As the heat of summer gives way to the crisp, cool air of autumn, sports enthusiasts across the country eagerly anticipate the fall sports season. From the start of football to Major League Baseball playoffs and more, there’s no shortage of exciting sporting events and destinations to explore.
As you might expect, Unwind has a whole host of perfect luxury vacation homes right in the heart of the most passionate sports programs in the country. You can use one of our vacation properties as home base when you travel to and from games, or you can watch the game from the comfort of your exquisitely designed home.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the best fall sports destinations and must-see events that make each location a sports lover’s paradise.
When you think of Austin sports, it’s hard to think of anything but the Texas Longhorns. With a rich history and numerous national championships, the Longhorns are a source of immense pride for Austinites. Football, in particular, draws huge crowds each fall to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, where fans clad in burnt orange gather to support their team. And as if the atmosphere were not intense enough, in 2024 the Longhorns join the powerful Southeastern Conference in which they will face perennial powerhouse teams most weekends.
Another exciting development in Austin’s sports landscape is the arrival of Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Established in 2021, Austin FC has quickly become a beloved part of the community, drawing large crowds to Q2 Stadium. The team’s matches extend into mid-October and they are lively events, featuring passionate fans, energetic chants, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
If Austin is on your travel list this fall, make plans to catch a game. And before you go, take a look at Unwind’s incredible luxury condos available in Austin’s famed Rainey District. The district is in the heart of the city and has efficient access to everything you’ll want to experience in Texas’s weirdest city.
From Austin, you can drive an hour or so east and take in even more exciting sports in the country’s fourth largest city, Houston!
Space City is home to several major sports teams that draw fans out every fall. If college football is your choice, you won’t want to miss seeing the Houston Cougars. The Cougars’ move to the Big 12 Conference in 2023 marked a new era, promising greater competition and national exposure. Throughout its history, the team has been supported by dedicated fans, filling TDECU Stadium with an unmatched energy that fuels the players. The Houston Cougars football program continues to thrive on its legacy of innovation, talent, and resilience, making it a formidable force in college football.
If professional sports is more your style, you will love the energy at home games for the Houston Texans. New star quarterback, CJ Stroud, leads the team in pursuit of their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. Known for exciting pre-game tailgating, massive indoor stadium, and electric atmosphere, Texans games are a perfect family-friendly event any time you’re in the big city.
Finally, in recent years, you will also still find the Houston Astros playing well into the fall. Among Major League Baseball’s most successful teams of the past decade, the Astros are known for their scrappy, come-from-behind attitude that fans have grown to love. Minute Maid stadium is in the heart of downtown Houston, and when the fall weather is just right, the stadium roof opens up to reveal the expansive Houston skyline as the Astros play into the night. This is yet another family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss when you’re in Houston.
And if you’re looking for a place to stay, look no further than this trendy upscale home in Rice Village. Not only is the home accessible to shops, restaurants, and venues in the Rice Village area, it is also only a short drive to most major stadiums. This is the perfect sports fan destination when taking in games this fall in Houston.
While not exactly a sports hub itself, Fort Lauderdale is only a short drive from Miami where, despite the south Florida culture, fall sports abound!
Take in a football game at “The U,” otherwise known as the University of Miami. The ‘Canes have long been a formidable force in college football. You will be especially glad to be in town for a rivalry game. Rivalries are a significant part of Miami Hurricanes football, with the most notable being the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators. The annual showdown with Florida State, often referred to as the “Sunshine Showdown,” is one of the most anticipated games of the season, drawing national attention and intense emotions from both sides. These rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and drama to the college football landscape, making each matchup a must-watch event.
If professional sports are more your style, take in a game at Hard Rock Stadium cheering on the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. With a newly-overhauled roster and a desire to win their first Super Bowl in several decades, the Dolphins will be a fun team to watch this fall. Be sure to check them out when you’re in town.
And if you need that perfect Florida luxury beach house where you can retreat after the game, look no further than Champagne at Tiffany’s right on the water at Fort Lauderdale Beach. This luxury condo is just steps away from the sand and has all the amenities you could want in a beachfront property. Make a reservation now and get ready for fall in South Florida!
Nashville is a beautiful city year-round, but especially in the fall as the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red and brown. And what’s better in the fall than sitting with 40,000 of your closest friends at a professional football game?
Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans, an NFL franchise that relocated from Houston in the 1990s. With home games at Nissan Stadium, the Titans also have plans to develop a beautiful new stadium, creatively named New Nissan Stadium, in the coming months. This new, enclosed stadium nestled along the East Bank of the Cumberland River will make for an even more exciting place to take in a game on a crisp, fall afternoon.
If American football is not as exciting to you as “futbol,” Nashville has you covered. While you’re in Tennessee’s largest city, you can take in a Nashville SC match against a Major League Soccer rival.
And, of course you will need the ideal place to stay while taking in games. Unwind has you covered whether you prefer being in the heart of the city or somewhere outside of town in order to stretch and relax a bit. If you like the idea of being in the city, take a look at one of our luxury condos in The Gulch, a trendy neighborhood accessible to most popular places around Nashville. Or, if country life is more your style, check out Lucky 13 Farms, a luxury vacation home with every imaginable amenity, including a beautiful infinity pool.
The final fall sports destination on Unwind’s must-see list is found in Starkville, MS.
If you’re not a college football fan, this might seem like an odd choice. But Starkville is home to the Mississippi St. Bulldogs, a perennial football powerhouse in the mighty SEC conference. And the town is about more than just college sports. Starkville is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends academic excellence with Southern charm. Home to Mississippi State University, Starkville offers a dynamic atmosphere where education and innovation thrive amidst a backdrop of rich cultural heritage. The town’s picturesque Main Street is lined with an array of charming shops, local eateries, and historic landmarks, inviting visitors to experience its warm hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, offering serene landscapes and diverse wildlife. With its lively festivals, sporting events, and welcoming community, Starkville provides an enriching and memorable experience for all who visit.
And Unwind Luxury Vacations has got the perfect luxury home for your stay in Starkville. The Howell House beautifully captures the small-town charm and Southern hospitality of its hometown, while also featuring vibrant design and modern amenities. Whether you’re visiting for a family reunion, college game, or simply to unwind, this stunning 5-bedroom retreat for 12 guests promises an unforgettable stay.
Let’s Hear You Cheer!
No matter where your sports allegiances lie, amazing sporting events are happening all around the country this fall. Don’t forget to check Unwind’s incredible list of luxury vacation homes to find the perfect property for you and your fellow fans as you travel to support your favorite teams.
