10 U.S. Destinations That You Can Visit for Under $500 This Fall, According to New Data From Kayak

Summer may get top billing for vacations, but budget-conscious travelers may want to hold off until fall. As the peak-season rush subsides, so can the cost of getting away: Kayak data shows that average flight and hotel prices drop 11 percent during the fall shoulder season compared with peak summer.

So, where should you go? We asked the travel pros at Kayak to share the most affordable U.S. destinations for fall 2026, all averaging under $500 for round-trip airfare and a one-night hotel stay combined. The list, based on searches conducted from April 15 through July 13 for travel between Sept. 15 and Nov. 15, is heavy on Southern cities and beach destinations—places where fall brings lower prices, cooler temperatures, and fewer summer crowds. That said, there are a few spots for leaf-peepers, too. Read on for the most affordable places to travel in the U.S. this fall.

01 of 10

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Combined average airfare + hotel:$399

Gulf Shores has all the makings of a great fall beach trip: white sand, warm Gulf waters, and far fewer people than you'll find here in summer. There's plenty to do off the beach, too. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is especially popular for spotting migratory birds in fall, while historic Fort Morgan dates back to the 1800s. Gulf State Park has beaches, fishing, and miles of trails, plus The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel , right inside the park. Finally, for fresh Gulf seafood, try longtime local favorites DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen or The Catch , and come early enough to snag an outdoor table before sunset.

02 of 10

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Combined average airfare + hotel:$423

Another perennially popular summer vacation destination, Myrtle Beach beckons with its surrounding 60 miles of pristine shoreline. Add in family-friendly attractions like Broadway at the Beach , Ripley's , WonderWorks , and the SkyWheel , and it's easy to see why families flock here all summer long. But come fall, once school is back in session, the crowds thin while warm weather and plenty of reasons to visit remain. There's a lively lineup of fall festivals and happenings, too, including Little River ShrimpFest and the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival , alongside classics like mini-golf and blissfully less-crowded days on the sand.

03 of 10

Raleigh, North Carolina

Combined average airfare + hotel:$453

Fall is a great time to experience Raleigh . During this time, the City of Oaks lives up to its nickname, with foliage peaking from late October into November; take it in at Falls Lake , Dorothea Dix Park , and Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve . There's plenty happening around town, too, including the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival , the North Carolina State Fair , and pumpkin picking and hayrides at Page Farms . And getting there is simple: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has nonstop flights from cities across the country.

04 of 10

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Combined average airfare + hotel:$453

By fall, Fort Lauderdale has moved past the worst of the summer heat, while the snowbirds have yet to flock. Along with 24 miles of coastline, there's the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , the world's largest in-water boat show and Halloween events like LauderBOO . The food scene is worth noting, too: five local—and relatively affordable—restaurants earned Michelin recognition in 2026, including Heritage for pizza and pasta and no-frills Larb Thai-Isan for noodles, curries, and flavorful fried rice.

05 of 10

Orlando, Florida

Combined average airfare + hotel:$453

Fall brings a welcome change of pace to Orlando , as summer's intense heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon showers gradually give way to more comfortable days—and, once kids are back in school, lighter crowds during stretches of the season. The land of theme parks unsurprisingly goes all out, too, with seasonal celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World . Beyond the parks, the city gets in on the action with fall happenings, including Fall Fiesta in the Park Nov. 7–8, 2026, featuring arts and crafts, food, and live entertainment.

06 of 10

Tampa, Florida

Combined average airfare + hotel:$469

Once fall rolls around, Tampa is a lot easier to enjoy outside. Walk the Tampa Riverwalk , bike Bayshore Boulevard Greenway , or make a beach day of it at Clearwater Beach , about 25 miles away. In Ybor City, Tampa's cigar-making past is still visible among the neighborhood's Cuban restaurants and bars, while Armature Works in the modern Heights District is a popular stop for food and drinks right on the river. The city also pulls out all the stops for Halloween: ZooTampa puts on Creatures of the Night , while Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream keeps the park going after dark with haunted houses, scare zones, and nighttime rides.

07 of 10

Atlanta, Georgia

Combined average airfare + hotel:$478

As one of the country's biggest air hubs, Atlanta is an easy choice for a weekend fall getaway. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves—typically showing their best colors from mid-October into November—make it prime time to explore Piedmont Park , walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine , or take the roughly 30-minute drive to Stone Mountain Park for sweeping autumn scenery and its annual Pumpkin Festival . Closer to Atlanta proper, the season fills the calendar with outdoor events, from Candler Park Fall Fest to fun festivities at the Atlanta Botanical Garden .

08 of 10

Houston, Texas

Combined average airfare + hotel:$484

America's most diverse city becomes an especially appealing fall getaway as Houston's intense summer heat begins to ease and more comfortable weather makes outdoor exploration far more inviting. The season brings plenty to do, too, from the Bayou City Art Festival to ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center , with costumes, trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities. There's also the Houston Pumpkin Festival , bringing a dose of classic fall fun to a city better known for global food, arts, and culture.

09 of 10

Portland, Oregon

Combined average airfare + hotel:$494

One of the few non-Southern cities on this list, Portland has mild fall weather and colorful foliage that typically peaks in October. The city is best explored by bike, with plenty of fall color at the Portland Japanese Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum . Just 10 miles from downtown, Sauvie Island has pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and pick-your-own farms throughout the season. For a day trip, head to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking and waterfalls or the Willamette Valley , where September and October coincide with wine harvest.

10 of 10

Denver, Colorado

Combined average airfare + hotel:$498

Come fall, the Mile High City transforms into an autumnal oasis, with crisp days, golden foliage, and easy access to the outdoors. In Denver proper, take in the changing leaves at Washington Park or City Park , then venture into the nearby foothills for hiking among Colorado's famous golden aspens at Golden Gate Canyon State Park , about 45 minutes away. Back in the city, Tennyson Street Fall Fest fills the neighborhood with local vendors, food trucks, and its popular pet parade and costume contest, while Glow at the Gardens turns the Denver Botanic Gardens into an after-dark display of intricately carved, illuminated pumpkins. Other highlights include Boo at the Zoo and Nick's Garden Center Fall Fest , with its pumpkin patch, straw maze, and train rides.

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