We’ll always remember our journey to Zion National Park one November. After battling the summer time crowds on a earlier go to, we returned to discover the trails nearly utterly to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colors had been nonetheless holding on in the decrease canyon, and the expertise felt a lot extra private and uncooked.
That journey reminded us that travelling in the shoulder season is usually the finest method to actually join with a spot.
If you’re making an attempt to determine the place to go in the USA earlier than the chaos of the vacation season kicks in, November is your month. It’s a little bit of a candy spot for journey. The summer time crowds are lengthy gone, and the winter rush hasn’t fairly arrived but, which may imply higher offers and extra respiration room.
We’ve road-tripped, hiked, and explored our method throughout the United States for years. Based on these experiences, we’ve put collectively this record of our favorite locations to go to in November. Whether you’re searching for a remaining dose of sunshine or a comfy metropolis break, this information has you coated.
Quick List: Best Places to Visit in November in the USA
November is considered one of the finest months for a US journey, providing a candy spot between autumn’s peak and the vacation rush. Here are a dozen of our high suggestions:
Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert mountain climbing & sunny patios
Maui, Hawaii: Whale watching season & epic sunsets
New York City, New York: Thanksgiving parade & pre-holiday buzz
New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz music & Creole delicacies with out the humidity
Zion National Park, Utah: Crowd-free canyon hikes & crisp air
Asheville, North Carolina: Late autumn colors & Blue Ridge Mountain views
Telluride, Colorado: Early snow & a quiet mountain city
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Peaceful hikes & deep blue water
Napa Valley, California: Cabernet season & cosy vineyard excursions
Savannah, Georgia: Historic squares & gentle temperatures for strolling
San Antonio, Texas: Historic missions & festive River Walk
Palm Springs, California: Mid-century fashionable type & poolside leisure
Why Travel to the USA in November?
November is considered one of our favorite months for exploring the United States as a result of it feels such as you’re getting an inside scoop. It’s the definition of a shoulder season month.
The climate is usually nonetheless nice in many elements of the nation, however the crowds are considerably smaller than in the summer time or the festive season. This can lead to higher costs on flights and lodging, and also you get to expertise common spots with out feeling rushed. It’s a unbelievable time to plan a highway journey or a metropolis break earlier than the winter chill units in.
Best Places to Visit in November for Warm Weather
If you’re trying to escape the autumn chill and discover some sunshine earlier than winter units in, these are our go-to spots in November. The climate is good; heat sufficient for the seashore or a hike, however with out the intense warmth of the summer time months.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
We’ve hiked Camelback Mountain in the summer time, and belief me, doing it in November is a very completely different expertise. We hit the path early in the morning with only a gentle jacket and felt energized by the crisp desert air, not drained by the warmth. That feeling of reaching the high and looking over the valley is what a visit to Scottsdale is all about.
Why Visit in November: The climate is just about excellent. Daily temperatures are snug for every part from {golfing} and mountain climbing to merely enjoyable on a sunny patio. The metropolis is alive however not overly crowded like it’s throughout the peak season.
Top Things to Do:
Hike Camelback Mountain or discover the McDonicely Sonoran Preserve.
Wander by the artwork galleries and retailers in Old Town Scottsdale.
Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence and architectural college.
Where to Stay: Scottsdale has a fantastic vary of locations, from sprawling luxurious resorts with golf programs to extra intimate boutique resorts close to Old Town.
2. Maui, Hawaii
One of our most memorable moments in Maui was sitting on the coast and seeing the first humpback whales of the season breach in the distance. November marks the starting of their return to Hawaiian waters, and there’s an actual sense of pleasure in the air.
Why Visit in November: It’s the candy spot earlier than the peak vacation crowds arrive. The official whale watching season kicks off, the climate is unbelievable, and you may usually discover higher offers on flights and lodging. Just do not forget that November is the begin of the wet season in Hawaii, so might need a couple of showers.
Top Things to Do:
Drive the iconic Road to Hana.
Watch the dawn from the high of Haleakal? National Park.
Take a ship tour to see the humpback whales.
