From colorful mountain escapes and quiet coastal towns to warm-weather beaches and bucket-list adventures abroad, this fall travel guide highlights the best destinations for families departing from the D.C. area. Organized by trip length—from 2–3 day getaways to 10-day adventures—it offers inspiration for making the most of autumn travel with the right balance of scenery, relaxation, culture, and adventure.

Planning a family getaway brings up one fundamental question early in the process: should you book an all-inclusive resort where everything is taken care of, or build a custom, do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from scratch? The right choice depends heavily on your current season of life, your budget, and what you want to get out of your time away.