When one thinks about a coastal vacation in America, images of the Florida keys or the California coast would probably come to mind. Yet there's another coast that's often overlooked, and it's right smack dab in the midwest. Lake Michigan's coastline is so vast and beautiful that it offers visitors an incredible vacation getaway. Take a closer look at why you'll want to plan your next holiday in Michigan.
America's beautiful inland coast has been the summer home for both residents and visitors for as long as Americans have loved vacationing.
While one may not typically think of waves and shorelines as being associated with the midwest, these factors contribute to the towns along Lake Michigan as being some of the best summer holiday spots in the country.
Known affectionately as America's Third Coast, the shoreline surrounding Lake Michigan is so vast that looking out over the water, it's impossible to see all the way to the other side.
Not far from the coastline, you'll find pools of water with clear water, dense forests of evergreens and birch trees, and charming towns boasting incredible restaurants.
To learn more about the charming beach towns near Lake Michigan, you can click here. Have you vacationed along this charming coastline before? Be sure to share your experience with us!
Fall in the U.S. is nothing short of extraordinary, with the entire country drenched in the vivid kaleidoscope of autumn colors. In addition to enjoying fall foliage at our national parks, you might be tempted to take your fall affections to the next level with a seasonal getaway. This instinct? Run with it; pack up the car, book a cabin or cottage, and let yourself fall for fall. Here are 11 magnificent fall getaways in the U.S. that not only make the most of this fleeting season's splendor, they also offer pure, unadulterated, soul-filling rest and relaxation.
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Leavenworth, Washington
View of the Wenatchee River at autumn with fall colors on the leaves as it flows past the Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth past the public park at Blackbird Island at Leavenworth, Washington, USA. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line Front Street. On the Wenatchee River, Waterfront Park is a habitat for ospreys and eagles. The village is a gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries.
You'll feel as though you've been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. While outdoor options abound in this part of the country, Leavenworth really is a cultural hub for those looking for the perfect apres ski experience. Here you'll find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer.
During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more; but Leavenworth is equally resplendent in the fall, when its mountainous surroundings are dotted with vivid fall foliage. What's more, the town's annual Oktoberfest is one of the best fall festivals the country, and between the bright foliage, crisp air, and bustling downtown, you'll be positively delighted when you visit Leavenworth in the autumn.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Fall Reflection of Bald Mountain and changing leaves in Sun Valley, Idaho
A year-round all star, Sun Valley might be world-famous for winter recreation (people travel from all over the country to ski at the superlative Sun Valley), hiking, fly-fishing, golf, *and* wineries, but this town is especially lovely during the autumn.
A period of sublime natural splendor and epic fall foliage that's betwixt and between the town's peak tourist seasons, there's no place like Sun Valley in the fall. Whether it's the vibrant scenery or the feeling of the crisp mountain air, this beautiful mountain town somehow becomes even more irresistible in the fall season. Whether you come to enjoy the town's seasonal festivities, fly fishing, wineries, or cozy mountain resorts, you're in for a real treat when you visit Sun Valley in the fall.
Telluride, Colorado
A look down Main Street in Telluride during Peak Autumn Color from the Aspens with a mountain backdrop
A place of unrivaled natural beauty, Telluride, Colorado, is a serene Old West town that's sure to capture your heart. From its historic downtown, the massive, snow-capped San Juan peaks seem to rise up into the clouds; these mountains are Telluride.
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Winter recreation aside (and it's epic, by the way), visitors can't help but want to spend their time strolling through the streets of downtown Telluride during the autumn, when the vivid fall colors of its surrounding forests and valleys offer a startling contrast against the stark granite peaks. If you can manage to pull yourself away from the views, stop in to Last Dollar Saloon and New Sheridan Hotel, two must-visits that harken back to the town's Old West days. Oh, and did we mention Telluride's public transit system is a gondola? It is, and believe us when we say that an autumn ride on the Telluride and Mountain Village Gondola will leave you completely smitten with this Colorado town.
