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25 Epic Places to Visit in November
👉 Jump to: Places to Visit in November in USA | International Places to Visit in November
Looking for a fun November getaway? I’m a seasoned traveler who can point you toward the best places to visit in November.
I’ll overview places in the USA as well as international destinations that families, couples, or solo travelers don’t want to miss. This list includes desert escapes, tropical islands, bustling metropolises, and secluded gems. Let’s get right into it!
25 Best Places to Visit in November in the USA
New York City, New York
New York’s city that never sleeps comes alive during the late fall with holiday attractions.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
New York City’s Manhattan comes alive with holiday festivities in November. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most notable NYC celebrations. It’s a New York tradition that dates back nearly 100 years, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit New York in November.
Fall foliage around the city is another reason to visit. Admire the beauty of the changing seasons by taking a carriage ride through Central Park. Or go out for a morning run through the park while surrounded by bright fall colors. There are dozens of other things to do in Central Park, making it an easy place to enjoy in November.
San Francisco, California
This laid-back Northern California city offers hundreds of first-time visitor attractions.
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San Francisco is the unofficial entertainment capital of Northern California. There are tons of things to do year-round, but fall is the perfect time to plan a trip if you’re looking to do San Francisco on a budget.
You’ll find fun, budget-friendly SF activities at this time. Wander through the city’s diverse and lively neighborhoods, explore top attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, and check out seasonal holiday light celebrations. You can also dine at popular restaurants sans crowds.
If you’re not on a budget, splurge on a 49ers football game. The San Francisco Dance Film Festival sometimes runs into November. Purchase tickets to the film festival to witness incredible talent.
Boulder, Colorado
A welcoming restaurant, brewery, and cafe atmosphere characterize this funky Colorado college town.
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Boulder is one of Colorado’s most booming college towns. Hiking in the Flatirons just outside of town is a fun activity and it has fewer crowds in November. Cruising the Pearl Street Mall is another option.
Pearl Street is the best place to lounge around in a cozy cafe like The Laughing Goat. Or order a hot cocoa to-go and keep exploring the outdoor mall.
The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market is an annual November event that’s sure to prep you for the holidays. Buy goods from local artisans or simply take in the festive setting.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii’s quiet island is home to stunning greenery and unparalleled waterfall hikes.
Kauai is home to jungle hikes, waterfalls, and community events galore. November may not be the dry season in Kauai, but it made our list because the tourist crowds are virtually non-existent during this month. Just make sure you have a rain jacket on your packing list!
The rain typically lasts for a few hours a day at most. This leaves the rest of the day clear for visitors to explore top Kauai attractions. I recommend heading to Wailua Falls or Waimea Canyon State Park to soak in the island’s beauty.
Ecstatic Dance is one of my favorite things to do in Kauai. This community event allows dancers of all ages to move and dance without judgment.
📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Honolulu
Key West, Florida
Come to this Florida beach town for year-round sunshine and sunbathing.
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Key West is one of Florida’s top destinations. It’s home to some of the best beaches in the state, and Key West has warm weather and sunshine year-round.
Late November is the last month in Florida’s hurricane season as well. Enjoy Smathers Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach without an umbrella.
Don’t forget to stop by Duval Street, the downtown Key West area. It’s lined with shady palm trees, eateries, and quaint beach boutiques.
San Diego, California
One of the most popular Southern California cities is no stranger to late fall surfing.
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San Diego is one of the best places to visit in November. It experiences mild temperatures year-round.
San Diego is one of California’s best surfing destinations. Pack a wetsuit and head over to La Jolla to hit some killer waves in the morning. End the day with a meal at Catania or Brockton Villa, two of the top La Jolla restaurants.
San Diego is also extremely kid-friendly. Go to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and Belmont Park amusement park. These are among the top things to do in this Southern California city that families are sure to love.
Portland, Oregon
The best city in Oregon has metropolitan amenities and an abundance of city attractions.