Relax on the sands of Ka’anapali Beach.
Where to Stay: For luxurious, look to the resorts in Wailea. For a extra laid-back, native vibe, try the city of Paia on the North Shore.
3. Key West, Florida
There’s a sure allure to Key West that’s laborious to clarify. We beloved ending our days at Mallory Square, watching the avenue performers and the unimaginable sundown over the water. It feels much less such as you’re in the US and extra such as you’ve escaped to a unusual Caribbean island.
Why Visit in November: The summer time humidity has subsided, forsaking sunny climate and common temperatures of 21°C – 27°C are excellent for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It’s a perfect time for snorkelling or diving as the water remains to be heat and hurricane season is over.
Top Things to Do:
Walk down the energetic Duval Street.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (and see the six-toed cats).
Join the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
Take a day journey by ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Where to Stay: We suggest discovering a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be shut to the motion.
4. Death Valley National Park, California
Standing at Badwater Basin at dawn is an expertise that sticks with you. It’s the lowest level in North America, and in the cool morning air of November, the silence and scale of the salt flats are unimaginable. It’s a spot that’s largely inaccessible in the summer time, which makes visiting this time of 12 months really feel particular.
Why Visit in November: Safety and luxury. The dangerously excessive summer time temperatures have dropped, making it prime time to discover the park’s well-known landscapes throughout the day. The clear, dry air additionally makes for a few of the finest stargazing in the nation.
Top Things to Do:
See the salt flats at Badwater Basin.
Watch the dawn or sundown over the badlands from Zabriskie Point.
Hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Stay up late for some unbelievable stargazing.
Where to Stay: Lodging is restricted, so ebook forward. The Oasis at Death Valley provides a few choices proper inside the park.
Best Places to Visit in November for City Breaks
November is a perfect time for a metropolis break in the US. The climate is usually cool and crisp, excellent for strolling, and also you get to see these locations remodel as they gear up for the vacation season.
5. New York City, New York
We as soon as spent per week in New York in mid-November and it felt like we had the metropolis throughout its finest transition. The fall colours had been nonetheless clinging to the timber in Central Park, however the first vacation lights had been beginning to seem (you understand we love Christmas in NYC). There was a buzz in the air about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however the intense December crowds hadn’t arrived but. It was the excellent stability.
Why Visit in November: This is your probability to see iconic vacation occasions with fewer crowds. The climate is cool and cozy for exploring the completely different neighbourhoods on foot.
Top Things to Do:
Watch the large balloons get inflated the night time earlier than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Go ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or at Rockefeller Center.
See a Broadway present earlier than the ticket costs climb for the holidays.
Take a stroll by a quieter Central Park.
Where to Stay: Midtown is handy for first-timers who need to be close to Times Square and the theatre district. For a extra neighbourhood really feel, we love staying in the West Village.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Our favorite journeys to New Orleans have been in the fall. We have a fantastic reminiscence of grabbing beignets and low and simply wandering by the French Quarter for hours, listening to jazz musicians on avenue corners. You can’t do this comfortably in the summer time warmth, however in November, the climate is excellent.
Why Visit in November: The oppressive warmth and humidity of summer time are gone. It’s the excellent time to discover the metropolis’s historic structure and cemeteries on foot. Plus, the metropolis hosts distinctive occasions like the Bayou Classic.
Top Things to Do:
Listen to genuine dwell jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Explore the structure and historical past of the French Quarter.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District to see the grand properties.
Indulge in the metropolis’s well-known Creole and Cajun meals.
Where to Stay: Staying at a lodge with a balcony in the French Quarter is a traditional New Orleans expertise.
7. San Antonio, Texas
We took a night boat tour alongside the San Antonio River Walk simply as they had been placing up the vacation lights. Seeing the cypress timber draped in color, mirrored in the water beneath, was magical. The metropolis feels extremely festive, however in a relaxed, Texan method.
Why Visit in November: The climate is gentle and nice, which is good for strolling alongside the River Walk and exploring the metropolis’s historic Spanish missions. The well-known vacation lights show normally begins the day after Thanksgiving.
