Top Fall Activities in the City | Best Paddle Boarding Spots for Autumn

If you’ve already gone to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch, you should try paddle boarding as your next fall outdoor activity. Imagine paddling on quiet, serene waterways, gazing at vibrant fall foliage, and breathing in the crisp cool air. Fall is the secret season for avid paddle boarders. 

Below we have compiled a guide on the best paddle boarding spots in Seattle, Austin, Bar Harbor, Burlington, and Victoria, Canada. This fall travel guide covers the best outdoor adventure spots for a scenic paddle board plus a mix of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re already planning to travel to these cities or you’re itching for a new fall outdoor activity, consider paddleboarding at one of these stunning locations this fall. 

If you’re paddle boarding in the fall, you’ll notice it gets windier than the summer. If you’re a beginner, planning to paddle multiple days or paddling tandem, you might want to consider an E-Motor mount. With e-assist, you can go farther faster, which helps on open coastal waters or windy fall days.  

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is famous for its dramatic fall foliage and pretty coastline, making it an ideal destination for hiking, festivals, and paddleboarding in the bay. Bar Harbor is at its most beautiful in the fall, and luckily you can see the vivid foliage at Acadia National Park, just a 5-minute drive away. Paddleboarding in Frenchman Bay offers stunning views of the rocky coastline, surrounding islands, and wildlife like seals and bald eagles. Breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the peace with the summer crowds gone. 

Autumn outdoor activities in Bar Harbour are family-friendly, cozy, and perfect for autumn lovers. The mid-September Acadia National Park Night Sky Festival is a highlight. You can celebrate the starry skies over Bar Harbor and Acadia with stargazing events, astrophotography workshops, and talks by astronomers. There’s also October’s Harvestfest which shows off the best of New England food, crafts, and music in nearby York, Maine. 

• Best paddleboard location: Frenchman Bay offers sheltered waters with breathtaking views of the coastline and islands
• Easy Route: Bar Harbor to Bar Island is a short 2-mile round trip where you can take in views of the town and surrounding mountains
• Challenging Route: Bar Harbor to Porcupine Islands is a 6-mile round trip through open water, with stunning island views and potential currents and wind to navigate
• How to get there: Bar Harbor is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bangor via Route 1A and ME-3
• Parking: Free parking is available at Agamont Park or the town’s public lots
• Recommended Paddleboard: Since Bar Harbour has enough routes for multiple paddle or kayak days, you should check out our Explorer Pro, our newest SUP-Kayak which is great for long-distance solo and tandem paddle boarding and kayaking. These are the most rigid inflatable hardboards available on the market so they support larger riders, and more gear, and perform like epoxy hardboards in a portable package. This makes them great for coastal waters
• Additional Gear: don’t forget your phone or cameras to capture the foliage. Keep your gear safe in a waterproof phone bag

Austin, Texas

Fall brings cooler temperatures to Austin, making it more comfortable to explore the outdoors. Paddleboarding in Austin offers a laid-back vibe, and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake gives you a front-row view of the city’s skyline. Plus Austin in the fall is home to a ton of live music, food trucks, and cultural events—perfect for visitors looking to paddle board by day and enjoy world-class entertainment by night.

If you’re looking for things to do in Austin this fall don’t forget about the renowned Austin City Limits Music Festival. It’s one of the biggest festivals in the country, and you can see the best musicians play at Zilker Park, just steps away from Lady Bird Lake. Even if you can’t get tickets, try timing your paddleboard to festival times and you can lounge on your board and enjoy the free music! For all the bookworms, Austin is also home to the Texas Book Festival in October. This literary festival focuses on Texan writers and hosts authors, discussions, and book signings. 

• Best paddleboard location: Lady Bird Lake is a calm, central spot that flows right through downtown
• Easy Route: Congress Avenue Bridge to Barton Springs is a 3-mile round trip where you can paddle under the famous bat bridge and through peaceful waters to Barton Springs
• Challenging Route: Lady Bird Lake Full Loop is a 6-mile round trip where you can circle the entire lake while enjoying views of downtown Austin and Zilker Park
• How to get there: Lady Bird Lake is accessible via I-35 or MoPac Expressway
• Parking: Public parking is available at Zilker Park or along Riverside Drive
• Recommended Paddleboard: If you want to take a friend or date out on the Lake to enjoy the music, check out our Megalodon 3. It’s our best-selling multi-person Inflatable paddle board that comes with a turnkey motor-mount system so you can more easily paddle your friends, family, or even your dog! It comes in two lengths, 12’ and 15’ and they can carry 700 - 1100 lbs
• Additional Gear: don’t forget your lifejacket and our Anchor Kit if you want to lounge in one spot while enjoying the live music

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington’s fall foliage is a stunning sight, and it’s best to take in the vibrant sight of the Green Mountains from Lake Champlain. With apple picking, cozy cider houses, and vibrant art, Burlington in the fall is a quintessential autumn experience. Paddleboarding in Burlington’s Lake Champlain offers panoramic views of the Adirondacks in New York and Vermont’s Green Mountains, with clear, calm waters. 

Wondering how to enjoy fall in Vermont? Fall festivals, local cideries, and orchards are ready for you to come and pick apples and taste freshly pressed Vermont cider. September’s South End Art Hop is a lively arts festival that shows off local artists, studios, and performances in the South End district.