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Portland in November is right on the edge of the coldest time to visit this Pacific Northwest city. A November trip to Portland means cooler temperatures and wet weather, so visitors should have a good rain jacket on their packing list. But the tourist crowds are scant at this time.
Washington Park is one of the best stops in Portland for first-time visitors. A conglomerate of attractions is housed within this 410-acre park. Visit the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and more.
Portland does not disappoint as far as city activities go. It boasts an incredible nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and pool halls aplenty. I highly recommend a trip to McMenamins Tavern & Pool or a game of pool in the basement of Life of Riley.
Dallas, Texas
This is one of the best cities in Texas for younger travelers and history buffs.
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November festivities abound in Dallas, one of the biggest cities in Texas. The cooler temperatures in an otherwise scorching hot city are welcomed with enthusiasm.
Get a headstart on the holiday activities. The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a local favorite that begins in November. America’s Tallest Indoor Christmas Tree is in Dallas at the Galleria Mall, and it’s topped with an impressive 100-pound star.
Other fun year-round Dallas attractions include the Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum. The latter is in the Dealey Plaza, a National Historic Landmark where history buffs can learn about John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
A California desert gem, this is one of the state’s top national parks for rock climbing.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Joshua Tree is a California destination that’s quickly rising in popularity. The trendy Southern California desert town experiences its peak season from November to March.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places for female solo travelers. It also has ample hiking trails, top rock climbing routes, and ideal campsites for desert stargazing.
Downtown Joshua Tree is home to funky vintage stores and coffee shops, making J-Tree hipster heaven. One of my favorite places to hang out in the area is Pappy and Harriet’s biker bar in Pioneertown. There’s even a ghost town out back that you can explore while you wait for a table.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This culinary staple of the south also hosts fun annual fall events.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Visit New Orleans in November for food, football, music, and fun fall events. The Bayou Bacchanal Caribbean celebration typically takes place during the first week of the month in Crescent City. Enjoy authentic food at top-rated restaurants, music, and other cultural celebrations at this bayou ball.
The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is another foodie favorite. Vendors line up on Oak Street, all hoping to win the title of best Po-Boy in town.
The New Orleans Bayou Classic is a Thanksgiving weekend staple. The festival’s main event is the game between the biggest college football rivals in town. A Battle of the Bands competition also helps set the celebratory mood at the Bayou Classic.
Palm Springs, California
You’ll never tire of this SoCal desert resort town with year-round sunshine and lots of poolside lounging.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Palm Springs experiences its best bout of weather during the late fall and winter months, similar to Joshua Tree which is 50 minutes north. The weather in Los Angeles can be cold and gloomy in November, but you can always count on Palm Springs to be at least 80 degrees in the winter.
Downtown shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs. Or keep your vacation laidback and lounge poolside at your resort.
Families have plenty of options in Palm Springs too. Soar to new heights on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the best things to do in California with kids. The Acrisure Arena is a convenient venue for concerts and local sports games.
Tucson, Arizona
This hot Arizona city has the perfect balance of city attractions and outdoor activities.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Tucson is famously known for its hot weather year-round. Hundreds of snowbirds (people from colder climates who chase sunny weather) flock to Tucson in the winter to soak up all that sunshine.
Going on epic Tucson hikes is one of my favorite activities in this Arizona desert town. Painted Hills Loop Trail winds through a whimsical saguaro cacti landscape in the Sonoran Desert, and Saguaro National Park is the most popular attraction in Tucson.
I recommend bringing a tent and camping among the cacti giants at Douglas Spring Campground. Sleeping under the pines at Juniper Basin Campground is another great option that requires a hard but satisfying hike. And after hiking, make sure you treat yourself at some of the best restaurants in Tucson.
Boston, Massachusetts
One of the oldest towns in New England boasts an impeccable display of fall colors well into November.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Places to Visit | Things to Do
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, and this picturesque and historic city is brimming with exciting things to do, museumsto visit, and restaurants to dine at.
