Orlando, Florida—sometimes called the "Halloween Vacation Capital"—invites visitors to celebrate the spooky season with a full lineup of frightful and family-friendly experiences throughout the destination. Visitors can enjoy hair-raising, spooktacular events, such as horror movie brunches, paranormal-themed escape rooms, haunted botanical gardens, kid-friendly trick-or-treat trails, and an adults-only vampire bar. “Orlando lives up to its reputation as the Halloween Vacation Capital with nearly three months of festive celebrations for all ages,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Halloween fanatics, horror movie enthusiasts and costume-loving families can enjoy the multitude of special events across our theme parks, attractions and beyond.” While many of the events are focused around special theme park celebrations, there are plenty of other attractions happening beyond DisneyWorld and Universal that are equally amazing. Below are some of the top highlights for this fall season. Spooky Theme Park Events Howl-o-Scream at SeaWorld - courtesy of Visit OrlandoMickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort (select nights, now through Nov. 1) makes a frightfully fun return at Magic Kingdom Park. The family-friendly, all-ages event features eerie entertainment that includes the “Hocus Pocus” Villain Spelltacular! at Cinderella Castle, Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, Disney Junior Jam for young partygoers, Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Disney Characters in costume, and more than 20 favorite attractions with a Halloween twist. Guests are also invited to wear costumes, with some restrictions. Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (Sept. 1 – Nov. 4) returns for a record-breaking 48 nights featuring 10 new, movie-quality haunted houses featuring “The Exorcist: Believer”, “Stranger Things 4” and “The Last of Us” along with five scare zones filled with creatures lunging from the shadows, and two live shows. At SeaWorld Orlando, guests can experience two Halloween-themed events: Howl-O-Scream (select nights, Sept. 8 - Oct. 31) returns to terrorize guests at SeaWorld Orlando. Offering 24 nights of fully immersive fear, the event will feature fright-inducing haunted houses and scare zones; thrilling nighttime coaster rides and experiences; an interactive bar; and an electrifying live show. Additionally, little ones can dress up in their favorite costumes to trick-or-treat and meet colorful Halloween characters at the SeaWorld Spooktacular (weekends, Sept. 16 - Oct. 29), a family-friendly daytime event included with regular theme park admission.Brick or Treat Presents Monster Party at LEGOLAND Florida Resort (weekends, Sept. 16 – Oct. 29), a signature Halloween event included with theme park admission, will feature a trick or treat trail with candy, live entertainment and shows, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO characters and an all-new cinematic experience to create the ultimate family Halloween celebration. Family-Friendly Frights Beyond the Theme Parks Gatorland's Halloween events - courtesy of Visit Orlando The centerpiece of many Orlando trips will often be one of their popular theme parks, but that doesn't mean you have to limit the fun there. There are many more unique, kids-friendly events happening in September and October to experience. Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience (Sept. 24 – Oct. 31) celebrates the Halloween season with a lineup of spooky happenings included with admission, such as a themed scavenger hunt, spook-tastic crafts, character photo ops, trick-or-treating on the weekends and more. Guests craving more can add-on activities like pumpkin decorating and slime making. Gatorland's “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” Halloween event (weekends, Oct. 14–29) returns for its fifth year of family fun and fright. The all-ages daytime event, included with regular admission, will feature an all-new haunt zone and exhibit, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, candy giveaways, a children's Halloween costume parade and more. Pirates Dinner Adventure will offer “Vampirates: When the Blood Moon Rises” (Sept. 19 – Oct. 31), a limited time Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for all ages. Guests will Embark on a spooktacular journey filled with aerial artistry, swordplay, death-defying stunts and dynamic duels. Happy Frights at Harry P. Leu Gardens (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31) is an