We’ll always remember our journey to Zion Nationwide Park one November. After battling the summer season crowds on a earlier go to, we returned to search out the paths nearly fully to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colors have been nonetheless holding on within the decrease canyon, and the expertise felt a lot extra private and uncooked.
That journey reminded us that travelling within the shoulder season is commonly the easiest way to essentially join with a spot.
In the event you’re making an attempt to determine the place to go within 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 season crowds are lengthy gone, and the winter rush hasn’t fairly arrived but, which might imply higher offers and extra respiratory room.
We’ve road-tripped, hiked, and explored our method throughout the USA for years. Primarily based on these experiences, we’ve put collectively this checklist of our favorite locations to go to in November. Whether or not you’re searching for a ultimate dose of sunshine or a comfy metropolis break, this information has you lined.
Fast Checklist: Greatest Locations to Go to in November within the USA
November is among the greatest months for a US journey, providing a candy spot between autumn’s peak and the vacation rush. Listed below are a dozen of our prime suggestions:
- Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert climbing & sunny patios
- Maui, Hawaii: Whale watching season & epic sunsets
- New York Metropolis, New York: Thanksgiving parade & pre-holiday buzz
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz music & Creole delicacies with out the humidity
- Zion Nationwide 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: Peaceable hikes & deep blue water
- Napa Valley, California: Cabernet season & cosy vineyard excursions
- Savannah, Georgia: Historic squares & delicate temperatures for strolling
- San Antonio, Texas: Historic missions & festive River Stroll
- Palm Springs, California: Mid-century fashionable fashion & poolside leisure
Why Journey to the USA in November?
November is considered one of our favorite months for exploring the USA 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 commonly nonetheless nice in lots of components of the nation, however the crowds are considerably smaller than in the summertime or the festive season. This will result in higher costs on flights and lodging, and also you get to expertise in style spots with out feeling rushed. It’s a improbable time to plan a highway journey or a metropolis break earlier than the winter chill units in.
Greatest Locations to Go to in November for Heat Climate
In the event 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 seaside or a hike, however with out the extreme warmth of the summer season months.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
We’ve hiked Camelback Mountain in the summertime, and belief me, doing it in November is a very completely different expertise. We hit the path early within 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 highest and looking over the valley is what a visit to Scottsdale is all about.
Why Go to in November: The climate is just about excellent. Each day temperatures are snug for every little thing from {golfing} and climbing to easily enjoyable on a sunny patio. Town is alive however not overly crowded like it’s throughout the peak season.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Hike Camelback Mountain or discover the McDowell Sonoran Protect.
- Wander via the artwork galleries and retailers in Outdated City Scottsdale.
- Go to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter house and architectural college.
The place to Keep: Scottsdale has a fantastic vary of locations, from sprawling luxurious resorts with golf programs to extra intimate boutique lodges close to Outdated City.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Certainly one of our most memorable moments in Maui was sitting on the coast and seeing the primary humpback whales of the season breach within the distance. November marks the start of their return to Hawaiian waters, and there’s an actual sense of pleasure within the air.
Why Go to in November: It’s the candy spot earlier than the height vacation crowds arrive. The official whale watching season kicks off, the climate is improbable, and you’ll usually discover higher offers on flights and lodging. Simply do not forget that November is the beginning of the wet season in Hawaii, so might need a number of showers.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Drive the long-lasting Highway to Hana.
- Watch the dawn from the highest of Haleakal? Nationwide Park.
- Take a ship tour to see the humpback whales.
- Loosen up on the sands of Ka’anapali Seashore.
The place to Keep: 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 elucidate. We beloved ending our days at Mallory Sq., watching the road performers and the unimaginable sundown over the water. It feels much less such as you’re within the US and extra such as you’ve escaped to a unusual Caribbean island.
Why Go to in November: The summer season humidity has subsided, abandoning sunny climate and common temperatures of 21°C – 27°C are excellent for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It’s a great time for snorkelling or diving because the water remains to be heat and hurricane season is over.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Stroll down the vigorous Duval Road.
- Go to the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum (and see the six-toed cats).
- Be part of the Sundown Celebration at Mallory Sq..
- Take a day journey by ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
The place to Keep: We advocate discovering a guesthouse or inn within the historic Outdated City to be near the motion.
4. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California
Standing at Badwater Basin at dawn is an expertise that sticks with you. It’s the bottom level in North America, and within 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 summertime, which makes visiting this time of 12 months really feel particular.
Why Go to in November: Security and luxury. The dangerously excessive summer season 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 number of the greatest stargazing within the nation.
