Your Fall Bucket List in the DMV

Located in Northwest DC, Hillwood Museum is one of DC's prettiest hidden gems in the fall, with beautifully landscaped gardens, colorful foliage, and a historic mansion.

Cost: $20 adults
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday at 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Activities

1. Stroll through the Japanese, Rose, and French gardens
2. Tour the mansion and art collections
3. Enjoy afternoon tea (reservation recommended)
4. Perfect for fall photography

Explore one of the most picturesque places to experience fall in DC. Spend the morning exploring the historic gardens before strolling through Georgetown's charming streets.

Cost: Free admission (Museum); $15 garden admission
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Museum); 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM with last entry at 5:30 PM (Garden), but winter hours close early at 5:00 PM with last entry at 4:30 PM.
Website: Dumbarton Oaks

Activities

1. Walk through the historic gardens
2. Visit the museum
3. Enjoy fall foliage throughout the estate
4. Stroll along the C&O Canal
5. Shop on M Street
6. Visit the Georgetown Waterfront
7. Stop by local cafés and bakeries

One of the best places in Washington, DC and a must-visit place during peak foliage!

Cost: Free admission
Hours: Open everyday, but opening and closing hours depend on where you enter. Grounds and visitor center open early at 8:00 AM, while Museum opens late at 10:00 AM. Last entry for weekends are 4:30 PM.
Website: U.S. National Arboretum

Activities

1. Visit the Capitol Columns
2. Walk among colorful fall foliage
3. Explore the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
4. Visit the Herb Garden
5. Enjoy a picnic
6. Take scenic photos throughout the grounds

A perfect shopping weekend destination in a historic public market inside one of DC's most beautiful neighborhoods.

Cost: Free
Hours: Indoor markets are open Tuesday-Saturday at 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, but ends 5:00 PM on Sundays. Outdoor markets are closed on Mondays, and are open 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM on weekends only, as well as 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Tuesday.
Website: Eastern Market

Activities

1. Browse the weekend farmers market
2. Shop local art and handmade goods
3. Explore antique vendors
4. Grab coffee from neighborhood cafés
5. Walk through historic Capitol Hill
6. Visit nearby bookstores and boutiques

A local favorite for family fun in Alexandria known for its annual Pumpkin IllumiNIGHT celebration, pumpkin patch, and free pumpkin displays during fall season.

Cost: Free admission
Hours: Open everyday starting 9:00 AM and ends 7:00 PM from Monday-Saturday and 6:00 PM on Sunday.
Website: Nalls Produce

Note: Pumpkin IllumiNIGHT typically takes place in November 1, with free pumpkin carving during 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Activities

1. Pick pumpkins
2. Browse seasonal produce
3. Take fall family photos
4. Participate in free pumpkin carving during Pumpkin IllumiNIGHT
5. See hundreds of illuminated carved pumpkins after dark
6. Shop for autumn decorations

If you only take one fall road trip from DC, make it this one. One of the East Coast's most spectacular fall drives, Skyline Drive winds for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park with 75 scenic overlooks, endless mountain views, and forests bursting with autumn color.

Cost: Free
Hours: Open 27/7 (In some instances, it will be closed due to inclement weather)
Website: Shenandoah National Park

Activities

1. Drive the scenic Skyline Drive
2. Stop at overlooks for panoramic views
3. Hike nearby trails
4. Spot wildlife
5. Enjoy a picnic
6. Watch sunrise or sunset

Harpers Ferry sits at the meeting point of three states (Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia) and two rivers (the Potomac and Shenandoah). Get there early early early when the foliage is popping to miss the crowds while catching the beautiful view

Cost: $10 per person on foot or bicycle; private vehicles at $20 and $15 for motorcycles.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Website: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Activities

1. Hike Maryland Heights Trail
2. Explore Historic Harpers Ferry
3. Walk across the railroad bridge
4. Enjoy Potomac and Shenandoah River views
5. Visit local cafés and shops
6. Photograph peak fall foliage

Join the Apple Festival at Adams Morgan, usually held each fall!

Cost: Free and open to all.
Website: Adams Morgan Apple Festival

Activities

1. Taste heirloom apples
2. Apple pie competition
3. Fresh pie slices
4. Local vendors
5. Family activities

Travel time: (~45-60 minutes from DC)

One of the DMV's most popular fall destinations, Butler's Orchard offers pick-your-own produce, a family-friendly Farm Park, and seasonal activities from late summer through fall.

Cost: $5 per person (online or at the gate)
Website: Butler's Orchard
Note: Reservations are required for Pick Your Own. Walk-ins are accepted only if space is available. At least one picking container must be purchased when making a reservation, and outside containers are not permitted.

