Head Outside With These 7 East Coast Fall Getaway Ideas

Summer doesn’t officially end until the third week of September but it seems like as soon as August is over, all thoughts turn to fall. It’s one of my favorite times to travel and not just because of the colorful fall foliage. It’s a chance to enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and city strolls minus the blazing summer sun and often with less tourists. With more and more people planning fall getaways, now is a great time to get your next weekend getaway on the calendar. Explore these 7 ideas for active fall getaways up and down the east coast. Take a mountain adventure in Virginia or North Carolina, a beach weekend in Delaware, a bike ride on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore, discover waterfalls and wineries in New York, or explore cities like Washington, DC and Charleston, South Carolina. Read on for details.

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*Updated July 2024
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1. Glamping in Western North Carolina. Head to Marion, North Carolina, roughly 40 miles from Asheville, and settle in for the weekend at Gold River Camp. Last fall, I had the chance to enjoy a weekend getaway with friends at this laid-back spot on the Second Broad River. We spread out among the half-dozen glamping cabins and 2 of the glamping tents. At first glance, the tents and cabins look ordinary. But then you pull back the flap or open the door to find a comfortable queen bed, cozy pillows, a coffee maker, and other amenities. The cabins are also tastefully decorated, maximizing the small space, a few with private bathrooms. Guests who don’t have a private bath will share a modern bathhouse with private toilets and showers. My favorite spot was the covered, communal area next to the river with a sitting area for relaxing with a good book or playing games with friends or fellow glampers. It came in handy on a rainy afternoon for gathering with friends and family. 

When you are ready to head out, the family that owns Gold River Camp has put together fun itineraries that include activities for families, friends, couples, or solo travelers. Hike to a waterfall, discover Little Switzerland, visit the Historic Orchard at Altapass to listen to local musicians, or sample craft beer and local wine. It’s about a forty-minute drive to Asheville if you want to visit. 

2. Enjoying Food & the Culture of Charleston, South Carolina. With the heat of summer in the rear view mirror, head south to Charleston, South Carolina for a weekend getaway. October average high temperatures are typically in the upper 70’s, which makes it pleasant for walking around town or outside dining. As you plan, do keep in mind that early fall is also hurricane season, and Charleston is located in the lowcountry of South Carolina.

So what is there to do in Charleston? Fill your days with history, food, and shopping as you stroll the streets of Charleston. If you can, start with a tour. Consider the Free Tours by Foot Historic Charleston Tour, the Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour, or the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour. I love the Free Tours by Foot name-your-own-price model and took their Historic Charleston Tour several years ago. It’s a perfect way to get introduced to the city and works well if you are traveling alone. Allow time during your visit to browse at the historic Charleston City Market and don’t miss the locally-made sweetgrass baskets. To end the day, relax with an evening sunset cruise in Charleston Harbor or consider a ghost tour. And don't forget to capture a photo of the iconic Pineapple Fountain! Find a variety of itineraries on the Explore Charleston site. 

From downtown Charleston, it’s a short drive to Folly Beach for a walk on the beach or dinner and drinks by the water at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. If  you are looking for a cheaper hotel alternative that is not downtown, check out the Hotel Indigo in Mount Pleasant. For a downtown Charleston splurge, book a stay at The Loutrel, then use their free bikes to explore!  Take a peek at a few colorful photos from the Charleston area for inspiration! 

3. Discovering Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Colorful leaves, crisp fall mornings, and craft beer are on the agenda during a weekend in Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Hop on one of the trails that make up the paved Roanoke River Greenway then stop for a local brew. Hikers of all levels will find options, with shorter hikes like Sawtooth Ridge or access to Virginia’s Triple Crown for the adventurous— McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs.  Go Hike Virginia is an excellent resource for information on these hikes and more throughout the state. In downtown Roanoke, stop by the Taubman Museum of Art (free general admission) or the unique Roanoke Pinball Museum (paid admission allows you to play as long as you want).  

From Roanoke, hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 120 and get off at Milepost 86 to see the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. This outdoor memorial offers a wonderful learning experience about the events of D-Day on June 6, 1944. Then grab a sandwich at Town Kitchen & Provisions. While in the area, consider taking the Sharp Top Mountain Shuttle for a gorgeous  view with less effort. You still have a short walk when you arrive at the top, but it’s great if you are short on time and less strenuous than hiking the entire way! Kids can check out the Peaks of Otter Track Trail. The Peaks of Otter Lodge books up early in the fall. 

You might also like Enjoy a 2-Day Van Adventure in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley​

Read  3 Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Roanoke, Virginia to find more details on what to do and where to eat. The Liberty Trust is one of the newer hotel options in downtown Roanoke.

