Phoenix

A map, a notebook, a camera, and a compass.

November is a great time to explore the USA. Besides fewer crowds and possible discounts, you can also experience snow in some parts and warm weather in others. Not to mention that the Christmas spirit is in the air as preparations for December are underway. And even if almost all the leaves have fallen from the trees, the colors of nature are still vivid. There are still lots of activities that can be done outdoors, by yourself or with the family. As a matter of fact, there are enough great destinations that can satisfy any type of traveler. So without further ado, here are the best places to visit in November in the USA.

Salem, Massachusetts

With Halloween having just passed, one of the best places to visit in November in the USA is Salem. The well-known small town in Massachusetts is a popular tourist destination in October, but it is preferable to visit in November. The crowds are fewer, and the main attractions are still open. The Salem Witch Museum, for example, is a great place to visit and learn about the history revolving around the famous witch trials. In addition, you may visit the House of Seven Gables, the Witch House, or the Witch Dungeon Museum or go on a ghost tour.

San Francisco, California

With warm and sunny days and pleasantly cool afternoons, fall is the perfect season to visit San Francisco. And the best part is that you won’t see as many tourists roaming the streets as you would during peak season. Therefore, you can enjoy all the fun attractions that the city has to offer in peace. First, you can go to Alcatraz Island and see how the famous jail treated its inmates. Then, you can rent a bike and cycle on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. For an extra treat, you can take a cruise around San Francisco and admire the humpback whales in their natural habitat. Even if November marks the end of the whale season, you can still be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants.

Los Angeles, California

If you plan to visit San Francisco this fall, it’s also a good time for a trip to LA. The City of Angels is very close, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, and packed with interesting sights. Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and the famous Hollywood are just a few of them. You can also visit the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, or the Academy Museum. For outdoor fun, you can take a stroll through the South Coast Botanic Garden, have a picnic at the beautiful Dume State Beach, or climb the 282 steps that take you to the top of Baldwin Hills. Also, you shouldn’t miss one of the best events in LA that start right in November, called Enchanted: Forest of Light. This event is held at the Descanso Gardens and features a beautiful display of art and lighting.

A view of a beach in Los Angeles. — Los Angeles is one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, not just for Hollywood but also for the lovely beaches and mild weather.

Kauai, Hawaii

If you want to postpone the coming of the cold season, you can find a tropical refuge in Hawaii. Kauai is an underrated jewel of the Hawaiian Islands, considered more beautiful than Maui or the Big Island. On the Garden Island, as it is also known, you can find amazing beaches, spectacular cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and lush forests. If you want to explore the island and its surroundings, you can go hiking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. And, in addition to admiring the beautiful landscape, there are other fun things to do on the island, like tasting the local cuisine. On your plate, you will find a unique blend of Western, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese influences that will delight your taste buds.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

In your pursuit of an endless summer, you can’t miss visiting one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The capital city of San Juan is one of the best exotic destinations in the Caribbean, if not in the world. Besides the beautiful beaches and clear waters, San Juan will amaze you with its cultural and historical settings. It’s a city full of old structures of Spanish colonial architecture that are vibrating with today’s modern energy. Only here can you book a room in a hotel housed in a 16th or 17th-century structure. And if you are a party goer that would enjoy a bit of nightlife, don’t worry. There is enough entertainment for you in the Santurce neighborhood, the modern cultural center of San Juan.

Miami, Florida

The Magic City is a popular destination for travelers that want to escape the cold temperatures. The weather is nice, at around 77°F, the city is less busy, and the prices drop. So, it’s the perfect time to escape for a relaxing weekend at the beach. If you want to stay active, go on a walk through the city streets and admire the Wynwood Walls. You will be able to see amazing colorful murals made by artists from around the globe. If you plan to explore Miami with friends, there is a lot of entertainment for groups taking place during November. The Miami Book Fair, the Miami Live Arts Month, or the Jazz Festival, for instance.

View of one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, Miami. — Miami is a lively and vibrant city that makes a great destination for a fall vacation.

New York City, New York

Even if the Big Apple is a great tourist destination all year round, November is the perfect time to visit. There is still enough time to enjoy the autumn foliage in the beautiful city parks, just before the hectic Christmas season starts. Moreover, there are fewer crowds in the city, making it easier to get around and see the main attractions. And there is quite a lot to see and do in New York as a tourist. For instance, if you want to have a fun Thanksgiving weekend in this city, don’t miss the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a spectacular display of music, color, and giant floating balloons. For a more quiet day, take a ferry around the Statue of Liberty or admire the view from the Empire State Building. If it gets too chilly, visit one of the many museums or go on a shopping spree.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Crescent City is the birthplace of jazz music, with a charming festive spirit and lots of street parties. In addition, we just have to mention the unique local cuisine that has French, African, and American influences. And to top it all, the ideal time to visit this musical city is right in November. Aside from the pleasant weather and fewer tourists, the prices are lower for transportation and accommodation. Also, the many festivals and events in the city are a delight for any visitor. The International Wine Awards, the Po-Boy sandwich festival, the annual Turkey Day Race, or the Congo Square Rhythms Festival are just a few examples.