Activities

1. Pick your own apples 🍎
2. Pick pumpkins 🎃
3. Pick fresh flowers 🌻
4. Harvest tomatoes, peppers, herbs, berries, and more (seasonal)
5. Visit the Farm Park
6. Shop fresh baked goods and local produce
7. Enjoy seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts

Brandywine Cow Cuddles offers private animal experiences where you can cuddle, pet, and brush mini cows in a quiet farm setting. The farm also offers horse, mule, and cat cuddle sessions, making it a fun outing for animal lovers of all ages.

Cost: Experiences start at $20, with cow cuddle sessions starting at $55. Group packages and add-ons, including horse cuddles, fire pits, and picnic rentals, are also available.
Website: Brandywine Cow Cuddles

Note: All cuddle sessions are private and require advance booking. Reservations are also required for fire pits, picnic rentals, and special experiences.

Activities

1. Cuddle friendly mini cows
2. Pet and brush the cows
3. Meet Rox, the farm's beloved herd leader
4. Spend time with horses, mules, and other farm animals
5. Book a horse and mule cuddle session
6. Meet Kix, the farm's hairless cat
7. Reserve a private evening cow cuddle session
8. Add a fire pit and s'mores to your visit
9. Rent the picnic area for a relaxing afternoon

If you're looking for a cozy fall day trip, Doc Waters Cidery has everything in one place. Spend the morning picking apples, then relax with hot or cold cider, grab fresh apple cider donuts, and enjoy food trucks, live music, or a campfire with friends.

Cost: Apple picking is $20 for 2 guests, $30 for 4 guests, and $50 for 6 guests
Website: Doc Waters Cidery

Note: The cidery is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while the Pick Your Own Orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays during apple season (currently closed). Reservations are required for apple picking, seasonal igloos, and fire pits.

Activities

1. Pick your own apples (September–October)
2. Try hot or cold cider (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options)
3. Order a cider flight and sample seasonal flavors
4. Enjoy fresh apple cider donuts
5. Grab a bite from local food trucks
6. Listen to live music on select days
7. Reserve a fire pit for a cozy evening
8. Reserve a seasonal igloo during colder months
9. Relax in the outdoor seating area

If you enjoy handmade crafts, knitting, crochet, or simply shopping from local vendors, Frederick Fiber Fest is a fun fall event to visit. With more than 100 vendors, you'll find yarn, fiber supplies, handmade goods, and plenty of inspiration for your next project.

Date & Time: October 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free entry
Website: Frederick Fiber Fest

Activities:

1. Shop from 100+ fiber and craft vendors
2. Browse yarn, wool, and knitting supplies
3. Discover handmade crafts and gifts
4. Meet local artists and makers
5. Learn about knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning
6. Enter for a chance to win prizes from participating vendors
7. Petting zoo for the kids

One of the DMV's most popular fall traditions, Cox Farms Fall Festival is packed with activities for all ages. Plan to spend several hours exploring giant slides, corn mazes, farm animals, and seasonal attractions.

Dates: September 19 – November 8, 2026
Cost: $15–$30+ per person
Website: Cox Farms

Note: Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, but weekends often sell out in advance. It's highly recommended to buy tickets online before your visit.

Activities

1. Ride the World-Famous Hayride
2. Get lost in the Cornundrum corn maze
3. Slide down giant slides, including Safari Slide, Cowabunga Slide, Cox Mountain Slide, Dino Slide, Volcano Slide, Castle Slide, Treetops Slide, and Miner's Slide
4. Meet goats and other farm animals at Goat Village
5. Watch the milking demonstration
6. Explore the Tractor Museum
7. Walk through the Imaginature Trail
8. Climb, swing, and play throughout the festival grounds
9. Visit Foamhenge
10. Enjoy live entertainment at the Music Stage
11. Try local food and seasonal treats
12. Shop local products and tastings
13. Take a tractor ride around the farm
14. Pick out a free mini pumpkin to take home
15. Enjoy a complimentary cup of apple cider

Gaver Farm is one of Maryland's most popular fall destinations, offering over 65 attractions for all ages. From giant slides and corn mazes to farm animals, pumpkin picking, and fresh baked treats, it's an easy place to spend an entire day with family or friends.

Dates: September 4 – November 1, 2026 | Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: $14.50–$24.00 per person, depending on the day you visit. Season Passes are available for $55 per person, with unlimited visits throughout the Fall Fun Festival.
Website: Gaver Farm

Activities

1. Explore the 7-acre corn maze
2. Meet and feed barnyard animals, including goats, alpacas, pigs, sheep, cows, ponies, rabbits, peacocks, and more
3. Ride giant slides
4. Try the Beeline Zipline (height requirements apply)
5. Race pedal karts
6. Jump on giant jumping pillows
7. Navigate mini mazes
8. Ride the Flying Pigs attraction
9. Play on the playgrounds and low ropes course
10. Visit the corn bins
11. Take a hayride
12. Pick your own pumpkins and apples
13. Shop at the Farm Market
14. Enjoy fresh bakery treats, seasonal food, and apple cider
15. Have fun Gem Mining
16. Try the Country Cruisers