10 Best Fall Road Trip Destinations On The West Coast And Midwest

Fall is coming and that means the best fall road trip destinations are in store. The cool air, the amazing smells, and the beautiful red, yellow, brown and orange leaves will soon start to happen! Bonfires, apples, and pumpkin EVERYTHING are coming too.

When I say everything, I do mean everything! Last year I even saw pumpkin funnel cake! So with that, there come some great fall destinations that you do NOT want to miss if you are traveling out West or in the Midwest this fall!

10 best fall road trip destinations on the west coast and midwest

1. Denver, Colorado

You can bike or even walk the Cherry Creek Bike Trail and see the brightly colored cottonwood trees and watch the leaves change. Enjoy the vast creations as you see the mountains and the trees. This is a beautiful time of year and a very peaceful one. Pack a lunch and take your time as you go.

2. Salt Lake City, Utah

You can watch the leaves change upon the mountains and take part in the Utah State Fair and join the Western Music Festival and Rodeo. Also, join in Oktoberfest in September, this one has been voted one of the top 10 Oktoberfest’s in the country!

3. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

You won’t want to miss the twin cities Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon it is the prettiest marathon in the country. You get to run under canopied fall trees, along lakes and the Mississippi River!

4. San Antonio, Texas

Enjoy the river walk and cool weather and take in all the events on the after Halloween, Day of the Dead event. This Hispanic culture event is a must see!

5. Aspen Colorado

If you just want to take in the beauty of fall head to Aspen, take the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and enjoy nature. Then take a drive down Independence Pass and enjoy the mountain scenery and fall foliage.

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Enjoy the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, it has 7 miles of beauty and picture opportunities! Plus at night you have a chance to catch the Northern lights!

7. Branson, Missouri

One of the best of the best fall road trip destinations, Branson has several driving paths that take you through the beauty that is the Ozarks in fall! This is a must-see for anyone, but especially families!

8. Portland, Oregon

Visit the Portland Japanese Gardens for some brilliant color contracts to the local fall colors. You can also make the 1.2-mile hike that goes up 600-feet to Multnomah Falls where you can take in the beautiful valley below and fall color all around.

9. Sun Valley, Idaho

One of the top harvest festivals around the country is held in Sun Valley. You will not want to miss the Sun Valley Harvest Festival. This festival is a foodie paradise. YUM!

10. Nebraska City, Nebraska

Visit the Nebraska City Applejack Festival. Celebrates the kick off of the Apple Harvest and apple EVERYTHING! Apple fritters, apple cider, apple donuts, apple salad and of course apple pie!

If you are traveling with your family be sure to check out these family travel tips and ideas!