Relaxing places to go in October

September 18, 2018 11:59 AM

I'm looking at taking some time off of work the last week of October to try to relax before the stress of Nov/Dec. I'd like to stay in the US, but I'm willing to take any suggestions within that limit.
posted by blurker to Travel & Transportation around United States (11 answers total)

The SoCal deserts are beautiful in October. I recommend Palm Springs / Joshua Tree. It can be windy, but worth it for the light.
posted by Jellybean_Slybun at 12:03 PM on September 18, 2018 [2 favorites]

Ooooh: the Oregon Coast. October is such a lovely month there!
posted by zem at 12:05 PM on September 18, 2018 [2 favorites]

Hudson Valley. The Berkshires.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:15 PM on September 18, 2018 [3 favorites]

I enjoyed Big Bend National Park in October, some years ago. The heat is reduced, the park is beautiful, the crowds have thinned. If you visit, remember that distances are great. Never turn down the opportunity to fill your gas tank.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 12:26 PM on September 18, 2018 [1 favorite]

By the last week in October, western Oregon and Washington are fairly rainy. And that's getting too late for fall foliage and pleasant weather in northern New England. I'd probably go to Arizona or New Mexico.
posted by Redstart at 12:40 PM on September 18, 2018 [3 favorites]

Similar to the Oregon Coast: the islands in Puget Sound can be really lovely that time of the year. Yes, lots of grey, but not too cold, and a lot less crowds. You could do the San Juan Islands or Whidbey Island. Some parts of which are actually in the rain shadow, so likely to be sunny, or at least not rainy.
posted by lunasol at 12:48 PM on September 18, 2018

Last week of October is a great time to visit the National Parks in southern Utah: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands. Minimal crowds, 70s warm & bright weather, and fall foliage color.
posted by Ardea alba at 1:27 PM on September 18, 2018

Consider the Delaware River towns of PA and NJ (I liked staying in Lumberville, PA, but all the towns are pretty close to each other.) Here's a video taken at that time of year.
posted by gudrun at 1:37 PM on September 18, 2018

Santa Fe, New Mexico or Sedona, Arizona?
posted by wowenthusiast at 2:09 PM on September 18, 2018

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque, NM. Totally relaxing place. Fireplaces in every room, bikes you can borrow and easy access to paved trails, incredible food and beautiful property. Easy to get to from ABQ airport. Should be just about perfect weather there toward the end of October. Santa Fe, NM is also wonderful that time of year with many hotel options. It's a little pricey but the weather is reliable and it is full of relaxing options.
posted by belau at 4:43 PM on September 18, 2018

San Diego is darn nice that time of year.
posted by bz at 8:39 PM on September 19, 2018