15 Best Destinations to Visit in November
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Summer is synonymous with vacation, but it’s not the only season that’s worthy of a getaway. In fact, traveling in the fall, specifically November, is a great time to book a much-needed trip.
With the school year in full swing and Halloween festivities finished, many people, especially parents, are looking for a nice break and November provides the perfect opportunity. Thanks to the long Thanksgiving weekend, prospective travelers typically have a few days off from work and school — giving them extra time to take a late fall excursion. Plus, it's right before the hectic holiday season. Ready to pack your bags, but not sure where to go? Don’t worry. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in November.
With fall’s cooler temperatures, it’s no surprise that many travelers want to escape to warmer climates. While milder weather may be a draw for some — crisp, chilly air is what makes a late autumn jaunt even more appealing for others. From turquoise beaches of the Caribbean to icy landscapes in Northern Europe, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best November destinations to suit your travel needs. No matter if you’re taking a road trip, hopping on a train or catching a flight, let these ideas be your inspiration.
The best part? Many popular locations are less crowded during this period and if you go before Thanksgiving, scoring deals on flights and hotel accommodations are highly likely. Whether you're looking for a great spot with a top all-inclusive resort for families or somewhere to unwind that offers the best wellness hotels and spas, we've got an idea for you.
So, get your suitcase, car keys or passport ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Scottsdale, Arizona
Temperatures are finally cooling down in Scottsdale, making November a fantastic time to visit this adventure-filled destination. Fall marks the return of sunset horseback rides at the 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a protected desert habitat that is literally cacti goals. Besides riding, the preserve rocks it for mountain biking and guided hiking. The Bajada Nature Trail is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly while the Gateway Loop Trail, a 4.4 mile loop, offers a moderately challenging experience for families with tweens. And perhaps coolest of all, hot air balloon rides allow families to see the desert from a different vantage point. When your crew is ready for some water fun,
hop from the city’s center to Saguaro Lake or the Lower Salt River, for kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding. Stay at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, which is just wrapping up a huge renovation.
Orlando, Florida
It's your last chance to sample all the incredible eats and drinks at Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival, running through November 18, 2023 at Walt Disney World. "My favorite dish is the Spicy Githeri [an African meal with beans and quinoa] at the Refreshment Outpost," says Len Testa, founder of Touringplans.com. His other must-tries include Pickle Fries with Dill Ranch and Orange-Cardamom Wings. In between bites, head over to the much-anticipated Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, which is scheduled to open at Epcot on October 16, 2023. For easiest access to the park, considering staying at a hotel within walking distance. Good Housekeeping faves in that area include Disney's Beach Club Resort and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
One of the last places for leaves to reach peak color, eastern Tennessee will be ablaze in yellow, orange and red in late October and early November. Who's ready for a road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some leaf-peeping? This time of year, "the Abrams Fall Hike in Cades Cove will be a stunner," says Jeremy Puglisi, co-author of Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks. "The Alum Cave hike would also be better during fall foliage." Puglisi notes that the new campground, Roamstead, is getting a lot of buzz. Located near Gaitlinburg, Roamstead offers an array of lodging options, including cabins, yurts and RV sites, plus a heated saltwater pool! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also very close to Dollywood. The theme park's Dollywood HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which has Family Suites with bunk beds, will open this fall.
Seabrook, Washington
The number of families booking a vacation rental to celebrate Thanksgiving has been on the rise. After all, it's tempting not to have the mess at your house! If you want to jump in one the trend, we found the perfect place: Seabrook, Washington. This oceanfront coastal community boasts about two and a half hours west of Seattle more than 500 homes—many of them for rent. All of them are walkable to the beach, playground, shops, restaurants and—most important for any Thanksgiving gathering—the grocery store. All built within the last 20 years (and many much newer), the rentals boast state-of-the-art kitchens and plenty of space for everyone to sleep. Some rentals can fit 20 people!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
For a culture-filled Midwestern getaway, look no further than Milwaukee. While the city is known for its cheese curds and beer, it offers way more than that. "The overall vibe is fantastic," says a Good Housekeeping staff member who recently visited. "Everyone knows Milwaukee for beer but every single cup of coffee I had there was fantastic. The food was really solid all around too." Visitors can dine at prominent spots like Sanford, a critically-acclaimed restaurant that features a surprise tasting menu with seven courses, ARIA, which is housed on the second floor of the cool and contemporary Saint-Kate: The Arts Hotel, for artisanal Midwest cuisine. Our staffer also stayed at the hotel, which has art exhibits on the first floor. She says, "There were crayons and rolls of butcher paper in our room for drawing, which I thought was a neat touch in an art-themed hotel."
