Looking for the best places to visit in November in the USA 🤔 From fall foliage to holiday magic, discover the top travel destinations for your autumn getaway
November brings cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and lower prices to many top destinations across the USA. Whether you want to take in colorful fall foliage, enjoy outdoor adventures, or get an early start on holiday festivities, November is an ideal time for travel within the states.
From sunny beach vacations to spectacular national parks and family-friendly city getaways, here are 15 of the very best places to visit in America during the month of November.
Best Places for Scenery and the Great Outdoors in USA in November
If you don’t mind bundling up a bit, November brings ideal weather for exploring the great outdoors across many parts of the country. These places offer stunning natural scenery from mountains to lakes that shine when the summer crowds dissipate.
Sedona, Arizona
With its red rock landscapes and endless hiking trails, Sedona is renowned as one of Arizona’s best places to visit. November temperatures typically max out around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Be sure to hit highlights like Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and more. Late fall also brings lovely foliage to Oak Creek Canyon located just outside the city limits.
Where to Stay: L’Auberge de Sedona offers creekside cottages and a spa perfect for unwinding after days spent exploring.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The more popular South Rim stays open year-round and November is an ideal time to take in stunning canyon views. With highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather is mild enough for epic day hikes along legendary routes like Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge. And the lack of summer crowds means it’s easier to admire classic views from Mather Point or Yavapai Observation Station in peace.
Where to Stay: The historic El Tovar Hotel sits right on the canyon’s edge within the park. Its dining room has huge windows with epic canyon views.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Amphitheater glows like no place else in November when cooler temperatures emphasize the red and orange hues of its unique rock formations. With over 60 miles of trails, the park offers hiking for all levels from the Navajo Loop Trail past Thor’s Hammer to the longer Fairyland Loop route. Or take in sunset views of this iconic canyon from the Bryce Point overlook.
Where to Stay: Stay amid ponderosa pines at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, located a short walk from the rim trail.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
This scenic canyon along the Columbia River looks especially lovely in its fall foliage. November is ideal for hiking to sights like Elowah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Multnomah Falls, where a historic bridge frames canyon views. Or enjoy local vineyards and farm-sourced dining in Hood River, on the Oregon side of this spectacular gorge.
Where to Stay: The Columbia Gorge Hotel overlooks the river with views of Beacon Rock. Its gardens and old-fashioned decor will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Zion National Park, Utah
While summer temperatures deter would-be hikers, November makes Zion Canyon one of the best places to visit in November. Expect highs around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making iconic routes like Angels Landing and the Narrows enjoyable rather than grueling. Cooler weather also draws out the rich red hues of the canyon walls formed by the Virgin River cutting through sandstone.
Where to Stay: The majestic red cliffs are visible from every room at Cable Mountain Lodge, located at the park’s entrance in Springdale.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Crisp fall weather and colorful foliage make November a picturesque time around North America’s second deepest lake that straddles the California and Nevada border. Hike through golden aspens or the Hope Valley’s Tamarack trees starting to turn orange. The average high rests at a mild 55 degrees F, ideal to take in lake views amid mountain peaks from Sand Harbor or Chimney Beach without needing a swimsuit.
Where to Stay: The Resort at Squaw Creek offers ski-in, ski-out access to Squaw Valley Ski Resort, which opens in mid to late November.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The most visited national park in the USA provides a fall spectacle of autumn foliage as deciduous trees like maples, hickories, and oaks start their vivid annual display. With over 800 miles of trails including scenic routes like Baskins Creek Falls and Alum Cave Bluffs, the park offers plenty of leaf-peeping ops from late October through mid-November.
Where to Stay: Historic Tapoco Lodge borders the north shore of Fontana Lake with cozy cabin accommodations.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Valley looks especially lovely when its oak, pine, and maple trees change color in the fall. November days tend to reach the mid 50s Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking legendary trails to sights like Yosemite Falls (North America’s tallest waterfall), Half Dome, and El Capitan’s impressive granite face. Wintry weather typically doesn’t come until December, so November is ideal for Yosemite adventuring.
Where to Stay: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly The Ahwahnee) is a National Historic Landmark with elegant rooms and cottages.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Expect highs in the mid 60s Fahrenheit during November in this lesser-visited park of Utah’s Mighty 5. That means ideal weather to explore the alien landscape of Capitol Reef, named for a 100-mile long wrinkle in the planet’s crust known for waterpocket folds and soaring sandstone cliffs. Hike to petroglyphs or pioneer orchards. Drive the park’s epic Scenic Drive overlooking otherworldly rock formations starting from the historic Fruita town site.
