9 Unexpected Fall Break Destinations for Families

After the lazy, freeform days of summer, you may be basking in the return to school schedules: a new year, a fresh slate and so much to look forward to. But the satisfaction of full and structured days tends to fade quickly, replaced by growing wanderlust. Happily, fall break is around the corner — if you haven’t gotten a jump on plans, now is the time to start finessing that perfect itinerary.

To get you on your way, we’ve hand-selected a slate of unexpected fall break destinations that deserve serious consideration. Each one has multiple facets that make it attractive as cooler weather sets in, and all are virtually guaranteed to provide a wellspring of memories you can savor through the end of the year and beyond. Whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers, these picks are versatile enough to suit families at every stage.

Where to Go for a Family Fall Break (Beyond the Usual Favorites)

Québec City, Québec

For a taste of Europe without leaving North America, the capital of Québec is a worthy contender. Explore the historic Petit Champlain quarter, soak up the cobblestone-studded vibes and the lilt of spoken French, enjoy the artists along the Rue du Trésor and try local specialities like poutine (an over-the-top take on loaded fries). On the outskirts of town, visit the stunning Montmorency Falls, which are higher than Niagara, or go farther afield to scenic spots like Jacques-Cartier National Park for hiking and biking. Early autumn is also an excellent time for whale-watching along the St. Lawrence, with excursions generally running through October, while brilliant foliage adds another reason to explore beyond the city.

Florence, Italy

Florence in summer is less a dreamy Renaissance backdrop than an increasingly hot and crowded slog, but both the temperatures and the throngs ease as October arrives. Site after site will stun you and the fabled city will weave itself into your heart. It’s almost an embarrassment of riches in one locale — you can spend days exploring highlights such as the Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Galleria dell’Accademia with Michelangelo’s famous David, and the Palazzo Vecchio. Beyond playing tourism bingo, make time to sit in a piazza and simply enjoy the aperitivo tradition or delve into Tuscan cuisine with a cooking class. Much of experiencing Florence at its finest lies in meandering the streets, watching local artisans at work and, of course, eating plenty of gelato. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Perched high above the northern Rio Grande valley, Santa Fe has its own brand of funky Southwestern style. The wide-open spaces beckon nature lovers and have proved inspirational for folk artists as well as iconic painter Georgia O’Keeffe, whose museum is in Santa Fe and whose historic Home & Studio is about an hour north in Abiquiú. Stunning geological formations include the conical Tent Rocks southwest of town and the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. Round out your trip with whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, plenty of hiking and cycling, and a vibrant food culture that blends Native American, Mexican and Spanish traditions. If your fall break aligns with the first full week of October, you can also check out the spectacular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held about 60 miles south of Santa Fe.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Autumn in the U.S. means spring in South America, and Buenos Aires is green and inviting in this shoulder season. It’s chock full of enticing attractions, from the vividly colored La Boca neighborhood to the waterfront in Puerto Madero, plus a vibrant arts and music scene (tango, anyone?) and exceptional wine culture. Join a food tour to taste local specialties such as empanadas, Argentinian beef asado and the herbal drink called mate. Sports fans will delight in a visit to Estadio Monumental, the largest soccer stadium in South America and home of River Plate, or to Boca Juniors’ legendary La Bombonera. A visit in the fall also coincides with polo season, with players vying for the Argentine Triple Crown starting in late September.

TIP: A few days in Buenos Aires pair beautifully with time at an estancia, a rural estate similar to a ranch, for a completely different travel experience. Here you can slow down and enjoy the surrounding scenery, go horseback riding and feast at a traditional asado barbecue.

