Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In November Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
Some of the best places to visit in the U.S. in November are hidden gems, and others are well-known destinations you’ve been dreaming of visiting one day. Perhaps after looking through this list of 15 wonderful cities, towns, and natural wonders, you’ll be inspired to pack your bags and enjoy an adventurous getaway.
This article is part our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:
| SPRING IN USA | SUMMER IN USA | FALL IN USA | WINTER IN USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | June | September | December |
| April | July | October | January |
| May | August | November | February |
Best Places to Visit in The USA In November
Each of these locations has something special going on in November. Whether it is a special event or simply the fact that the weather is particularly nice in the fall.
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Santa Barbara in November is a special time of year when the tourists have returned home and you have this Mediterranean paradise all to yourself.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This super cute Beach Bunny Cottage is located on the desirable West Beach for the perfect romantic getaway.
A cool November day in Santa Barbara is a wonderful time to spread a picnic blanket out on a white sand beach with the Santa Ynez Mountains bathed in the setting sun as you enjoy some of Southern California's best wines with that special someone. If you are looking for one of the best areas of California to enjoy for a couples getaway, put Santa Barbara on your list. Be sure to add a walk down State Street and Stearns Wharf to your list of things to do.
San Antonio, TX, USA
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Why Visit In November: Visiting San Antonio in November is particularly nice because the searing Texas heat is replaced by cool upper 60s for an enjoyable walk along the river. Early November is also when the "World Famous Pub Crawl" comes to Alamo Street. Grab your punch card and see if you can complete the crawl to earn a special prize.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Gather your friends and family for a getaway to San Antonio with this incredible modern home within walking distance of the Riverwalk and downtown attractions.
San Antonio comes alive at night when the Riverwalk is lit up with enchantment. Whether you are in town for a couple's getaway, a family vacation, or even a corporate retreat, there is so much to see and do along this beautiful area of downtown San Antonio. With lots of shopping, nice restaurants, live music, and entertainment, the Riverwalk in San Antonio is one of the best places in Texas to plan your next vacation.
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Charleston, SC, USA
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Why Visit In November: Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect place to visit in November for an end-of-season laid-back beach getaway. Visiting Charleston in November gives you the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront Battery when the warm sun delightfully pairs with a cool ocean breeze.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Right in the heart of the city this beautiful condo with a vintage brick accent wall, jacuzzi tub, and cozy fireplace epitomizes the charm you'll find in Charleston.
Another enchanting place to visit is Charleston, South Carolina. Its French Quarter has such a wonderful vibe with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant architecture. You will be swept off your feet by this delightful coastal town, especially if you are visiting with someone who makes your heart beat a little faster as you stroll hand and hand from the Charleston City Market to Waterfront Park.
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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In November To Avoid Crowds
We all love to get away from busy tourist traps now and then. So, these destinations turn on the charm to give you a quiet oasis away from the crowds.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
- Location: Gatlinburg, TN
- Why Visit In November: Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee in November is just about perfect because November is one of the driest times of the year. The air is cool which makes hiking all the more enjoyable and you might even catch some late fall colors.
- Where To Stay Nearby: A beautiful mountain chalet only 1.5 miles from Gatlinburg is the perfect home base for enjoying the Smokies. With room for eight, a fantastic family vacation is waiting for you.
The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful in late fall with its distinctive hazy fog lingering over the mountain tops. At higher elevations, the peaks could have a layer of powdery snow that adds to the magic. If you love outdoor adventures and the quiet of a mountain landscape you'll love the Smokies. Head to Clingmans Dome for an amazing view of both Tennessee and North Carolina from the highest point in Tennessee.
Napa Valley, CA, USA
- Location: Napa Valley, CA
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Napa Valley, California in November is just in time to get lovey-dovey with someone you care about as you enjoy the Napa Valley Film Festival and a bottle or two of the finest wine in the region.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This private wine country cottage in beautiful Sonoma, California is a delightful vacation spot for your getaway to Napa Valley.
We have some really romantic destinations on our list of best places to travel in November in the USA. Napa Valley is another one that will help get those butterflies dancing with that special someone. From film festivals to wine tours to scenic train rides, you really can't go wrong with a November Napa getaway. If you visit in late November you can even enjoy Napa's lighting of the Christmas tree and Christmas Parade.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
- Location: Kauai, HI
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Kauai, Hawaii in November can be a great time to spot humpback whales as it is the beginning of whale season. Another bonus for visiting Kauai in November is that accommodations and excursions are less expensive.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Take your family to enjoy a beautiful beach getaway to Kauai by staying at the Beachcomber Bungalow just west of Kepuhi Point in Haena on the north shore of Kauai.
