We’ll never forget our trip to Zion National Park one November. After battling the summer crowds on a previous visit, we returned to find the trails almost completely to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colours were still holding on in the lower canyon, and the experience felt so much more personal and raw.
That trip reminded us that travelling in the shoulder season is often the best way to really connect with a place.
If you’re trying to figure out where to go in the USA before the chaos of the holiday season kicks in, November is your month. It’s a bit of a sweet spot for travel. The summer crowds are long gone, and the winter rush hasn’t quite arrived yet, which can mean better deals and more breathing room.
We’ve road-tripped, hiked, and explored our way across the United States for years. Based on those experiences, we’ve put together this list of our favourite places to visit in November. Whether you’re looking for a final dose of sunshine or a cosy city break, this guide has you covered.
November is one of the best months for a US trip, offering a sweet spot between autumn’s peak and the holiday rush. Here are a dozen of our top recommendations:
November is one of our favourite months for exploring the United States because it feels like you’re getting an inside scoop. It’s the definition of a shoulder season month.
The weather is often still pleasant in many parts of the country, but the crowds are significantly smaller than in the summer or the festive season. This can lead to better prices on flights and accommodation, and you get to experience popular spots without feeling rushed. It’s a fantastic time to plan a road trip or a city break before the winter chill sets in.
If you’re looking to escape the autumn chill and find some sunshine before winter sets in, these are our go-to spots in November. The weather is ideal; warm enough for the beach or a hike, but without the intense heat of the summer months.
We’ve hiked Camelback Mountain in the summer, and trust me, doing it in November is a completely different experience. We hit the trail early in the morning with just a light jacket and felt energized by the crisp desert air, not drained by the heat. That feeling of reaching the top and looking out over the valley is what a trip to Scottsdale is all about.
Why Visit in November: The weather is pretty much perfect. Daily temperatures are comfortable for everything from golfing and hiking to simply relaxing on a sunny patio. The city is alive but not overly crowded like it is during the peak season.
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Where to Stay: Scottsdale has a great range of places, from sprawling luxury resorts with golf courses to more intimate boutique hotels near Old Town.
One of our most memorable moments in Maui was sitting on the coast and seeing the first humpback whales of the season breach in the distance. November marks the beginning of their return to Hawaiian waters, and there’s a real sense of excitement in the air.
Why Visit in November: It’s the sweet spot before the peak holiday crowds arrive. The official whale watching season kicks off, the weather is fantastic, and you can often find better deals on flights and accommodation. Just remember that November is the start of the rainy season in Hawaii, so might have a few showers.
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Where to Stay: For luxury, look to the resorts in Wailea. For a more laid-back, local vibe, check out the town of Paia on the North Shore.
There’s a certain charm to Key West that’s hard to explain. We loved ending our days at Mallory Square, watching the street performers and the incredible sunset over the water. It feels less like you’re in the US and more like you’ve escaped to a quirky Caribbean island.
Why Visit in November: The summer humidity has subsided, leaving behind sunny weather and average temperatures of 21°C – 27°C are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It’s an ideal time for snorkelling or diving as the water is still warm and hurricane season is over.
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Where to Stay: We recommend finding a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be close to the action.
Standing at Badwater Basin at sunrise is an experience that sticks with you. It’s the lowest point in North America, and in the cool morning air of November, the silence and scale of the salt flats are incredible. It’s a place that’s largely inaccessible in the summer, which makes visiting this time of year feel special.
Why Visit in November: Safety and comfort. The dangerously high summer temperatures have dropped, making it prime time to explore the park’s famous landscapes during the day. The clear, dry air also makes for some of the best stargazing in the country.
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Where to Stay: Lodging is limited, so book ahead. The Oasis at Death Valley offers a couple of options right inside the park.
November is an ideal time for a city break in the US. The weather is often cool and crisp, perfect for walking, and you get to see these places transform as they gear up for the holiday season.
We once spent a week in New York in mid-November and it felt like we had the city during its best transition. The fall colors were still clinging to the trees in Central Park, but the first holiday lights were starting to appear (you know we love Christmas in NYC). There was a buzz in the air about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the intense December crowds hadn’t arrived yet. It was the perfect balance.
Why Visit in November: This is your chance to see iconic holiday events with fewer crowds. The weather is cool and comfortable for exploring the different neighbourhoods on foot.