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Slovenia

Although a central European country may seem like a lot to tackle in a short break, Slovenia is fairly compact with a footprint similar in size to New Jersey. A vacation here offers charming scenery and outdoor adventures galore for nature, with deliciously crisp weather and the possibility of the season’s first snow at higher elevations. Stroll Ljubljana’s old town or Venetian-inspired Piran, hike the Julian Alps or go rafting down the unbelievably blue waters of the Soča River (the official paddling season ends October 31). Other favorite excursions include Vintgar Gorge, where the water is almost neon-bright, or the caves of Šcokjan and Postojna, the latter complete with an underground train and a vast concert hall. As if that’s not enough, Lake Bled looks plucked right from a fairytale, with an alpine backdrop, clear water and a medieval castle perched high above the shore. Hike up to the castle for the views, or ride a traditional pletna boat to the tiny island and its picturesque church at the center of the lake.

California’s Central Coast

North of Los Angeles, south of San Francisco, California’s Central Coast encompasses locales as varied as Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. Art, culture and a vibrant food scene beckon travelers to Santa Barbara County, sometimes referred to as America’s Riviera, and Santa Barbara proper makes an enviable home base for exploring the broader area. Besides its upscale beachy vibes and Spanish architecture, it has an abundance of fall festivals themed around seafood, avocados and everything in between. Bike along the waterfront, kayak along the coastline, visit Stearns Wharf or peruse the chic galleries and shops of the Funk Zone. Fall also offers consistent waves for surfing and there are varied day trips to round out your vacation, including the wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley; hiking in Los Padres National Forest; the Danish-influenced charm of Solvang; and, farther inland, the wellness magnet of Ojai.

Morocco 

If you’re eyeing destinations that feel far-flung but are still accessible, Morocco may be just the ticket. Start in the bustling center of Marrakech, where you can immerse yourself in the labyrinth of the spice-laden bazaar, explore the bright blue buildings and spectacular plant life of Jardin Majorelle, spend a memorable and delicious day on a food tour or in a culinary class, or take in the snake charmers at the main square of Jemaa en-Fnaa. From there, venture into the Sahara Desert for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: communing under the stars; climbing aboard a camel; sandboarding along the dunes; riding an ATV. (Plan for this to be its own multi-day leg of the trip rather than a quick add-on.)

TIP: If you have extra time, consider a day trip from Marrakech to the harbor town of Essaouira for its whitewashed UNESCO-listed medina. Keep an eye out for the region’s famous tree-climbing goats en route — and as Essaouira is one of Morocco’s top surfing destinations, you can catch a few waves to cap off the day.

Finger Lakes, New York

Close to East Coast urban hubs yet away from the fray, the Finger Lakes of upstate New York are steeped in gorgeous fall colors. Dive deeply into nature thanks to an abundance of parks, water activities and inviting hikes at every turn. The region encompasses 11 lakes; Ithaca, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, makes an ideal home base for day trips. Visit the impressive waterfalls of Taughannock Falls State Park, climb the six-story treehouse at Cayuga Nature Center and sample local bounty at the Ithaca Farmers Market. Depending on your interests, there’s also plenty of wine tasting along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, as well as opportunities for boating, kayaking and paddleboarding.

The Azores

Often called the Hawaii of the Atlantic, the volcanic islands of the Azores lie about a 2 1/2-hour flight west of mainland Portugal. For fall break, consider focusing your visit on the largest of them: lush São Miguel, also known as the Green Island. Hike or bike around the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, explore picturesque volcanic beaches or take advantage of consistent swells with a lesson at one of the island’s established surf schools. Afterward, soak in one of São Miguel’s geothermal hot springs. Want a dose of culture? Head to the capital, Ponta Delgada, where whitewashed buildings trimmed in dark volcanic stone create a distinctive black-and-white aesthetic. The city also has a lively food scene filled with fresh seafood, local cheeses and cozido, the island’s traditional stew cooked via geothermal heat. Round out your time on São Miguel with a visit to a pineapple plantation or one of the island’s family-run tea plantations.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all ideas for fall travel on Ciao Bambino

Why September is the best time to visit Saint-Tropez

Best time to visit Croatia: Off-season experiences we love

Best year-round weekend getaways from Boston

Seasons of Japan: When is the best time to plan your trip?

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.