Top Things to Do:
Explore the retailers, eating places, and public artwork alongside the River Walk.
Visit The Alamo and the different 4 missions that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Browse the stalls at the Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the US.
Where to Stay: We suggest a lodge proper on the River Walk to have the metropolis’s fundamental attraction at your step.
8. Chicago, Illinois
There’s nothing fairly like the weekend earlier than Thanksgiving in Chicago when the metropolis formally kicks off the vacation season. We went for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival one 12 months, and seeing Mickey Mouse lead the parade as they lit up 1,000,000 lights down the avenue was pure enjoyable.
Why Visit in November: Chicago goes all-out to start the festive season. It’s chilly, however the metropolis’s vitality will heat you up. It’s additionally a good time to discover Chicago’s world-class indoor points of interest.
Top Things to Do:
Attend the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
Shop at the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market.
Go ice skating on the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
Spend a day exploring the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum.
Where to Stay: The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that supply quick access to most of the fundamental sights and transportation.
Best Places in November for Outdoor Adventure & Scenery
For those that need to get out and discover, November provides some unimaginable alternatives. The trails are quieter, the temperatures are excellent for an extended hike, and the gentle is usually softer, which is nice for images.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
As we talked about, our November journey to Zion was a game-changer. We rented dry fits in Springdale and hiked a bit of The Narrows. Wading by the Virgin River with these huge canyon partitions towering above us, and with solely a handful of different individuals in sight, was an unforgettable journey. It’s a very completely different park with out the summer time crowds.
Why Visit in November: The intense summer time warmth is gone, making for excellent mountain climbing circumstances. The park is far quieter, and on weekdays, you’ll be able to usually drive your individual automotive into Zion Canyon, which isn’t allowed throughout peak season.
Top Things to Do:
Hike The Narrows (be certain to hire applicable cold-water gear).
Explore the Emerald Pools Trail.
Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and search for bighorn sheep.
Hike The Watchman Trail for a fantastic view of the valley.
Where to Stay: The city of Springdale is situated proper at the park’s entrance and has loads of resorts and eating places.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
We drove a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway simply outdoors of Asheville one November, pondering we had missed all the fall foliage. But the decrease elevations had been nonetheless stuffed with color, with deep reds and golds clinging to the timber. The views over the mountains had been hazy and delightful. It proved that the surroundings right here is spectacular lengthy after the peak season ends.
Why Visit in November: You can usually catch the final of the fall color. The crisp mountain air is invigorating for hikes, and the metropolis itself is a comfy place to return to, with a unbelievable meals scene and dozens of craft breweries.
Top Things to Do:
Drive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (verify for highway closures).
Hike in the Pisgah National Forest.
Tour the Biltmore Estate, which is normally adorned for Christmas beginning in early November.
Explore the vibrant downtown space’s retailers, galleries, and eating places.
Where to Stay: You can select from fashionable resorts downtown or hire a secluded cabin in the close by mountains for a real retreat.
11. Sedona, Arizona
We took considered one of the well-known Pink Jeep Tours on our final go to. Bouncing over the pink rock trails was a blast, and our information identified all the completely different rock formations and vortex websites. Doing it in November meant we may take pleasure in the open-air automobile with out baking in the solar.
Why Visit in November: The climate is good for mountain climbing and exploring the outdoor. The vibrant blue skies create a exceptional distinction with the deep pink rocks, making for wonderful images. The non secular vitality of the vortexes feels much more highly effective in the quiet of the low season.
Top Things to Do:
Take a jeep tour to discover the backcountry.
Hike the trails round Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.
Browse the distinctive retailers and artwork galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Watch the sundown from the Airport Mesa viewpoint.
Where to Stay: Many of Sedona’s resorts are constructed to mix in with the panorama and supply unimaginable views and spa companies.
12. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley in November is a distinct type of stunning. The grapevines, having performed their work, are turning sensible shades of gold, orange, and deep pink. We bear in mind sitting in a quiet tasting room, savouring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon whereas a hearth crackled in the fire. It felt subtle and extremely enjoyable.