You can see the last bits of fall foliage in this classic New England town on an early November visit. Come later in the month to be one of the first skaters on Boston’s Frog Pond ice skating rink.
November is also an ideal time to dive into Boston’s rich and interesting history by taking a walk along the Freedom Trail. Encounter 400 years of history on this 2.5-mile trail through Boston’s most historic neighborhoods.
Death Valley National Park, California
November is the ideal time to visit California’s hottest national park.
Death Valley National Park is one of the top California national parks. The late fall and winter months are the ideal time to visit Death Valley when desert temperatures have finally cooled to under 100 degrees.
The Badwater Basin salt flats, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Zabriskie Point are Death Valley’s main attractions. I also recommend hiking to Telegraph Peak, which is the highest mountain in the park.
This 11,043-foot mountain requires a 14-mile endeavor with just over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikers be advised: Telegraph Peak usually receives snow as early as late November so you’ll need to have the proper hiking essentials for this trek. However, the views of the entire desert from the summit make it entirely worth it.
11 Best Places to Visit in November (International)
French Alps
Visit popular and often over-crowded French mountain towns during the quiet off-season.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
November is the ideal time to visit one of France’s best destinations: the French Alps. This month marks the transition period, so it’s a great time to come if you want to beat the tourist ski crowds. Many establishments in the mountain towns are preparing for the busy upcoming winter season.
Annecy and Évian-les-Bains are two small mountain towns near high-altitude peaks in France. Both are quieter and more relaxed during November. Explore them sans crowds to experience the French Alps like a local.
Want to get a head start on skiing? Val Thorens Ski Resort in Chamonix and Tignes in Val d’Isère are usually open in November for early ski access.
Istanbul, Turkey
Explore this popular Turkish city in November to experience mild weather and less crowded attractions.
Istanbul is by far the busiest city in Turkey. Fall is one of the best times to visit this Eurasian city because the temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Visiting in November bypasses the summer peak season. This means your photos of famous Turkey sites like The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia won’t be filled with tourists. Room rates are also reasonable, which is a great bonus to an off-season visit.
Visit the aromatic Grand Bazaar to get your fill of spices and other local Turkish delights. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are another top city attraction. Visit to delve into the country’s history by examining historic Ottoman artifacts.
Chiapas, Mexico
This southern Mexican state offers it all: jungle ruins, cobblestone pueblos, and big city amenities.
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Chiapas is full of cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, dense jungle, and ancient ruins that make it one of Mexico’s most exciting places to visit.
Elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations take place in early November throughout the entire Mexican state. Witness traditional, colorful community altars and festive parades honoring the deceased.
San Cristóbal de Las Casas is the main tourist town in Chiapas. Take a yoga class, shop from the local market, or take a walking tour through the colonial yet Indigenous town. Visiting Palenque is one of the best things to do in Mexico. Channel your inner Indiana Jones and venture into the dense jungle to the ancient Maya civilization.
Patagonia, Chile
One of the densest regions in Chile for hiking and exploring world-renowned natural wonders.
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The vast protected wilderness area of Patagonia straddles the Chilean-Argentinian border. Patagonia is one of the last southern landmasses before Antarctica and it’s home to some of the densest alpine terrains in North America.
Puerto Natales is the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park, the ultimate Patagonia attraction. Tourists can take a tour straight to the sharp granite towers or opt for a more adventurous route.
The W-trek is a 4-day trek through the Torres del Paine National Park while the O-trek to the Torres Towers is a more intense 8-day hike past alpine lakes.
Antigua, Guatemala
Come to this colonial Guatemalan town to experience rich culture and mild fall temperatures.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Antigua, Guatemala is nestled in the cool air of the central Guatemalan highlands. This colorful colonial town is surrounded by volcanoes and is a Central American tourist hotspot.
November in Antigua brings cool but dry weather and fun seasonal events like the Festival of Flowers. The city transforms into a work of art every third weekend in November during this beloved festival.