Prime Issues to Do:
- See the salt flats at Badwater Basin.
- Watch the dawn or sundown over the badlands from Zabriskie Level.
- Hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Keep up late for some unbelievable stargazing.
The place to Keep: Lodging is proscribed, so guide forward. The Oasis at Dying Valley presents a few choices proper contained in the park.
Greatest Locations to Go to in November for Metropolis Breaks
November is a perfect time for a metropolis break within the US. The climate is commonly 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 Metropolis, New York
We as soon as spent per week in New York in mid-November and it felt like we had town throughout its greatest transition. The autumn colours have been nonetheless clinging to the timber in Central Park, however the first vacation lights have been beginning to seem ( we love Christmas in NYC). There was a buzz within the air in regards to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however the intense December crowds hadn’t arrived but. It was the right steadiness.
Why Go to in November: That is your probability to see iconic vacation occasions with fewer crowds. The climate is cool and comfy for exploring the completely different neighbourhoods on foot.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Watch the enormous balloons get inflated the evening earlier than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Go ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or at Rockefeller Middle.
- See a Broadway present earlier than the ticket costs climb for the vacations.
- Take a stroll via a quieter Central Park.
The place to Keep: Midtown is handy for first-timers who wish to be close to Occasions Sq. and the theatre district. For a extra neighbourhood really feel, we love staying within the West Village.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Our favorite journeys to New Orleans have been within the fall. We now have a fantastic reminiscence of grabbing beignets and occasional and simply wandering via the French Quarter for hours, listening to jazz musicians on road corners. You’ll be able to’t do this comfortably in the summertime warmth, however in November, the climate is good.
Why Go to in November: The oppressive warmth and humidity of summer season are gone. It’s the right time to discover town’s historic structure and cemeteries on foot. Plus, town hosts distinctive occasions just like the Bayou Traditional.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Take heed to genuine dwell jazz on Frenchmen Road.
- Discover the structure and historical past of the French Quarter.
- Journey the St. Charles Streetcar to the Backyard District to see the grand houses.
- Indulge within the metropolis’s well-known Creole and Cajun meals.
The place to Keep: Staying at a resort with a balcony within the French Quarter is a traditional New Orleans expertise.
7. San Antonio, Texas
We took a night boat tour alongside the San Antonio River Stroll simply as they have been placing up the vacation lights. Seeing the cypress timber draped in color, mirrored within the water beneath, was magical. Town feels extremely festive, however in a relaxed, Texan method.
Why Go to in November: The climate is delicate and nice, which is good for strolling alongside the River Stroll and exploring town’s historic Spanish missions. The well-known vacation lights show often begins the day after Thanksgiving.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Discover the retailers, eating places, and public artwork alongside the River Stroll.
- Go to The Alamo and the opposite 4 missions that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Website.
- Browse the stalls on the Historic Market Sq., the most important Mexican market within the US.
The place to Keep: We advocate a resort proper on the River Stroll to have town’s fundamental attraction at the doorstep.
8. Chicago, Illinois
There’s nothing fairly just like the weekend earlier than Thanksgiving in Chicago when town formally kicks off the vacation season. We went for the Magnificent Mile Lights Pageant 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 Go to 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.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Attend the Magnificent Mile Lights Pageant.
- Store on the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market.
- Go ice skating on the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
- Spend a day exploring the Artwork Institute of Chicago or the Area Museum.
The place to Keep: The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that provide easy accessibility to a lot of the fundamental sights and transportation.
Greatest Locations in November for Out of doors Journey & Surroundings
For individuals who wish to get out and discover, November presents some unimaginable alternatives. The paths are quieter, the temperatures are excellent for a protracted hike, and the sunshine is commonly softer, which is nice for images.
9. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
As we talked about, our November journey to Zion was a game-changer. We rented dry fits in Springdale and hiked a piece of The Narrows. Wading via the Virgin River with these large 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 season crowds.
Why Go to in November: The extraordinary summer season warmth is gone, making for excellent climbing circumstances. The park is far quieter, and on weekdays, you may usually drive your individual automotive into Zion Canyon, which isn’t allowed throughout peak season.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Hike The Narrows (remember to lease acceptable cold-water gear).
- Discover the Emerald Swimming pools Path.
- Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Freeway and search for bighorn sheep.
- Hike The Watchman Path for a fantastic view of the valley.
The place to Keep: The city of Springdale is positioned proper on the park’s entrance and has loads of lodges and eating places.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
We drove a piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway simply outdoors of Asheville one November, considering we had missed all the autumn foliage. However the decrease elevations have been nonetheless stuffed with color, with deep reds and golds clinging to the timber. The views over the mountains have been hazy and exquisite. It proved that the surroundings right here is spectacular lengthy after the height season ends.