• Best paddleboard location: Lake Champlain near the Burlington Waterfront is the go-to spot for paddlers.
• Easy Route: Try Burlington Waterfront to North Beach for a 2-mile round trip. It’s a simple, scenic paddle along the coast of the lake, with calm waters and easily accessible from the city
• Challenging Route: Burlington to Lone Rock Point is a 5-mile round trip for a more adventurous route. Paddle to the rocky outcrops at Lone Rock Point for sweeping views of the lake and mountains
• How to get there: Burlington is accessible via I-89 and is about a 1-hour drive from Montreal.
• Parking: Free and paid parking is available near Waterfront Park
• Recommended Paddleboard: Our Pioneer 3 best-selling 10’6” SUP-kayak comes with a full coverage traction pad so you can tandem kayak, bring kids or a pet, do SUP yoga, or stretch out and lounge. The board itself weighs 19 lb with a 385 lb capacity.
• Additional Gear: Picked up some crisp fall produce or bottles of apple cider? Keep them cool in our Gateway Cooler Bag. 

Seattle, Washington

Seattle's fall is cool but not too cold, and the crowds have thinned out after summer. The trees turn vibrant colors, and the city’s lakes and waterways offer stunning views. Paddleboarding in Seattle offers a mix of urban and nature scenes, from the city skyline to the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

There are also a ton of fall activities in Seattle. For all the foodies, Seattle has Restaurant Week in October where you can get discounts at the city’s best restaurants and sample the local fall harvest and the best of Seattle seafood. Love beer? The Fremont Oktoberfest in Late September is a fun festival celebrating local beer and live music. 

• Best paddleboard location: Lake Union is ideal, with calm waters and incredible views of the Space Needle and surrounding houseboats
• Easy Route: Lake Union Loop is a 3-mile round trip and calm paddle around the lake, passing Gas Works Park and pretty Seattle houseboats
• Challenging Route: Lake Union to Washington Park Arboretum is a 6 miles round trip through the Montlake Cut to the peaceful waters of the Arboretum, with open-water paddling and possible boat traffic
• How to get there: Lake Union is located in central Seattle, accessible via I-5
• Parking: Paid parking is available at Gas Works Park or near the University of Washington
• Recommended Paddleboard: if you’re planning to on open water, check out our Explorer 3. This 11’6” touring SUP-Kayak is great for advanced paddlers going the distance. With its touring shape, it favors speed over stability. The board itself weighs 19 lbs with a 300 lb capacity. You can easily tandem kayak or pack it with gear for a long day trip
• Additional Gear: don’t forget to pack your waterproof jacket to protect from the Seattle rain, your life jacket, and enough snacks and hydration to fuel your adventure. You can keep all your gear safe in a waterproof Dry Bag

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Victoria’s mild fall temperatures make it an ideal time to explore its coastal beauty without the summer crowds. The surrounding gardens and forests turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow. If you’re wondering where to paddle board in Victoria during the fall, check out its Inner Harbour or surrounding coastline for stunning city views and nearby Olympic Mountains.

A visit to the famous Butchart Gardens is a great fall outdoor activity. These beautiful gardens transform with stunning autumn colors, offering special fall-themed displays and events. Or if you’re tired from a long day of paddle boarding, rest and recuperate at HAVN Saunas, which sits on a restored boat in the Harbour. 

• Best paddleboard location: Victoria’s Inner Harbour offers a mix of protected waters and urban scenery
• Easy Route: The Inner Harbour Loop is a 2-mile round gentle loop around the Inner Harbour, with views of the parliament buildings, floating homes, and local wildlife
• Challenging Route: The Harbour to Gorge Waterway is a 6-mile round trip. Paddle from the Inner Harbour up the Gorge Waterway, navigating tidal currents and more open water for a longer, more challenging paddle
• How to get there: Victoria is accessible by ferry from Vancouver or Seattle or by flying directly into Victoria International Airport
• Parking: Public parking is available along the Harbour, but note that spaces fill quickly
• Recommended Paddleboard: If you’re traveling to Victoria, we recommend our Switch Compact. It’s our most lightweight and compact Inflatable Paddle Board with a 40% smaller pack size. When inflated it measures 10’6” in length. It’s great for beginner paddlers as it’s designed to favor stability over speed. The kayak itself weighs only 17 lb and has a 220 lb capacity.
• Additional Gear: don’t forget your lifejacket and SPF on those sunny days!

Tips for Paddle Boarding In the Fall

Whether fall weather paddle boarding in Seattle, Burlington, or any of the cities above, it’s important to keep in mind a few factors to maximize safety and fun. 

Don’t forget to check the weather a few times, pack the right gear, and be aware once you’re on the water. Weather can change quickly, so be on the lookout. Next, don’t forget to plan for an ample amount of time. Winds can slow your return journey, so don’t forget to pack lights if you’re cutting it close to sunset. Finally, don’t forget to tell a friend or family member about your trip if you’re going alone. 

For more tips on how to paddle board in the fall, check out our guide on how to extend your SUP season and paddle board into the cooler months. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our mini fall travel guide to Bar Harbor, Austin, Burlington, Seattle, and Victoria. These top fall destinations offer a unique mix of natural beauty, historic traditions, cozy autumn activities, and accessible waterways, making them perfect for paddleboarding in the fall. We hope you’re inspired to get out on the water and experience the best places for fall paddle boarding.