Beach towns to visit this fall

Stef Zisovska
Haystack Rock - Author: Postdlf - CC BY-SA 3.0
Haystack Rock - Author: Postdlf - CC BY-SA 3.0

If you didn’t manage to get to the beach this summer, don’t panic. There’s still plenty of time to make a trip during the fall months. There are some really cute beach towns across the country that are equally beautiful in fall. Plus, after the high season the crowds are gone, and the prices are affordable. There is even a case for thinking it’s perhaps better to go on vacation in fall than looking for a free beach spot for hours during the hot summer months. In fall, the water is warmer, although it’s true that the outside temperatures are a bit lower, but that means you won’t get sunburnt and you can stay at the beach all day. It sounds fun, right?

Carmel, California

The beach on a sunny afternoon at Carmel-by-the-Sea – Author: Arzun – CC BY 3.0
The beach on a sunny afternoon at Carmel-by-the-Sea – Author: Arzun – CC BY 3.0

The average high temperature in October is 68°F which makes it a pleasant place to be at that time of year. The rugged coastline, the cypress trees, and the foggy mornings of this charming town will make you feel like you are in a different country. You can have long beach walks, and feel free to bring your dog with you because Carmel Beach is dog-friendly. A weekend spent here, surrounded by fall-painted landscapes, is a magical experience.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine – Author: Peter Dutton – CC BY 2.0
Kennebunkport, Maine – Author: Peter Dutton – CC BY 2.0

What makes this places special in fall is not the beach, but the kayaking experience along the Mousam River. You can also go sailing on the Kennebunk River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The lobster snack joints are open until the end of October, which is one more reason to come to Kennebunkport where you can enjoy the fall foliage with a delicious meal.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama – Author: Altairisfar (Jeffrey Reed) – CC BY-SA 3.0
Gulf Shores, Alabama – Author: Altairisfar (Jeffrey Reed) – CC BY-SA 3.0

The average temperature in October in the Gulf of Mexico is about 78°F. The white, sandy beach of Gulf Shores is too crowded during the summer, so wait until the fall season when it’s a perfect time to visit this beach town. The good thing about it is that the water is still warm enough for swimming, and the outside temperatures are great for a long beach walk. Also, if you’re a seafood fan, then there’s a surprise waiting for you here. The Annual National Shrimp Festival takes place in Gulf Shores the second weekend of each October. Enjoy it!

Traverse City, Michigan

Downtown Traverse City as viewed from West Grand Traverse Bay – Author: D. R. Shoup – CC BY 3.0
Downtown Traverse City as viewed from West Grand Traverse Bay – Author: D. R. Shoup – CC BY 3.0

The vivid foliage in this Michigan Lake city starts changing as soon as September starts. The range of color that you’ll see around the place is enough of a reason to visit Traverse City, although all the wineries in the area are another great attraction. Plus, the cherry season starts in fall, and this is something the city is famous for. Swimming is maybe not such a great idea in October, but it all the depends on what the weather’s like when you’re there.

Nantucket, Massachusetts  

Nantucket – Author: Bobak – CC BY-SA 2.5
Nantucket – Author: Bobak – CC BY-SA 2.5

Fall is probably the best time to visit this quintessential island offshore from Cape Cod, New England. One good thing about going to Nantucket in October is the drop in prices. The difference between the prices in July and those in October is often a matter of hundreds of dollars. And when the crowds are gone, you can easily get a good table in the restaurant of your choice. It’s better to walk around this romantic island when there’s no one around, than to be struggling with the crowds.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach – Author: Postdlf – CC BY-SA 3.0
Cannon Beach – Author: Postdlf – CC BY-SA 3.0

This is city is just an hour and a half from Portland, Oregon. The best time to visit this beautiful place is in September when the weather is warmest. In October, it starts cooling off, although you will have the stunning beaches to yourself as well as the spectacular sunsets.

Clearwater, Florida

View north from Sand Key toward Clearwater Beach – Author: Drdisque – CC BY 2.5
View north from Sand Key toward Clearwater Beach – Author: Drdisque – CC BY 2.5

Plan to visit Clearwater in October when the weather is still warm, and there is a Stone Crab Festival. At this time you don’t have to worry about the rain, because it’s the dry season, so you’ll have a warm vacation and long beach days.

Enjoy the warm fall weather on one of these awesome beaches. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival