Fall overtakes summer as the top season for weekend getaways

# What changed: weekend getaways beat long vacations Travelers are choosing shorter trips this fall instead of longer vacations. Search interest and bookings for fall-themed weekend activities — think leaf peeping, apple picking, fall road trips — are up compared with last year. A survey cited in the release reports 60% of respondents plan a weekend getaway this fall, and data show more weekend trips happened in fall 2025 than any other season.

# Who's driving the shift

• 90% of Gen Z respondents find small towns or under-the-radar destinations appealing this fall.
• About half of Gen Z cited affordability, local culture, and offbeat attractions as main draws.
• Airbnb trends show some towns with double-digit increases in Gen Z searches and bookings, including Twentynine Palms (up over 50%), Hot Springs (up 30%), and Helen, GA (up 15%).

The release uses the term "lore-tripping" for visits to places with quirky legends or local backstories. Examples highlighted include Point Pleasant, WV (Mothman), Hot Springs, AR (historic bathhouse row), and Williams, AZ (Route 66 heritage).

# What kinds of trips are trending Fall travel intent clusters into three practical patterns:

• Classic fall activities: foliage drives, orchards, scenic railways, and small-town Main Streets.
• Lore-focused micro-destinations: towns with a branded legend, festival, or retro character that can be experienced over a weekend.
• Event-driven travel: a rising interest in "groundhopping," where stadiums and music venues are destinations in themselves — nearly 70% of travelers in the release expressed interest in visiting famous venues.

# Examples of fall weekend spots cited The release lists U.S. towns that are trending for fall weekend trips. They mix well-known foliage corridors with smaller, character-driven towns:

# Practical implications for travelers and planners For travelers: expect more weekend-focused inventory and search competition in fall. If you prefer quieter or cheaper options, consider less-visible towns or travel midweek. If you want fall color without crowds, target higher-elevation or inland spots listed above.

# Bottom line Fall is increasingly the preferred season for short trips. Demand is concentrated around foliage and seasonal activities, while Gen Z's interest in small-town storytelling and venue-focused travel is reshaping where and how people take weekend breaks.