As we bid farewell to summer and embrace fall, it’s the perfect time for travel. With leaves turning brilliant yellow and orange and the delightful scent of pumpkin treats in the cool air, fall beckons us to enjoy its comforting experiences.

To assist travelers in selecting top autumn destinations, BetMGM Casino has compiled a fresh list of the coziest cities in the United States.

They selected 18 cities from a prior Travel & Leisure list and analyzed them based on five autumn factors: activities like farmers markets and pumpkin patches, natural settings including lakes, vibrancy of fall foliage colors, average rainfall according to WeatherSpark, and temperatures sourced from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

While the East Coast dominated the rankings, cities in the South and Intermountain West also made the list, providing diverse options for travelers planning their autumn getaways.

Explore the ranking of the eight coziest cities in the U.S. for fall 2024 below:

8. Orlando, Florida

Orlando might seem an unusual choice given its warm temperatures, but its theme parks are worth experiencing in the fall. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events like Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, offering unique attractions just during this season.

7. Denver

Denver, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and outdoor activities, becomes especially magical during fall. Whether it’s attending pumpkin festivals, turkey trots, or beer fests, there’s no shortage of autumn celebrations available to visitors. The city, surrounded by beautiful mountains and expansive parks, is also a prime spot for leaf peeping.

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia

As fall sets in, Virginia Beach melds its delightful coastal charm with autumn festivities. The city hosts events like oyster festivals, showcases seasonal craft beers, and features pumpkin patches. For nature lovers, places such as First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer fantastic leaf-peeping opportunities, perfect for hiking or biking to take in the stunning foliage.

5. Portland, Oregon

Portland’s stunning landscapes and culinary scene truly shine during the fall. It boasts the highest number of pumpkin patches, and as temperatures drop to a brisk 56 degrees, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to explore scenic sites like Multnomah Falls – the largest waterfall in the state – and the numerous trails within Forest Park. Enjoy the abundance of seasonal fare, including events like a Cider Festival and apple cider donuts.

4. Salt Lake City

Renowned for its natural beauty, Salt Lake City is breathtaking in fall when the mountains reveal vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges. The area offers countless scenic routes and sparkling lakes.

Explore stunning mountains and canyons for the best leaf peeping. Afterward, unwind at Fifth Water Hot Springs, which features beautiful autumn scenery.

3. Minneapolis

Minneapolis ranks third for its vibrant autumn foliage. Enjoy the colorful leaves in the city’s numerous parks, such as Minnehaha Regional Park and River Parkway. The city also features charming pumpkin patches and apple orchards.

2. Boston

Boston truly shines in the fall, as its city center becomes a spectacular display of color. From Boston Common to the Public Garden, the foliage enhances the charm of its historic buildings. While in New England, don’t miss out on apple picking or visiting a fall festival.

1. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, is celebrated for its stunning autumn colors from mid- to late October, earning it the title of the coziest city in the U.S. Explore the many hiking and biking trails nearby, such as those in Cape Elizabeth or Camden Hills State Park, to fully appreciate the vibrant fall hues. Alternatively, a scenic drive can reveal the breathtaking landscapes. As a seaside town, Portland provides a tranquil beach experience during the fall, far quieter than in summer.