In Palm Beach, the rhythm of fall can feel much like summer—warm breezes, swaying palms, and endless blue skies. But just a few hours north, a completely different season is on full display. Autumn in the Northeast is a spectacle of transformation, when entire landscapes surrender to color. Hillsides erupt in fiery reds, burnished golds, and molten oranges; winding roads become storybook passages beneath leafy canopies; and the air carries a crispness that makes even the simplest walk unforgettable.
The change is not sudden, but a wave that moves southward, beginning in the cool, elevated reaches of Vermont and New Hampshire before cascading into New York’s river valleys, the rolling Berkshires of Massachusetts, and the intimate hills of Connecticut. For South Floridians who long for a touch of true seasonality, it is an invitation to trade flip-flops for boots, ocean breezes for mountain air, and balmy evenings for nights spent fireside.
What makes these destinations especially enticing is their timing. Unlike the fleeting peak of September foliage farther north, late-season escapes allow for October and even early November getaways—ideal for Palm Beach travelers planning a long weekend. From crisp mornings and charming country inns to scenic drives and unforgettable vistas, we’ve selected four destinations where autumn lingers a little longer, inviting you to savor the season’s final blaze of color.
Hudson Valley, New York
From the sculpture gardens of Storm King to sweeping river vistas, the Hudson Valley glows from mid-October into early November. Stay north at Mohonk Mountain House, a mountaintop retreat wrapped in fiery maples, or head south for refined intimacy at Bedford Post Inn. Either way, expect culture, charm, and color that lingers.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Rolling hills, historic villages, and Gilded Age mansions make the Berkshires an autumn classic. Mid-to-late October brings vivid reds and golds along the Mohawk Trail and through Lenox, home to boutique inns and art-filled escapes. Pair crisp drives with gallery visits and evenings fireside, where the season’s cultural and natural beauty converge.
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Northwestern Connecticut offers late-season brilliance, often peaking into early November. Winding roads reveal covered bridges, family farms, and colonial villages framed by golden hills. For an indulgent base, the Mayflower Inn & Spa delivers country-chic luxury—think garden walks, roaring fireplaces, and farm-to-table dining—perfect for soaking in New England’s most intimate foliage retreat.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Where rugged coastline meets autumn color, Acadia offers a rare tableau of crimson maples above granite cliffs and lighthouses. Mid-to-late October is prime for leaf-lined hikes and panoramic ocean views. Base yourself in Bar Harbor or at The Claremont, where lobster dinners and harbor sunsets frame the season’s unforgettable northern spectacle.