all-ages, family-friendly trick-or-treat adventure through 12 immersive worlds. The event will give guests an opportunity to meet a dancing bridge-troll, walk through a garden of sunflowers, explore a neon-light maze, climb up a giant hay-pyramid, celebrate Dia de Muertos and so much more - all while visiting eight trick-or-treat stations along the way. The German American Society of Central Florida will host Halloween Oktoberfest (Oct. 28), a combination of the well-renowned German autumn festival and a Halloween celebration. The family-friendly event will feature authentic German food, a Biergarten, live musical entertainment, a kids play area, a traditional flag parade and more. Lake Nona Town Center will host the family-friendly Lake Nona Graveyard Smash event (Oct. 28). Mortals will be able to party with ghosts and ghouls; participate in trick-or-treat stations; experience live music; and take a journey through inflatable courses. This event is free and open to the public with no ticket required. Gaylord Palms Resort's annual Goblins & Giggles weekends (Sept.9 – Oct. 29) features family-friendly events including a spooky scavenger hunt; live shows; dance and costume parties; a haunted escape room; character experiences; pumpkins; movies and more. The resort will feature a “Fall Into Family Fun” vacation package, which includes an overnight stay with premium views, $50 nightly resort credit, one scavenger hunt booklet and two Halloween-themed crafts in the Adventure Kids' Clubhouse. Thrilling, Adults-Only Experiences Cocktails & Screams - courtesy of Visit Orlando While Orlando is known for being a fabulous family destination, there are plenty of events for date nights and adults-only crowds. For Halloween fun all year long, The Bureau features Possession at Haddon Heights, a paranormal themed escape room that forces guests to confront an evil entity at an abandoned school. Renaissance Theatre Company will present the return of “Nosferatu" (Sept. 15 – Nov. 5) at the Ren. The re-vamped, 90-minute adults-only horror experience offers an entirely new concept from last year's event, where each patron has a unique experience as the cast of 32 vampires lead the audience into hidden corners of the building playing out engaging scenarios. Later in the evening, “VBar”, the elevated Vampire-nightclub, opens its doors to guests with separate admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens will host Haunting Nights (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31), an artful, elevated Halloween event, brought to life by Creative City Project, featuring thrilling surprises for guests 13 and older. The immersive event will feature jump scares as guests encounter several characters throughout the journey that will provide a heightened level of thrill. Teatro Martini, the Vegas-inspired adult dinner show, will host its annual Halloween Revue (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31) this fall. The show will feature lyrical pole dancers, comedians, magicians, jugglers and limited-edition themed cocktails throughout the season. Scream n' Stream Drive-Thru Halloween Experience, a haunted Halloween drive-thru event, will return for its third year featuring seven horrifying zones to drive through complete with monsters, music, lighting and special effects Friday through Sunday from Oct. 6-29. Cocktails & Screams in Downtown Orlando is an only Halloween-themed bar, featuring live music and an extensive list of creative cocktails. On Sundays this fall, guests can experience the Cereal Killer Brunch from noon to 5 p.m., among other themed events throughout the season. And on Oct. 31, new cocktails and entertainment will debut during the HallowEMO Night event, featuring a complete lineup of local bands to celebrate Halloween. Vampires, ghastly revenants, and banshees come to life in Phantasmagoria XIV: “Tales of the Undead” (Oct. 26-28). For three nights only at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, guests can experience the original tales of the critically acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe “PHANTASMAGORIA” and the haunting stories of world-famous authors including Edgar Allen Poe, H.G. Wells, Penny Dreadfuls and more. The Halloween Pub Crawl (Oct. 27) returns to downtown Orlando for another year of killer-drink specials and a chance for guests to show off their hauntingly best costumes. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Halloween fans will have access to all participating venues, four complimentary drinks, drink specials and more.

