Fall is the perfect time to take weekend vacations! In this blog are many getaway recommendations for North America, Euorpe, Africa, and Austrlia! Start planning your perfect long weekend for Fall now!
Toronto Canada
A fabulous fall weekend getaway destination in Canada is Toronto! Even if you’re flying in from the northeastern US; there are a ton of fabulous things to do in Toronto in the fall. With comfortable temperatures, calm weather, and plenty of summer sun still on tap, Toronto is ideal for a fall getaway.
You’ll find an array of festivals and events throughout fall in Toronto. One of the top events is Toronto Oktoberfest! This three-day festival is full of German beer, food, and fun times. Another popular activity is to chase the fall colors in Toronto! There are plenty of places across the city to take in the fall foliage! Including High Park, the Toronto Islands, and Rouge Park.
If you’re looking for more things to do then book a ghost walk. There are numerous haunted locations in Toronto, from the Mackenzie House to Fort York National Historic Site. Or you can wander in search of ghosts on your own!
You’ll need fuel for all that exploring and Toronto has a wide array of restaurants serving fabulous fall foods. Head to Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for delicious homemade pumpkin and apple pies. For a local pumpkin spice latte, head over to Almond Buttery. And for dinner reserve a table at Canoe, a 54th-floor restaurant with epic views of the city.
There are plenty of great places to stay in downtown Toronto during your long weekend escape. A luxurious castle-like hotel is the Royal York. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, stay at the Rex Hotel.
Recommended By: Stephanie at The World As I See It
Vancouver Canada
Vancouver Island on the Canadian west coast is the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. This spectacular island covered in old-growth forest and surrounded by a rugged coastline is only a 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver city, Canada. With a moderate climate, all year round the island is a fantastic location for outdoor activities in all seasons.
Fall is a great time for hiking, diving, surfing, and camping. Visiting Vancouver island in the shoulder season the weather is still pleasant with much lower tourist numbers than in summer. Vancouver Island has some of the best hiking trails in North America. And fall is a great time to explore them. The West Coast Trail is a bucket list experience for many hikers. And West Coast trail reservations are open until 30 September.
The Juan de Fuca hiking trail is another spectacular beach and forest trail; reservations are not required to hike this trail. Fall is a great time to hike here. Surfing is great in fall at Tofino with bigger swells starting to come through and the weather still pleasant. Vancouver Island is well known for great whale watching with seeing killer whales (orcas) being a highlight on these trips. Orcas can be seen on whale-watching expeditions in autumn with spawning river salmon attracting whales. The magic colors of fall are spectacular all over Vancouver Island. The famous Butchard gardens is a great place to witness the changing of the seasons.
Recommended By: Campbell at Stingy Nomads
New Hampshire USA
The White Mountains are world-renowned for their natural beauty during the peak of fall foliage season. And make for a perfect fall weekend getaway from North America. The closest airport is Manchester, and it is situated between Boston and Montreal, making either a great starting point.
The fall foliage in the White Mountains creates a dramatic landscape featuring a patchwork of vibrant colors. Even driving on the I-93 highway showcases the true beauty of the area.
There are so many places to explore in the White Mountains! The Kancamagus Highway, Conway Scenic Railway, Franconia Notch; the incredible gorge at the Flume, Mount Washington’s Cog Railway, Aerial Tram at Cannon Mountain, or Lake Winnepesaukee. The activities suit all kinds of travelers and include opportunities for fantastic hikes, scenic drives, and cozy escapes.
There are all types of lodging in the White Mountains. From the luxurious Mount Washington Resort to the quaint Franconia Inn. The offseason is a fantastic time to stay near one of the ski resorts as well; such as the Black Bear Lodge at Waterville Valley or the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain.
Polly’s Pancake Parlor is a must-visit for an exceptional brunch. Cabin Fever near Attitash Mountain has deliciously hearty meals, and the Bretton Arms at the Mount Washington Hotel offers a fantastic meal within a historic resort hotel.
Recommended By: Jamie at Travel Addict
Colorado USA
This fall, enjoy a long weekend getaway on the West Elk Loop in Colorado. Not only is the fall foliage in this area stunning; but this 205-mile-long scenic byway is a great scenic fall drive in Colorado to enjoy after spending some time in Glenwood Springs. After checking out the town’s immortal hanging lake and going for a dip at Glenwood Hot Springs; grab some tacos at Slope and Hatch and spend the night at Hot Springs Lodge.
