12 Iconic Summer Vacation Spots That Are Actually Better in the Fall

Secluded beaches, sleepy main streets, and cheaper accommodations await.

Whether your ideal summer trip involves stretching out on the sand , exploring anational park , or dive head first into alake , there are a few things every summertime vacation has in common . They ’re sweaty , expensive involvement that unremarkably require a fiddling extra preparation to avoid crowds — but it does n’t have to be that manner .

While most recognize Labor Day as the capstone of summer , the calendar says it stretch on until the end of September . We ’re of the opinion that summer is a state of intellect , and there ’s no reason you ca n’t hit up aquintessential beach townor soak up the sun well into October . In fact , it may even be more enjoyable . So if you ’re look to plan a trip in September or October and are n’t quite ready to give up the summertime vibes , we ’ve got you covered with 12 summertime vacation spots that are even better in the fall .

Montauk, New York

WhileMontaukin the summer brings rosé - filled mean solar day parties at spots like Gurney ’s Beach Club and The Surf Lodge , fall in this formerly sleepyheaded sailing town in The Hamptons is more of a local secret . Sunny and clear daytime are yours to savour without the summer crowds and bumper - to - bumper traffic . In fact , everywhere you go , there ’s quad from hatful of room on the Jitney to easily snag a seat at Duryea ’s for locally source raw bar and lobster on a informal Friday afternoon . Visit the Montauk Point Loop or the Walking Dunes to explore and enjoy a little crisp in the air . And if you need another reason to lurch your Montauk architectural plan to flow , Fall Fest in October has all of your favourite treats with pumpkins , apple , hot cider and merriment.—Alissa Fitzgerald , freelance writer

Yellowstone Stone National Park

Anyone planning a trip to the great outdoors via anational parkin the summer may be a bit overwhelmed . The encampment are packed . The lodges are at their most expensive . And most places you want to go arepretty all-fired red-hot . Wait until the fall and not only will you have less the great unwashed , tacky accommodations , and sweat a little less , but there are also more animals to see . InYellowstone , the bears are interfering stuffing themselves before an extended winter slumber , elk are going head - to - head for thetitle of hot bachelor , and all sort of shuttlecock and other animals are migrating in the south for the winter . Just make certain to pack layers since the nights can get in earnest chilly . — AF

Newport Beach, California

Between sunlight , sand , surf , and one of the best and bougiest out-of-door malls in the country at Fashion Island , there are more than a few attraction that makeNewport Beacha choice summertime destination . With that said , many of those same things also make it the utter candidate for shoulder season travel .

The weather condition pretty much stays perfectly warm throughout the fall , often hovering in the mid-70s , making it even more ideal for outdoor activities like paddleboarding , hike up the coastal trail of Crystal Cove State Park , or simply catching up on your late fairy filth Bible while relaxing on the sand . An former fall misstep to the scenic stretch of Corona del Mar State Beach will yield a serene afternoon without roasting in the peak summertime sun , and sans a fight for waterfront towel real land .

Mark your calendar , as fall get a number of cool case to Newport Beach as well . The annual return of the Pacific Wine & Food Classic takes position in September , where visitors can enjoy world - course of study cuisine , wine , and craft cocktails while take in the beachy vibraphone . November denounce the kickoff of the whale - watching time of year , during which you’re able to hop on a boat in hopes of spotting gray whales as they migrate along the seashore . The sunsets during this time of year are also seriously breathtaking , peculiarly between the September Equinox on September 22 and the wintertime solstice on December 21 . — Austa Somvichian - Clausen , freelance author

Marram Montauk in the fall

Fall at Marram Montauk|Photo by Read McKendree

Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham , located on the elbow of Cape Cod , is know as one of the most picturesque towns in the state . And that title is for skilful intellect . Filled to the brim with pharos , stunning beach , local seafood , and Main Street charm , it ’s a cottagecore fever dream . Fall continues that vogue , bringing about plenty ofleaf - peeping opportunitiesand wholesome fall effect like Oktoberfest and Pumpkin People in the Park , which invite local businesses to transmute pumpkins into ornate scene . This month is also a great clip of class for whale watching since the migration end in late October . And if you ’ve forfend the locale as Chatham garner headlines as the summertime home of theGreat White Shark , play it safe and rather check out the Atlantic White Shark Conservatory Center , which offers tours by fitting all gloam . — AF

Vail, Colorado

Vail is a metropolis of extreme . By winter , visitors head to themountain townto tear up down its peaks . But it ’s also at peak time of year in the summer as festival draw in crowd . Lesser known is the breathtaking transformation it get hold of in fall . As the summertime crowds lean out , the town adopts a chill atmosphere , perfect for a peaceable escape . The mountains pop with hues of amber , orange , and red as the leaves change , creating the perfect background for autumnal hike and mountain biking . For nature lovers , an added bonus is wildlife becoming more active in the dusk as the animals prepare for winter , presenting possible sightings of bighorn sheep , prosperous bird of Jove , Beaver , and more . Grab your camera and tally the Gore Range and its skirt woodland , which change state into a photographer ’s paradise with all the fall foliation . Ready for a reward after all that hike ? Vail ’s popular Oktoberfest in September brings the small town to life sentence with Bavarian celebration , including alive music , traditional terpsichore , and raft of beer and bratwurst . — AS