Renowned for its rugged landscapes and untamed wilderness, Wyoming shifts into a captivating tapestry of red, gold and amber, inviting travelers to experience a season like no other. Whether relishing the serenity of Grand Teton National Park, embarking on scenic drives through the Bighorn Mountains or savoring local culinary delights, autumn in Wyoming promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature's brilliance. The following destinations showcase the best of autumn across every corner of the Cowboy State: Casper Mountain Located in central Wyoming, the mountain's expansive woodlands practically explode with a vibrant mix of aspen and deciduous trees, transforming the land into a colorful masterpiece. Whether wandering along scenic trails, like Garden Creek waterfall, that wind through the woods or taking in views from the mountaintop, the beauty of the leaves changing hue creates an unforgettable experience. Nearby town: Casper. The nearby gateway city, offers a blend of old Western roots and modern comforts. The town boasts an active arts scene, complete with galleries and cultural happenings. Notable landmarks such as the Nicolaysen Art Museum and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center give a glimpse into the area's past. Medicine Bow National Forest Fall leaves on a road in Saratoga, Wyoming near Medicine Bow National Forest by Dana Davis - Unsplash In southwest Wyoming, Medicine Bow National Forest stands as an inviting autumnal haven, with its expansive woodlands showcasing a rich palette of fall colors, the forest becomes a breathtaking canvas of nature's artistry. Nearby town: Laramie. As one of the gateway cities to this natural wonder, a visit to Laramie adds a historical and cultural appeal to the journey. Known for its lively arts scene, Laramie hosts a diverse range of events, including theatrical performances and art exhibitions. The city's well-preserved architecture and lively downtown offer a glimpse into its storied past, reflecting both its Wild West heritage and its role as a thriving college town, home to the University of Wyoming. Bighorn National Forest In north-central Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest emerges as an ideal location for those seeking a magical fall oasis. Take in a wide variety of fall colors that cover the landscape as you explore along hiking trails leading through this stunning display. While in the area, be sure to cruise along the Bighorn Scenic Byway and take in the breathtaking scenery. Nearby town: Sheridan. As the gateway city to the Bighorns, Sheridan lends its own unique charm to the journey. This quaint town boasts a rich history as a bustling cattle town, with its Main Street designated as a historic district. Sheridan's lively cultural scene offers galleries, local theater and museums like the Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum. Shoshone National Forest Leaves beginning to turn near Cody, Wyoming - courtesy of Natalie Strong As the leaves transition into warm, rich hues, the Shoshone National Forest becomes a fall fanatic’s dream destination for leaf peeping. This natural performance invites both contemplation and exploration, offering trails that wind through this breathtaking array of color. Nearby town: Cody. Just outside of Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, Cody adds its own unique touch. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, the town carries a spirit of the Wild West in its roots. While there, be sure to make a stop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West which houses five museums in one that celebrate Western art and Plains Indian heritage. Devils Tower National Monument Sunset at Devils Tower by Mick Haupt - Unsplash In the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills, Devils Tower National Monument, also known as Bear Lodge, emerges as an inviting destination to take in the changing seasons. Take a stroll along the paved Tower Trail to observe all the angles of the monument and take in the dreamlike fall colors. Nearby town: Sundance. Located less than 30 miles southeast of Devils Tower, Sundance boasts a rich history. As the site where the Sundance Kid received his infamous name, the town's historic main street resonates with that legacy. Squaretop Mountain A cow moose and calf near Pinedale, Wyoming by Tim Peterson - Unsplash Nestled in the Wyoming wilderness, Squaretop Mountain stands as a captivating retreat for those seeking the beauty of autumn's embrace. For the best sights and wildlife viewing, take an early morning hike along Green River Lakes Trail. Nearby town: Pinedale. As a gateway city to Squaretop Mountain, Pinedale serves as a cozy place for guests to stay overnight, explore its food and drink scene as well as learn about its historical significance. Known for its roots in the fur trading era, the town preserves its heritage with historical landmarks such as Rendezvous Pointe. Moreover, Pinedale serves as a hub for outdoor adventure, offering access to the Wind River Range and Fremont Lake.