Next, wake up refreshed and head to Carbondale. Once here, hit the West Elk Loop. And see the largest aspen grove in Colorado come alive with vibrant red, yellow, and orange colors. And while you can do this entire route in 6 to 8 hours, you’ll go past many of Colorado’s most scenic spots and will definitely want to stop. So, after passing through CO-133 and reaching the top of the McClure Pass, continue south to Somerset.
Once here, go west over the Kebler Pass and head to Crested Butte. Stop here for the night and go shopping for fun clothes at Chopwood Mercantile. Hike through aspen groves as you go from Caves to Lookout Point; grab some curry shrimp at The Last Steep, and spend the night at Purple Mountain bed and breakfast.
Then, in the morning, continue south to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Be sure to stop and explore the thousand-foot tall canyon walls; as you hike along the North Vista Trail or the Red Rock Canyon Route. It’s a one-of-a-kind place that features one of the deepest canyon systems in the US and is one of Colorado’s least visited national parks. Therefore, the crowds will be minimal. Finally, follow US-50 West and end your journey at Sapinero before heading back home.
Recommended By: Meg at Fox in the Forest
Edinburgh Scotland
If you’re looking for a relaxing long weekend in the fall, head to Edinburgh in Scotland. This incredible city has so much to recommend it that you won’t be able to see it all in one weekend; but you’ll have plenty of fun trying! This is a great weekend getaway for the UK and Europe.
Don’t miss a visit to Edinburgh Castle, with spectacular views out over the city. You’ll also want to visit George Street! Be sure to grab a cocktail from the Dome, which is where many locals go after work. Rose Street and Cockburn Street have fantastic independent stores where you can find great gifts (for others or yourself!)
However, one of the best things about Autumn is the colors of the Highlands. Grab a car or even better, go motorcycle touring in Scotland and enjoy some of these incredible vistas for yourself.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are great destinations! And only about 90 minutes from Edinburgh so easily reached on a day trip. Don’t miss a hike up Conic Hill to enjoy the views over the loch, or a visit to Balloch Castle, built in the 13th century.
There are plenty of places to stay in Edinburgh. If you’re driving, book a hotel with parking, as it can be difficult in the city center. The Sheraton Grand Hotel, which has rooms overlooking Edinburgh Castle, is a brilliant option if you want to treat yourself.
Recommended By: Kat at Biker Girl Life
Lake District, England
The Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in England, and it’s even more spectacular in the Fall. Easily accessed by car or train from London, Glasgow, and pretty much anywhere in the country, the region makes for a great long weekend destination. You can base yourself in either Ambleside or Keswick for your long weekend getaway. Top places to stay include the luxurious Wateredge Inn and Rothay Manor Hotel in Ambleside, or the Inn on the Square in Keswick. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could always try a spot of wild camping in the Lake District for the ultimate immersive experience.
On your first day, head to the bustling town of Ambleside, which sits on Windermere in the center of the park. From here you can enjoy rides on the famous lake steamers, go for hikes in the nearby hills, or indulge in a bit of shopping. As evening falls, enjoy relaxed dining and delicious homemade cakes at Lucy’s on a Plate, followed by drinks at the Royal Oak.
Your second day should be spent up in the Keswick area, in the north of the national park. This is where you’ll find the famous big fells like Blencathra and Skiddaw if you’re looking for an epic hike. Meanwhile, the lower-level Catbells is an easy win for most and boasts superb views out over Derwentwater. There’s also sailing and kayaking on offer, and plenty of quaint tea shops to fortify you after your exertions.
Recommended By: Heather at Conversant Traveller
Nice France
The French Riviera city of Nice, France is a great weekend getaway from anywhere in Europe, really, but particularly from the nearby locations of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland.
There are a lot of interesting things to see and do in Nice. You can’t miss the Promenade des Anglais, a beautiful, wide sidewalk that extends along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Palm trees line the path, which is raised up from the beach, with plenty of access points along. From the Promenade, hit up Castle Hill, a park and greenspace with a wonderful view and a variety of walking paths (although no castle), visit the Old Port, and explore the nooks and crannies of the charming and quaint Old Town.
On your second day, visit the Marché aux Fleurs, a cute flower and produce market on Cours Saleya, in the old town. Then stroll through the Jardin Albert I, which boasts green space, park benches, water fountains and features, and a cool playground for children. Stop by Place Massena, a distinctive square with a black and white checkerboard street, a statue, and striking red buildings. You can also visit Notre Dame de l’Assomption, which resembles a smaller version of Notre Dame de Paris.
