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While there’s no such thing as the perfect fall vacation, I’ve always believed that something short and sweet, a trip that doesn’t take you too far from home, is as close to it as you can get.
No expensive intercontinental flights, no spending hours trying to figure out the exchange rates, no getting lost in a place you’ve never been before – just a fun, stress-free holiday that will make the transition to the colder months much easier.
I know some of you may be trying to get out of that “been there, done that” rut, but lucky for you, Book retreats just released a new study that will provide plenty of inspiration to fuel your wanderlust.
The company ranked the best places (attractions) to visit in the US based on a dataset of more than 7,500 visitor reviews, analyzing critical criteria such as overall experience, popularity, nearby hotel costs, safety and price complaints.
So if you want to go somewhere you know you’ll have a great time this season, read through the list below and make your choice!
5. Times Square
I know, I know: Times Square seems like the most obvious tourist choice, but the truth is that places become popular for a reason.
Despite the rowdy crowds sometimes being too overwhelming to handle, this classic New York gem still manages to maintain its all-American charm.
And while it’s never completely quiet in Times Square, those lucky enough to come here in the fall will find it’s far away less chaotic compared to summer or winter – so if you want to admire the bright billboards, grab a slice of New York-style pizza and people watch in peace, now’s the best time to book those tickets.
If that’s not enough to convince you, accommodation also tends to become cheaper at this time of year, which is a big plus considering the usual price levels in the area.
This hotel Just a minute’s walk from the square, rooms are currently available for as little as $180 per night.
4. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
If you want to do something different this season and see something truly incredible, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which (bonus point!) is located right in the middle of one of the other attractions that Add adding it to today’s list so you can plan a 2-in-1 situation to make the most of your free time.
Not only will you see everything from dinosaur fossils to the iconic Hope Diamond, but the museum also curates special exhibitions to suit the season – right now this means themes like wildlife migration, harvest traditions and much more.
Before you ask, access is full free but that also means you’ll have to deal with crowds and long queues, so do your best to avoid peak times.
3. Balboa Park
Next we have a nature lover’s dream (and one of my personal favorites): San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.
You don’t even have to be a big plant lover to have a fantastic time here.
Between the museums, aesthetic gardens and Spanish colonial architecture, everyone will find something to love, including the famous San Diego Zoo.
And with a 97% positive review rate, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great time here.
2. National Mall
Are you intrigued by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History we talked about earlier?
I have good news for you: it’s located right in the middle of DC’s National Mall, one of North America’s greatest cultural and historical attractions.
Here you can experience everything from the Washington Monument to the National Gallery of Art; that is, if you’re not too busy admiring an outdoor installation, a moving memorial or a unique work of art – all scattered around the site!
According to Book Retreats, travelers are now especially fond of the National Museum of African American History, the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, so definitely add this one to the top of your list.
1. Central Park
With an overall score of 4,075 out of 5, Central Park is officially the best attraction in the US, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Sure, it can get a little busy here at times, but considering its location, its cultural allure, and the fact that it’s literally 340 acres of brightly colored trees in the heart of the most famous city in the world, I’m sure every one of us would gladly sacrifice a little bit of comfort to admire Central Park at least once in our lives.
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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.
