Fall is officially underway, which means back to the hustle and bustle of work, school, and busy schedules. If you’re struggling to juggle it all (think: driving to and from sports and school activities, cooking family dinners, and mentally preparing for holiday season), you’re not alone. However, while known for being a busy season, fall is also one of the most beautiful times of the year. Sandwiched perfectly between summer and winter, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the foliage, soak in the cool crisp air, and recharge your mind and body before the holiday mayhem arrives.
So, if you’re ready to sneak away for some self-care, here are the best fall wellness vacations that will have you feeling cool, calm, and collected. Best of all, these trips are family and budget-friendly — no stress, there’s something for everyone!
Planning a Getaway? Ideas For a Healthy Fall Vacation
Looking to ease anxiety and calm your mind? Here are some wellness vacation ideas that will help you escape life’s daily stressors (without breaking the bank).
- Disconnect from all electronics and book a meditation or yoga retreat in the mountains
- Find a hot springs location to cozy up and camp out at out West
- Hit the road for a family road trip down south to experience the fall foliage and breathtaking views in Tennessee and the Carolinas
- Head to the East Coast for a true fall experience where you can go apple picking, fishing, hiking, and camping all in one weekend
- For something more extravagant, head to the vineyards of Sonoma or Napa for a Cali spa experience at a local resort
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Relax & Recharge With The Best 2023 Fall Wellness Vacations
For the best fall vacation areas, here are the must-visit wellness locations to add to your fall bucket list!
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Nestled in the heart of New England, the Berkshires is the perfect spot for a fall wellness vacation. Full of natural beauty, enjoy the vibrant fall foliage, crisp air, and slow-paced community. Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking the Appalachian Trail, kayaking, or camping..
Looking for something more restorative? Pack your yoga mat and head to one of the many wellness destinations for a yoga retreat or spa day at destinations like Canyon Ranch or Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.
Joshua Tree, California
While California is full of beautiful wellness destinations, there’s nothing like fall in Joshua Tree. It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for a warmer fall getaway, with ideal temps in the 70-80s range during the day and cooler nights.
And speaking of night-time, stargazing and camping is a must! Camp under the desert sky while surrounded by beautiful palms and rock formations. After rock climbing and trail hiking at Joshua Tree National Park, head to the nearby town to scope out the local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Plus, there are plenty of places to stay that will satisfy all your wellness vacation needs! Book a cute cabin, head to a wellness spa, or set up a tent for a desert camping experience. But be sure to pack your water bottle! It gets warm and dry, even during the fall months.
Portland, Maine
If you’re looking for a cozy and quaint getaway, plan a trip to Portland, Maine. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood along the coast, head to the Old Port District, and explore the cobblestone streets filled with cute boutiques, or take a tour of the lighthouse and rejoice in coastal tranquility.
For a budget-friendly spa experience, head to Soakology, a local shop for herbal foot soaks, massages, and tea. Or, for something more experiential, book a stay at The Portland Regency Hotel, a historical hotel and spa located in the Old Port District.
Bend, Oregon
Between the scenic fall foliage, perfect weather, natural hot springs, farm-to-table dining, and an abundance of wellness spas and workout studios, Central Oregon is the place to be if you want to be nurtured in nature. Home to numerous yoga studios, wellness centers, and healthy restaurants, it’s a rejuvenating West Coast vacation waiting to happen.
Enjoy hiking at the Green Lakes and Broken Hand, or go lava tubing or floating at Deschutes River. If you time it right, you could even catch a concert at the Hayden Homes Amphitheatre!
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
For a Southern experience along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! Experience scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, breathtaking mountain views in Gatlinburg, hundreds of hiking trails, and let’s not forget about the natural springs. Torch some calories along the Appalachian Trail or simply bust stress as you breathe in all nature has to offer.
While you’re here, not far is Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee — a vacation that will reacquaint you with nature the Southern way. Experience Southern beauty (and hospitality) on a 325-acre farm property that features everything from farm-to-table dining, to spa treatments, to experiences such as south bath meditations, archery, and beekeeping!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If Wyoming wasn’t already on your fall wellness vacation list, it’s about to be! This underrated vacation destination is one of the most scenic and serene areas that will melt your stress and anxiety away — you might even spot a moose, bison, or bear!
Rent bikes and roam to Grand Teton National Park, go hiking at Delta Lake or Cascade Canyon for breathtaking views, or relax and unwind in the Granite Hot Springs. If you’re arriving in season, hit the slopes and ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. If you’re not skiing, book a hotel in town at The Cloudveil or Hotel Jackson — you’ll be walking distance to restaurants, shops, and local Jackson Hole attractions!
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Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re in search of breathtaking fall foliage, head down south to Asheville for a mountain escape. Home to a range of wellness experiences, such as the Salt Spa and Himalayan Salt Cave, saltwater float therapy, and hot and cold contrast therapy. Not to mention, the numerous wellness retreats and spas, such as The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn, Shoji Spa and Retreat, and Asheville Wellness Tours (with numerous offerings such as goat yoga and tarot readings!).
You can even ground down at the Asheville vortex, an area that carries strong electromagnetic fields where Ley lines are aligned! What better place for an outdoor meditation or breathwork sesh?
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Fall Travel Tips: How to Stay Active on Vacation
Even if you have zero intention of hitting a workout class while on vacation, you can still stay active while enjoying your getaway! Consider packing lightweight and travel-friendly exercise equipment like your FitOn Carry All Kit! Squeeze in a few rounds of banded squats or side lunges while surrounded by the crisp fall air and soothing nature scenes. Plus, your Travel Foam Roller will come in handy during long car rides or plane rides, helping to prevent tension or stiff and sore muscles. And if you’re up for it, you could press play on a FitOn yoga, Pilates, or quick hits class that are perfect for when you’re on the go.
However, between hiking, biking, and simply exploring the town while walking around, you’ll maintain your fitness routine without even trying! The most important thing is to find a way to squeeze movement into your day in a way that feels enjoyable for you.
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Your Fall Wellness Vacation Bucket List Awaits!
Ready to give your mind and body a little TLC before the holiday season begins? These rejuvenating fall wellness vacations will have you feeling clear, balanced, and grounded. Whether you head to the mountains, the desert, or the coast, there are so many budget-friendly choices that are great for you and your family. Opt for an outdoor adventure, splurge on a spa experience, or go off the grid and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature — there’s no wrong choice!