Why Go to in November: You’ll be able to usually catch the final of the autumn color. The crisp mountain air is invigorating for hikes, and town itself is a comfy place to return to, with a improbable meals scene and dozens of craft breweries.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Drive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (test for highway closures).
- Hike within the Pisgah Nationwide Forest.
- Tour the Biltmore Property, which is often embellished for Christmas beginning in early November.
- Discover the colourful downtown space’s retailers, galleries, and eating places.
The place to Keep: You’ll be able to select from stylish lodges downtown or lease a secluded cabin within the close by mountains for a real retreat.
11. Sedona, Arizona
We took one of many well-known Pink Jeep Excursions on our final go to. Bouncing over the purple rock trails was a blast, and our information identified all of the completely different rock formations and vortex websites. Doing it in November meant we may benefit from the open-air automobile with out baking within the solar.
Why Go to in November: The climate is good for climbing and exploring the outside. The brilliant blue skies create a outstanding distinction with the deep purple rocks, making for glorious images. The non secular vitality of the vortexes feels much more highly effective within the quiet of the low season.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Take a jeep tour to discover the backcountry.
- Hike the paths round Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.
- Browse the distinctive retailers and artwork galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Purchasing Village.
- Watch the sundown from the Airport Mesa viewpoint.
The place to Keep: A lot of Sedona’s resorts are constructed to mix in with the panorama and provide unimaginable views and spa providers.
12. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley in November is a unique type of stunning. The grapevines, having performed their work, are turning sensible shades of gold, orange, and deep purple. We bear in mind sitting in a quiet tasting room, savouring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon whereas a hearth crackled within the fire. It felt subtle and extremely enjoyable.
Why Go to in November: The valley is celebrating “Cabernet Season,” the right time to style the area’s signature daring purple wines. The autumn surroundings within the vineyards is attractive, and the wineries are far much less crowded than throughout the harvest season.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Go wine tasting with a give attention to Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Take a hot-air balloon experience for a hen’s-eye view of the colorful vineyards.
- Take pleasure in a gourmand meal at one of many valley’s many Michelin-starred eating places.
- Journey the Napa Valley Wine Practice.
The place to Keep: For a traditional expertise, guide 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 within the quiet window between fall 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 Go to in November: You get to expertise the calm earlier than the storm of ski season, usually at a cheaper price. The ski resort generally opens on Thanksgiving weekend, providing a number of the earliest runs of the 12 months in North America.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Journey the free gondola between the city of Telluride and Mountain Village for unimaginable views.
- Stroll alongside the historic, Victorian-era Essential Road.
- Examine for early-season snowboarding or snowboarding.
- Benefit from the quiet, cosy environment within the native eating places and bars.
The place to Keep: Select between the historic inns within the city of Telluride or the trendy, ski-in/ski-out lodges in Mountain Village.
14. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
We took a journey 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 some of the peaceable and spectacular walks we’ve ever had.
Why Go to in November: It’s the true quiet season. The summer season and winter crowds are gone, making for a peaceable and enjoyable go to. You’ll be able to usually discover nice offers on lodging, and the paths at decrease elevations are excellent for climbing.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Hike the paths across the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park.
- Drive the 72-mile scenic highway that circles the complete lake.
- Discover the retailers and eating places in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe Metropolis.
- See if the Heavenly Gondola is working for wonderful views of the lake.
The place to Keep: For a comfy journey, lease a cabin close to the West Shore. For extra motion and facilities, search for a resort in South Lake Tahoe.
Greatest Locations to Go in November for a Distinctive Expertise
Generally you need a journey that’s somewhat completely different. These locations provide one thing particular in November, from diving deep into American historical past to absorbing some mid-century fashionable fashion within the desert.
15. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Visiting Plymouth within the weeks main as much as Thanksgiving is a strong expertise. We walked the grounds of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and noticed the Mayflower II duplicate, and it actually introduced a brand new depth to a narrative we’ve all heard. Standing there, you may’t assist however replicate on that slice of American historical past.
Why Go to in November: That 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 season crowds are gone, leaving a quiet, reflective environment. October can be a fantastic month to go to.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Discover the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a residing historical past museum.
- See Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II ship on the waterfront.
- Wander via the historic downtown and Burial Hill cemetery.
The place to Keep: Search for a historic inn or a resort alongside the waterfront for the complete New England expertise.