Portland, Maine

My hometown has the best summer out there . Am I biased ? utterly . But there ’s no contestation with 293 miles of seashore , 4,617 islands , and lobster roll as far as the centre can see . The only matter well than live the admiration of Maine in the summertime is tally Portlandjustafter Labor Day , when the crowds have thin out out but you could still expend the day out on the urine in Casco Bay or peruse witching shops along cobble street without bust a sweat . If you ’re a dedicated lobster lover , you ’ll also delight in the seafood at this time of year . When most tourists are in town over the summertime month , the lobster dish out at seaside shacks and fine - dining restaurants has a concentrated , older shell . But around August , lobsters go through a cognitive process of molting and debut a soft cuticle , resulting in meat that is more flavorful and easier to crack exposed and enjoy . — Liz Provencher , editor

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island , one of Florida ’s most stunningly beautiful coastlines , offers a seven - mile stretch of stunning whitened guts beach . Come fall , the beach are still pristine and waterfront sunsets are that much more sublime when bumper - to - bumper traffic is suddenly non - existent . While there is plenty of golf , lawn tennis and shopping to be done , the existent draws are the beach and the local seafood . Sport fisher cat total from all over and diminish is extra special for the almost sempiternal supply of unbelievable , topically source seafood like seasonal Ling , Amberjack and King Mackerel . Mid - October marks the beginning of Florida Stone crab , so observe as the local do and get those hook crackers ready before stopping by Sandbar Seafood and Spirits , Ugly Grouper , and Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina to get the picture in . — AF

Shelter Island, New York

Shelter Island is remote enough to be obscure , and a true haven once you ’re in the know . For first timers , a 10 - minute ferry is the gateway to a bucolic paradise complete with unblemished beachline , peaceable views , and quiet brilliance . Ferries get load down with regular summertime visitant , but that number taper dramatically as the weather cools . Shelter Island is technically located in the Hamptons but could not be more different with bike partisan flocking to the pristine route , Mashomack Preserve filled with the 2,039 acres of hike trail and tidal brook and the serene September and October shore surrounding the island that tender a welcome rest period for kayakers and paddle boarders alike . — AF

Savannah, Georgia

During the summer months , Savannahlocals and traveler alike wad to neighbour Tybee Island , a small roadblock island renowned for its beaches , historic lighthouse , bangin ’ seafood and bird watching . follow fall , the arena ’s signature marsh grasses are turn vibrant colors , but temperature remain in the mid-70s to low-80s so a beach day is n’t out of the dubiousness . Tybee is a beautiful emplacement for articulatio humeri season travel — double-dyed for recollective beach perambulation and afternoons spent fishing on the pier or by gravy boat while explore its Creek and Marsh .

Make certain to factor in in clock time to spend in Savannah proper , too , as it transforms for spooky season . The city ’s historical street and centuries - quondam buildings take on a magical , haunting vibe , especially when shroud in the hazy mornings or under the glow of street lamps at night . experience as one of themost haunted cities in America , it ’s the perfect location for a declination shade go . The cooler conditions also hit it ideal to explore spots like Bonaventure Cemetery , Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site known for its iconic oak tree - lined lane , or the beautiful Forsyth Park . — AS

Newport, Rhode Island

The very word picture of a sorcerous New England summertime , Newportis known for its beautiful coastal scene , historical mansions , and sailing culture during the warmer months of the year . With that enounce , fall unveil a dissimilar form of charm for the seaside destination . As the season begins to shift , the city ’s historic streets and grand mansions take on a tranquil standard pressure , with vibrant fall leafage adding to the gorgeous environs .

One of the highlighting of Newport in the pin is the chance to see the magnificent fall colors along the scenic Cliff Walk , a 3.5 - mi coastal lead that offers views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gilded Age mansion on the other . Nature buff will also love the nearby tramp trails like the Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge , which pop the question ogle - worthy leaf - peep chance . And if you want to pair getting outside with a drink , Newport has a wealthiness of local vineyards and brewery with few holidaymaker to contend with and seasonal tastings to enjoy in the dip . — AS

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

A barrier island off the seacoast of South Carolina , Kiawah is a super popular summertime destination , idealistic for leisurely wheel rides , walks to tidal table salt fen and sandlike dunes , or just relax in the Baroness Dudevant . September and October are somehow even more chill , with warm , beautiful temperature that hover around the mid-70s to low-80s , and thinner crowds that make the island experience like your own personal haven . You wo n’t break a sweat engage in world grade golf and tennis at the renowned Ocean Course . And the island ’s beauty is enhance by the vivacious fall foliation , so outdoor activities like biking or kayaking through the tidal creeks are even more arresting . — AS

Assateague Island

While other beach townspeople pass bunch with circus - like games and vibrant party scenes , Assateague Island is the rare shoreline that ’s all about nature . Located justoutside of DC , this fairy tale - comparable beach only gets better as the temperature cool down down . Visitors flock here in the summer because it ’s the picturesque menage to wild ponies that roam the sand and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks marshes nearby . the great unwashed like it so much , many prefer to inner circle right on the beach and spend the night in this paradise , but bivouacking plots go quickly during peak time of year so you ’re better off opting for a September or October trip . — LP

Montauk New York lighthouse