By Jenny Dranetz
Fall is the perfect time to experience the outdoors in North America: temperatures have cooled and the changing foliage makes a picture-perfect backdrop. If you’re looking to spend your fall weekends outdoors, here are the best places to visit:
1) Denver, CO
Loved by outdoor enthusiasts, it should come as no surprise Denver is one of the best places to visit during the fall. Checking out some of Denver’s bike trails is a must. Along Cherry Creek Bike Path, one of Denver’s prettiest trails, admire the area’s beautiful foliage for 40 miles and stop along the way at some of Colorado’s historic sites to learn more about the area. Once you’re done riding, anyone 21+ can enjoy one of the many beer festivals, including Denver Beer Fest and Denver Oktoberfest, the city holds during the season!
As a city surrounded by water and national parks, it’s hard not to appreciate the outdoors in Vancouver! You have your pick of trails to hike (check out Vancouver’s Hiking Trail Guide), but if you’re short on time, head just north of the city to Grouse Mountain to experience the Grouse Grind, a short, steep trail with beautiful scenery. Within the city, explore the beauty of the VanDusen Botanical Garden, one of the best public gardens in North America, or stroll through Stanely Park.
3) Boston, MA
With its comfortable temperatures and changing foliage, Boston has a lot to offer this time of year. Take a walk through Arnold Arboretum, the Public Garden, and the Charles River Esplanade to experience the beauty of nature in an urban setting. Learn more about this historic city by following the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile long path with 16 historical sites throughout the city. Plus, experience the quintessential New England autumn by taking a short ride to one of the many farms in the surrounding suburbs for pumpkin and apple picking, corn mazes, and hot, fresh apple cider!
If admiring foliage and “chilly” temperatures aren’t your thing, head on down to San Diego, where the weather is still sunny and warm. You can snorkel, swim, kayak, and surf (some say fall is the best time to catch some waves!) at spots along the city’s coast, including at San Onofre State Beach. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, hike the cliffs at Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve or along Point Loma where you can often see pods of gray whales migrating south for the winter, definitely a sight you don’t want to miss!
If you’re ready for an adventure now, start planning your trip! Catch these places while this short season lasts!
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