2023 (Tommy Bahama Resort and Life House Palm Springs), as well as the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which will include a tribal museum and a lush spa. Of course, options for outdoor pursuits, like golf, tennis, and hiking, abound here too.
Puerto Rico
It's still assuredly beach season in November here—when temperatures normally hover around the mid-80s—and with most major continental U.S. cities offering direct flights to the island, it's also an easy spot for a long weekend vacation. There are activities for every type of traveler and age: water parks and zip lines for the kids, famed bioluminescent bay for nature lovers, and the history and stellar restaurants of San Juan for culture hounds. Reserve a room at the Caribe Hilton (home of the piña colada!) for its beautiful, quiet beach and unique programming, like the chance to volunteer with a local manatee conservation center.
San Diego, California
November is still shoulder season for this southern California city, which means fewer crowds and more affordable hotel stays—plus balmy temps that hover around the mid-70s. Considering the season is known as "local's summer," there are plenty of events during the month, too, including San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza, Fleet Week, and San Diego Beer Week. For a quiet retreat just north of the city, book a stay at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, which reopens in November 2023 after a full renovation of the century-old property.
Punta Mita, Mexico
A little under an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is easily accessible, but feels worlds away from the bustle of the larger resort town. The picturesque peninsula on the the northern side of Bahia de Banderas boasts serene beaches with turquoise waters and one of the most famous golf courses in the country, Punta Mita Pacifico. For a resort the whole family will adore, snag a room at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: A kids club there offers activities like watercolor painting and nature walks, while adults can make their own personal blend of tequila from local barrels.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, with its beautiful mansions draped in Spanish moss and plethora of fantastic restaurants and boutiques, is a dreamy escape nearly any time of year. But in November, when the climate is warm and dry, the city is especially welcoming. Make Thompson Savannah your home base: The hotel offers complimentary bikes to explore the historic district, the tallest rooftop in town, and some of the tastiest pastries at Stevedore Bakery on the ground floor.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Few cities are more associated with relaxation than this sun-drenched oasis in the Sonoran Desert—and November is the beginning of Scottsdale's "secret season," when warm temperatures and moderate crowds make it especially easy to unwind. For a true pampering experience, reserve a room at Royal Palms Resort and Spa: Aside from Alvadora Spa, which offers treatments ranging from massages to scrubs, other draws include a mother-of-pearl-tiled swimming pool and casitas and villas for larger vacationing groups.
St. Michaels, Maryland
New England may get the lion's share of praise for its fall leaves, but don't overlook Maryland's Eastern Shore. Though foliage may be past peak the deeper into November you visit, one of the best spots to leaf peep here is certainly St. Michaels: a charming town chock-full of sweet boutiques, carefully curated art galleries, and quaint cafés. No visit here is complete without a stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin, a boutique waterfront hotel with 26 acres of lawn and gardens overlooking the Miles River, plus an 18-hole championship golf course.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," late fall might seem like a strange time to visit the Dells—but with most of the two dozen parks offering indoor options during the off-season, it's actually one of the best times. Plus, if you're looking to get into the holiday spirit early, you're in luck: The area's Tree of Light is illuminated by November 10, and the Christmas in the Dells dinner show kicks off on the first of the month.
York, Maine
This beautiful town in southern Maine may be better known as a summertime destination, but fall here is both peaceful and stunningly beautiful. Outdoor pursuits reign supreme, like a hike up Mount Agamenticus or a stroll to Sohier Park, home to the famous Nubble Lighthouse. For a charming spot to stay right outside of town, reserve a room at The Viewpoint Hotel. We love the one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite options for large family groups, as well as the outdoor fire pit and lawn games with postcard-perfect views of the water.
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