There's simply no way to talk about fall getaways in the U.S. without including Gatlinburg. One of the most visited and iconic mountain towns in America, Gatlinburg is a place that needs no introduction. So instead allow us to wax poetic about this Tennessee treasure. A massive aquarium, mountain coaster, and abundance of attractions and restaurants make Gatlinburg one of the country's most unique and family-friendly destinations.
And in terms of mountains, Gatlinburg sits beside the world-famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so needless to say, outdoor activities abound. The Smokies are a wonderland of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife; however, if you're not a hiker, the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway is an exciting and accessible way revel in the majestic mountain scenery -- and during the fall? Well, prepare to be totally dazzled by the views.
Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with indelible mountain town charm. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions (see: The Biltmore).
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Of course, the area's natural splendor is in a league all its own, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains embracing Asheville and offering visitors unparalleled outdoor recreation, adventure, and scenery. As a bonus, the numerous vineyards in Asheville are impossibly beautiful during the peak of fall foliage.
With its iconic Victorian architecture and winding streets, you'd be hard-pressed to find a town as incredibly charming as this Natural State gem. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this mountain town a favorite for historians, too.
Of course, that's not to discount the outdoor recreation in this area; Eureka Springs has everything from zip lining, cave tours, and boat excursions to scenic hikes and adventures in the awe-inspiring Arkansas Ozarks. Visit in the fall, however, and it's almost as if Mother Nature herself has turned the dial up on the sublime beauty of this Southern mountain town.
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to some of the most charming mountain towns in the country, and Harpers Ferry is quite possibly the Platonic ideal of mountain towns. The site of John Brown's Raid, a key event in the prelude to the Civil War, Harpers Ferry is home to a historic district with 100 buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When you're finished your historical tour of Harpers Ferry, it's time to revel in the town's abundant outdoor attractions.
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The options are endless: go hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting at the 3,660-acre Harpers Ferry National Park, located in the Blue Ridge of the sprawling Appalachian Mountains. In fact, Harpers Ferry is an Appalachian Trail town, one that represents the mid-point of the iconic trail, too. It's got options for train lovers, nature lovers, adventure lovers, National Park lovers, water lovers, civil war buffs, and those interested in walking in the steps of the Founding Fathers or Lewis and Clark. Oh, and for fall foliage enthusiasts, Harpers Ferry puts on what is perhaps the best fall foliage show in the country.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a village in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, New York, United States.
Upstate New York is full of charming accommodations in the midst of beautiful landscapes, but it’s hard to top Lake Placid. Full of top-tier amenities and surrounded by spectacular views, it’s one of the best places in the Empire State to visit if you’re looking for a stellar family vacation or romantic weekend in the mountains. No matter when you visit, you'll be positively enchanted: Lake Placid is a snowy wonderland in the winter and a picturesque outdoorsy escape in the summer.
For a truly bucket-list experience in Lake Placid, though, visit during the fall, when the foliage of Upstate New York shines brightest. Revel in the autumn landscape at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, the epitome of luxurious mountain getaways that features a private beach, complimentary boats, world-class spas, top-rated restaurants, and Insta-worthy accommodations -- all in one of the most resplendent regions of the country.
There's nothing quite like fall in New England. While New Hampshire and Vermont tend to steal the spotlight, the Berkshires of Massachusetts are a charming alternative that offer equally awe-inspiring autumnal views.
For a total fall-in-New-England experience, pay a visit to one of the many little locales in the region, like the artsy town of Lenox. Come and enjoy a fall weekend in this winsome town in the Berkshires, and prepare to be totally charmed by the entire experience!
Located in northern Vermont, Stowe is a mountain town that's a picture-perfect slice of pastoral living. During the spring and summer months, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking; in the winter, the skiing in Stowe is positively perfect. Of course, Stowe's beauty really shines in the autumn, as its streets and landscape come alive in bright crimson, gold, and orange hues.
With so much natural beauty and Northeast charm, Stowe is definitely one of the country's most beguiling little towns, and it is at its finest in the height of fall foliage.
