September is one of the most awkward months of the year. Is it the tail-end of summer, or the beginning of fall splendor?
That all depends on where you go. While September is certainly one of the best months to travel from a budget-friendly perspective, there’s no denying October is officially sweater weather season, a time to dig into the back of your closet and dust off your cozy attire.
Travel experts at TimeOut named the top 11 places to kick off fall in October with only a few U.S. destinations making the cut.
While a pair of iconic cities were no surprise, taking the top spot is a state many travelers overlook, yet it’s one of the most affordable and culturally rich states to visit, and you don’t have to pack your favorite sweater unless you want to, as TimeOut claims New Mexico temps average 72 across the board.
Fall is jam-packed with fun things to do — whether you’re diving into UFO lore, booking a stay in a centuries-old adobe, exploring stunning nature without the beaming desert sun, or celebrating one of America’s unique festivals.
New Mexico: TimeOut’s Top U.S. Destination This Fall
New Mexico is home to some of America’s most storied towns, no matter if it’s former goldmine rushes, Wild West shootouts, or an alleged crashed site of little green beings.
Today, New Mexico can be considered the Southwest’s last frontier. You don’t see many changes in this underrated state’s most sought-after getaways — maybe a new restaurant, but rarely any shifting skylines.
Laden with astounding mountains spreading from Las Cruces, New Mexico’s second largest city, all the way north to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the delightful UNESCO-protected town of Taos, there’s no shortage of ways to traverse the magic of the “Land of Enchantment”.
In between, there are cozy mountain towns, relaxing hot springs, and roadside must-stops like Hatch, the “Chile Capital of the World”.
In other words, New Mexico is perfect for road trips. No matter if you fly into Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or even the corner of Texas, El Paso to start from Las Cruces and work your way up, the only traffic jams are tumbleweeds and loose cattle.
TimeOut recommends the following destinations this fall:
Discover 3 Destinations TimeOut Missed
As someone who used to visit New Mexico every month (and who thinks Albuquerque is a snoozefest), I can’t help but reveal 3 getaways TimeOut didn’t highlight.
Living in El Paso, I was fortunate to be at a crosspoint of cultures — Texas 🤠, Mexico , and New Mexico ️.
As such, venturing across state lines was easy, and honestly one of the most scenic getaways this side of the States.
Mesilla:
Under an hour from El Paso International Airport lies the map-dot village of Mesilla.
This tiny hideaway was a monthly escape for me to indulge in New Mexico’s under-hyped cuisine, peruse local shops, and enjoy gorgeous hikes winding through the nearby Organ Mountains.
Double Eagle makes a mean spicy marg and their stuffed jalapenos aren’t for the faint of heart — but hey, you’re in pepper country.
The historic main plaza is anchored by a quaint, timeless cathedral known as the Basilica of San Albino and wrapped by inviting local boutiques and insightful museums you can spend hours perusing.
Taos:
If Santa Fe tops your New Mexico wishlist, that’s all fine and dandy. Though if you want to feel a true step back in time, the best alternative in my eyes is Taos.
A walk through town feels like a living museum lined with a UNESCO-protected townscape of traditional adobe homes and picturesque plazas.
Plus, if you’re like me and not a big fan of “Albu-quirky”, visit the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally instead (held Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 this year).
Taos is one of New Mexico’s prettiest destinations for leaf-peepers, too. Ride through the Enchanted Circle for the best photo-ops of luminous aspen groves.
Ruidoso:
Ruidoso is a rustic mountain town to enjoy fall splendor away from the city grind, though it’s been plagued by natural disasters in recent years.
As of July 25, locals’ favorite getaway officially announced it’s embracing tourists after being ravaged by floods and previous wildfires, but storms have caused more havoc this month, so there may be another update in store.
Fall is typically one of the best times to visit to enjoy gold aspens, cool hiking weather, and cozy lodges to curl up by the fireplace.
There are 2 stunning lakes in the area for scenic strolls and fishing, but Inn of the Mountain Gods has another lake with boat rides — and it’s arguably the most popular stay in town, drawing big-name performers for live shows, including Luke Bryan.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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