Best Fall Destinations for families on the West Coast
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Looking for a getaway this fall season on the West Coast? Well, you’re in luck! If you’re looking for a mountain escape to enjoy the fall colors and brisk weather all while drinking a pumpkin spice latte, there are several great fall destinations to choose from. And the best part is that most of these destinations are budget-friendly.
Most of these destinations listed below are accessible through Allegiant Airlines and Southwest Airlines. We fly Allegiant Airlines frequently because the prices are incredible, especially while traveling with a family of five. Remember to go to the airport and purchase tickets in person (during posted hours) to pay the lowest possible price.
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham, Washington is a perfect fall destination. The weather is perfect, and there are plenty of fall colors. There are so many sights to see in Washington that you won’t be able to fit in everything in one visit.
Must Do Activities
If pumpkin patches and apple picking are on your list, there are many great farms. My kids love picking apples but love the hot apple cider donut holes even more. This has to be the highlight of our visit every time.
The Pacific Northwest is loaded with family-friendly activities like visiting Vancouver, Canada, taking a ferry to the San Juan Islands, drive and hike in Mount Baker, and do just about any outdoor activity.
If you fly into Seattle, you can check out Olympic National Park and Mount Rainer National Park. Both have amazing hikes, breathtaking views, and plenty of fall foliage.
Related post: Kid-Friendly Activities in Bellingham, Washington
Mount Baker, Washington
Where to Stay with Kids
For a budget hotel with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at Springhill Suites in Bellingham (25,000 points/nightly or $149).
For a luxury hotel, stay at Hotel Bellweather.
How to Get Here
Allegiant Airlines flies to Bellingham from select airports. Our family of five can fly here for $500 or less! Alaska Airlines also offers great pricing when flying to Seattle. And, Southwest Airlines will begin flying here soon!
2. Yellowstone National Park
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park. The weather is perfect and the crowds have subsided from summer traffic. You can spend a week here or a weekend.
Related: How to See Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in a long weekend.
Yellowstone National Park
Must-Do Activities
Hike the one 1.6 mile round-trip trail to see the colorful Grand Prismatic from above. Don’t miss Old Faithful, Norris Geyer Basin, Mammoth Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Where to Stay with Kids
For a hotel stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky. (35,000 points/nightly).
Although an hour from the Yellowstone entrance, Big Sky, Montana is a beautiful destination. At the Wilson Hotel, there are gorgeous views of the nearby mountain, and there is a picturesque shopping area across from the hotel, a kid’s playground, game room, and bike rentals.
If you’re looking for a hotel in the middle of Yellowstone, stay at the Canyon Lodge and Cabins. ($300-$400, nightly)
Campground- Canyon Campground
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
How to Get Here
Allegiant Airlines flies to Bozeman from select airports. Our family of five flew here for $390 last fall! That’s a nonstop roundtrip ticket for less than $80 round trip! Southwest Airlines also offers great rates to Bozeman and if you have Southwest points to use, book your flight for free!
3.Grand Tetons National Park
The Tetons are so gorgeous any time of year but especially in the fall.
Must-do Activities
Take the boat ride on Jenny Lake to hike Hidden Falls. There is a small fee per person, but it is totally worth it. The hike is kid-friendly and you will see beautiful fall foliage.
Grand Tetons National Park
If you’re not staying in Jackson Hole, definitely check out the town. It is such a cute little town with lots of great restaurants. There’s also a scenic bike trail for the whole family. The trail has the most epic views.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Where to Stay with Kids
For a hotel stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole (50,000 points/nightly or $300).
For a luxury stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at the CloudVeil, Autograph collection (60,000 points/nightly or $600)
How to Get Here
Allegiant Airlines flies to both Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana. Allegiant also flies to Idaho Falls.
Several other airlines fly into Jackson Hole, but they can be pricey. Allegiant will be the most budget friendly way to get there.
4.Kalispell, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is beautiful in the fall but best to go during the earlier fall months to avoid road closures and snow.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Must-do Activities
Of course, there is so much to do and see in Glacier National Park. You will love seeing the gorgeous views by driving the Going-to-the-Sun-road or seeing mountain goats at Logan’s pass.
