We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nHike Camelback Mountain or explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.<\/li>\n Wander through the art galleries and shops in Old Town Scottsdale.<\/li>\n Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright\u2019s winter home and architectural school.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Scottsdale has a great range of places, from sprawling luxury resorts with golf courses to more intimate boutique hotels near Old Town.<\/p>\n2. Maui, Hawaii<\/h3>\n 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\u2019s a real sense of excitement in the air.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nDrive the iconic Road to Hana.<\/li>\n Watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakal? National Park.<\/li>\n Take a boat tour to see the humpback whales.<\/li>\n Relax on the sands of Ka\u2019anapali Beach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n3. Key West, Florida<\/h3>\n There\u2019s a certain charm to Key West that\u2019s 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\u2019re in the US and more like you\u2019ve escaped to a quirky Caribbean island.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> The summer humidity has subsided, leaving behind sunny weather and average temperatures of 21\u00b0C \u2013 27\u00b0C are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It\u2019s an ideal time for snorkelling or diving as the water is still warm and hurricane season is over.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWalk down the lively Duval Street.<\/li>\n Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (and see the six-toed cats).<\/li>\n Join the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.<\/li>\n Take a day trip by ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> We recommend finding a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be close to the action.<\/p>\n4. Death Valley National Park, California<\/h3>\n Standing at Badwater Basin at sunrise is an experience that sticks with you. It\u2019s 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\u2019s a place that\u2019s largely inaccessible in the summer, which makes visiting this time of year feel special.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> Safety and comfort. The dangerously high summer temperatures have dropped, making it prime time to explore the park\u2019s famous landscapes during the day. The clear, dry air also makes for some of the best stargazing in the country.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nSee the salt flats at Badwater Basin.<\/li>\n Watch the sunrise or sunset over the badlands from Zabriskie Point.<\/li>\n Hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.<\/li>\n Stay up late for some unbelievable stargazing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Lodging is limited, so book ahead. The Oasis at Death Valley offers a couple of options right inside the park.<\/p>\nBest Places to Visit in November for City Breaks<\/h2>\nNovember 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.<\/p>\n
5. New York City, New York<\/h3>\n 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\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the intense December crowds hadn\u2019t arrived yet. It was the perfect balance.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWatch the giant balloons get inflated the night before the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade.<\/li>\n Go ice skating at Bryant Park\u2019s Winter Village or at Rockefeller Center.<\/li>\n See a Broadway show before the ticket prices climb for the holidays.<\/li>\n Take a walk through a quieter Central Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n6. New Orleans, Louisiana<\/h3>\n 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\u2019t do that comfortably in the summer heat, but in November, the weather is just right.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> The oppressive heat and humidity of summer are gone. It\u2019s the perfect time to explore the city\u2019s historic architecture and cemeteries on foot. Plus, the city hosts unique events like the Bayou Classic.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nListen to authentic live jazz on Frenchmen Street.<\/li>\n Explore the architecture and history of the French Quarter.<\/li>\n Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District to see the grand homes.<\/li>\n Indulge in the city\u2019s famous Creole and Cajun food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Staying at a hotel with a balcony in the French Quarter is a classic New Orleans experience.<\/p>\n7. San Antonio, Texas<\/h3>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> The weather is mild and pleasant, which is ideal for strolling along the River Walk and exploring the city\u2019s historic Spanish missions. The famous holiday lights display usually begins the day after Thanksgiving.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nExplore the shops, restaurants, and public art along the River Walk.<\/li>\n Visit The Alamo and the other four missions that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/li>\n Browse the stalls at the Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the US.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> We recommend a hotel right on the River Walk to have the city\u2019s main attraction at your doorstep.<\/p>\n8. Chicago, Illinois<\/h3>\n\n
There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> Chicago goes all-out to begin the festive season. It\u2019s cold, but the city\u2019s energy will warm you up. It\u2019s also a great time to explore Chicago\u2019s world-class indoor attractions.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nAttend the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.<\/li>\n Shop at the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market.<\/li>\n Go ice skating on the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.<\/li>\n Spend a day exploring the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that offer easy access to most of the main sights and transportation.<\/p>\nBest Places in November for Outdoor Adventure & Scenery<\/h2>\nFor 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.<\/p>\n
