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One of the most popular airlines on the West Coast just announced the top 5 U.S. cities it will fly to this fall.
Of course, they’re a little biased because every great destination is within their network.
Full transparency: Alaska Airlines Actually, we revealed 9 fall holidays, but we collected the 5 best because, honestly, I’ve written over 700 articles and these fingers need a break!
Although with a name like ‘Alaska’ you might think you already have an answer to the question of where to go for ultimate autumn happiness – wrong!
Okay, to be fair, Anchorage was number 7 on the list, so America’s last frontier didn’t quite make the cut.
Good news is that there are 5 other incredible places that will blow your mind away this fall, much easier to get to with an abundance of flights and stunning sights.
5) New York City: The Big Apple turns into the Big Pumpkin
Surprise! Just kidding: NYC is definitely not to be missed in the fall. New York is iconic for a reason, and fall is one of the best times to visit.
All five boroughs, well, six if you count Jersey City, just a stone’s throw from the Hudson, begin to appear in vibrant colors, set against the backdrop of one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.
A city that bustles and bustles all night long, there is never a dull moment in the ‘Big Apple’.
With events taking place all the time, including the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there is always something fun to do.
Then of course there is Central Park. There’s simply no place like it and that’s why it draws such a big crowd.
But hey, if the crowds aren’t your jam, check out Manhattan’s secret fall escape, which oozes all the fall splendor you can muster, making it the perfect place to grab a PSL in your own urban oasis.
4) San Diego: So much more than sun and sand
‘America’s Finest City’ may draw the most tourists to its seemingly endless miles of paradise coastline, but if you spend all your time on the beach, you’re missing out on an incredible city!
There’s a reason why so many vacationers end up being locals (like me!). Ask most people here where they’re from, and more often than not, it’s nowhere near San Diego.
While summer is undoubtedly peak tourist season, fall still maintains the city’s ’75 and sunny’ reputation… most of the time.
Better yet, hotels tend to drop in price, making one of America’s most expensive cities an affordable getaway.
San Diego isn’t exactly known for leaf-peeping, but just an hour away is San Diegans’ favorite fall escape.
The small mountain town of Julian is home to beautiful boutiques, quaint, leaf-lined cideries, fresh mountain air, and take note: the best pie in America!
Tip: Julian Pie delivers nationwide – the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table!
3) Portland: Stay weird this fall
Oregon’s shining star is without a doubt the biggest surprise on Alaska’s list. Often called the ‘Austin of the Northwest’, this quirky city remains quirky well into the fall.
Let’s just say family gatherings aren’t your thing, otherwise GamGam’s cranberry sauce might gag a maggot.
Good news is that Portland is one of the best US cities for solo travelers. There is always something to do in this thriving arts community, both culturally and culinary.
This rugged riverside town glows with colorful foliage and can easily be used as a gateway to some of Oregon’s most beautiful natural areas, such as Latourell Falls or the Mount Hood National Forest.
2) Boston: Discover Beantown’s Bliss this fall
Boston is great all year round, but in the fall a warm bowl of clam chowdah hits home hard.
Just behind New York when it comes to the fantastic range of cities on the East Coast, Beantown isn’t quite as action-packed, but it’s close.
You could say that the autumn colors liven up the city even more, especially in the beautiful city parks.
Summer can bring sweltering temperatures in Boston, making fall much more bearable for exploring top sites like the Freedom Trail, the scenic harbor, and Boston’s timeless streets. Beacon Hilla typical Boston neighborhood.
Half an hour outside the city is Salem – yes, home to the historic Salem Witch Trials. Let’s just say there’s no better place for an epic Halloween trip.
1) Seattle: Your one-stop shop for PSLs
What better place to spend fall than the birthplace of Starbucks?!
Okay, okay, Seattle has a lot more to offer than expensive coffee brews; it is truly a beautiful city despite its gloomy reputation.
But hey, even if the sky is gray, it’s all the more reason to celebrate sweater weather. With one of the striking skylines and mountainous backgrounds, you won’t pay attention to the sun anyway.
Seattle is great for getting out and exploring, whether you’re on the water or taking a beautiful hike like Rattlesnake Ledge, home to panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
While gray skies don’t usually equate to beach weather, in Seattle they do Alki Beach offers some of the best fall foliage photo ops in the city.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
