November travel in America feels like hitting the sweet spot. Crowds thin out after summer madness, prices drop before holiday spikes, and weather turns magical in unexpected spots. I learned this after years of scheduling trips around school vacations - November became my secret weapon. You get autumn colors lingering in some regions while others escape into eternal summer.
Why November Travel Rocks in the States
The shoulder season magic is real. Last November I scored a Miami Beach hotel room for half what Christmas travelers paid. But weather's the bigger win. New York gets crisp air perfect for walking, while Arizona desert heat finally becomes bearable. And those fall foliage views in Georgia? Absolutely worth bragging about.
| Destination | Avg. Temp (°F) | Crowd Level | Hotel Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona, AZ | 45-65°F | Medium | $120-$250/night |
| Savannah, GA | 50-70°F | Low | $90-$180/night |
| San Diego, CA | 55-70°F | Medium | $130-$300/night |
| New Orleans, LA | 55-72°F | Medium | $100-$220/night |
Top Picks: Where to Go in November
Sedona, Arizona
Red rocks without the sweat? Yes please. November temperatures hover around perfection (45-65°F). Hiking Cathedral Rock at sunset changed my perspective on desert beauty.
Must-Do: Pink Jeep Tours ($90-$120), Chapel of the Holy Cross (free, dawn visits avoid crowds)
Getting There: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - 2 hour drive
Local Tip: Skip overpriced resorts - Airbnb canyon view cabins run $150/night off-season
Honest Take: Tourist shops near Tlaquepaque feel tacky, but the actual vortex sites deliver spiritual vibes
Savannah, Georgia
Last-chance fall foliage meets Southern charm. Spanish moss drips golden light this time of year. Forsyth Park becomes an Instagram dream.
Can't Miss: Bonaventure Cemetery tours ($25), Mrs. Wilkes' boarding house lunches (cash only, $25)
Stay Smart: Historic district B&Bs > chain hotels - try Azalea Inn ($180/night)
Transport Tip: Uber downtown works better than parking nightmare
Warning: Some ghost tours feel cheesy - research before booking
San Diego, California
Beaches without summer crowds? Sign me up. Water stays around 65°F - chilly but swimmable for tough folks.
Budget Hack: Balboa Park museums offer free rotating Tuesdays
Splurge Worthy: Hotel del Coronado ($350+/night) but worth it for holiday decorations kicking off late Nov
Food Alert: Tacos El Gordo (Chula Vista) - best adobada tacos ($2.50 each)
November Events You Can't Miss
| Event | Location | Dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macy's Thanksgiving Parade | New York City | Thanksgiving Day | Free (standing) |
| Voodoo Music Experience | New Orleans | Early November | $150+ (3-day pass) |
| Sedona Film Festival | Sedona, AZ | Mid-November | $15/screening |
Budget Breakdown for November Trips
Let's get granular - what trips really cost daily:
| Destination | Food Budget | Activities Budget | Transport Budget | Total Daily Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA | $35 (comfort food!) | $20 (mostly free sights) | $10 (walking city) | $65 |
| San Diego, CA | $40 (seafood!) | $30 (zoo/parks) | $25 (car rental) | $95 |
| New York City | $50 (deli sandwiches save you) | $15 (parks/museums) | $12 (subway) | $77 |
Pro Packing Tip: Layer like an onion! Mornings in Savannah require jackets that peel off by noon. Throw in swimwear even for desert trips - hotel pools stay heated.
Weather Watch Across Regions
November throws curveballs. Here's regional reality:
- Southwest: Sedona/Scottsdale perfect hiking weather (50s-70s). Pack windbreakers.
- Southeast: Savannah/Charleston ideal (60s), but sudden rainstorms happen. Foldable umbrella essential.
- Pacific Coast: San Diego stays mild (60s), but marine layer burns off slowly. Hoodies recommended.
- Northeast: NYC gets chilly (40s-50s) - holiday decorations up late month make it worthwhile though!
Finding Those Flight Deals
November's sweet spot: after Halloween, before Thanksgiving week. Track flights using:
Airport Codes Matter:
- Arizona: PHX for Sedona (better deals than FLG)
- Georgia: SAV directly saves Atlanta transfer hassle
- California: SAN for San Diego, avoid LAX unless road tripping
When to Book: Set alerts 6-8 weeks out. Tuesdays still rule for price drops.
November Travel FAQs
Q: Are national parks good in November?
A: Mixed bag. Utah parks (Zion/Bryce) get chilly but empty - some trails close. Everglades enters prime season though!
Q: Where can I see fall colors in November USA?
A: Lower Appalachians hold out - think Great Smoky Mountains or North Georgia mountains until mid-November usually.
Q: What's the warmest place to visit in USA during November?
A: Key West averages 80°F! Hawaii runs close second (Honolulu 82°F). Miami Beach water stays swimmable too.
Q: Should I rent a car for November travel?
A: Southwest/South road trips = absolutely. Coastal cities (San Diego/Savannah) = waste of money. Parking costs more than your tacos.
Underrated November Gems
Beyond the usual spots:
- Asheville, NC: Biltmore Estate Christmas decorations start early November ($75 admission)
- Santa Fe, NM: Adobe charm without summer crowds. Try Kakawa chocolate elixirs ($6) while gallery hopping
- Portland, OR: Book lovers rejoice - Powell's City of Books needs rainy days. Coffee culture thrives here.
Festival Alert: Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest got canceled years back. But New Orleans' Voodoo Fest fills that alternative music void perfectly.
Making the Most of Shoulder Season
Final thoughts after 15+ November trips? Flexibility pays off. Got drenched in Savannah but discovered amazing jazz bar. Missed Sedona sunset but saw insane stargazing instead. That's the beauty of traveling when others stay home.
Honestly? Some spots just don't deliver off-season. Avoid beach towns like Myrtle Beach - everything's closed. But for most best places to visit in November USA, you're hitting goldilocks zone. The key is balancing iconic sites with unexpected discoveries when crowds thin.
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