This quaint mountain town on Maine's iconic coast is nothing short of magical. Known primarily as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a delightful destination in its own right. The idyllic town boasts an abundance of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, resorts (see: Terramor Outdoor Resort!), charming local shops, and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants -- many of which overlook the ocean. Visitors to this Maine village will also enjoy wandering along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses, and exploring the area via the land or water.
Of course, with regard to Acadia, the park's unique mountain attractions -- such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first in the country to watch the sun rise -- are truly bucket-list worthy, and all the more reason to make Bar Harbor, Maine, your next mountain town getaway.
Don't let the season pass you by; take a moment to drink in the gorgeous fall colors of America, because there truly is nothing better. (Except, of course, taking in the fall foliage from one of these amazing getaway destinations.)
Making travel memories that last a lifetime is truly one of the best gifts a couple of girlfriends can give to each other. And who doesn't love a girls trip? Gather your best girlfriends and let us help you plan the perfect girl's getaway to a handful of the most beautiful destinations across the country. We'll break it down by region to make your planning easier and help you discover some of the best travel destinations in the U.S. for your girls trip.
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Northwest + Alaska & Hawaii
1. Paddle Boarding On Bear Lake In Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is a glacial paradise with scenes that will leave you breathless. If you are a fan of SUP (stand up paddle) boarding, grab a wetsuit and hit the crystal clear waters as you explore the park. You'll find awe-inspiring glacial features, icebergs, and likely a variety of marine wildlife as you glide around on the water with one of the local paddle boarding tours. If venturing out onto the water isn't your preferred adventure, there are countless hiking trails with stunning views of the glaciers, not to mention plenty of food and shopping options in the nearby town of Seward.
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2. Backpacking Through North Cascades National Park, Washington
One of the most underrated gems of the Pacific Northwest region is North Cascades National Park, located in the mountainous wilderness in northern Washington State. This beautiful slice of paradise offers endless hiking trails ranging from true beginner to lengthy backpacking trails through rugged terrain. Fortunately for hikers of all skill levels, virtually all of these trails offer breathtaking views that you and your girlfriends will love as you explore the great outdoors. Wander through alpine meadows as you gaze at the mountains around you. Be sure to check out the tallest waterfall in Washington while you're in the area!
This lighthouse road trip along the coast of Oregon is a personal favorite of mine; in fact, I did this exact road trip last summer with one of my girlfriends, and it was even more magical and memorable than I expected it to be. The Heceta Head Light, shown here, had been on my photography bucket list for years and years, and getting to finally see it in person was so dreamy, especially with the coastal fog clinging to the rugged landscape in the distance. There is a reason it is the most photographed lighthouse in the country, but as incredible as it is, there are many other beautiful destinations on this road trip that make it one you and your girlfriends will never forget.
The Nā Pali Coast is a true bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This coast stretches 17 miles along Kauaʻi's North Shore, and offers some of the most beautiful landscape you'll ever lay eyes on. My recommendation? Glide along with a guided kayak tour as you learn about the history and ecology of this unique region. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a movie scene (because you have: Jurassic Park, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and many more movies have been filmed along this coastline of Kauai). As you explore this rugged and ethereal coastline by kayak or raft, you'll be taking in all the incredible sights and sounds of this remote and seemingly untouched coastal paradise. I also recommend you check out one of the local helicopter tours, a whale watching tour, a scuba diving tour, a cave boat tour, rent a catamaran, the opportunities for adventure are truly endless in Kauai.
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Southwest
5. Stargazing Near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Having visited Great Sand Dunes National Park dozens of times since childhood, it has become one of my favorite destinations in Colorado. The dunes are a blast to explore and photograph at all hours of the day, but its the darkness of the night sky in the park that truly steals my heart. Recently, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa has began the construction of its stargazing villas located about 15 minutes away from the park, and I for one cannot wait for the first villas to open in early 2025 if construction continues on the projected timeline. The resort will offer its own on-site Planetarium and Observatory, and each individual villa (either one or two bedrooms will be offered) come equipped with their own telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. All this while being 15 minutes away from Great Sand Dunes and about 20 minutes from Alamosa, meaning you'll have all you need for your girls' trip at your disposal. Reservations are likely to fill up quickly for this resort before they even open their doors in 2025, so I recommend getting on the waitlist now.
