Best Places to Travel This Fall That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists

Ryan Jones
May 2
4 min read

Fall is a magical time to travel—crisp air, golden leaves, and seasonal charm—but that magic can fade quickly when your destination is swarming with tourists. If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying autumn scenery without elbowing your way through crowds, this guide is for you. From quiet Greek islands to tucked-away U.S. towns, here are the best fall travel destinations that let you soak in the beauty of the season without the chaos.

Why Travel in Fall?

Traveling in the fall gives you the best of both worlds: stunning scenery and significantly fewer crowds. This "shoulder season" offers a sweet spot between the summer rush and the winter holidays, making it ideal for travelers who crave peaceful experiences. Hotel prices tend to drop, flights are more affordable, and you can actually hear yourself think while exploring charming towns, hiking trails, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Plus, fall foliage alone is worth the trip—whether you’re watching leaves turn in the mountains or strolling through cobblestone streets.

Benefits of Off-Season Travel

Lower airfare and hotel rates
More availability for accommodations and reservations
Easier access to attractions without long lines
Local businesses aren’t overwhelmed, offering a more authentic experience

Hidden Fall Getaways Around the World

Milos, Greece

White buildings by a rocky coastline with clear blue sea. Boats are docked near the shore. Hills with green shrubs frame the view.

Milos may be best known for its volcanic cliffs and surreal beaches, but visiting in the fall is a whole different (and calmer) experience. By September, the summer crowds have thinned dramatically, yet the weather remains warm and ideal for swimming. Picture peaceful cliffside dinners in Plaka, quiet boat tours through sea caves, and sunsets without a sea of selfie sticks. It’s a dream for anyone wanting the beauty of the Cyclades without the Santorini-sized crowds. Bonus: accommodations drop in price and availability skyrockets this time of year.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Aerial view of Tbilisi with a curving river, modern bridge, diverse architecture, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, is one of Europe’s most charming under-the-radar spots—and fall is when it truly shines. The harvest season brings a buzz of activity to the Kakheti wine region nearby, and the city itself glows with golden light and fall color. Think cozy cafes, architectural treasures, and thermal bathhouses with barely another tourist in sight. Tbilisi is ideal for those seeking an international escape with rich culture, incredible food, and a low-key vibe. It's the kind of place where you come for a few days and wish you stayed for weeks.

Quiet Fall Vacation Spots in the U.S.

Door County, Wisconsin

Three people kayaking on clear, green water near rocky cliffs with lush trees under a blue sky, exuding a serene, adventurous vibe.

Often dubbed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a hidden gem for fall foliage and lakefront charm. Come October, this peninsula is ablaze with red, orange, and gold, and you can explore the local lighthouses, scenic drives, and cozy bakeries without the summer traffic. It’s perfect for apple picking, wine tasting, or curling up in a cabin by the water. Weekends may still draw regional visitors, but midweek stays are blissfully quiet. If you're looking for an affordable, relaxing U.S. destination, this is it.

Taos, New Mexico

Adobe building with turquoise door and wooden ladder against a clear blue sky. Shadows cast on the ground suggest a warm, sunny day.

For a unique mix of mountain views, desert air, and artistic flair, Taos is a dream in the fall. The aspen trees that line the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn a vibrant yellow in late September and early October, creating unforgettable hiking and photo opportunities. The town itself is rich in Native American history, adobe architecture, and creative energy. Visit the historic Taos Pueblo, explore local galleries, and drive the scenic Enchanted Circle for one of the most underrated fall road trips in the U.S. Best of all? You’ll avoid the crowds of Santa Fe.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts (Beyond the Mainstream)

Lush green vineyard with neatly trimmed grass, overlooking a serene lake and green hills under a cloudy sky. Peaceful rural landscape.

While towns like Lenox and Stockbridge draw a fair share of fall leaf-peepers, lesser-known areas of the Berkshires offer just as much beauty with far fewer tourists. Head to Monterey for quiet lake views, or Egremont for quaint general stores and country roads lined with blazing foliage. The region is dotted with hiking trails, farm-to-table restaurants, and charming stays that feel worlds away from city life. It’s the perfect fall weekend escape if you want New England charm without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

Fall Destinations in Europe Without the Crowds

Alentejo, Portugal

A small white house with a red roof sits on a grassy hill near a calm lake, under a clear blue sky. Two trees stand nearby.

Skip Porto and the Douro Valley this fall and head south to Alentejo—a rustic, sun-drenched region known for wine, olive oil, and medieval villages. The rolling countryside here is dotted with vineyards and whitewashed towns, all bathed in soft autumn light. It’s a peaceful, unspoiled part of Portugal where you can take scenic drives, dine on slow-cooked meals, and explore castles at your own pace. Fall is also harvest season, so expect fresh local fare and winery events without the tourist crush.

San Sebastián, Spain

Coastal view of lush, green island with cliffs. Blue sea surrounds the island, with boats and a cityscape in the distant background.

San Sebastián in the fall is everything: warm enough for seaside strolls, cool enough for wine and tapas by a fireplace. By September, most summer tourists have headed home, but the city’s food scene is still in full swing. You can wander through the old town without the chaos, indulge in pintxos, and even catch the San Sebastián International Film Festival. For anyone who loves coastal cities with a rich culinary scene, this is your perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.

Planning a Quiet Autumn Getaway

Avoiding crowds during fall travel doesn’t require a miracle—it just takes a little strategy. Travel midweek whenever possible, opt for shoulder season locations that aren’t trending on TikTok yet, and look for destinations that offer authenticity over flash. Stay in boutique hotels or vacation rentals just outside the main tourist zones and book local experiences directly to support the community. This kind of travel not only keeps things peaceful—it makes the experience all the more rewarding.

Final Thoughts on Fall Travel Without the Crowds

If you’re looking for peaceful fall travel ideas that offer authentic experiences, stunning scenery, and space to breathe, these destinations deliver. Whether you're hiking beneath golden aspens in New Mexico or wine tasting in rural Portugal, each place on this list lets you enjoy the magic of autumn without fighting for elbow room. This fall, trade the crowds for quiet and discover a new favorite destination before the rest of the world catches on.