4. Biking on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Throw the bikes in the car and head to Maryland’s Eastern Shore for an active getaway. It’s on our list of 5 scenic bike trails to explore in the Mid-Atlantic area. Bring your bike or rent one when you arrive. The Bike Talbot Guide details 6 trails in the area with maps along with rental shop information. Note that many of these “trails” are bike-designated shoulders on two-lane roads with varying amounts of traffic. 

In between bike rides, enjoy wandering the small towns of St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, and Oxford. On Tilghman Island, grab breakfast at Two If By Sea or a crab cake on the deck at Tickler’s Crab Shack. Enjoy browsing the shops in St. Michael’s and Oxford, and ice cream at Justine’s or the Scottish Highland Creamery in Oxford. St. Michaels is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It’s also a place with more options for hotels and restaurants. Hotel options include the Knapps Narrows Marina & Inn (Tilghman Island) or the St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa. No matter where you stay, head outside to catch a sunrise or sunset.

For something different, take the seasonal Oxford-Bellevue Ferry if you are making the trip to Oxford from St. Michaels. If you would prefer to leave the car and walk on, use the small parking lot on the Bellevue side. Bikes are also allowed on the ferry. Just make sure to note the schedule for the return trip. Or you can bring your car and park in Oxford. Bring cash for the fees.  

5. Sightseeing in Washington, DC.  Enjoy cooler temperatures and changing leaves with a fall stroll on the National Mall. Stop to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial remembrance wall added in the summer of 2022. Get an up-close look at the detailed bas-relief art panels at the World War II Memorial! Take a walk through one of DC’s free art museums. Don't miss the National Gallery of Art's extensive collection and the always-interesting Renwick Gallery. Stop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden near the Smithsonian Castle (pictured below) to see what’s in bloom. Speaking of fall blooms, the U.S. National Arboretum is a short drive from downtown. It's also home to the outdoor National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, worth a visit any time of year.

Fall is also a nice time to wander through the National Zoo. The giant pandas are expected to return sometime in late 2024. Be sure to grab a free entry pass online before you go. 

For a unique vantage point of the city, visit the observation deck in the Old Post Office Tower (12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue). The National Park Service offers free tours of the tower. Explore our  3-day Washington DC itinerary for other ideas for your Washington DC getaway. 

6. Relaxing With a Fall Beach Weekend in Lewes, Delaware. Fall is one of our favorite times for a beach weekend. Peak summer crowds have gone, the weather is perfect for strolling along the beach or taking a bike ride, and it’s a chance to enjoy local restaurants without the wait. Discover charming Lewes, Delaware, just a few hours by car from Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia.  

Spend time exploring Cape Henlopen Park, either by foot or by bike. Fall is a good time of year to catch the sunset at the Point Overlook at Cape Henlopen State. It’s typically closed during the spring and summer to protect the Point’s nesting habitat. Stop by Touch of Italy for Italian food, the Crooked Hammock for a lively atmosphere and Pineapple Express Wings, or Matt’s Fish Camp for seafood. 

​While in downtown Lewes, stop by to see the Lightship Overfalls up close. If you stay at the Dog Fish Inn, its a short walk to the the lightship, along with restaurants and shops.  And if you don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home, read more about our favorite dog-friendly place, the Lazy L at Willow Creek.

7. Exploring Waterfalls and Wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes Region. Seeing the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park in New York has been on my bucket list for a long time. I finally made the trip during the summer, and am excited to plan a future fall visit with the backdrop of colorful leaves and crisp weather. Fall would also be a good time to explore the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway and the Finger Lakes National Forest on the east side of Seneca Lake in our self-contained van. 

The entire Finger Lakes Region spans 14 counties, which creates options for long weekend getaways to explore numerous cities or small villages. Our summer visit focused on the area at the south end of Seneca Lake, including a stay in the Village of Watkins Glen. The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is conveniently located for a weekend of fun! Visitors can spend a day or more on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Check the schedule to see if the Lakeside Trolley is available for worry-free transportation between stops. 

Nearby Watkins Glen is home to a number of waterfalls, including those at the popular Watkins Glen State Park.The park is home to the scenic Gorge Trail, which closes in late fall. After having been on the trail after a rainy day, I now understand why. The trail is sometimes uneven, with hundreds of stone steps leading visitors through the gorge.  

The Finger Lakes Trails & Trip Ideas also has ideas to help with planning a getaway in Ontario County, home to cities like Canandaigua and Geneva along with other towns and villages.  ​