Why Visit in November: The valley is celebrating “Cabernet Season,” the excellent time to style the area’s signature daring pink wines. The fall surroundings in the vineyards is attractive, and the wineries are far much less crowded than throughout the harvest season.
Top Things to Do:
Go wine tasting with a deal with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Take a hot-air balloon trip for a hen’s-eye view of the vibrant vineyards.
Enjoy a connoisseur meal at considered one of the valley’s many Michelin-starred eating places.
Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Where to Stay: For a traditional expertise, ebook a room at an enthralling inn or B&B in cities like St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga.
13. Telluride, Colorado
We visited Telluride as soon as in the quiet window between fall mountain climbing and peak ski season. We rode the free gondola up the mountain over a valley dusted with the early snow of the 12 months. The city was so peaceable, and searching down into that well-known field canyon felt like we had a secret view all to ourselves earlier than the winter crowds arrived.
Why Visit in November: You get to expertise the calm earlier than the storm of ski season, usually at a lower cost. The ski resort typically opens on Thanksgiving weekend, providing a few of the earliest runs of the 12 months in North America.
Top Things to Do:
Ride the free gondola between the city of Telluride and Mountain Village for unimaginable views.
Walk alongside the historic, Victorian-era Main Street.
Check for early-season snowboarding or snowboarding.
Enjoy the quiet, cosy environment in the native eating places and bars.
Where to Stay: Choose between the historic inns in the city of Telluride or the fashionable, ski-in/ski-out resorts in Mountain Village.
14. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
We took a visit to Lake Tahoe in November and went for a hike round Emerald Bay. The air was crisp, the scent of pine was in all places, and the lake was a shade of blue so deep it didn’t look actual. With nearly nobody else on the path, it was considered one of the most peaceable and spectacular walks we’ve ever had.
Why Visit in November: It is the true quiet season. The summer time and winter crowds are gone, making for a peaceable and enjoyable go to. You can usually discover nice offers on lodging, and the trails at decrease elevations are excellent for mountain climbing.
Top Things to Do:
Hike the trails round the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park.
Drive the 72-mile scenic highway that circles the complete lake.
Explore the retailers and eating places in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City.
See if the Heavenly Gondola is working for superb views of the lake.
Where to Stay: For a comfy journey, hire a cabin close to the West Shore. For extra motion and facilities, search for a lodge in South Lake Tahoe.
Best Places to Go in November for a Unique Experience
Sometimes you desire a journey that’s a bit completely different. These locations supply one thing particular in November, from diving deep into American historical past to absorbing some mid-century fashionable type in the desert.
15. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Visiting Plymouth in the weeks main up to Thanksgiving is a robust expertise. We walked the grounds of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and noticed the Mayflower II reproduction, and it actually introduced a brand new depth to a narrative we’ve all heard. Standing there, you’ll be able to’t assist however mirror on that slice of American historical past.
Why Visit in November: This is the setting for the unique Thanksgiving story, and visiting this month makes the historical past really feel extremely related and alive. The massive summer time crowds are gone, leaving a quiet, reflective environment. October can be a fantastic month to go to.
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a residing historical past museum.
See Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II ship at the waterfront.
Wander by the historic downtown and Burial Hill cemetery.
Where to Stay: Look for a historic inn or a lodge alongside the waterfront for the full New England expertise.
16. Savannah, Georgia
We took a ghost tour on a cool November night in Savannah, and the metropolis’s environment was excellent for it. With the Spanish moss hanging from the historic oak timber and the gaslights flickering in the historic squares, the spooky tales felt totally plausible. Afterwards, we simply walked for hours, having fun with the cool air.
Why Visit in November: The climate is good for exploring Savannah’s stunning and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer time humidity is a distant reminiscence, and the metropolis’s many squares are a delight to uncover on foot.
Top Things to Do:
Walk by a few of the 22 historic squares, every with its personal character.
Tour a historic residence, like the Mercer Williams House from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Explore the retailers and eating places alongside the revitalized Broughton Street and River Street.
Where to Stay: We suggest reserving a room in considered one of the boutique resorts or historic inns situated proper in the Historic District.
