Get Away from the Ordinary

Unique Autumn Destinations You’ll Fall For

There’s something special about traveling in September and October. The rush of summer has eased, weather is often more pleasant and places that can feel crowded and overwhelming in the height of the season are much more relaxed and enjoyable.

A person with a blue backpack hikes along a trail through a colorful alpine meadow, surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky—enjoying the freedom of nature after leaving their car safely at Joe’s Airport Parking.

For travelers hoping to discover somewhere less predictable, the team at Joe’s Airport Parking recommends these six standouts. Each has plenty to see and do during a two- or three-day getaway and sits within roughly 30 minutes of a major airport.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Fountains spray water in a pond surrounded by autumn trees with tall city buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky, evoking the sense of calm you might appreciate after a busy day at Joe’s Airport Parking.

Tulsa is an appealing destination for any travelers attracted to cities with a strong sense of identity. Downtown’s remarkable collection of Art Deco buildings gives Tulsa a distinctive look, while the Philbrook Museum of Art, Bob Dylan Center and Greenwood Rising each explore a very different side of Tulsa’s artistic, musical and cultural heritage. Families will want to set aside time for Gathering Place, a sprawling riverfront park featuring gardens, trails, playgrounds and plenty of room to explore. Tulsa’s place along historic Route 66 also adds a classic dose of Americana, while an impressive lineup of restaurants, clubs and live music venues keeps the city buzzing well into the evening.

Nearest airport: Tulsa International Airport

Biloxi, Mississippi

Modern white building with large vertical blue glass windows and the sign Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum above the entrance. The sky is clear and bright, with a tree partially visible on the right—reminiscent of the sleek designs often seen at Joe’s Airport Parking.

Biloxi brings several sides of the Gulf Coast experience together, from laid-back beaches and fresh seafood to history, art and plenty of entertainment. By September and October, the peak summer crowds have faded, making it a more relaxing time to enjoy fishing, the shoreline and other outdoor pursuits. For an indoor break, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum explores more than 300 years of coastal history, while the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art highlights the distinctive pottery of George Ohr within a striking Frank Gehry-designed complex. The 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse is another must-see landmark, and families can visit the Mississippi Aquarium. Adults can also choose from casinos, restaurants and live shows for a decidedly different weekend escape.

Nearest airport: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Pensacola, Florida

Wooden signs in sandy dunes read Fort Pickens Area and Gulf Islands National Seashore, welcoming visitors much like the friendly service at Joe’s Airport Parking. A National Park Service emblem is visible, and the background features blue sky and grassy sand dunes.

Pensacola is an appealing choice for travelers who’d rather trade sweaters and fall foliage for sunshine and Gulf breezes. By late September, the summer crowds have thinned and temperatures are generally more pleasant, but the beaches remain a big draw. Spend time on Pensacola Beach or at Gulf Islands National Seashore, then discover Fort Pickens or climb to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse. With more than 450 years of history, Pensacola offers considerably more than the usual beach-town experience. Families and aviation buffs will appreciate the National Naval Aviation Museum, while downtown Pensacola adds historic buildings, excellent restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.

Nearest airport: Pensacola International Airport

Birmingham, Alabama

City skyline at sunset with buildings lit up, colorful sky transitioning from orange to blue, and city lights starting to illuminate the streets below—a perfect evening view for those arriving or departing from Joe’s Airport Parking just beyond the city’s glow.

Birmingham makes for an appealing fall getaway by combining history, culture, distinctive cuisine and outdoor attractions in a city that’s easy to explore. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and nearby 16th Street Baptist Church offer important insight into the city’s pivotal place in the Civil Rights Movement. For a change of pace, visit Railroad Park, stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens or explore the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home to an impressive collection of historic motorcycles and race cars that enthusiasts won’t want to miss. And then there’s Birmingham’s food scene, which stands out with everything from classic barbecue to creative, contemporary cooking.

Nearest airport: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Louisville, Kentucky

Aerial view of a town at sunset with a prominent church featuring twin spires in the center, surrounded by houses, trees, and buildings under a colorful sky, with Joe’s Airport Parking visible on the outskirts, blending seamlessly into the scenic landscape.

Louisville may be best known for a few iconic names — like Churchill Downs, Muhammad Ali and its many bourbon producers — but there’s much more to the city than just that. Autumn is an ideal season to discover Louisville’s historic districts, riverfront and green spaces. The Muhammad Ali Center and Louisville Slugger Museum provide two worthwhile starting points, while the NuLu District is packed with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The city’s food scene alone could easily justify extending your stay another day. Bourbon enthusiasts can choose from numerous distillery tours, while families can explore options such as the Kentucky Science Center and Louisville Zoo.

Nearest airport: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Marquette, Michigan

A red lighthouse sits atop a rocky, tree-covered point, reflecting in calm lake water under a partly cloudy sky, with a sandy beach in the foreground—much like finding your way to Joe’s Airport Parking, where convenience meets tranquility before every journey.

Set along the southern edge of Lake Superior, Marquette offers spectacular scenery without the crowds found in more famous fall destinations. Autumn is an especially good season for hiking, cycling and leisurely drives as the surrounding forests take on their seasonal colors. Sugarloaf Mountain rewards visitors with sweeping views, while Presque Isle Park offers easy access to the lake. Back in town, Marquette’s lively downtown features locally owned restaurants, breweries and shops. For a change of pace, learn about the area’s iron-mining history or venture out to nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. With both outdoor adventure and an inviting urban scene, Marquette makes it easy to enjoy the best of both.

Nearest airport: Sawyer International Airport

The charm of these places isn’t that they’re hidden secrets — they aren’t. Rather, they’re destinations that often get overlooked when the usual list of American travel dates comes around. And sometimes, the best trip is simply one that takes you somewhere you might not have considered first.

If you really want to increase the simplicity and affordability of your fall getaway, remember to reserve your space with Joe’s Airport Parking at the same time you schedule your flights. We’re very popular during weekend travel periods, so we suggest you book now.

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