Top Spots for a Weekend Getaway This Fall

Sept. 10 2024

by Lachlan

The seasons are turning, and we can imagine your travel trends are, too. As the days get that little bit shorter, and those nights just that tad bit cooler, travel inspiration turns to brisk walks in the forest and cozy evenings by the fire. That is unless you can still access somewhere warm, of course! While you may associate the cooler weather with hibernation mode, we're mad about travel at misterb&b, and we're taking the new season as an opportunity to explore new places. So, to keep your travel spirits flying as high as ours, we've compiled a catalog of LGBTQ destinations to visit this Fall. So grab your best scarf, pack the coat, and embrace the change of season with a change of scene at one of these fabulous destinations. 

SPAIN 

Basque Country

Foodie or not, a trip to Basque Country is a must in Europe this Fall. But even if you arrive indifferent to the region's iconic 'pintxos' (the local interpretation of the better-known tapas), you will surely leave wanting another serve. San Sebastian is often called the pearl of Basque Country and has the most significant number of Michelin Star restaurants per square meter in Europe. But eating here is done a little differently. Rather than settling into one restaurant for the evening, the goal is to stop by as many as possible. Grab a drink at the bar, dig into one or two pintxos, then move on to the next. While it might sound like a sport, you'll be too busy eating and drinking to notice! Art and architecture lovers will also rejoice in a trip to the region's sister city, Bilbao. Also on the coast, Bilbao offers some cutting-edge architecture, including the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum. If Basque Country has left you longing for some more LGBTQ life, you'll be pleased to know direct trains operate from San Sebastian to Barcelona and Madrid each day.  

Mallorca

Hoping to chase that last bit of sun in Europe before everything moves indoors? You need to get yourself to Mallorca. Dotted in the Mediterranean between Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is a place just made for a relaxing vacation in the sun. And its central city, Palma, is also fun to boot. Enjoy the beach by day (should the weather permit), then do a food crawl through the city's many tapas restaurants, which serve everything from tortilla and roasted peppers to fresh seafood. Religious or not, visiting the city's grandiose Catedral de Mallorca (La Seo) should also feature on your list of attractions. Overlooking the city's harbor, the Gothic sandstone cathedral dates back to the 13th century but was not completed until the 17th century. Located by the city center, you can head for a sangria afterward and bid a toast to Fall. If you're looking for some of the best gay bars and clubs on the island, check out our dedicated travel guide to Mallorca. Remember, the Spanish know how to throw a good party! 

ITALY 

Tuscany

When you first think of Italy, thoughts generally orient towards Venice, the Colosseum, and dreamy Tuscany. While Tuscany may not offer the same LGBTQ scene found in other cities of Italy, such as Milan, we still think it is a pretty cool place for a Fall getaway. A picturesque region between Milan and Rome, Tuscany is home to some of Italy's finest cities. Get your art fix in Florence, and stop by the Uffizi Galleria to see Boticelli's famed Rising of Venus and the Galleria dell'Accademia for Da Vinci's David. Then head north to Siena. While locals deem Florence and Siena as rival cities, both have equal merit, according to us. Lose yourself in the city's UNESCO heritage old town before digging into some dreamy pasta for the night. For local LGBTQ events in Florence and the rest of Tuscany, check out Italy's LGBTQ organization, Arcigay, for detailed programs in each city.   

FRANCE 

Annecy

Inconspicuously located between Lyon and Geneva and wedged beside alpine mountain ranges, Annecy sometimes gets overlooked as a travel destination. But we're here to tell you that it shouldn't. Reminiscent of a winter fairytale village, this dreamy town is arguably one of France's most Swiss towns. After all, it is only a 45-minute drive from the Swiss border. The glistening lake Annecy is the town's crowning jewel and is regarded as Europe's cleanest lake. But remember, we're in the Fall, so that swimming may be less desirable this time! But it's not just the lake and its mountainous backdrop that's an Instagrammers dream. Downtown, venture to the Palais de L'Isle - a 12th-century building suspended in water, which has served as a prison, a courthouse, and an administrative center throughout history. While Annecy does not offer a significant LGBTQ scene, nearby Geneva has several options ranging from gay bars to full-scale clubs. Check out our dedicated gay guide to Geneva here.  