Phoenix, Arizona

November is the best time to visit Phoenix if you want to avoid the summer heat. Temperatures are dropping to an average of 67°F, which makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking in the mountains, strolling through local parks, or visiting outdoor museums are much more enjoyable. And, of course, the Grand Canyon, the region’s most renowned natural wonder. As indoor activities, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum are excellent places to visit and learn about local culture and history. Also, if you want to have a memorable family trip with the kids, visit the Children’s Museum, the local Zoo, or the Science Center. As you can see, Phoenix has a lot of great places that are worth visiting in November.

Sunset in Arizona. — Phoenix is not all about deserts and cactuses, but a city that can offer a lot of fun outdoor activities for all its tourists.

Seattle, Washington

While November is one of the rainiest months, hotel discounts make Emerald City a great place to visit currently. You can stay dry by visiting one of the many museums and galleries or by going shopping in Pike Place Market. At the same time, you can take part in the Northwest Chocolate Festival, the Earshot Jazz Festival, or the Holiday Wine Fest. And if you want to get warm and energized while in Seattle, you can go on a coffee tour around the city. You can find a coffee shop at every corner, so you can just grab a book and spend a relaxing day in a cozy cafe.

In conclusion

There are a lot of great places that are worth visiting this fall. As you can see, we can name at least 10. So, if you are wondering where to go on your next trip, check out our list of best places to visit in November in the USA. We can guarantee that you will enjoy every one of them.

Free wi-fi, a couple bottles of water, coffee, and gym access were once considered hotel luxuries, but they’re now just the baseline when it comes to travel perks. Hotel chains are packaging up unforgettable experiences for visitors, featuring some truly out-of-the-box amenities, activities, company, and memories.

While some can get pretty pricey, these amazing experiences are more often than not worth it. Take a look at some of the sweetest hotel perks travelers can get right now.

A Personal Concierge

Folks who stay at any of Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria properties — such as its flagship location in New York City, located just blocks from Rockefeller Center and Broadway — can have their trip planning taken care of. Waldorf offers a personal concierge to “guarantee your every request is met” before, during, and after each visitor’s stay. The concierge waits for arriving visitors in the lobby to show them straight to their rooms. They’re also available throughout the stay to answer questions and suggest enjoyable (and sometimes discounted) events in the area. And when it’s time to go, they will neatly pack the visitors’ suitcase and send them on their way.

Fender Guitars

The Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago offers is fair share of standard perks, as rooms include flat screen TVs, mini-bars, and coffee-makers. But this property also cranks things up a notch, in true Hard Rock fashion. Visitors get complimentary access to a mouth-watering selection of 20 guitars and bass guitars, from a candy-apple red Coronado Guitar to a Baja ’60s Telecaster. The chosen guitar is delivered right to the visitor’s room, along with a headphone amplifier and Nixon headphones.

Your Very Own Photographer

When it comes to exciting vacations, the generally accepted mantra these days seems to be “Pics or it didn’t happen.” This next hotel perk, offered at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, is a few steps above an artsy, filtered Instagram posts of the property’s luxurious outdoor pool or stunning city views. Visitors who choose the “California Getaway” package get to enjoy an hour-long photoshoot with a professional photographer in iconic locations like the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory or Rodeo Drive. Other perks in the package include laundry service, valet parking and unlimited in-room entertainment — but those won’t last a lifetime like photographs.

Super Cars

To call a Ferrari 458 Italia a hotel perk might just be the understatement of the year, but that’s what it is for visitors of the Arizona Bitmore in Pheonix. This Waldorf hotel used to be an invitation-only resort, but now anyone can book a room and enjoy the 39-acre property, plus its gardens, golf courses, pools and supercars. Select Waldorf locations offer “driving experiences” that let visitors drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other fancy sports cars around the stunning property.

A Part-Time Pet

Pet-friendly accommodations are becoming increasingly common and luxurious at hotels across the country, but what about vacationers who don’t have a pet? Well, folks who stay at the Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah can borrow a puppy in what’s perhaps the most adorable hotel perk ever. The adventure spa provides access to unlimited exercise and wellness classes, including a “Pound Puppy Walk” during which visitors travel to the local shelter and enjoy a morning walk with a dog in need of a home. Other more standard perks at this remote haven include an extensive spa menu and flat-screen televisions, but a part-time puppy has to be the cherry on top.

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on February 12, 2016.