This blog post is all about the best East Coast fall trips to take this year if you want to see incredible leaf foliage.
There’s nothing quite like Fall on the East Coast.
Crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and fiery leaves painting every street and hillside.
Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to take some incredible East Coast road trips (while living in New York City), and Fall is hands-down the best season to see this part of America at its most magical.
If you’re planning an autumn getaway, here are some of the best East Coast Fall trips to see peak foliage.
These are all places I’ve explored myself and shared in even more detail across my YouTube channel, blog, and in my East Coast Road Trip guide.
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- Ultimate 9-Day East Coast of America Road Trip: Travel Route
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5 Best East Coast Fall Trips in the US
If you’re dreaming of crisp autumn air, pumpkin-spiced everything, and streets lined with fiery red and golden leaves, these East Coast fall trips are some of the very best spots to experience it all.
From spooky historic towns to cozy college campuses and dramatic coastal parks, here’s where to plan your 1-day or weekend East Coast Fall trips this season.
1. Salem, Masachussetts
When it comes to East Coast Fall destinations, Salem is an absolute must.
Famous for its witch trials history and Halloween festivities, Salem feels like it was built for October.
Strolling through cobblestone streets with historic homes dressed in pumpkins and orange leaves falling all around, it’s like stepping onto a movie set.
And speaking of movies, I love the movie Hocus Pocus, so being able to visit Salem twice was a dream come true for me.
Salem is also incredibly close to Boston, so can be done as a short day trip while visiting the city.
Best Things to Do in Salem in Fall
- Salem Witch Museum – Learn about the city’s infamous 1692 witch trials.
- Witch House – The only structure still standing with direct ties to the trials.
- Salem Common – Gorgeous in Autumn, especially during the Haunted Happenings festival.
- Pickering Wharf – Stroll the harbor area lined with boutiques and seasonal decorations.
- Ghost Tours – Experience Salem’s spooky history after dark.
Where to Stay in Salem
- The Hotel Salem: Chic boutique hotel right in the heart of town.
- Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites: Cozy rooms with easy access to the wharf.
- The Merchant: Stylish, budget-friendly option with historic charm.
How to Get to Salem from New York City
- How to Get to Salem by Car: 4.5 hours via I-95.
- How to Get to Salem by Train or Bus: Amtrak or bus to Boston, then connect to the MBTA commuter rail (5–6 hours total).
RELATED Salem blog posts:
- Salem, Massachusetts: The Best 10 Budget to Luxury Hotels
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2. Acadia National Park, Maine
For a more outdoorsy East Coast Fall trip, head to Acadia National Park in Maine.
The park comes alive in Autumn with blazing red and orange maples contrasting against rugged coastline and deep blue waters.
It’s one of the most dramatic places I’ve ever experienced in Summer, so I can only imagine that it’s incredible during the Fall months.
Top 5 Things to Do in Acadia National Park
- Drive the Park Loop Road – The most scenic route to view Fall foliage.
- Cadillac Mountain Sunrise – First sunrise in the U.S., stunning with Autumn colors.
- Jordan Pond Path – Scenic hike with views of the Bubbles mountains.
- Thunder Hole – Dramatic coastal stop with crashing waves.
- Carriage Roads Biking – Perfect for Fall leaf-peeping on two wheels.
Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park
- Bar Harbor Inn & Spa: Waterfront with gorgeous Fall views.
- Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina: Comfort with easy access to Bar Harbor.
- Acadia Hotel: Affordable boutique stay in downtown Bar Harbor.
How to Get to Acadia National Park from New York City
- How to Get to Acadia National Park by Car: 8.5–9 hours.
- How to Get to Acadia National Park by Flight: NYC to Bangor (1.5 hours), then drive 1 hour to Bar Harbor.
RELATED Acadia National Park and Maine blog posts:
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3. Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is basically the state everyone dreams of visiting in Fall, and Burlington is the perfect hub to soak it all in.
Sitting right on Lake Champlain, Burlington offers stunning lake views framed by colorful hillsides.
