Ah, autumn. The leaves change colors as a cool breeze begins to make its way through your hometown. Sweaters are taken out of storage and boots are given their place of honor by the door.
Time for hot beverages and snuggling.
*record scratch*
Unless you don’t want to do any of that just yet. You’re not ready to say goodbye to summer? No problem. Autumn is the perfect time to find a warm getaway.
Let start with my bias: my hometown of Huntington Beach: Surf City, USA. Smack dab in Orange County, California, Huntington Beach is a great place to visit if you want to make sure you not only see some gnarly waves but also maybe a certain famous theme park or two. It’s also only an hour’s journey into LA and Hollywood, so you’ll have more than enough opportunities to go full tourist.
If you’re looking for an oasis, look no further than Palm Springs. There are festivals all throughout the season, including the Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival during the first week of September and the Annual Interfusion Music Summit in October. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a little Palm Springs culture.
Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, we have Orlando, Florida. Home to the other House of Mouse, Orlando hosts its own fair share of theme parks and activities, including the Animal Kingdom. With its own beautiful beaches and fun atmosphere, Orlando’s another great spot to have on your list.
If you’re willing for a little drive (or flight) south of the border, then Cabo is the trip for you. With beautiful beaches and crystal waters, you’re going to get the full gorgeous beach experience. October is actually a popular time to visit, so make sure you plan your trip in advance!
If you’re down for a desert drive, Lake Powell is a gorgeous spot in the midst of a harsh environment. Visit any of the numerous national parks nearby while you’re there, explore the canyons, waterski, and even rent a houseboat or RV. You won’t be sorry you did.
In Northern California, we have Lake Tahoe, for a different sort of mountain experience. Go boating, take a hike, take a swim, its a beautiful place where you can feel a bit like a kid at camp again. It’s also a pretty romantic spot if you want to bring your S/O along, too.
Vegas isn’t just known for its fun and crazy nightlife (though that’s certainly there too). Go, have a great wild time in some sweet airconditioning between the slot machines and concerts and then get out and see some nature, too.
If you want to explore the Rocky Mountains, why not do it in New Mexico? Santa Fe has a cool city feel, where you can relax at the pool and go shopping, but you can also travel from there to the desert and explore the historic adobe landmarks and even do a little stargazing.
Okay, so you definitely can’t go wrong if Hawaii is on your list, but Kauai should be one of your stops. With stunning cliffs and rainforest, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a movie (or maybe Sims 4-Island Living). It’s lush, it’s lovely, and anyone who goes there feels lucky they did.
We started with surfing and ended with it, it only seemed fair. Brazil is a massive country with so much to explore. If you thought Kauai had rainforest, welcome to the home of the Amazon (no, not that one). It may not be Carnival season, but that just means you’ll be less likely to have to fight other tourists for space on one of their incredible beaches.
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