Where to Stay: Capitol Reef Resort offers canyon views along with pioneer cabins and cowboy cookouts.
November Brings Holiday Magic
As Thanksgiving approaches later in the month, many US cities shine with holiday magic. From parades to festive shopping, these urban destinations offer seasonal spirit and plenty of things to enjoy indoors and out during chilly November days.
New York City, New York
One of the world’s best places to visit any time of the year, it’s hard to top New York City when it comes to kick-starting the holidays, as the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade officially ushers in the Christmas season on the fourth Thursday of November. The event brings giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrities to Central Park West and throughout Manhattan. Of course, NYC also shines year-round with world-class museums, Broadway shows, incredible food, historic neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Greenwich Village, plus free attractions like the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty.
Where to Stay: Loews Regency on Park Avenue puts you close to top sites like Central Park. It also offers spacious apartment-style accommodations.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City really lights up around the winter holidays. Catch the Christmas tree at Millennium Park being lit in early November. And German-style Christkindlmarkets also kick off around mid-month with food, ornament shopping, and hot spiced wine. Of course, Chicago also hosts world-class museums (the Art Institute, Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry are favorites), iconic architecture boat tours on the Chicago River, and dining sensations like the deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
Where to Stay: The Langham lies downtown close to top sites like Millennium Park and the Theater District. Guests love its indoor pool and acclaimed Travelle restaurant.
Washington D.C.
Fall is simply spectacular in the nation’s capital when the city’s many memorials and monuments pop against lush orange and red foliage. November days start getting chilly, so it’s the perfect time to admire sites like the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall before warming up in the city’s free world-class museums. Don’t miss the renowned Smithsonian Institution lineup from the Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Or head to historic Georgetown to browse high-end shops amid Federal-style architecture.
Where to Stay: The Jefferson DC lies in an elegant Beaux-Arts building a short stroll from the White House.
San Antonio, Texas
Texas’ history and culture come alive in San Antonio, known for the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Alamo along with its lively Riverwalk area dotted with restaurants and shops. November hosts events like Dia de Los Muertos along the Riverwalk and the holiday season kicks off late in the month with square lightings and a Christmas tree lighting at Travis Park. When you need some outdoor time, San Antonio Botanical Garden and the trails along the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park offer foliage respites amid historic sites.
Where to Stay: Hotel Valencia on the Riverwalk immerses you in San Antonio’s unique culture and architecture. It also has a popular on-site restaurant, Citrus.
Thanksgiving at Disney World
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida actually begins its holiday festivities in early November. Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT theme parks get fully decorated for Christmas, while special holiday events run select nights. Think fireworks, a holiday parade and character meet-and-greets all with backdrops of Main Street or World Showcase decked out for the season.
Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco
This pop-up “museum” celebrates all things sweet and icy. The San Francisco location’s limited fall run goes through November 30, making it a fun and only-in-November event. Displays like a banana split pool full of sprinkles serve up plenty of selfie ops and tasty treats. Timed tickets often sell out weeks in advance.
Nashville’s Country Music Awards
Country music’s biggest names descend upon Nashville in early November for the annual Country Music Association Awards. Besides red carpet action and the awards themselves, live music performances happen both during the televised ceremony and around town at various clubs.
Best Places to Visit in November for Warmth
If you’re looking for warm weather this November, consider these southern cities and sunny beach destinations that remain mild even as autumn arrives in other parts of America.
Miami / Miami Beach, Florida
Expect high temperatures lingering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami and the Miami Beach area during November. Of course world-famous South Beach tops the list of things to do with its vibrant art deco hotels, beach boardwalk for rollerblading, and edgy nightlife. Take sunset strolls, admire lavish homes on Star Island or check out Wynwood Walls for epic graffiti murals. Top notch Cuban and Haitian fare sizzle the local dining scene as well.
Where to Stay: The Betsy South Beach is a luxury boutique hotel with elegant rooms, some featuring balconies overlooking the ocean.
Key West, Florida
According to beach vacationers, Key West is one of the best places to visit if vacation equals beach for you. The southernmost point in the continental US averages highs in the upper 70s during November, making it one of America’s warmest destinations that time of year. Wander the storied streets of Old Town, take in the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square, or relax at landmarks like the Southernmost Point buoy or the lovely Key West Botanical Gardens. The island also makes a great jumping off point for boat tours and snorkeling or diving adventures.
