When the scorching summer days start to shorten and the vibrant greenery transforms into an awe-inspiring mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows, you know autumn is peeking out from right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for your next allied health or travel nursing job, or for a fall getaway between assignments, you may find exactly what you need in one of these underrated U.S. fall destinations.
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Asheville, NC
- Rochester, NY
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Erie, PA
- Fresno, CA
- Taos, NM
10 Underrated Fall Destinations for Healthcare Travelers
Oklahoma City, OK
In search of the right blend of classic cowboy vibes and modern hospitality? Look no further than Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
While Oklahoma City has much to offer, the best time of the year to visit is undoubtedly the fall. The city becomes painted in rich autumn colors as the seasons change, creating a picture-perfect landscape that’s ideal for spending time outside. These are the top fall activities you won’t want to sleep on in Oklahoma City:
- Hit the Ouachita National Recreation Trail System at the Ouachita National Forest
- Fly fish on the cool waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River
- Treasure hunt in Jenks, the Antique Capital of Oklahoma
With equal parts green spaces and city living, Oklahoma City has a little something for everyone. And since it’s home to several state-of-the-art hospitals and health centers, healthcare professionals like you can easily find continuous learning and professional development opportunities without sacrificing a healthy work-life balance.
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Asheville, NC
Iconic local brews from craft breweries. ✅Picturesque mountain views. ✅Award-winning Southern restaurants. ✅ Asheville checks off the important boxes.
Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a charming destination that’s complete with breathtaking natural beauty, especially in the fall. As the city becomes awash with striking hues of scarlet and gold, the Blue Ridge Mountains turn into a stunning autumnal backdrop.
But you won’t only find mesmerizing scenic views in Asheville during the fall. The autumn season also offers the perfect temperatures to explore the city’s outdoor activities, whether you’re trekking through colorful hiking trails or rafting down the rivers surrounded by fall foliage. These are some of our favorite things to do in Asheville in the fall:
- Witness the historic Biltmore Estate in all its autumnal glory
- Zipline your way down from the top of a mountain
- Tour the impressive North Carolina Arboretum
With dazzling scenery, a friendly community, and loads to do on your days off, Asheville is a top choice for allied health travelers and travel nurses alike. Search jobs near Asheville and take advantage of the balance between tranquil living and urban excitement.
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Rochester, NY
Ready for cozy cider mills and apple picking? Want to experience a place that has both a vibrant art and food scene? Interested in a hobby in leaf peeping? Rochester, New York might be your dream fall destination.
Tucked along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester transforms into a colorful autumn wonderland every year. Golden leaves line the historic streets, cool breezes roll off the lake, and every corner of the city feels like a postcard moment.
Complete with small-town charm and big city energy, Rochester is great if you’re looking to explore on your days off. From wandering through weekend farmers markets to catching a fall festival to hiking the trails at Letchworth State Park (aka the “Grand Canyon of the East”), there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. These are just a few more:
- Sign up for a haunted cemetery tour
- Go pumpkin and apple picking at one of the local farms
- Step into Haudenosaunee culture at the Ganondagan State Historic Site
Working in Rochester in the fall gives you the option of scenic day trips, crisp autumn air, and a welcoming community. Browse healthcare travel jobs in the area and discover this upstate gem!
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Columbus, OH
If you consider yourself an autumn enthusiast, then Columbus, OH deserves a spot on the top of your fall bucket list.
As trees shift to deep oranges and golds, Ohio’s capital city becomes a fall-lover’s paradise. The cooler weather makes it easy to get outside and explore, whether you’re strolling through German Village with a latte in hand or catching an Ohio State game encompassed in a sea of scarlet and gray.
And when you’re off the clock? There’s loads to dive into — local harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, national parks, and more. Here are more things to fall in love with in Columbus:
- Plan a date to the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Tour haunted houses that inspired R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series
- Tune into the “Yes, Columbus: An Experience Columbus Podcast” for exclusive events
Not only is Columbus lively and welcoming, but it’s also full of autumn adventure. Can you hear that? Columbus is calling. Are you going to answer?
Dallas, TX
The truth is, there’s no wrong time to visit Dallas but in our (humble) opinion, fall may be the best. That’s because once the summer sun sets and the autumn leaves begin to fall, Dallas comes alive with a vibrant energy you won’t find any other time of year.
As the city’s parks burst with color, everything from food festivals to football tailgates take on that unmistakable fall vibe. Locals and travelers alike embrace the outdoors again, and these are some of the things you may want to do during the fall in Dallas:
- Shop ‘till you drop at boutiques, shops, and malls
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene at art exhibits and concerts
- Book a cooking class at The Cookery
Big-city perks meet small-town charm in this iconic Texas town. Pack your belt buckle and boots and get ready to yeehaw your way through the autumn season.
