Go here, not there this fall

Everyone loves Santa Monica’s beautiful beach and famous pleasure pier, but not the relentless traffic of the surrounding LA sprawl. Santa Barbara, about a two-hour drive northwest, is a more relaxed seaside city.

Stroll along Stearns Wharf for restaurants, whale-watching tours, and lovely harbor views. There are palm-lined sandy beaches, a historic town center, art galleries, boutique shopping, and an urban wine trail of tasting rooms featuring the surrounding wine country vintages.

Be sure to visit the landmark Old Mission Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, it's home to a beautiful church, historic mausoleum, and landscaped gardens.

While visitors flock to Portland to sample its plethora of food carts and microbreweries, locals head inland to Bend, Oregon’s outdoor playground. Set on the eastern edge of the Cascades, this small mountain town is a great place for hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports on the Deschutes River.

It’s also got more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in the state. In the fall, fresh hops and pumpkins add zest to local brews. Do the Bend Ale Trail in November, get your passport stamped, and collect a trophy along with beer souvenirs.

Balance the urban delights of Seattle with a relaxing break in the San Juans. These islands, off the northwest coast, can only be reached by air or sea, making the archipelago a haven for wildlife.

In the fall, the ferry queues are shorter, hotels are less crowded, and the temperate climate is perfect for kayaking, cycling, hiking, or a bracing climb up Mount Constitution on Orcas Island. Take a cruise to spot transient humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales, or the islands’ resident pods of orcas. A high number of bald eagles also nest here.

While nothing can outshine the Grand Canyon for sheer scale and beauty, there are other awesome vistas to explore in the West’s canyon country.

Take the Colorado National Monument. Though it’s part of the national park network, it lacks the national park designation and thus sees fewer crowds. Hike the Canyon Rim Trail for awesome views of the striking rock formations, Monument Canyon, and surrounding flat-topped mesas. Nearby Grand Junction is also a good base for biking, rafting, wine-tasting, and fruit picking.

While Denver is a hot ticket for couples looking to enjoy its vibrant nightlife, Colorado Springs, just an hour's drive south, is a great destination for families.

Ride the cog railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, walk among the stunning red rock formations in the Garden of the Gods, or zipline over the Seven Falls at the Broadmoor resort. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs at Manitou Springs, a charming arts colony, or explore historic Gold Rush towns like Cripple Creek.

Fans of beautiful beaches and mid-century architecture don’t have to brave the crowds of Miami. Trade the big-city buzz for a relaxing, small-town feel at Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the US.

Stroll the boardwalks at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium—which rehabilitates injured sea birds, dolphins, and other sea animals—go biking or kayaking, or simply enjoy glorious sunsets from Pier 60 amid live music, street performers, and crafters.

Atlanta is a major airline hub for the Southeast, and a mere two-hour drive north puts you on the edge of the Appalachians at Chattanooga.

Take the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain, then hike past sandstone formations and cross a suspension bridge at Rock City for a sweeping view of seven states. Alternatively, descend beneath the mountain at Ruby Falls to see the highest underground waterfall in the world.

Downtown, bike or stroll along the Tennessee Riverpark, or relax on an old-style riverboat cruise.

If you’re a wine lover, look away from Napa Valley to Finger Lakes in upstate New York. The fall color in this scenic region makes a beautiful backdrop for discovering its many award-winning wines, world-class Rieslings and excellent reds. Don't miss, too, the phenomenal ice wines.

You can also explore one of Fingers Lakes' wine trails or, alternatively, visit the area’s cider mills and enjoy harvest-time local produce.

With its stately monuments and museums, Washington, DC is undoubtedly beautiful but, if you're looking to escape the tourists, try heading a little further south to Richmond, VA.

Catch stunning fall foliage displays throughout Virginia. Grab a bike and cruise along the Virginia Capital Trail, a paved pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs beside the scenic James River, past countless historic sites.

Richmond is also a rising culinary destination, where foodies can sample Southern fare with a modern twist and explore the city's thriving craft beer scene. Check out Fire, Flour & Fork, an annual food festival that takes place in November offering demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as talks from both local food and beverage producers and chefs.

Don't miss the Richmond Beer Trail. Launched in 2017, this route guides you to more than 30 breweries (and counting) to taste an incredible variety of beers. Visitors can also collect stamps, which can be exchanged for cool, collectible souvenirs.

With its historical landmarks, outstanding art museums, and delectable food markets, Philadelphia has long been a favorite destination.

Now consider its earthier sister city to the west. Pittsburgh’s fine arts pedigree includes the Carnegie Museum of Art, Andy Warhol Museum, and the Frick Art and Historical Center.

For nature lovers there’s the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or the National Aviary. Best of all, the burgeoning food-and-drink scene features exciting grassroots bars, bakeries, and farm-to-table restaurants set in neighborhoods across the city.