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6. Photography And Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah
A trip to Zion National Park can be likened to a spiritual or religious awakening. Even to the non-spiritual, it is impossible to set your eyes upon Zion's splendor and not feel moved. That said, due to the park's popularity during the height of tourist season, I highly recommend that you plan your visit many months in advance. I've been fortunate when I've visited to navigate the traffic and crowds pretty well, but I'd still like to offer up a few tips: plan to take the shuttle throughout the park. Not only does this eliminate issues finding parking at the lots (which are usually full), but you can access areas of the park that you won't be able to access otherwise, such as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttles run regularly from March through November starting off from the Visitor Center nearest the Springdale entrance. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes or so. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a camera for capturing those incredible views. Be sure to check out one of the 9 best hikes in Zion National Park to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.
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7. Hiking, Wine Tasting, And Jeeping In Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers far more than a stunning landscape and visual aesthetics. It is said to be a place of divine spiritual energy that draws people from around the world to experience its healing effects. But whatever your beliefs, the beauty of this place is undeniable. There are hiking, biking, and jeeping trails and roads galore, but the town also offers plenty of excitement in its own right. You'll find an array of delicious dining options, wine tastings, boutique shops, art galleries, and exciting seasonal events throughout the year. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an outdoor shopping center in Sedona that is especially charming with its rustic cobblestone streets, craft shops, galleries, decorative architectural design, and more.
Midwest
8. Camping And Photography In Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a truly underrated gem of the Northern High Plains in South Dakota. This otherworldly landscape is vibrant and colorful, making for incredible visuals, especially during the morning and evening hours when the colors are most vibrant. But what surprised me the most about this amazing park is the amount and diversity of wildlife that is found there. You'll almost certainly encounter tons of bison, bighorn sheep, rodents, and a wide variety of birds of prey. For the best experience of this amazing park, I recommend reserving a campsite at Sage Creek Campground (free) or Cedar Pass RV and Campground (paid). Alternatively, I recommend staying in the historic town of Deadwood if you don't mind the hour-and-a-half drive to the park and would prefer a more comfortable night of sleep. This is a great option if you'd like a variety of dining and shopping options at your disposal. If you have time to continue exploring this area, I highly suggest exploring the Black Hills area of western South Dakota. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the country that I have personally seen, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it.
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9. Rediscover Your Inner Child At Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is a magnificent gem in the Show Me State that is chock-full of adventure and excitement. It boasts one of the nation's best amusement parks, Silver Dollar City, which features more than 40 different rides and attractions that you and your girlfriends will love. You'll find a wide range of delicious restaurants scattered about the town, such as Billy Gail's Restaurant for breakfast or brunch, Rocco’s New York Style Pizza for lunch, and Dolly Parton's Stampede for dinner. If you and the girls are craving a bit more nature, I'd recommend an afternoon at Moonshine Beach or a hike along Homesteader Trail.
If you and your girlfriends are looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure in Michigan, Mackinac Island has it all. This charming destination in the far northern reaches of the state is quite remote: it can only be accessed by ferry, boat, or propeller plane. That's right, you can't drive to this adorable village, but therein lies part of the island's charm. No traffic clogging up the streets or polluting the environment? We love that! Mackinac Island is known as the Jewel of the Great Lakes for a reason. It is framed by Lake Huron and is as idyllic as any storybook scene you've ever imagined. Relax on the beach as you gaze across the crystal blue waters, go for a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage ride about the town, or try the town's famous fudge. Trust me, it is to die for! If you visit in the spring, you'll be greeted by beautiful lilac blooms all across the island. Visit in the summer for perfectly warm and mild weather, or visit in the fall for stunning autumn foliage. Whenever you visit, you and your girlfriends will surely adore this unique island community.
