The other day, I spent time with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. One of her first questions was, ‘Where have you traveled to lately?’ I gave her a quick list, and she responded, ‘I really need to get away, but I just don’t know where I would go.’ She said she preferred a destination that offered things to do rather than a beach vacation soaking up the sun.

For those of you feeling the same way, here are destinations in the USA to consider depending on your budget and personal interests. They make for a perfect one-week getaway during October, November, or December!

Boston, Massachusetts

Best Time: October and December

Why Visit: Boston offers history and vibrant city life, with seasonal events in both fall and winter. Many spots on your ‘must see’ list are near each other, making this destination very walkable. Forget the car rental expense and use the money for clam ‘chowdah’ and a nice Italian meal in the North End.

Activities: In October, walk the Freedom Trail, explore the historic neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and Back Bay, and enjoy the fall colors at the Boston Common. In December, visit the Boston Common Christmas Tree and see the festive lights in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, catch a holiday concert, or see the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Boston Ballet.

Sedona, Arizona

• Best Time: October and November

• Why Visit: Mild autumn weather, fewer crowds than in summer, and gorgeous red rock landscapes.

• Activities: Hike Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge trail, visit vortex energy spots, and explore the rugged desert landscape on a jeep tour. In the fall, the Oak Creek Scenic Drive, which winds through lush forests and red rock cliffs, is magnificent, with the leaves changing color.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Best Time: October

• Why Visit: The Smokies offer some of the best fall foliage in the country, with colorful vistas and crisp mountain air.

• Activities: Hike in Cades Cove, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visit historic mountain towns like Gatlinburg.

New Orleans, Louisiana

• Best Time: October and November

• Why Visit: Fall brings cooler weather, fewer tourists, and lively festivals to the city.

• Activities: Stroll through the French Quarter, take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River, and experience Halloween or Voodoo festivals in October.

Charleston, South Carolina

• Best Time: October and November

• Why Visit: Charleston’s charming streets, historic homes, and coastal beauty are best enjoyed in the fall, when temperatures are pleasant.

• Activities: Walk along Rainbow Row, explore historic plantations, and dine on Lowcountry cuisine.

Napa Valley, California

• Best Time: October and November

• Why Visit: The Fall harvest season means beautiful vineyard views, wine tastings, and cooler weather.

• Activities: Tour the vineyards, ride the Napa Valley Wine Train, take a balloon ride, and indulge in gourmet dining experiences.

Savannah, Georgia

• Best Time: October and November

• Why Visit: Savannah’s historic streets and southern charm shine in the cooler fall months.

• Activities: Take a ghost tour or a riverboat cruise, visit Forsyth Park, and explore the city’s historic squares and mansions.

San Diego, California

• Best Time: October

• Why Visit: San Diego enjoys mild fall weather, which is perfect for exploring the area’s beaches and outdoor attractions.

• Activities: Visit Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches of La Jolla and Coronado Island.

New York City, New York

• Best Time: November and December

• Why Visit: NYC in November offers the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while December brings festive lights and holiday markets.

• Activities: Ice skate in Central Park, see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree after Thanksgiving Day, and explore museums like the Met or MoMA.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• Best Time: November and December

• Why Visit: Early winter offers excellent skiing, dramatic mountain views, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• Activities: Ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, visit Grand Teton National Park, and go on a wildlife drive to spot elk and bison.

Traveling during October, November, and December can be a great time to get away, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. Unless you are heading to visit family, I find it hard to justify the additional costs and crowds on virtually every train, plane, and highway during those days. What I like about traveling during these months is that everything feels more relaxed. The temperatures are typically more comfortable than midsummer for those locations in the south and southwest—who needs the heat and humidity? (And the southwest’s ‘dry heat’ is still too hot for my sensibilities.) I also appreciate the fewer visitors, whether you’re focused on a city’s highlights or hiking a trail in a National Park.