Where to Stay with Kids
For a hotel stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at the SpringHill Suites Kalispell (25,000 points/nightly or $175)
For a hotel stay in a more convenient location, check out Great Northern Resort.
For a unique glamping stay under the stars, check out Luxury Sky Domes (open through early October)
Picture Courtesty of Clear Sky Resorts
How to Get Here
Guess who flies here? Allegiant Airlines flies to Kalispell, Montana as well! My parents just booked round-trip tickets from Phoenix to Kalispell this year for around $70 each! Other airlines, such as Alaska, United and Delta fly here as well.
5.Park City, Utah
Photo Courtesy of Marriott
Park City is one of my family’s favorite destinations. We spent New Year’s here in 2019 and will be going back this fall.
Must-Do Activities
Horseback riding is a popular activity for kids in the fall. Park City is home to a picture-perfect main street. And just look at the gorgeous fall colors on the mountains!
Despite many activities to choose from, relaxing and enjoying the views is at the top of my list.
Where to Stay with Kids
For a hotel stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at the Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection (50,000 points/$700) or Hyatt Place Park City (5,000 Hyatt points)
Do you know what the best part of staying here at the Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection is? Some rooms have private hot tubs on the patio or balcony! Can you imagine waking up and enjoying coffee in your own private hot tub with this view? Since this resort is 50,000 Marriott points, it would be a great use of your annual free night certificate.
If you’re looking for a discounted vacation, Marriott has two vacation clubs here, Marriott Summit Watch and Marriott’s Mountainside. Check out my blog post here on how to get discounted luxury stays at vacation clubs!
How to Get Here
Allegiant flies into Provo, Utah, and Southwest Airlines and many other airlines fly into Salt Lake City, Utah.
6.Vail, Colorado
Most people don’t always consider Vail, Colorado as a fall destination. However, it’s one of the best times to go as the leaves are turning colors and you can enjoy that crisp fall weather.
Must-Do Activities
Whether you want to relax in a luxury resort or prefer outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Vail. Hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing, turtle tubing, ziplining, and off-road ATVs are all fun activities for the whole family.
Vail, Colorado
Where to Stay with Kids
If you have Hyatt or Marriott points, there are plenty of amazing properties to choose from in the Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek areas.
A great choice would be the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa or the Beaver Creek Lodge (50-60,000 points/nightly)
For Hyatt, one of the Hyatt Residence Clubs would be a great choice for more room space. (25,000-30,000 points/nightly)
How to Get Here
Getting to Vail is not very convenient. The cheapest way to arrive is through the Denver airport. Then you will have a little bit of a drive, but a beautiful one.
If you are not concerned about your budget or want to splurge, you can fly directly to the Eagle County Regional Airport. This will put you within 30 minutes of Vail.
7.Bend, Oregon
Picture courtesy of Pacific Coast Trails
Bend, Oregon is an outdoor lovers paradise. There are so many beautiful mountain views, rivers, and fall foliage.
Must-Do Activities
Take a hike or bike ride on the Deschutes River Trail. Apple Orchards are a little bit of a drive from Bend, but still a must-do while visiting. There are many farms to choose from and many offer fall activities such as hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin patches, and Oktoberfest.
Where to Stay with Kids
For a hotel stay booked with points (Marriott) or cash, stay at the SpringHill Suites Bend (35,000 points/nightly or $250).
For a more luxurious hotel and great location, stay at Pronghorn Resort or Riverhouse at the Deschutes.
How to Get Here
Once again, Allegiant flies into Redmond Municipal Airport. Alaska and many other airlines fly here as well but they could be pricey.
As you can see, there are so many great options for fall travel on the West Coast! Go check out Allegiant Airline’s prices on fall travel and don’t forget to purchase the tickets in person! We saved almost $40 a ticket last time we purchased at the Allegiant airport counter (be sure to check the hours before you go). When you combine low-priced airline tickets and book your hotel with points, you can travel to most of these popular locations for cheap!
These locations have beautiful fall foliage, crisp fall weather, and family-friendly fall activities. Fall is our favorite time to travel! Where is your favorite fall destination?
Affiliate Disclosure: Melissa's Travel Addiction has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Melissa's Travel Addiction and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