Erie, PA
Discover the lakeside getaway that shines brightest in the fall — Erie, Pennsylvania! Once the summer crowds disappear from the shores of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay and there are fewer tourists, you’ll be surrounded by peaceful beaches, quiet trails, and unbeatable views of the leaves changing over the water.
From biking through Presque Isle State Park to sipping hot cider at a local farm, Erie offers outdoor adventure and laid-back comfort rolled into one. Other ways you can get the most out of your time there (outside of providing top-notch patient care, obviously) include:
- Walking the Lake Erie Wine Trail for sips and scenery
- Visit some of the 20 distinct estate and commercial wineries
- Climb to the top of the Erie Land Lighthouse
When you think of Erie, think: sweater weather, waterfront views, and just the right amount of homeyness. Who knows? Erie could be your new favorite fall escape.
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Fresno, CA
Harvest season in full swing. Farm stands overflowing with fresh produce. Golden skies. That’s Fresno, California in the fall.
As temps dip from triple digits to that perfect light jacket-weather sweet spot, Fresno comes alive in a special way. Surrounded by farmland and close to national parks, it’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning hiking through brilliantly colored trails and your afternoon evaluating the best pumpkins at the patch. Looking for more fall to-dos?
- Take your bestie to the Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden
- Pick your own fall bouquet while supporting local businesses
- Live it up with carnival rides, fair food, and live music at the Big Fresno Fair
With its strong agricultural roots, chill pace, and easy access to California’s most stunning fall landscapes, Fresno could have what you’ve been looking for all along.
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Taos, NM
History buff? Nature enthusiast? Art aficionado? Taos, New Mexico has it all. Wondering when is the best time to go to Taos? In the fall!
Visiting Taos in the fall is a magical experience that captivates every sense. As the weather cools, the landscape turns into a tapestry of colorful foliage that lures you to the outdoors. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk amid the golden aspens or going for an exhilarating bike ride down mountain trails blanketed in fallen leaves, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Other things you won’t want to miss out on include:
- Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Savor authentic New Mexican cuisine
- Attend the annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
Working as a travel nurse or allied health traveler in Taos offers a rewarding and fulfilling experience, both professionally and personally. In addition to the city’s natural beauty and effervescent cultural scene, you’ll get the chance to engage with a diverse patient population and expand your skill set.
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Greenville, SC
If you’ve never heard of Greenville, South Carolina, you’re in for a treat. Named the #3 small city in the U.S. by Condé Naste Traveler readers in 2018, Greenville is renowned for its award-winning downtown, high-caliber entertainment, and affordable cost of living.
While Greenville has much to offer, the best time of the year to visit is undoubtedly the fall. The city becomes painted in rich autumn colors as the seasons change, creating a picture-perfect landscape that’s ideal for spending time outside. These are the top fall activities you won’t want to sleep on in Greenville:
- Immerse yourself in the mid-October Fall for Greenville festival
- Stop by a pumpkin patch and hand-pick your own veggies
- Put your ghostbusting skills to the test on a haunted ghost tour
With equal parts green spaces and city living, Greenville has a little something for everyone. And since it’s home to several state-of-the-art hospitals and health centers, healthcare professionals like you can easily find continuous learning and professional development opportunities without sacrificing a healthy work-life balance.
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Jackson Hole, WY
In search of the right blend of Old West vibes and modern hospitality? Look no further than Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Located amidst the astounding natural splendor of the Teton mountain range, it doesn’t get much better than Jackson Hole in the fall. When the lush greenery gives way to a spectacular kaleidoscope of autumn colors, the town becomes less crowded with fewer tourists, allowing you to really live like a local while you’re there.
With unrivaled opportunities for outdoor fall activities like skiing and wildlife exploration, this mountainous town is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Lose yourself in these top autumn attractions:
- Go leaf peeping in Grand Teton National Park
- Listen to the elk bugle
- Reel in a big catch on Jackson Lake
If you want to work in a location that values your contribution to patient care, plus gives you an enriched lifestyle, Jackson Hole may be the place for you. Whether you’re seeking tranquility in nature or an adrenaline-packed escapade, Jackson Hole won’t disappoint.
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As a travel nurse or allied health traveler, you have the unique luxury of working in different locations throughout the country, including these hidden gems. Revel in the wonders of autumn and enjoy the perfect combination of picturesque nature, cultural exposure, and thrilling experiences each of these underrated fall destinations has to offer.