Any time of year is an incredible time to visit Kauai, but if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet getaway going in November is a unique treat. Tunnels Beach on the north shore of Kauai is a nice quiet spot for a beach picnic or some amazing snorkeling. It is also one of the most photographed beaches on Kauai so expect to enjoy stunning sunsets. It has a calm inner reef area that is perfect for swimming while the outer reef is the spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Best Places To Visit In The US In November For Outdoor Adventure
If you plan your vacations around exciting outdoor adventures these two destinations on opposite ends of the country will get your heart pumping.
Columbia River Gorge, 714 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, USA
- Location: Columbia River Gorge, OR
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Oregon's Columbia River Gorge in November is a great time to enjoy a Columbia River cruise because most of the tourist traffic will have gone home for the summer. You may even catch some late fall colors if you visit in early November.
- Where To Stay Nearby: You just can't beat a cozy riverfront cabin in the Columbia River Gorge to enjoy an adventurous getaway of river rafting, tubing, fishing, and hiking.
If you are wondering where to visit in November in the USA for outdoor adventures the Columbia River Gorge offers you plenty of exciting opportunities. From parasailing and windsurfing at Hood River Waterfront Park to hiking near Multnomah Falls or along the Pacific Crest Trail. In fact, there are so many incredible hiking trails and waterfall hikes in Oregon that you could spend your entire getaway finding new trails to test your skills and inspire your soul. If your idea of an outdoor adventure is going on a wine tour, this region has a number of fantastic wineries as well.
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Everglades, Florida, USA
- Location: The Everglades, FL
- Why Visit In November: The Everglades is a 1.5 million acre wetland - and while it is well known for its crocodiles, the teeny tiny mosquito might just be the more fearsome predator. That's why visiting the Everglades in Florida in November is one of the best times of the year. November is typically dryer with lower temperatures and humidity so that means fewer mosquitos!
- Where To Stay Nearby: This unique three-bedroom houseboat in Key Largo is a fantastic home base for your Everglades getaway.
If you love the outdoors and discovering wildlife, the Everglades is a unique destination. Kayak alongside Manatees, take an airboat tour to see crocodiles, or maybe even spot a Florida panther slinking through the brush (Or an ice skating rink). Since November is the start of Manatee season, you have a good chance of spotting some around Port Everglades or in the Dania Cutoff Canal.
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Best Places To Visit In November For Events
The highlights of a November visit to these two towns are, of course, fall festivals and Thanksgiving celebrations. There is no better place to take a November getaway than New England.
Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Location: Williamsburg, VA
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia in November gives you the opportunity to enjoy a carriage ride on a cool afternoon through the Historic District with lingering fall colors. November is also a great time to hit a local farmer's market to gather goodies for a Thanksgiving feast.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Experience what it must have felt like to live in Colonial times in Williamsburg by staying at this delightful five-bedroom home that was built in 1760 in the enchanting Lightwood Forest.
Late fall in Williamsburg, Virginia is especially nice with lingering fall colors and enough warmth to enjoy being outside with a cozy sweater. The fall harvest is in full swing in early November so the Williamsburg Fall Festival is a fun time to enjoy live music, games, craft beers, and fall festivities. November is also when Christmas Town at Busch Gardens opens for an early start on Christmas celebrations. Don't miss the ice skating rink at Liberty Ice Pavilion in mid-November as well. Of course, the ultimate November celebration is Thanksgiving dinner at Colonial Williamsburg.
Plymouth, MA, USA
- Location: Plymouth, MA
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts in November is very special because this is where the Mayflower came ashore on November 11, 1620.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely home on Plymouth Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet getaway only a few minutes from downtown Plymouth.
If Thanksgiving is your favorite holiday a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts in November should be on your bucket list. As you might imagine this lovely town takes Thanksgiving celebrations pretty seriously with festivals and special events all month long. A visit to the Mayflower II, a replica of the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to the shores of America is definitely a must. Of course, Plymouth Rock, where the Mayflower landed is a popular attraction as well.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in November
There are so many wonderful destinations to explore in the US. Many of these lovely locations you may not be that familiar with. For that reason alone, they are some of the best places to go in November in the USA.
Lake George, NY 12845, USA
- Location: Lake George, NY
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Lake George, New York in November is a special time of year when fall colors linger and hiking trails invite you to explore them. It is a lovely time of year filled with harvest festivals, apple picking, craft beer tours, and plenty of outdoor adventures.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The beautiful shores of Lake George invite you to stay at this custom-built lakehouse affectionately dubbed "That Red House."