Bangkok, Thailand
With the monsoon season just ending, travelers visiting Thailand’s capital can enjoy pleasant weather with less humidity. Comfortable temps are key for sightseeing and taste testing mouth-watering dishes like Roti Gluay and fried rice from the city’s plentiful street food vendors. After indulging in delicious, budget-friendly bites, visitors can check out ornate historical sites and religious temples like Wat Phra Sri Rattanasamaram and Wat Arun Ratchawararam to marvel at impeccable architecture. Shop for premium goods in the city’s buzzing Siam Square with prominent retailers throughout. Out-of-towners who crave top-notch service tend to stay in luxury hotels like Mandarin Oriental Bangkok or Park Hyatt Bangkok for high-end aesthetics and can’t-miss amenities.
White sand beaches with warm, crystal-clear waters in November are hard to pass up especially when the temperatures at home are plummeting. That’s why so many from the Midwest and the East Coast flock to Turks and Caicos for a reprieve. A good bet: The Ritz Turks & Caicos. Located on a white sand beach in Grace Bay, the resort is pure bliss. You can rent a cute bike and fill its wicker basket with snacks for a picnic. Or learn how to sail from a pro. Of course, the pool vibes are immaculate! If you've got little ones in tow, the Ritz Kids Club can provide you with a few hours of alone time so you can have a spa treatment, romantic meal, or even just read a good book at the beach. At press time, there were several promotions available for stays in November.
Paris, France
It’s always a good time to visit Paris, but November is one of the best. With fewer crowds due to the upcoming holidays, this month is a wonderful time to take in the city’s wondrous, one-of-a-kind sights and partake in its world-class shopping. After checking must-see tourist attractions like The Louvre and Eiffel Tower off your list, venture into less popular territory. Go on a unique cultural experience to discover the rich legacy of Black people in France with Ricki Stevenson’s Black Paris Tour. Explore the lively Little Africa area and learn little-known facts about African, Caribbean and American history in the City of Lights. Centrally located, the newly renovated Hilton Paris Opera is a fab place to stay.
Seattle, Washington
Fall is in the air at Pike Place Market, a tourist- and local-favorite with 500+ businesses on the Seattle Waterfront. Pumpkin pie lattes, pear crème brûlée danish, handcrafted pottery for the Thanksgiving table are among the fall market finds while year-around faves include the famous fish toss and the OG Starbucks location. (Yes, this is where Pike Place coffee got its name.) For a special dinner, the market also boasts Aerlume, a design-forward, waterfront restaurant with a seasonally focused menu. Stay at the Thompson Hotel Seattle, which is just a block or so from the market. As a guest, you'll receive priority access to the Nest, a rooftop bar that's extremely popular with locals for fab views and delish cocktails. The Thompson Hotel Seattle is also within walking distance of other iconic attractions, such as the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass, plus it offers cookies at check-in.
Antigua and Barbuda
Discover what the West Indies has to offer with a visit to Antigua and Barbuda. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, these sister islands are known for their reef-lined beaches, rainforests and first-rate resorts. Vacationers can swim with stingrays, dive, fish, kayak or kite surf. A Good Housekeeping staffer and her sister recently stayed at Carlisle Bay Antigua.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Although “ice” is literally in the name of this Nordic Island nation, it’s not as chilly as one might think. The average high in November is a surprising 40 degrees — that’s balmy if you’re comparing it to Midwest winters. So, remember to pack your bathing suits. In fact, swimming is one of the most popular things to do — even during the winter thanks to heated pools around the city.
Dubbed the Land of Fire and Ice, visitors can admire the beauty of frozen landscapes and of course, try to see the elusive, colorful Northern Lights. Due to its size, it’s easy to chill out and explore on foot. And there’s much to see. With natural wonders like glaciers and ice-capped terrain at every turn, a trek to Iceland is a must.
New York City
The week before Thanksgiving is the sweet spot to visit NYC for the holidays: You can shop at the seasonal markets and marvel over the department store windows when it's still fairly mild (think: upper 50s) and far less crowded than later in the season. Your must-dos include tickets to see one of the first Christmas Spectacular performances of the season; the Radio City Rockettes kick off on November 17. Over in Times Square, the Winter Village in Bryant Park will be in full swing; the shops open on October 27 and starting on November 9, you can even eat in one of the park's cozy igloos. The twinkling walk-through Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden begins on November 17. Stay at at ModernHaus Soho, which is in a great neighborhood for shopping and dining.
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