The Palm Nice Hotel is a cute and centrally located hotel in Nice – perfect for walking to basically everything you could want to see in Nice. Definitely don’t miss hitting up Chez René Socca for pissaladière or socca, two regional specialties, Angea Nice for macarons + gelato, or Les Garcons for a traditional French dinner.
Recommended By: Stephanie at The Unknown Enthusiast
Rome Italy
Easily connected to all European capitals, Rome is a fantastic getaway for a weekend or city break from pretty much all of the Old Continent.
You can devote the first day to exploring some of the most important and famous archaeological sites in Rome. Start the early morning at the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater where gory shows of fights between gladiators and gladiators against wild animals used to take place. Once you are done with the Colosseum, an absolute must-visit are the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, the pulsing heart of the ancient city and where it’s believed Rome itself was founded.
On the second day, head to the Centro Storico and see some of the most famous landmarks in Rome. Kick-off your itinerary in Piazza Venezia where you can also visit the Vittoriano complex that houses the Altar of the Fatherland and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From Piazza Venezia, make your way to the stunning Trevi Fountain and other major highlights surrounding Via del Corso such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the beautiful Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s most spectacular squares.
If you are in Rome for three days, devote your third day to visiting the Vatican, especially its most famous highlights including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, Borgo Pio, and Castel Sant’Angelo in the Lungotevere at the end of Via Della Conciliazione.
Some of the best restaurants around the city center are Armando al Pantheon, L’Arcangelo near Castel Sant’Angelo, bistro-style Ginger off Via del Corso, and Baccano and Il Piccolo Buco near Fontana di Trevi. Among the hotels near the historic center are Hotel de Russie, Palazzo Manfredi, Sofitel Villa Borghese and Hotel Lunetta near Campo de’ Fiori.
Recommended By: Angela at Rome Actually
Bright Australia
Bright is situated on the Ovens Rivers in the hills northeast of Melbourne Australia. It is a popular destination for weekend getaways especially during the fall season when you can enjoy the beautiful colors of leaves changing their colors. Located in a picturesque Alpine Valley, Bright comes into its own in the summer and autumn months when the temperatures rise and fall foliage sparkles. Each April and May Bright plays host to the Autumn festival celebrations of the colors and food of the region.
Any visit to Bright must include a visit to Mount Buffalo Chalet, a heritage-listed building constructed in 1910 on one of Victoria’s first places to ski. There is a number of short and long bushwalk starting from the chalet and the nearby alpine Lake Catani is picturesque. Food and Beverages play a big part in the region with many farms, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. After trying all the amazing beverage options at Bright Brewery or the Gin at Reed & Co distillery you can have a great Thai meal at Suganya’s Restaurant or the upmarket Koji Bird. For those looking for a quick bite, the famous Beechworth bakery has amazing pies and cakes.
Many people come to Bright for a weekend to go bike riding. For those looking to do some shopping, Bright has many small boutiques selling local fashions and homewares The Murray to Mountains rail trail runs for over 100 kilometers and passes through Bright. For Mountain bike enthusiasts the Mystic Mountain bike park challenges all levels of ability.
In winter, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other activities that involve snow. There are a number of caravan parks that have pitches for tents, vans and Cabins for rent. The top Choices are Big 4 Bright and Discovery Parks Bright. The High County Motor Inn close to the center of Bright has a well-appointed room with a pool onsite. A few days in Bright is all about spending some time in the Victorian High Country. Bright is located 2.5 hours north of Melbourne Australia.
Recommended By: Mark at Explore Victoria
Cairo Egypt
Cairo is a great weekend destination for the fall, from Europe. The capital of Egypt is a short flight from Europe, between 2-4 hours, depending on which country you are located in on the continent. Fall is actually a great time to visit Egypt because the scorching summer temperatures are dropping, and the weather becomes nice to wander around again.
There are plenty of things to do in Cairo in two days, starting with visiting the Pyramids, which will take half a day. To learn more about Ancient Egypt, it is highly recommended you visit the first capital of the country, Memphis, and its necropolis, Saqqara. They are much older than the Pyramids.
Visiting the Egyptian Museum is a must as well. This is where you will find all the treasure found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. The Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which was recently opened, hosts a large mummy collection, including some of the most famous Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs.
Another great thing to do in Cairo is taking a felucca ride on the Nile, and exploring the city from the water. Another option is to attend a dinner with a belly dance show on a ship, in the evening, sailing on the Nile.
When it comes to accommodation, you can either choose to stay in the center of Cairo, or, near the Pyramids. The famous Mena House offers spectacular rooms with views over the Pyramids.
Recommended By: Joanna at The World In My Pocket
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