Top 5 Things to Do in Burlington
- Church Street Marketplace – Cozy cafés, shops, and live music.
- Waterfront Park – Walk or bike along Lake Champlain with peak foliage views.
- Ethan Allen Homestead – History plus Autumn scenery.
- Day Trip to Stowe – One of Vermont’s most iconic foliage towns.
- Apple Orchards & Cider Mills – A Vermont Fall must-do.
Where to Stay in Burlington
- Hotel Vermont: Modern, stylish, and centrally located.
- Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain: Great views of the lake.
- Green Mountain Suites Hotel: Affordable with cozy touches.
How to Get to Burlington from New York City
- How to Get to Burlington by Car: 5.5 hours.
- How to Get to Burlington by Train: Amtrak Vermonter (9 hours).
- How to Get to Burlington by Flight: 1.5-hour flight to Burlington International Airport.
RELATED Vermont blog posts to read:
4. Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton might not be the first place you think of for Fall foliage, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem.
The ivy-covered university buildings look especially beautiful with Autumn leaves.
Plus, nothing says ‘Fall’ quite like back-to-school (or in this case, college).
Top 5 Things to Do in Princeton
- Princeton University Campus Tour – Gorgeous architecture framed in Fall colors.
- Princeton University Art Museum – Free and impressive collection.
- Lake Carnegie Walks – Scenic strolls with foliage reflections.
- Palmer Square – Quaint shopping and seasonal events.
- Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail – Ideal for biking and leaf-peeping.
Where to Stay in Princeton
- The Peacock Inn: Elegant boutique stay.
- Nassau Inn: Classic hotel right on Palmer Square.
- Courtyard by Marriott Princeton: Comfortable and affordable.
How to Get to Princeton from New York City
- How to Get to Princeton by Car: 1 hour.
- How to Get to Princeton by Train: NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton Junction (1.5 hours).
RELATED New Jersey blog posts to read:
- A Road Trip to Upstate New York and Princeton University
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5. New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is another underrated East Coast Fall spot.
With Yale’s Gothic architecture surrounded by golden leaves and a fantastic food scene, it’s perfect for a crisp Autumn weekend.
If you’re craving that college-town experience (or want to feel like you’re in Gilmore Girls for the day), a day trip to New Haven will hit perfectly.
Top 5 Things to Do in New Haven
- Yale University Tour – Historic campus looking gorgeous in Fall.
- Yale University Art Gallery – Free and world-class collection.
- East Rock Park – Hiking trails with sweeping Fall views.
- New Haven Pizza Crawl – Try the city’s famous “apizza.”
- Sleeping Giant State Park – Short drive for more foliage hikes.
Where to Stay in New Haven
- The Study at Yale: Sleek boutique stay with campus views.
- Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale: Reliable comfort in central location.
- Graduate New Haven: Trendy but affordable, with fun décor.
How to Get to New Haven from New York City
- How to Get to New Haven by Car: 2 hours.
- How to Get to New Haven by Train: Metro-North from Grand Central (2 hours).
- How to Get to New Haven by Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus also connect NYC and New Haven (2 hours).
The Best East Coast Fall Trips to Take This Year
Fall on the East Coast is something everyone should experience at least once, and these five destinations are some of the best ways to do it.
Whether you want spooky Salem vibes, dramatic coastal hikes in Acadia, small-town Vermont charm, or historic college campuses in full autumn glory, there’s a trip here for every kind of traveler.
If you’re planning your own adventure, don’t forget I’ve got even more detailed itineraries, vlogs, and tips across my blog and YouTube channel.
And my full East Coast Road Trip Guide eBook is the perfect companion to help you plan the ultimate Fall getaway.
RELATED East Coast Fall Trips blog posts you make like:
- Ultimate 9-Day East Coast of America Road Trip: Travel Route
- Salem, Massachusetts: 9 Things to Do in the Witchy City
- Ultimate Maine Road Trip: 2 Days in Portland & Bar Harbor
- The 10 Best Burlington Vermont Hotels: Budget to Luxury
- How to Spend Thanksgiving in The Hamptons, New York
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