16. Savannah, Georgia
We took a ghost tour on a cool November night in Savannah, and town’s environment was excellent for it. With the Spanish moss hanging from the traditional oak timber and the gaslights flickering within the historic squares, the spooky tales felt completely plausible. Afterwards, we simply walked for hours, having fun with the cool air.
Why Go to in November: The climate is good for exploring Savannah’s stunning and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer season humidity is a distant reminiscence, and town’s many squares are a delight to find on foot.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Stroll via a number of the 22 historic squares, every with its personal character.
- Tour a historic house, just like the Mercer Williams Home from Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil.
- Discover the retailers and eating places alongside the revitalized Broughton Road and River Road.
The place to Keep: We advocate reserving a room in one of many boutique lodges or historic inns positioned proper within 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 Hearth State Park. Exploring the unimaginable purple rock formations within the delicate climate was improbable, after which we returned to the vitality and lights of town at evening. It’s the very best of each worlds.
Why Go to in November: The desert warmth has subsided, making it the right time to discover close by pure wonders. Again within the metropolis, you may usually discover nice offers on lodges and exhibits earlier than the busy vacation season.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Take a day journey to hike in Valley of Hearth State Park.
- See one of many unimaginable Cirque du Soleil exhibits.
- Discover the wildly completely different themes of the lodges alongside The Strip.
- Go to the spectacular Hoover Dam.
The place to Keep: For first-timers, staying mid-Strip provides you quick access to the principle 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 lodges. After a morning of exploring, we spent the afternoon simply enjoyable by the pool within the heat solar. It was an ideal, low-key getaway.
Why Go to in November: The climate is idyllic. It’s sunny and heat sufficient to lounge by the pool however snug sufficient for climbing or tennis. It’s the quintessential enjoyable desert escape.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Journey the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.
- Hike the scenic trails within the Indian Canyons.
- Take a self-guided tour of town’s well-known mid-century fashionable structure.
- Store for classic finds within the Uptown Design District.
The place to Keep: Deal with your self to a keep at one of many metropolis’s many restored mid-century fashionable lodges or boutique inns.
19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is considered one of America’s nice strolling cities. We beloved grabbing a traditional Philly cheesesteak at Studying Terminal Market after which strolling it off by exploring the streets of the Outdated Metropolis. The historical past right here feels so tangible, from Independence Corridor to the cobblestone alleys.
Why Go to in November: The crisp fall climate is ideal for a history-heavy journey that requires loads of strolling. Town additionally hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade within the nation, providing a novel vacation expertise.
Prime Issues to Do:
- Go to Independence Nationwide Historic Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Corridor.
- Run up the “Rocky Steps” on the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork.
- Eat your method via the wonderful Studying Terminal Market.
- Discover the charming, historic streets of the Outdated Metropolis.
The place to Keep: Middle Metropolis or the Outdated Metropolis are the very best bets for being inside strolling distance of most main historic websites.
Ideas for Travelling within the USA in November
- Examine the Climate: The climate throughout the USA varies wildly in November. You can be swimming in Florida or snowboarding in Colorado. At all times test the precise forecast in your vacation spot proper earlier than you allow.
- Pack in Layers: For many locations, layers are your greatest buddy. A t-shirt, a fleece, and a water-resistant or windproof jacket will cowl you for many metropolis breaks and outside adventures.
- E book Round Thanksgiving: November is mostly a shoulder season with good offers, however the week of Thanksgiving is a serious journey interval. E book flights and lodging properly prematurely in case your journey falls over the vacation.
FAQ: Greatest Locations to Go to within the US in November
For the warmest climate, you’ll wish to head south. Southern Florida (just like the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and desert locations like Scottsdale and Palm Springs constantly provide probably the most sunshine and warmest temperatures in November.
Sure, it’s a wonderful time for a lot of parks, particularly the desert parks within the Southwest like Zion, Dying Valley, and Grand Canyon, the place summer season temperatures are excessive. Nonetheless, in mountain parks like Yosemite or Glacier, many roads and providers could also be closed as a result of snow.
You’ll be able to go huge by watching the well-known Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Metropolis, or you may go historic by visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts. Alternatively, many individuals use the lengthy weekend for a quiet getaway to a nationwide park or a calming seaside vacation spot.
You’ll be catching the very tail finish of the season, however you may nonetheless discover good fall color in decrease elevations and extra southerly states. Locations like Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and even Napa Valley in California can have stunning foliage properly into November.
Prepared for a November Getaway?
November is a improbable and sometimes ignored month to discover the USA. With fewer crowds and a mixture of festive vitality and low season calm, it presents a novel probability to see a number of the nation’s greatest spots in a unique gentle.
So, the place will you go?
