September is one of the most uncomfortable months of the year. Is it the tail-end of summer season, or the beginning of fall splendor?
That all depends on where you go. While September is certainly one of the best months to take a trip from an affordable perspective, there’s no denying October is formally sweatshirt weather season, a time to go into the back of your closet and dust off your comfortable outfit.
< img width =" 1200"height= "800" src ="% 23e3e3e3'/ % 3E % 3C/svg % 3E "alt="UNESCO-portected residences in Taos, NM"data-src=
“https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Surprising-State-Named-Americas-Top-Destination-To-Kick-Off-Fall.jpg.webp”/ > Travel specialists at TimeOut called the top 11 locations to start fall in October with just a couple of U.S. destinations making it. While a set of renowned cities were not a surprise, taking the leading spot is a state many tourists neglect, yet it’s one of the most budget-friendly and culturally rich states to visit, and you do not need to pack your preferred sweatshirt unless you want to, as TimeOut claims New Mexico temperatures typical 72 across the board.
Fall is loaded with fun things to do– whether you’re diving into UFO tradition, scheduling a stay in a centuries-old adobe, exploring spectacular nature without the beaming desert sun, or celebrating among America’s unique festivals.
New Mexico: TimeOut’s Top U.S. Location This Fall
New Mexico is home to some of America’s many storied towns, no matter if
it’s former goldmine hurries, Wild West shootouts, or a supposed crashed site of little green beings. Today, New Mexico can be thought about the Southwest’s last frontier. You don’t see lots of modifications in this underrated state’s most sought-after trips– perhaps a new dining establishment, however seldom any shifting horizons.
Laden with astounding mountains spreading out from Las Cruces, New Mexico’s second largest city, all the method north to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the delightful UNESCO-protected town of Taos, there’s no scarcity of ways to traverse the magic of the “Land of Enchantment”.
In in between, there are relaxing mountain towns, relaxing hot springs, and roadside must-stops like Hatch, the”Chile Capital of the World”. In other words, New Mexico is best for trip. No matter if you fly into Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or even the corner of Texas, El Paso to start from Las Cruces and work your method up, the only traffic congestion are tumbleweeds and loose livestock.
TimeOut suggests the following destinations this fall:
Discover 3 Destinations TimeOut Missed
< img width= "1200"height="1200" src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Shopper-at-Mesilla-NM-vendor-near-Las-Cruces.jpg.webp"alt="Shopper at Mesilla NM vendor near Las Cruces"/ > As someone who utilized to check out New Mexico on a monthly basis(and who thinks Albuquerque is a snoozefest), I can’t assist but expose 3
vacations TimeOut didn’t highlight. Living in El Paso, I was fortunate to be at a crosspoint of cultures– Texas, Mexico, and New Mexico.
As such, venturing throughout state lines was simple, and honestly one of the most scenic vacations this side of the States.
Mesilla:
Under an hour from El Paso International Airport lies the map-dot village of Mesilla.
< img width="800"height="800"src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Historic-building-in-Mesilla-NM.jpg.webp" alt="Historical building in Mesilla, NM"/ > This small hideaway was a month-to-month escape for me to delight in New Mexico’s under-hyped food, browse regional stores, and delight in beautiful walkings winding through the close-by Organ Mountains.
Double Eagle makes a mean spicy marg and their packed jalapenos aren’t for the faint of heart– but hey, you remain in pepper country.
The historic main plaza is anchored by a quaint, timeless cathedral called the Basilica of San Albino and covered by welcoming local stores and informative museums you can spend hours browsing.
Taos:
< img width="800 "height ="800 "src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ancient-City-of-Taos-New-Mexico-USA.jpg.webp" alt="Ancient City of Taos, New Mexico U.S.A."/ > If Santa Fe tops your New Mexico wishlist, that’s all fine and dandy.
Though if you wish to feel a real action back in time, the very best option in my eyes is Taos. A walk through town seems like a living museum lined with a UNESCO-protected townscape of standard adobe homes and picturesque plazas.
Plus, if you’re like me and not a huge fan of “Albu-quirky”, go to the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally rather (held Oct. 31– Nov. 2 this year).
Taos is one of New Mexico’s prettiest locations for leaf-peepers, too. Trip through the Enchanted Circle for the best photo-ops of luminescent aspen groves.
Ruidoso:
< img width ="800"height="800"src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Inn-of-the-Mountain-Gods-in-Ruidoso-NM.jpg.webp" alt= "Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, NM"/ >
Ruidoso is a rustic mountain town to take pleasure in fall splendor away from the city grind, though it’s been pestered by natural catastrophes recently. As of July 25, locals’preferred trip officially revealed it’s embracing tourists after being damaged by floods and previous wildfires, however storms have triggered more havoc this month, so there may be another update in shop.
Fall is generally among the best times to visit to enjoy gold aspens, cool treking weather, and comfortable lodges to huddle by the fireplace.
There are 2 stunning lakes in the area for beautiful walks and fishing, however Inn of the Mountain Gods has another lake with boat rides– and it’s arguably the most popular stay in town, drawing big-name performers for live shows, including Luke Bryan.
Sam Sears Sam, our Lead Writer & Reporter based in San Diego has actually gone to 36 nations and written over 1000 posts with a concentrate on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
The Travel Off Course Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit