America’s Most Unexpected Cities for Fall Activities
Fall is the perfect time to lace up your favorite pair of comfortable Clarks boots and explore the beautiful cities of the U.S. But perhaps this year, you're looking to switch things up and experience fall in a new way, beyond the usual foliage and cooler temperatures.
To do this, we created an index that goes beyond traditional autumn destinations, focusing instead on cities with a wealth of walking trails, seasonal attractions like pumpkin patches and corn mazes, high walkability, and other unique features that make them perfect for fall adventures. After all, the right pair of shoes can take you anywhere, and we wanted to find out where Americans are most excited to go when the air turns crisp. We then surveyed over 1,000 Americans on what fall really means to them to show that it's not just about where you go, but the memories you make.
Key Takeaways:
Choosing the right shoe size for you is a necessity, so it helps to know the exact measurement of your feet instead of just taking an educated guess! But, with that being said, not all shoes will fit the same – even if they’re supposedly your size. Different styles and designs can fit very differently, and shoe sizes can also differ depending on which brand or store you shop at. To help you find your perfect pair, we’ve put together some steps for finding the ideal fit:
The top unexpected fall destinations in large cities were San Francisco, Las Vegas and Seattle
Over 50% of Americans surveyed consider walkability a crucial factor when selecting their fall travel destinations
72% of Americans surveyed consider October the peak of the fall season
Nearly 1 in 5 Americans say that ankle boots are the most essential fall footwear item
Surprising Mid and Large-Sized U.S. Cities Rank For the Best Fall Experiences
When it comes to the autumn season, our minds often conjure up images of colorful foliage and cool, crisp temperatures. However, fall encompasses much more than just the changing leaves and sweater weather and these cities do just that.
The infographic titled "America's Best Cities for Fall" showcases a ranked list of the top 10 large cities (with populations over 500,000) and the top 10 mid-size cities (with populations between 100,000 and 500,000) in the United States for enjoying the fall season. The rankings are illustrated on a U.S. map, where each city is marked and labeled according to its rank and corresponding score. For large cities, San Francisco, CA, leads with an index score of 86.7, followed by Las Vegas, NV, at 84.0, and Seattle, WA, at 78.7. Boston, MA, ranks fourth with a score of 77.3, while Denver, CO, secures fifth place with 69.3. Both Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC, are tied for sixth place with scores of 64.7, followed by Austin, TX, at 62.7, San Diego, CA, at 62.0, and Philadelphia, PA, rounding out the list with a score of 56.7. Among mid-size cities, Miami, FL, tops the list with an almost perfect score of 99.9, followed by Minneapolis, MN, at 84.0, and Cleveland, OH, at 78.7. Oakland, CA, ranks fourth with a score of 77.3, and Tampa, FL, is fifth with 69.3. New Orleans, LA, and Omaha, NE, share the sixth spot with scores of 64.7 each, while Orlando, FL, follows in eighth place with 62.7. Honolulu, HI, and Colorado Springs, CO, complete the top 10 with scores of 62.0 and 56.7, respectively.
San Francisco comes in as the top fall destination among larger cities, boasting a leading index score of 86.7 . Meanwhile, Miami takes the crown for mid-sized cities with its nearly perfect score of 99.9, luring visitors with its pleasant weather and a high number of neighborhoods perfect for trick-or-treating. Whether you crave the beautiful hues of autumn foliage, the comforting scent of pumpkin spice in the air, or the festive atmosphere of fall celebrations, each city on this list has its own unique charm to offer.
Fall foliage isn’t necessary at these top fall destinations
Looking to try somewhere new this autumn? Our data uncovers some fall destinations that you may not have thought of. These cities offer a captivating blend of walkability, seasonal attractions like pumpkin patches, and a vibrant atmosphere, proving that fall adventures don’t need to be centered around traditional foliage and weather.
From the vibrant streets of Miami, Florida, boasting 51 walking trails, to the cultural mecca of San Francisco, California, with a delightful 3 seasonal attractions per 100,000, these cities are a paradise for both fashion-forward urban explorers and comfort-seeking wanderers. Heading northeast to Boston, you'll find 36 walking trails and 17 parks per 100,000, providing a cozy autumn atmosphere for leisurely walks and immersive experiences.
Step into Minneapolis, Minnesota, where 35 walking trails per 100,000 intertwine with a lush 43 parks per 100,000, inviting you to soak in the autumn splendor. Each city tells a fascinating story of walkability and charm, offering a perfect fit for those seeking a delightful blend of style, comfort, and urban exploration. So grab your favorite pair of Clarks boots, and embrace the enchanting artistry of fall in these vibrant, pedestrian-friendly cities.
The infographic titled "America's Best Cities for Fall" showcases a ranked list of the top 10 large cities (with populations over 500,000) and the top 10 mid-size cities (with populations between 100,000 and 500,000) in the United States for enjoying the fall season. The rankings are illustrated on a U.S. map, where each city is marked and labeled according to its rank and corresponding score. For large cities, San Francisco, CA, leads with an index score of 86.7, followed by Las Vegas, NV, at 84.0, and Seattle, WA, at 78.7. Boston, MA, ranks fourth with a score of 77.3, while Denver, CO, secures fifth place with 69.3. Both Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC, are tied for sixth place with scores of 64.7, followed by Austin, TX, at 62.7, San Diego, CA, at 62.0, and Philadelphia, PA, rounding out the list with a score of 56.7. Among mid-size cities, Miami, FL, tops the list with an almost perfect score of 99.9, followed by Minneapolis, MN, at 84.0, and Cleveland, OH, at 78.7. Oakland, CA, ranks fourth with a score of 77.3, and Tampa, FL, is fifth with 69.3. New Orleans, LA, and Omaha, NE, share the sixth spot with scores of 64.7 each, while Orlando, FL, follows in eighth place with 62.7. Honolulu, HI, and Colorado Springs, CO, complete the top 10 with scores of 62.0 and 56.7, respectively.
Minneapolis leads with an impressive 32 seasonal attractions, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted attractions. Miami and Boston follow closely behind, offering 28 and 40 seasonal attractions, respectively. If you find yourself in New York, you may have a bit more of a struggle finding that pumpkin patch or corn maze as there are only seven seasonal attractions total to choose from.
As for walking trails, the West Coast really shines, with Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Oakland claiming the top spots for the most walking trails accessible. Phoenix boasts a staggering 239 walking trails, making it a haven for those who love to explore on foot as the weather cools down. These cities are perfect to try out a pair of Mayhill Walk or Mapstone Lace styles this fall!
Defining Fall In America - Nearly 3 in 10 Say It’s The Color Of The Leaves
As the leaves begin their colorful transformation and a crisp chill fills the air, it's that magical time of year again—fall. But what exactly does fall mean to Americans?
The infographic titled "Autumn Awaits: Defining the Season's Essentials" highlights various aspects of fall, including what defines the season for Americans, peak fall months, the importance of walkability for fall travel, and essential fall footwear. It begins by listing what Americans believe marks the arrival of fall, with the top responses being the first chill in the air (29%) and the changing color of leaves (29%). Other indicators include back-to-school season (11%), sweater weather (7%), football season (6%), Labor Day Weekend (6%), pumpkin spice products (4%), Halloween decorations (3%), and the end of summer vacation (3%). The infographic also reveals that 72% of Americans consider October the peak fall season, while 19% say it’s September. Additionally, 50% of Americans prioritize walkability when deciding on their fall travel destination. The final section focuses on the most essential fall footwear, with sneakers (40%) ranking first, followed by ankle boots (17%), hiking boots (13%), Chelsea boots (6%), and knee-high boots (5%).
Interestingly, 72% of surveyed Americans consider October the pinnacle of the fall season, while 19% argue that September reigns supreme. Additionally, nearly 3 in 10 say the first chill in the air signals the beginning of fall, while over 1 in 20 say fall begins at the start of football season.
For some, the end of summer vacation signifies the start of the new season, which means that many people may now be in the process of planning their fall travels. Moreover, over 50% of surveyed Americans consider walkability as an essential factor when choosing and preparing for their fall travel destination.
When it comes to footwear, sneakers and boots are the lead choices for essential fall footwear. Whether you prefer the casual vibe of sneakers or the practicality of boots, both options are must-haves for creating stylish and functional fall outfits.
Fall Frolics: Discovering the Best Seasonal Activities in Every State
Fall is a season full of diverse activities, but we wanted to see what activities come across as the #1 fall activity for people in every state. Some states prefer attending fall festivals and fairs, while others prefer hiking and leaf-peeping.
The image is a map of the United States titled "Favorite Fall Activity in Every State," based on a 2024 Clarks Survey. Each state is color-coded according to its residents' favorite fall activity, with a legend provided at the top of the image. The activities include hiking and leaf-peeping (pink), attending fall festivals or fairs (dark yellow), watching fall-themed movies (dark purple), carving pumpkins for Halloween (orange), baking seasonal treats (light pink), visiting haunted houses or attractions (dark blue), crafting or decorating for the season (light brown), going on a scenic drive (light purple), tailgating at football games (gray), apple picking (yellow), visiting a pumpkin patch (light blue), and hosting a Thanksgiving dinner (green).
Montana loves crafting and decorating for the season, adding a touch of DIY charm to the autumn festivities, while New Jersey and Mississippi are all about tailgating at football games. Hawaii, Nevada, and Georgia are big on hosting Thanksgiving gatherings, showing their love for festive feasts and family traditions.
Whether hiking through the scenic trails of Colorado or watching fall-themed movies in Delaware, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the autumn season.
Perfect Shoes For Fall With Clarks
The right footwear is key for all these autumn experiences. From classic ankle boots perfect for leaf-peeping in Vermont to versatile sneakers ideal for exploring the vibrant streets of New York, Clarks blends style with comfort and functionality. Embrace the season in style with cozy loafers for scenic drives, chic-heeled mules for pumpkin patch visits, and sturdy walking shoes for navigating the changing landscapes of fall. We have all the styles you need to make the most of this season.
Methodology
Data was collected from various third-party sources, including walking trails from Alltrails.com ,landmarks/museums from TripAdvisor, and seasonal attractions from Yelp in August 2024 to compile a list of the top cities in the US during the fall season outside of fall foliage. To ensure fairness, the data was adjusted based on a per capita calculation to avoid favoring larger, more densely populated cities.
We also surveyed 1,016 Americans to learn about their fall preferences. It's important to note that survey data is based on self-reported responses, which could potentially be influenced by biases or discrepancies between reported and actual abilities.
Fair Use Statement
We'd love for you to share these fall insights. All we ask is that you attribute Clarks to the findings and share a link to this page to access the data in full.