As the crisp air of fall sweeps across the coastlines and the leaves turn into vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow, there’s no better time to plan a coastal road trip. Here are five of the best coastal towns and harbors to visit in the fall, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy foliage, local flavors, and outdoor adventures.
Why You Need a Base Layer for Your Fall Foliage Road Trip
Before hitting the road, make sure you’re dressed for the season. A quality base layer is essential for staying comfortable on your fall foliage adventure. Not only will it keep you warm during those crisp morning hikes or late afternoon walks, but it will also wick away moisture, ensuring you stay dry while exploring. Many base layers, like those made with technical fabrics, offer UPF 50+ sun protection, which is key even in the cooler months when the sun’s rays can still cause damage. Whether you’re climbing a coastal bluff or strolling through a charming harbor town, a base layer will keep you comfortable and protected all day long.
Our UPF 50+ solar shirts are the perfect base layer. The same shirt you wear all summer to protect you from sunburn will become your go-to base layer for fall and winter. Our shirts are moisture wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight so you can layer under a mid-layer and an outer layer for days when the temp drops and the wind whips.
Plus, we have destination graphics for all of the locations below, and so many more. Check out all our Destination Graphics in our online store.
When Is the Peak for Fall Foliage?
It depends on so many things: location, how much rain has fallen, temperature. We love this Fall Foliage Prediction Map from SmokyMountain.com (pictured above). It has an interactive slider that you can use to adjust the dates and see how the foliage might change throughout the season across the U.S.!
5 Best Coastal Towns and Harbors to Visit in the Fall
Portland Harbor, ME
Best place to see fall foliage: The Eastern Promenade offers stunning views of Casco Bay with a backdrop of fall foliage, perfect for a scenic walk along the harbor.
Why this is a great coastal town to visit in the fall: Portland’s historic charm, lighthouses, and seafood scene come alive in the fall, when the city quiets down but the colors brighten. Take in the beauty of cobblestone streets without the summer crowds.
Typical fall foliage peak dates: Early to mid-October
Best local place for apple cider or coffee: Stop by Tandem Coffee Roasters for a cozy fall drink.
Best outdoor activity: Explore the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, which is surrounded by trails and coastal views.
Road trip must-see: Take a quick trip to Mackworth Island, where you can hike around the island’s 1.25-mile trail for great foliage and views of Casco Bay.
Be sure to pick up Altered Latitudes' Coastal Classics Portland, ME, Destination Graphics.
Lake Tahoe
Best place to see fall foliage: Head to the Tahoe Rim Trail, where you’ll be treated to expansive views of the lake framed by bright yellow aspens.
Why this is a great coastal town to visit in the fall: Lake Tahoe’s serene waters are surrounded by colorful mountains, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. The fall brings fewer tourists, making it easier to explore.
Typical fall foliage peak dates: Late September to mid-October
Best local place for apple cider or coffee: Enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Drink Coffee Do Stuff.
Best outdoor activity: Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake with Tahoe Adventure Company to soak up the fall beauty from the water.
Road trip must-see: Visit Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most photographed spots in the world, where the fall colors meet the turquoise waters of Tahoe (parks.ca.gov).
Be sure to pick up Altered Latitudes' Coastal Classics Lake Tahoe, Destination Graphics.
Bar Harbor, ME
Best place to see fall foliage: Acadia National Park offers incredible foliage and ocean views, especially along the Park Loop Road and from the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Why this is a great coastal town to visit in the fall: Bar Harbor combines small-town charm with the grandeur of Acadia National Park. Fall is quieter here, offering peaceful hikes, beautiful sunsets, and opportunities to see wildlife.
Typical fall foliage peak dates: Early to mid-October
Best local place for apple cider or coffee: Swing by Coffee Hound Coffee Bar for seasonal drinks and great views of the harbor (coffeehoundcoffeebar.com).
Best outdoor activity: Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for an unbeatable view of the sunrise or sunset over the colorful landscape (acadiamagic.com).
Road trip must-see: Don’t miss Thunder Hole, a natural rock inlet where waves crash into the rocks, creating a thunderous sound (acadianationalpark.com).
Be sure to pick up Altered Latitudes' Coastal Classics Graphics featuring Bar Harbor, ME.
Newport RI
Best place to see fall foliage: Walk along the Cliff Walk, where you’ll see a combination of stunning fall foliage, rocky coastline, and Gilded Age mansions.
Why this is a great coastal town to visit in the fall: Newport is a beautiful blend of history, seaside charm, and sailing culture. Fall brings warm days and cool nights, perfect for exploring this harbor town without the summer rush.
Typical fall foliage peak dates: Mid-October
Best local place for apple cider or coffee: Warm up at The Nitro Bar, which serves fantastic seasonal drinks.
Best outdoor activity: Sail on a classic yacht with Sightsailing of Newport to experience the harbor’s beauty.
Road trip must-see: Explore the Newport Mansions, where history and architecture meet, all set against the backdrop of vibrant fall foliage.
Don't forget to grab Altered Latitudes' Coastal Graphic Tees and Can Coolers featuring Newport, RI.
Kennebunkport, ME
Best place to see fall foliage: Take a scenic drive along Ocean Avenue for breathtaking views of both the ocean and the fall colors, along with iconic coastal homes.
Why this is a great coastal town to visit in the fall: Kennebunkport’s laid-back vibe, stunning scenery, and fall foliage make it an ideal autumn getaway. In fall, you can experience peaceful walks along the beach, lighthouse tours, and the beauty of New England in full color.
Typical fall foliage peak dates: Early to mid-October
Best local place for apple cider or coffee: Sip some cider at Rococo Ice Cream, a local favorite that offers seasonal flavors.
Best outdoor activity: Take a sail along the coastline with Schooner Eleanor, offering stunning views of the harbor and fall foliage.
Road trip must-see: Visit Goose Rocks Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful autumn walk along one of Maine’s most beautiful sandy beaches.
Don't forget to grab Altered Latitudes' Coastal Classics Graphic Tees featuring Kennebunkport, ME.
Plan Your Fall Road Trip!
With stunning harbors, vibrant fall foliage, and unique outdoor adventures, these destinations offer the perfect fall road trip experience. Each harbor showcases the beauty of autumn, from the rich colors of the trees to the tranquil waters of the coast, providing memories that will last a lifetime.
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