South
11. Camp, Hike, And Kayak In Big Bend National Park, Texas
If seclusion in nature is what you crave, then Big Bend National Park in Texas is the destination for you and your girlfriends. This park is a delightful wilderness adventure just waiting for your arrival. This massive park spans 800,000 acres and will force you to truly disconnect from life's stressors as you connect with the serenity of nature found within this rugged arid landscape. Within the park, you'll find countless hiking trails of varying difficulty levels such as Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail. You can also camp, kayak, do photography, and gaze at the night sky, which shines brightly at the park given its remote nature away from urban light pollution. Stay for at least a few days in Big Bend National Park to give yourself plenty of time to explore this area with your friends.
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12. A Historic Tour, Gambling, And Beach Fun In Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is a beautiful coastal town along Mississippi's southern border with the Gulf of Mexico that is infamous for its gambling and nightlife scenes. But that's not all: Biloxi offers shrimping boat tours, catamaran rentals, gambling at the casinos, countless delicious locally-owned restaurants, and tons of boutique shops to peruse. Be sure to check out the Biloxi Lighthouse in front of the Biloxi Visitor Center. It stands as a testament to Mississippi's resilience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the damage it sustained during that event. Biloxi is a beautiful coastal town that offers all the excitement that a girls trip could ever need and more.
Destin is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Florida. It is known for its brilliant white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, but there is so much more to it beyond its coastal beauty. You can play in the water at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park regardless of your age. You can dine, shop, and experience Destin's nightlife all in the same day. Plus, there is an adults-only hotel resort that's perfect for a group of girls that is hoping to avoid the noise and chaos of children running around (hey, even moms deserve a chance for some peace and quiet). Play in the shallow waters on Crab Island for a truly relaxing day in the sun!
The Finger Lakes Region of New York offers some of the most breathtaking scenery that can be found in the northeastern United States. The City of Waterfalls is a series of stunning waterfalls found in and near Ithica, New York, with each one being even more beautiful than the last. Watkins Glen State Park (shown here), Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park are just a handful of the places where you can find picturesque and dreamy waterfalls everywhere you look. Outside of these state parks, you should also check out Triphammer Falls, Ithaca Falls, Businessman's Lunch Falls, and more. If you fancy a waterfall hike, Cascadilla Gorge Trail leads you past 6 breathtaking waterfalls over its 1.3-mile length. Ithica itself is a quirky and beautiful town whose esoteric charm draws in visitors from around the country, making it the perfect destination for a girls trip.
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15. Indulge In Small-Town History In Stowe, Vermont
The little Vermont town of Stowe is one of the state's best-kept secrets, but one that is well worth taking time to explore with your girlfriends. It is rich in history and offers plenty to do year-round, including in wintertime when skiing and other snow sports dominate the outdoor recreational activities in the area. If you visit during the fall, you're in for a treat as Stowe has been dubbed "Fall's Color Capital" and rated among the best destinations for autumn foliage in TripAdvisor, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure, among other travel publications. I highly recommend that you drive the Auto Toll Road to the summit of Mount Mansfield and take in some truly breathtaking 360-degree scenery. Also, check out this waterfall road trip that leads off from Stowe and takes you to some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.
The coastal beauty you and your girlfriends will discover at Acadia National Park is unrivaled by almost anywhere else in the country. Lovingly nicknamed the “Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast”, Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres and offers 158 miles of hiking trails throughout its reaches across Maine's Mount Desert Island. Stay in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor so you'll have access to all your dining and shopping needs, and then hit the trails. I recommend you check out the idyllic, 166-year-old Bass Harbor Head Light Station, shown here, during twilight hours for the most ethereal light. Be sure to explore the nearby Cadillac Mountain, which happens to be the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard.
Which of these exciting travel destinations in the U.S. will you be adding to your girls trip itinerary? Have you explored any of these places before? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.
If you'd like to spend a little more time traveling and seeing all the sights, these 13 best travel destinations in the U.S. beckon you to spend at least a full week exploring - or longer, if you can!
