Fall beats summer as the top season for weekend trips
This fall, travelers across generations are taking more weekend trips, while Gen Z specifically is “lore-tripping” and gravitating toward lesser-known US destinations steeped in local lore. Meanwhile, a rising trend in sports and live event tourism is turning stadiums and music venues into destinations of their own.
Fall Tops Summer for Weekend Trips
- 60% of travelers plan a short fall getaway, more than any other season.
- Fall wishlists are surging with searches like fall foliage, apple picking, leaf peeping, and road trips.
- Weekend trips are outpacing longer vacations, making fall the prime season for “weekending.”
Trending Fall Weekend Destinations (US)
- Tannersville, NY – Catskills foliage, Hunter Mountain chairlift rides.
- Jim Thorpe, PA – Victorian rooftops, scenic railroad views.
- Blue Ridge, GA – Apple picking, trout streams, Toccoa River railway.
- Blowing Rock, NC – Dramatic Blue Ridge Parkway vistas.
- Fayetteville, WV – New River Gorge bridge and overlooks.
- Glenwood Springs, CO – Golden aspens, hot springs.
- Oshkosh, WI – Lakeside trails, orchards.
- Bend, OR – High desert foliage, brewery patios.
- Camden, ME – Harbor views with fiery hillsides.
- Hartford, VT – Covered bridges framed by maples.
Gen Z “Lore-Tripping”
- 90% of Gen Z prefer small towns and quirky destinations over big cities.
- Drawn by affordability, authentic culture, and odd local legends.
- Examples:
- Point Pleasant, WV – Mothman lore.
- Helen, GA – Bavarian-style fall festivals.
- Twentynine Palms, CA – Joshua Tree murals.
- Bemidji, MN – Paul Bunyan statues.
- Gibsonton, FL – Circus sideshow heritage.
“Groundhopping” Trend
- Nearly 70% of travelers are visiting stadiums, arenas, and music venues as destinations.
- Sports and live events are becoming central to travel planning, building on record-breaking soccer tourism this summer.
This report shows how fall travel is shifting toward short, immersive, and experience-driven trips, with Gen Z leading the charge into offbeat destinations and fans fueling venue-based tourism.