9. Zion National Park, Utah<\/h3>\n 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\u2019s a completely different park without the summer crowds.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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\u2019t allowed during peak season.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nHike The Narrows (be sure to rent appropriate cold-water gear).<\/li>\n Explore the Emerald Pools Trail.<\/li>\n Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and look for bighorn sheep.<\/li>\n Hike The Watchman Trail for a great view of the valley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> The town of Springdale is located right at the park\u2019s entrance and has plenty of hotels and restaurants.<\/p>\n10. Asheville, North Carolina<\/h3>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nDrive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (check for road closures).<\/li>\n Hike in the Pisgah National Forest.<\/li>\n Tour the Biltmore Estate, which is usually decorated for Christmas starting in early November.<\/li>\n Explore the vibrant downtown area\u2019s shops, galleries, and restaurants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> You can choose from trendy hotels downtown or rent a secluded cabin in the nearby mountains for a true retreat.<\/p>\n11. Sedona, Arizona<\/h3>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTake a jeep tour to explore the backcountry.<\/li>\n Hike the trails around Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.<\/li>\n Browse the unique shops and art galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.<\/li>\n Watch the sunset from the Airport Mesa viewpoint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Many of Sedona\u2019s resorts are built to blend in with the landscape and offer incredible views and spa services.<\/p>\n12. Napa Valley, California<\/h3>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> The valley is celebrating \u201cCabernet Season,\u201d the perfect time to taste the region\u2019s signature bold red wines. The fall scenery in the vineyards is gorgeous, and the wineries are far less crowded than during the harvest season.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nGo wine tasting with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/li>\n Take a hot-air balloon ride for a bird\u2019s-eye view of the colourful vineyards.<\/li>\n Enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the valley\u2019s many Michelin-starred restaurants.<\/li>\n Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> For a classic experience, book a room at a charming inn or B&B in towns like St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga.<\/p>\n13. Telluride, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nRide the free gondola between the town of Telluride and Mountain Village for incredible views.<\/li>\n Walk along the historic, Victorian-era Main Street.<\/li>\n Check for early-season skiing or snowboarding.<\/li>\n Enjoy the quiet, cosy atmosphere in the local restaurants and bars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Choose between the historic inns in the town of Telluride or the modern, ski-in\/ski-out hotels in Mountain Village.<\/p>\n14. Lake Tahoe, California\/Nevada<\/h3>\n 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\u2019t look real. With almost no one else on the trail, it was one of the most peaceful and spectacular walks we\u2019ve ever had.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nHike the trails around the stunning Emerald Bay State Park.<\/li>\n Drive the 72-mile scenic road that circles the entire lake.<\/li>\n Explore the shops and restaurants in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City.<\/li>\n See if the Heavenly Gondola is running for amazing views of the lake.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> For a cosy trip, rent a cabin near the West Shore. For more action and amenities, look for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\nBest Places to Go in November for a Unique Experience<\/h2>\nSometimes you want a trip that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
15. Plymouth, Massachusetts<\/h3>\n\n
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\u2019ve all heard. Standing there, you can\u2019t help but reflect on that slice of American history.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nExplore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a living history museum.<\/li>\n See Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II ship at the waterfront.<\/li>\n Wander through the historic downtown and Burial Hill cemetery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Look for a historic inn or a hotel along the waterfront for the full New England experience.<\/p>\n16. Savannah, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n
We took a ghost tour on a cool November evening in Savannah, and the city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> The weather is ideal for exploring Savannah\u2019s beautiful and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer humidity is a distant memory, and the city\u2019s many squares are a delight to discover on foot.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWalk through some of the 22 historic squares, each with its own character.<\/li>\n Tour a historic home, like the Mercer Williams House from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil<\/em>.<\/li>\nExplore the shops and restaurants along the revitalized Broughton Street and River Street.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> We recommend booking a room in one of the boutique hotels or historic inns located right in the Historic District.<\/p>\n17. Las Vegas, Nevada<\/h3>\n\n
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\u2019s the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in November:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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