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Where to Stay: Midtown is convenient for first-timers who want to be near Times Square and the theatre district. For a more neighbourhood feel, we love staying in the West Village.
Our favourite trips to New Orleans have been in the fall. We have a great memory of grabbing beignets and coffee and just wandering through the French Quarter for hours, listening to jazz musicians on street corners. You can’t do that comfortably in the summer heat, but in November, the weather is just right.
Why Visit in November: The oppressive heat and humidity of summer are gone. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s historic architecture and cemeteries on foot. Plus, the city hosts unique events like the Bayou Classic.
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Where to Stay: Staying at a hotel with a balcony in the French Quarter is a classic New Orleans experience.
We took an evening boat tour along the San Antonio River Walk just as they were putting up the holiday lights. Seeing the cypress trees draped in colour, reflected in the water below, was magical. The city feels incredibly festive, but in a relaxed, Texan way.
Why Visit in November: The weather is mild and pleasant, which is ideal for strolling along the River Walk and exploring the city’s historic Spanish missions. The famous holiday lights display usually begins the day after Thanksgiving.
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Where to Stay: We recommend a hotel right on the River Walk to have the city’s main attraction at your doorstep.
There’s nothing quite like the weekend before Thanksgiving in Chicago when the city officially kicks off the holiday season. We went for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival one year, and seeing Mickey Mouse lead the parade as they lit up a million lights down the avenue was pure fun.
Why Visit in November: Chicago goes all-out to begin the festive season. It’s cold, but the city’s energy will warm you up. It’s also a great time to explore Chicago’s world-class indoor attractions.
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Where to Stay: The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that offer easy access to most of the main sights and transportation.
For those who want to get out and explore, November offers some incredible opportunities. The trails are quieter, the temperatures are perfect for a long hike, and the light is often softer, which is great for photography.
As we mentioned, our November trip to Zion was a game-changer. We rented dry suits in Springdale and hiked a section of The Narrows. Wading through the Virgin River with those massive canyon walls towering above us, and with only a handful of other people in sight, was an unforgettable adventure. It’s a completely different park without the summer crowds.
Why Visit in November: The intense summer heat is gone, making for perfect hiking conditions. The park is much quieter, and on weekdays, you can often drive your own car into Zion Canyon, which isn’t allowed during peak season.
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Where to Stay: The town of Springdale is located right at the park’s entrance and has plenty of hotels and restaurants.
We drove a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Asheville one November, thinking we had missed all the fall foliage. But the lower elevations were still full of colour, with deep reds and golds clinging to the trees. The views over the mountains were hazy and beautiful. It proved that the scenery here is spectacular long after the peak season ends.
Why Visit in November: You can often catch the last of the fall colour. The crisp mountain air is invigorating for hikes, and the city itself is a cosy place to return to, with a fantastic food scene and dozens of craft breweries.
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Where to Stay: You can choose from trendy hotels downtown or rent a secluded cabin in the nearby mountains for a true retreat.
We took one of the famous Pink Jeep Tours on our last visit. Bouncing over the red rock trails was a blast, and our guide pointed out all the different rock formations and vortex sites. Doing it in November meant we could enjoy the open-air vehicle without baking in the sun.
Why Visit in November: The weather is ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The bright blue skies create a remarkable contrast with the deep red rocks, making for excellent photographs. The spiritual energy of the vortexes feels even more powerful in the quiet of the off-season.
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Where to Stay: Many of Sedona’s resorts are built to blend in with the landscape and offer incredible views and spa services.
Napa Valley in November is a different kind of beautiful. The grapevines, having done their work, are turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and deep red. We remember sitting in a quiet tasting room, savouring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon while a fire crackled in the fireplace. It felt sophisticated and incredibly relaxing.
Why Visit in November: The valley is celebrating “Cabernet Season,” the perfect time to taste the region’s signature bold red wines. The fall scenery in the vineyards is gorgeous, and the wineries are far less crowded than during the harvest season.
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Where to Stay: For a classic experience, book a room at a charming inn or B&B in towns like St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga.
We visited Telluride once in the quiet window between fall hiking and peak ski season. We rode the free gondola up the mountain over a valley dusted with the early snow of the year. The town was so peaceful, and looking down into that famous box canyon felt like we had a secret view all to ourselves before the winter crowds arrived.
Why Visit in November: You get to experience the calm before the storm of ski season, often at a lower price. The ski resort sometimes opens on Thanksgiving weekend, offering some of the earliest runs of the year in North America.