One of the best November vacations in the US is a trip to Lake George. The Adirondack Mountain region is particularly enchanting in the fall. Enjoy a scenic fall drive around Lake George, go hiking in the Adirondacks, walk around the charming town as you stop at quaint shops and delightful restaurants and cafes, or head to Million Dollar Beach. While this beach is buzzing with visitors in the summertime, in November, it is a peaceful place to wander the 1,700-foot shoreline. And no, you don't have to have a million dollars to visit - it got its intriguing name in 1951 when it opened at a cost of one million dollars. This picture-perfect town on the lake of the same name is a true hidden gem.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez, MS, USA
- Location: Natchez, MS
- Why Visit In November: As fall teeters on the brink of winter visiting the Natchez Trace Parkway in November is still a lovely time of year to enjoy Natchez Pilgrimage Tours to view the grand and elegant antebellum mansions and gardens that Natchez is known for.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Natchez Pearl is a delightful two-bedroom home in a quiet neighborhood near downtown Natchez.
Natchez, Mississippi is a fascinating town with lots of history. From its historic antebellum mansions to its four national parks, ancient Indian mounds, and of course the beautiful quiet drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This 444-mile scenic drive is a historic gem all to itself. It follows the "Old Natchez Trace" which was a travel corridor used by everyone from American Indians to future presidents to European settlers, soldiers, and even infamous slave traders. Now it is one of the most cherished drives in Mississippi.
Coconino National Forest, Arizona 86017, USA
- Location: Flagstaff, AZ
- Why Visit In November: A unique thing to do when visiting the Coconino National Forest in November is to pick out a Christmas tree! A limited number of permits are issued each year to trek into the forest and cut down your own tree. It is a rewarding family experience you won't find in many places in Arizona.
- Where To Stay Nearby: With a wall full of windows overlooking the scenic Ponderosa pines of the Coconino National Forest is this spacious modern cabin that sleeps eight.
From iconic views of the red rocks of Sedona to the rich-smelling Ponderosa pine forests, the Coconino National Forest in Arizona is a true gem. You'll enjoy desert landscapes and rich forests, streams, canyons, and lakes all in one exciting location. It is an unexpectedly diverse ecosystem of wildlife from black bears and mountain lions to horned toads, bald eagles, and pronghorn sheep. If you love the outdoors and getting your boots dusty and dirty on some of the most interesting hiking trails in Arizona, a trip to this beautiful national forest is a must.
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Burgdorf Hot Springs, 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638, USA
- Location: McCall, ID
- Why Visit In November: Visiting the Burgdorf Hot Springs in November is especially enjoyable because the cool mountain air is offset by the 100 to 118-degree water of the hot spring.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Burgdorf Hot Springs have cabins for rent as well as a campground for the closest access to the hot springs. If you want to set up a home base in McCall, ID this lovely cottage near beautiful Payette Lake is a great choice.
The Burgdorf Hot Springs are both historic and restorative. This unique area of Idaho features an Olympic-seized pool and small smoking tubs naturally filled with hot spring water surrounded by the beautiful Payette National Forest. It was originally a sacred site for Native Americans, then rediscovered by Chinese miners, before being "claimed" by Fred C. Burgdorf in the late 1860s. It was made into a resort by 1870. Now this rustic getaway is one of the most popular hot springs in Idaho.
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
- Location: Frankenmuth, MI
- Why Visit In November: Visiting Frankenmuth, Michigan in November is extra special because this fairy-tale city is decorated for Christmas. It is one of the most delightful Christmas towns you will ever discover.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely four-bedroom home in the heart of Frankenmuth is perfectly located for enchanting walks around downtown.
One of the best cities to visit in November in the USA is Frankenmuth, Michigan. This hidden gem is an epicenter of German culture with year-round festivals celebrating the city's heritage. For this reason, it is known as, Little Bavaria. And the delightful German-inspired architecture is a treasure. Another highlight of the town is the 19th Century-style covered bridge that spans the Cass River joining the Bavarian Inn Lodge to Main Street. The Frankenmuth Holz Brucke is one of only four remaining covered bridges in Michigan that you can still drive over.
Now that you have enjoyed the awe-inspiring beauty, historical charm, and pure magical vibe that these destinations offer, which one will you choose to visit next? Tell us all about your favorite places to travel so that we can add them to our best places to visit in the U.S. in November list.
Fall is a wonderful time to travel in the US. If you really want to enjoy a peak fall colors road trip try some of the best places to travel in October in the US.
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