Les Vignobles de Beaujolais

When the temperatures start to cool, terrace sessions with a cold beer generally give way to cozier moments with a glass or two of red. When this happens, nothing beats a visit to the wineries. Should you be in France and within easy reach, we recommend a Fall vacation to the revered Vignobles de Beaujolais. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the new Beaujolais (Beaujolais Nouveau) is released after only a few weeks of fermentation. The tradition is globally recognized, with many Americans even deeming it the wine for Thanksgiving. The Beaujolais region is situated roughly a 45-minute drive north of Lyon. It offers a series of vineyards that specialize in the Gamay grape, now considered to be a hybrid of the pinot noir and the ancient white variety, Gouais. If you struggle to find accommodation in the region, Lyon is also a perfect weekend pitstop, offering a robust cuisine to soak up a day of quaffing at the wineries! It also has many LGBTQ bars and clubs to keep you entertained until the wee hours of the morning.  

GERMANY

Cologne

When we said domestic weekend escapes, we didn't mean remote places. If you are craving a short-term city trip and happen to be in Germany, Cologne is a great shout. While Cologne is aesthetically a little industrial, its charm lies in its vibrant LGBTQ scene and equally vibrant locals referred to as Kölsche. Venture to the city's main gay street, Schaafenstraße, where you can sip a Kolsch beer with the locals. Fall is a great time to visit Cologne, and we suggest heading to the immense River Rhein, where you can stroll along the promenade. Another asset of Cologne is its proximity to other cities, including Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Essen. If you have the time, why not visit each and appreciate the variations of local beer? Some with surprise, for sure! 

Black Forest   

When you think of a Fall getaway, we imagine your thoughts orient towards a brisk stroll through a forest, resplendent in golden and orange leaves. If this is your perfect idea for a weekend getaway, then we recommend a visit to Germany's famous Black Forest - locally referred to as the Schwarzwald National Park. The Black Forest covers an area of 10,062 hectares and is located roughly a two-hour drive from Stuttgart and a one-hour drive from Strasbourg. Whether you're team France or team Germany, access to the forest is easy from each city, so take your pick and enjoy a weekend city escape paired with forest hikes and plenty of photo opportunities. Alternatively, check out our round-up of Germany's best naturist spas, where you can unwind after a day of exercise. 

PORTUGAL 

Coimbra

Already drunk Port in Porto and lost yourself in the colorful alleys of Lisbon? If Portugal is beckoning this Fall, perhaps it's time to make a trip up north to Coimbra. Regarded as Portugal's university city, Coimbra packs a punch in terms of its youthful spirit and progressive student ideals. This spirit is primarily thanks to the University of Coimbra, established in 1290, and remains the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world. But Coimbra's historical status goes beyond the university. For 100 years, Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal, and much of its architecture today, including Gothic churches and aqueducts, is a nod to the city's former status. Despite Coimbra's modern student vibe, you can still enjoy many tenets of Portuguese tradition here, including authentic cuisine and Fado music. Portugal has long been regarded as a progressive LGBTQ destination, so visiting here will enchant you! 

THE USA  

Provincetown 

Regarding a Fall getaway in the States for LGBTQ travelers, we imagine you probably beat us to the post in imagining a trip to Provincetown. This dreamy destination on the northern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has long been regarded as a haven for all members of the LGBTQ community. Often referred to as Ptown, the town was already popular among artists, writers, actors, and poets in the 1920s and 30s, and it was this avant-garde attitude that eventually attracted the LGBTQ community in the 1960s. In the 1970s, the Provincetown Business Guild was created to promote local gay businesses, and today, the PBG owns roughly 200 businesses. Most LGBTQ action can be found along the city's main thoroughfare, Commercial Street, which always offers a good time come rain or shine. Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Boston, add Ptown to your list of Fall destinations, and you'll surely end the year with a smile.  

Palm Springs

Are you in or around Los Angeles and craving a little downtime? Why not head to popular Palm Springs for the weekend and soak up some LGBTQ culture in the heart of the Coachella Valley? Referred to as a desert oasis, Palm Springs is renowned for its wired palms offset by the imposing mountain ranges in the background. But Palm Springs goes beyond this. Over the years, the city has become a stronghold for LGBTQ culture, and in January 2018, Palm Springs introduced America's first entirely LGBTQ city government. Today, Palm Springs is home to roughly 130 resorts and hotels, along with loads of misterb&b listings. So, if you don't need to fork out much cash to get to Palm Springs, why not lash out and stay somewhere fabulous for the weekend and forget that the cold season is approaching? As can be expected, loads of LGBTQ venues line the streets of Palm Springs, so look at our dedicated travel guide and bookmark your top gay bars, cafes, and clubs to visit while in town! 

Loved this? Why not check out our round-up of The World's Most Unique LGBTQ-Friendly Hotels?