Community activities surrounding the Festival of Flowers are typically held on the third weekend of the month. These events include races, cooking workshops, live music, and more. Get planning with our Guatemala packing list.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Morocco’s blue city is the most photogenic spot in the country for a November vacation.
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Chefchaouen is known as Morocco’s Blue City, and it’s quickly rising in tourist popularity. Photograph the Mediterranean-style blue and white buildings of this famous northern Morocco town.
Chefchaouen is one of the best places to visit in November because the weather is near perfection. Trek uphill to the Spanish Mosque for one of the best panoramic views of the blue city.
Or go on one of my favorite Chefchaouen excursions and hike to see the waterfalls of Akchour. The trail is located 45 minutes outside of town and is nearly 9 miles, but there are plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Madrid, Spain
The capital city of Spain hosts fun annual events and has comfortable, average temperatures in November.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
November kickstarts the tourist season in Madrid and brings wonderful cultural festivals.
Celebrate La Almudena, the patron saint of Madrid, at the Virgin of Almudena Festival held annually on November 9th. Follow a procession to the Plaza Mayor to honor the saint with devout Madrid locals. Enjoy the city’s entertainment, incredible restaurants, and other family-friendly events in addition to the religious activities.
The Suma Flamenca Festival also sometimes lasts into November. Experience the wonder of Spain’s national dance with showcases from over 200 traditional artists.
Vietnam
A Southeast Asian country rich with culture benefits from fewer tourist crowds in its wet season.
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Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its incredible beaches, Buddhist pagodas, and exciting cities.
November is part of the rainy season in Vietnam. Make sure your packing list includes waterproof clothing and plan to get wet during a November trip to Vietnam. But expect the tourist crowds to be cut in half, bringing some tranquility to your visit.
Visit pretty, tourist-free rice fields in Sapa as a reward for braving Vietnam’s cooler weather. Enjoy shorter lines for street food in Hanoi, and cruise along a quiet Halong Bay.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Stay in bungalows surrounded by island mountains in this less-traveled Thailand National Park.
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Khao Sok National Park is off the beaten path, but still one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Stay in a bungalow right on the water. You’ll feel engulfed by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world.
Limestone island mountains shoot up from the belly of Cheow Larn Lake. And it’s conveniently located between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui.
Visit Khao Sok in mid-November for the driest and most pleasant weather possible. Go for a jungle trek or a canoe ride throughout this mystifying national park before retreating to your floating raft house for the night.
📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Phuket
Banff National Park, Canada
This incredible park is a Canadian alpine playground with outdoor activities suited for all fitness levels.
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Visit Banff National Park in November to avoid heavy summer crowds. Banff is hands down one of the most popular national parks in North America and one of the best places to visit in Canada. It has ample hiking, skiing, and climbing opportunities for outdoorsy travelers.
One of my favorite Banff hikes is to Victoria Glacier via Lake Louise. This glacier-fed lake is one of the most iconic alpine lakes in Canada. Hiking trails in Banff will be virtually empty in November.
Santorini, Greece
This island is a hotspot for European vacations and one of the most photogenic locations in the country.
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Santorini, Greece, is easily one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe. This Aegean Sea destination is peak Mediterranean beauty. White stucco homes with blue tiled roofs make up the stunning backdrop of Santorini.
November is the off-season in Santorini. Avoid the busy summer crowds while continuing to enjoy pleasant temperatures on this Greek island. Just make sure your packing list includes a light jacket, as it can get cool in the evenings. November is the perfect time to enjoy some of the major attractions like Akrotiri and Ancient Thera.
Oia and Imerovigliis are two of the best places to watch the sunset in Santorini. Boat tours around the island are a great way to spend a lazy vacation day. Or head to Skaros Rock – it’s the perfect place to hike off all those gyros!
📅 Month-by-Month Travel Inspiration:
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That’s it for my guide on the top places to visit in November! Leave a comment to let me know where you’re most interested in visiting. Up next, check out our list of the best places to visit in December!