Some of the most quintessential autumn trips involve charming small towns around New England—particularly those with spooky local histories and Halloween-specific celebrations—or refreshing escapes to mountain villages in the Smokies during peak fall leaf season. While these locations get plenty of attention (and for good reasons!), they aren't the only small towns that travelers should consider when booking fall vacations. Below are five under-the-radar destinations that offer fun seasonal events. Augusta, Georgia Phinizy Swamp in Augusta, Georgia by Nils Leonhardt - Unsplash For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a hidden gem in the South, look no further than Augusta, Georgia, nestled along the banks of the Savannah River. Known for its prestigious golf reputation, Augusta has evolved into an undiscovered outdoor destination with breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. Explore the scenic beauty of Phinizy Center and Nature Park, where you can spot a wide variety of birds and wildlife including colorful migratory birds, elusive beavers, and maybe an alligator or two. Visitors can embark on birdwatching expeditions, wildlife photography adventures, or simply revel in the tranquility of nature's symphony at Phinizy. Check out the Forks Area Trail System, a series of loops through a thickly forested area provides a great mountain bike or hiking experience for all levels of riders and hikers. Some of the higher elevations provide panoramic views and the thick vegetation provides a home for many birds and animals. Augusta's River Region is the perfect place for a paddling adventure big or small. Take in the best city views from the Savannah River, float through history in the Augusta Canal, one of only three National Heritage Areas in Georgia, and get up close and personal to wildlife on the unique Stallings Island Tour. Many also don't realize that another huge sporting event takes place in Augusta every fall that draws in different types of athletes from all over the world to compete. Founded in 2009, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Augusta consists of a 1.2-mile down-current swim in the Savannah River, a 56-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 13.1-mile run throughout downtown Augusta, adding up to 70.3 miles of total racing. Estes Park, Colorado Wildlife in Estes Park, Colorado by Meina Yin - Unsplash Estes Park is a must-see destination in the fall, with peak fall colors emerging from late-September through the beginning of October and impossible-to-miss elk and other wildlife. The town itself hosts numerous festivals dedicated to fall, from the Autumn Gold Festival to Elk Fest, and more. YMCA of the Rockies, a beloved resort bordered by Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides, is the best place to stay while visiting the charming mountain town for a fun, active, and affordable fall getaway. Given its prime location between the town and the park, YMCA of the Rockies is an idyllic hub to experience all that the area has to offer in the fall. The resort features year-round activity offerings, which include guided hikes, a challenge course, axe throwing, campfires, a craft center, and more, as well as several special programs in autumn. It's Fall Break-themed programming throughout October includes adventure activities, fall crafts, hay rides and more - and the Halloween Spooktacular, where guests are invited to don their Halloween best, participate in spooky activities and explore the family-friendly haunted forest. Accommodations here range from multi-bedroom, private cabins perfect for a romantic retreat or family getaway, to affordable, hotel-style lodge rooms. The area is home to the second largest herd of elk in North America, and it’s not uncommon to see elk roaming the town and hear their “bugling” (mating calls) throughout September. Try an exclusive workshop to view and learn about the majestic creatures. Montclair, New Jersey An old pedestrian bridge in Montclair, New Jersey by Christopher Lotito - Unsplash Just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair amazingly combines the urban buzz of a city with the serenity of a suburb. Artists, film lovers, students and foodies flock to this lively college town year-round. Stop by the Montclair Farmer’s Market at Walnut Street Station on Saturdays to stock up on homegrown fruits and veggies, tasty baked goods, local honey, fresh flowers, Jersey wines and cheese. Explore the historic Van Vleck House & Gardens, a gorgeous property that where three generations of the Van Vleck family lived, before the family gave it to the Montclair Foundation. Visitors can explore the property daily free of cost. Admire fall foliage along the Lenape Trail in Brookdale Park. While the section here in the park isn't much over one mile, the entire trail connects multiple towns and parks in Essex County, New Jersey for roughly 36 miles. Luray, Virginia Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia by Sarraf Ahmed - Unsplash Just over two hours from the Washington, DC, this small town is situated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Visitors will find easy access to mountain hikes, scenic drives, museums, and small shops, as well as one of its most popular attractions: a vast underground cave network known as Luray Caverns. The largest caverns in the eastern US, the caverns can be explored on tours that follow lighted, paved pathways through cathedral-sized rooms (some with ceilings the equivalent of 10 stories high) and towering natural wonders. Guests can book accommodations at the recently-reopened Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River (previously known as Outlanders River Camp). With an increase in campsites from 73 to a total of 350, the resort now features a range of community-centered amenities, including an amphitheater, a resort-style pool, cabanas, a recreational center offering pickleball, basketball, a mountain bike track, cornhole, and an RC car track. In addition to pet friendly, full hookup, back-in RV sites, there are also brand-new Airstream rentals and loft cottages. Additionally, guests can unwind and enjoy an evening under the stars on the furnished patio. Situated along three quarters of a mile of the Shenandoah frontage, Luray RV Resort boasts abundant wildlife and scenic mountain views in every direction. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico Chipmunk in Taos Ski Valley by Maximus Meadowcroft - Unsplash Autumn is an unexpectedly delightful time at Taos Ski Valley, with creative events, fun ways to see fall foliage, and intimate mountain surroundings. This location in New Mexico features the best of Western fall foliage—aspens interspersed with pine trees for a gold and green mountain-scape surrounding the entire resort, making it an intriguing spot to visit even when the winter ski season has yet to begin. There are a variety of fall events, including Oktoberfest from September 16th to 17th, featuring a live Schuhplattler band, authentic German food and beer, activities and crafts for kids, and much more. Movies in the Mountains features free outdoor screenings of cult classics and crowd favorite movies on Friday nights through September 15th. There's also the annual Bull of the Woods Half/Full Marathon race. The full marathon summits two peaks, showing the full beauty of the valley along the way. This year, the event will be held on September 9th. Those interested in spectacular mountain views will want to look into the Via Ferrata. Situated at 11,500 feet, the Via Ferrata features beginner through advanced guided course options, allowing both novice and skilled climbers alike to soak in the whole valley’s worth of stunning fall vistas. The route also features a 100-foot skybridge and double-cabled catwalk. If climbing or marathon-running isn't your thing, soak in spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristos on a relaxing lift ride. Enjoy a picnic at the top and hike down among the aspens, or ride the lift down for a relaxing return to base.

For those in search of simple ways to practice self-scare and boost their mental wellbeing, birdsong may be the answer. According to recent studies, seeing or hearing birds can provide a myriad of mood-boosting benefits. Below are seven scenic resort properties surrounded by natural beauty and filled with birdsong—sure to help lift visitors’ spirits. The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester Village, Vermont) A Northern cardinal perches on a branch in the snow by Ray Hennessy - Unsplash This elegant New England property is steeped in history and sheltered amongst the tranquil beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains. As they wander the property’s landscaped grounds and outdoor trails within the Equinox Preserve, explorers will hear the healing songs of Northeastern birds including Northern cardinals, Eastern bluebirds and American robins. Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key, Florida) Brown pelicans in Florida by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program - Unsplash Centrally located between Miami and Key West, yet tucked away on the secluded island of Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort is a Floridian paradise – boasting clear turquoise waters, endless sunshine and a relaxing, tropical atmosphere. While they soak in the sun, travelers will hear the distant calls of aquatic and wading birds such as seagulls, pelicans and herons. La Cantera Resort & Spa (San Antonio, Texas) Positioned just minutes outside of San Antonio, La Cantera Resort & Spa is situated on a tranquil 550-acre oasis. As visitors explore the property’s scenic trails winding across the rolling slopes and lush landscape of Texas Hill Country, they may be able to hear the calls of the native black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. Sanderling Resort (Duck, North Carolina) A father and daughter walk along the beach in Duck, North Carolina by Emotionary App - Unsplash This quintessential beachfront escape is ideally located in the Outer Banks – a string of islands commonly recognized as one of the best birding locations on the East Coast. While they stroll along the sand, bird enthusiasts can look for native waterfowl and listen for the cheerful songs of mainland birds such as the purple martin. Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa (Boothbay Harbor, Maine) Perfectly poised on 55 acres of scenic shoreline, woodlands, gardens and trails, this picturesque oceanfront destination offers an iconic costal Maine experience. Here, visitors can soak in the soothing sounds of seabirds such as the Atlantic puffin, black guillemot and common eider. Stonewall Resort (Roanoke, West Virginia) Situated on 1,900 acres of park grounds, Stonewall Resort offers immaculate views of West Virginia’s rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and tranquil lake waters. As they relax at this lakeside resort, guests can listen for a variety of local songbirds including the Northern mockingjay and hooded warbler. The Wigwam (Litchfield Park, Arizona) A roadrunner in the desert brush by Carrie Borden - Unsplash A lush, 440-acre oasis, The Wigwam is located just 20 miles west of Phoenix. Here, guests can enjoy the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape and listen to the sounds of native birds such as roadrunners, wrens and woodpeckers.