Where to Stay: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas lies right on the Gulf of Mexico, within walking distance
Napa Valley, California
With daytime highs in the 60s or 70s (Fahrenheit), California’s famed wine region makes for a mild getaway where you can soak up brilliant fall colors in the vineyards. November is also a month that brings harvest cuisine to the forefront, an ideal time to sample seasonal delights along with new releases during the futures tastings held this time of year. Top stops include Oxbow Public Market in Napa town and vineyards like Chandon and V. Sattui for picnicking amid autumn scenery.
Where to Stay: Solage, an Auberge Resort, is a contemporary-chic property set amid a peaceful olive grove in Calistoga. It has an acclaimed spa and Michelin-starred restaurant.
San Diego, California
Expect pleasant 70-degree temperatures in America’s Finest City come November. It’s an amazing time to explore top museums like the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or Old Town San Diego. The city also comes alive culturally with Dia de los Muertos celebrations. And you can pair sightseeing with sunbathing at icons like Mission Beach, La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach without big summer crowds.
Where to Stay: The Grant Grill lies conveniently downtown just steps from the Gaslamp Quarter with modern rooms plus a great restaurant and bar onsite.
November also brings thinner crowds and lower prices for island paradises like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Temperatures remain in the 80s on Oahu and Kauai. Puerto Rico averages highs around 85 Fahrenheit all month as well.
To Sum It Up
November is a great time to visit many spectacular destinations across the USA. Cooler temperatures coupled with thinning crowds make it an ideal opportunity to take in stunning scenery at renowned national parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon or discover the magic of New York City decorated for the holidays. It’s also a great time for warm beach getaways to California or Florida. Simply put, November offers some of the year’s best travel experiences.
The best places highlighted in the article reveal the diversity of vacation opportunities across America during November. Iconic cities like San Antonio provide history and culture with festivals like Dia de Los Muertos along the lively Riverwalk area. Nashville offers country music flair during the nationally televised awards show early in the month. San Diego remains pleasantly warm for exploring sites like the USS Midway or Old Town. And Northern gems like Lake Tahoe and the Great Smoky Mountains dazzle with blazing fall foliage.
Travel in november also marks an ideal chance to visit beloved theme parks like Walt Disney World when they kick off the holidays with special events and entertainment. San Francisco serves a limited-run sweet treat via the pop-up Museum of Ice Cream. The opportunities for family fun or couples’ getaways are nearly endless this time of year, whether you love urban adventures or natural scenery.
It’s a great place to visit new destinations or revisit travel favorites as well. California’s Napa Valley highlights seasonal delights like harvest cuisine paired with crisp weather for vineyard strolls. Foodies find great places to eat fall specialties against backdrops exploding in autumn’s vivid orange and red hues. Miami Beach retains summer-like warmth for long strolls along South Beach and Wynwood Walls spectacular street murals minus peak season crowds.
Simply put, November presents the perfect time to visit a huge array of destinations in the USA. It marks the beginning of holiday festivities in many places while still offering lovely fall weather, thinner crowds, and lower prices compared to summer or winter travel. You can take a November trip to perennial favorites or discover new hotspots ideal for off-peak travel adventures.
If you love the beach, November is one of the best times for warm places to visit like Key West or Hawaii, where temperatures in November remain ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Even in Northern beach havens like Cape Cod or Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, November brings far more pleasant conditions than wintry December and January for lighthouse tours or hiking to stunning waterfalls.
History buffs also find November a fine time to pay sites like the Alamo or Washington D.C.’s memorial lined National Mall a visit. It’s a chance to take in some of America’s most important monuments and museums amid blazing fall colors before cold or stormy winter weather sets in.
No matter your November travel style, the USA offers plenty of inspiring places to explore. Iconic cities or national parks, tropical beaches or mountain lakes – they shine even brighter once summer crowds depart but before snow or storms arrive. So whether you prefer the bustle of New York or laid-back vibes in Key West, November is also a great, cause because it serves up supreme conditions, thinner crowds and lower costs than many other months.
November marks a pinnacle time for fall and early holiday travel adventures no matter which region you visit. Take a solo trip to recharge, extended weekend jaunt with friends or full family vacation during autumn breaks. With its pleasant weather, abundant activities and holiday magic, November is quite simply one of the best times to take that American vacation you’ve been mulling over.