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Where to Stay: Choose between the historic inns in the town of Telluride or the modern, ski-in/ski-out hotels in Mountain Village.
We took a trip to Lake Tahoe in November and went for a hike around Emerald Bay. The air was crisp, the scent of pine was everywhere, and the lake was a shade of blue so deep it didn’t look real. With almost no one else on the trail, it was one of the most peaceful and spectacular walks we’ve ever had.
Why Visit in November: It is the true quiet season. The summer and winter crowds are gone, making for a peaceful and relaxing visit. You can often find great deals on lodging, and the trails at lower elevations are perfect for hiking.
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Where to Stay: For a cosy trip, rent a cabin near the West Shore. For more action and amenities, look for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe.
Sometimes you want a trip that’s a little different. These destinations offer something special in November, from diving deep into American history to soaking up some mid-century modern style in the desert.
Visiting Plymouth in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving is a powerful experience. We walked the grounds of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and saw the Mayflower II replica, and it really brought a new depth to a story we’ve all heard. Standing there, you can’t help but reflect on that slice of American history.
Why Visit in November: This is the setting for the original Thanksgiving story, and visiting this month makes the history feel incredibly relevant and alive. The big summer crowds are gone, leaving a quiet, reflective atmosphere. October is also a great month to visit.
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Where to Stay: Look for a historic inn or a hotel along the waterfront for the full New England experience.
We took a ghost tour on a cool November evening in Savannah, and the city’s atmosphere was perfect for it. With the Spanish moss hanging from the ancient oak trees and the gaslights flickering in the historic squares, the spooky stories felt entirely believable. Afterwards, we just walked for hours, enjoying the cool air.
Why Visit in November: The weather is ideal for exploring Savannah’s beautiful and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer humidity is a distant memory, and the city’s many squares are a delight to discover on foot.
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Where to Stay: We recommend booking a room in one of the boutique hotels or historic inns located right in the Historic District.
Many people think of Vegas as just The Strip, but we love using it as a base for desert adventures. One November we rented a car and drove out to the Valley of Fire State Park. Exploring the incredible red rock formations in the mild weather was fantastic, and then we returned to the energy and lights of the city at night. It’s the best of both worlds.
Why Visit in November: The desert heat has subsided, making it the perfect time to explore nearby natural wonders. Back in the city, you can often find great deals on hotels and shows before the busy holiday season.
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Where to Stay: For first-timers, staying mid-Strip gives you easy access to the main attractions.
Palm Springs just feels cool. We spent a weekend there simply appreciating the mid-century modern design, from the unique houses to the retro hotels. After a morning of exploring, we spent the afternoon just relaxing by the pool in the warm sun. It was a perfect, low-key getaway.
Why Visit in November: The weather is idyllic. It’s sunny and warm enough to lounge by the pool but comfortable enough for hiking or tennis. It’s the quintessential relaxing desert escape.
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Where to Stay: Treat yourself to a stay at one of the city’s many restored mid-century modern hotels or boutique inns.
Philadelphia is one of America’s great walking cities. We loved grabbing a classic Philly cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market and then walking it off by exploring the streets of the Old City. The history here feels so tangible, from Independence Hall to the cobblestone alleys.
Why Visit in November: The crisp fall weather is perfect for a history-heavy trip that requires a lot of walking. The city also hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country, offering a unique holiday experience.
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Where to Stay: Center City or the Old City are the best bets for being within walking distance of most major historical sites.
For the warmest weather, you’ll want to head south. Southern Florida (like the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and desert destinations like Scottsdale and Palm Springs consistently offer the most sunshine and warmest temperatures in November.
Yes, it’s an excellent time for many parks, especially the desert parks in the Southwest like Zion, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon, where summer temperatures are extreme. However, in mountain parks like Yosemite or Glacier, many roads and services may be closed due to snow.
You can go big by watching the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, or you can go historical by visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts. Alternatively, many people use the long weekend for a quiet getaway to a national park or a relaxing beach destination.
You’ll be catching the very tail end of the season, but you can still find good fall colour in lower elevations and more southerly states. Places like Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and even Napa Valley in California can have beautiful foliage well into November.
November is a fantastic and often overlooked month to explore the United States. With fewer crowds and a mix of festive energy and off-season calm, it offers a unique chance to see some of the country’s best spots in a different light.
So, where will you go?
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