It's that time of year when beach gear goes in the closet and the cozy sweaters come out. Along with apple picking and pumpkin carving, leaf peeping tops the list of seasonal activities. There's nothing quite like driving or strolling through winding roads under glowing canopies of red, orange and gold. Fall is the perfect excuse to hit the road and chase the colors of the season, and Time Out has a must-see list for inspiration.
According to Time Out, the top spot in the U.S. to see fall foliage this year might surprise you: Cape Cod, Massachusetts. While most associate “the Cape” with lazy beach days and lobster rolls, come October, this seaside getaway transforms into a fall paradise. Picture golden dunes framed by fiery red cedar and black oak trees, or historic villages blanketed in amber hues. The air is salty but brisk, the beaches quiet and the roads lined with trees bursting into color.
For the ultimate leaf-peeping experience, head to Cape Cod National Seashore. Stretching 40 miles along the Atlantic, it’s the ideal place to watch the season unfold—whether you’re biking along the Coast Guard Beach trail or strolling through Eastham’s forests. Mid- to late October is prime time for color and, with fewer summer tourists around, you’ll get the best of both worlds—peaceful scenery and peak foliage.
Coming in at number two is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, where rugged mountain peaks meet sweeping valleys of yellow and gold. The park’s quaking aspens and cottonwoods shimmer in the autumn light, while willows and hawthorns add bursts of orange and crimson. The best place to take it all in is Oxbow Bend, a classic photo stop with mirror-like reflections of Mount Moran. It's also prime time in the park for spotting elk, moose and even bears.
Rounding out the top three is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a fall favorite stretching between North Carolina and Tennessee. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for nonstop panoramas of maple, dogwood and sassafras trees set ablaze in shades of red, orange and yellow.
Grab a sweater, pack a thermos of cider and get out there before winter arrives. Find the full list of the best spots to see fall foliage here.