17. Las Vegas, Nevada
Many individuals consider Vegas as simply The Strip, however we love utilizing it as a base for desert adventures. One November we rented a automotive and drove out to the Valley of Fire State Park. Exploring the unimaginable pink rock formations in the gentle climate was unbelievable, after which we returned to the vitality and lights of the metropolis at night time. It’s the better of each worlds.
Why Visit in November: The desert warmth has subsided, making it the excellent time to discover close by pure wonders. Back in the metropolis, you’ll be able to usually discover nice offers on resorts and exhibits earlier than the busy vacation season.
Top Things to Do:
Take a day journey to hike in Valley of Fire State Park.
See considered one of the unimaginable Cirque du Soleil exhibits.
Explore the wildly completely different themes of the resorts alongside The Strip.
Visit the spectacular Hoover Dam.
Where to Stay: For first-timers, staying mid-Strip provides you quick access to the fundamental points of interest.
18. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs simply feels cool. We spent a weekend there merely appreciating the mid-century fashionable design, from the distinctive homes to the retro resorts. After a morning of exploring, we spent the afternoon simply enjoyable by the pool in the heat solar. It was an ideal, low-key getaway.
Why Visit in November: The climate is idyllic. It’s sunny and heat sufficient to lounge by the pool however snug sufficient for mountain climbing or tennis. It’s the quintessential enjoyable desert escape.
Top Things to Do:
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.
Hike the scenic trails in the Indian Canyons.
Take a self-guided tour of the metropolis’s well-known mid-century fashionable structure.
Shop for classic finds in the Uptown Design District.
Where to Stay: Treat your self to a keep at considered one of the metropolis’s many restored mid-century fashionable resorts or boutique inns.
19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is considered one of America’s nice strolling cities. We beloved grabbing a traditional Philly cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market after which strolling it off by exploring the streets of the Old City. The historical past right here feels so tangible, from Independence Hall to the cobblestone alleys.
Why Visit in November: The crisp fall climate is ideal for a history-heavy journey that requires a whole lot of strolling. The metropolis additionally hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the nation, providing a novel vacation expertise.
Top Things to Do:
Visit Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Run up the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Eat your method by the superb Reading Terminal Market.
Explore the charming, historic streets of the Old City.
Where to Stay: Center City or the Old City are the finest bets for being inside strolling distance of most main historic websites.
Tips for Travelling in the USA in November
Check the Weather: The climate throughout the United States varies wildly in November. You might be swimming in Florida or snowboarding in Colorado. Always verify the particular forecast on your vacation spot proper earlier than you permit.
Pack in Layers: For most locations, layers are your finest good friend. A t-shirt, a fleece, and a water-resistant or windproof jacket will cowl you for many metropolis breaks and out of doors adventures.
Book Around Thanksgiving: November is usually a shoulder season with good offers, however the week of Thanksgiving is a serious journey interval. Book flights and lodging nicely in advance in case your journey falls over the vacation.
FAQ: Best Places to Visit in the US in November
For the warmest climate, you’ll need to head south. Southern Florida (like the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and desert locations like Scottsdale and Palm Springs constantly supply the most sunshine and warmest temperatures in November.
Yes, it’s a wonderful time for a lot of parks, particularly the desert parks in the Southwest like Zion, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon, the place summer time temperatures are excessive. However, in mountain parks like Yosemite or Glacier, many roads and companies could also be closed due to snow.
You can go massive by watching the well-known Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, or you’ll be able to go historic by visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts. Alternatively, many individuals use the lengthy weekend for a quiet getaway to a nationwide park or a soothing seashore vacation spot.
You’ll be catching the very tail finish of the season, however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover good fall color in decrease elevations and extra southerly states. Places like Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and even Napa Valley in California can have stunning foliage nicely into November.
Ready for a November Getaway?
November is a unbelievable and sometimes missed month to discover the United States. With fewer crowds and a mixture of festive vitality and low season calm, it provides a novel probability to see a few of the nation’s finest spots in a distinct gentle.
So, the place will you go?
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