Seaside vistas and seafood feasts—all with no tourists in sight.
Do n’t get us faulty , Boston ’s nearby beachesare dandy and all , but the arenaceous shores are not just a passive respite during the bustling summertime calendar month . There ’s the dealings , the longsighted line of credit , the tourists , and the strain - out help industry folk . settle , however , is really where it ’s at . The ocean temps peak in September , the aviation is temperate , hotels start insert cheaper rates , and crowds have thin to achievable levels . Plus , you have more of an excuse to check off out all those indoor drawing card you avoid when the sunshine is out !
From cozy getaways on the seashore of Maine to other escapes all around New England , do n’t forget about our nearby beach towns when dreaming about fall travel . We ’ve rounded up six seaside pickup that get even better as gloam rolls around , so you’re able to take advantage of gorgeous perspective and the freshest seafood — no tourists in raft .
Kennebunkport, Maine
There ’s a reason Kennebunkport call itself “ the place to be all year”—but fall is really the region ’s time to shine . permit ’s lead off with the beach . The wave are gamy and the crowd scarcer , but the H2O is about as warm as it gets all yr during the other months of fall . Hit up Goose Rocks Beach for the full photogenic experience , then head toThe tide Innfor a garden cocktail . If you crave more moxie , manoeuver over to Gooch ’s Beach for the dog walkers ( dogs are leave on the beach all solar day long in the off - season ) , or the smaller Mother ’s Beach to join the evening natator . And you could plunk up your autumnal mum and decorative gourds at eitherWallingford FarmorSnug Harbor Farm .
What to eat : On top of seasonal classic like The Clam Shack , Mabel ’s Claw , Nunan ’s , and Arundel Wharf ( all open through mid - October ) , you may now make your leisurely way through novel four - season gems likeWandby LandingandVia Sophia by the Sea — andEarth at Hidden Pondis now open year - cycle as well . Be sure to save drinking room for a cocktail or two at the newRabbit Hole , which boasts the latest hour in townspeople ( open until midnight ! ) .
Where to stay : The Wandereris the area ’s newest hotel oblation and is , in a password , ecclesiastic : 17 freestanding bungalow knock down out in surf - prompt decor with a pool , a fire cavity , and bocce on the grounds — and they ’re having a greatfall sale(did we bring up the property is adults - only ? ) . For indoor folks , there are newer spot like theKennebunkport Captain ’s CollectionandAWOL KPT , plus the brand - newWhite Sails Inn . And here ’s a little mystery : Just a few miles away from downtown KPT , Lincoln Hotelis a gorgeous novel boutique hotel one Ithiel Town over in Biddeford , which is tight becoming a red-hot dining destination ( and Biddeford Pool Beach is a hidden gem ) .
Kennebunkport, Maine|Lamar Sellers/Shutterstock
Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Fall means no more beach - sticker torture — you’re free to park anywhere you wish . Dip a toe in one of the kettle ponds or go full bore at Cahoon Hollow Beach ( insert needed shark admonition here ) . Once the crew are at bay for the season , the area hosts its marquee issue : What is perhaps the arena ’s marquee event : Oysterfest . It ’s back from October 15 - 16 in its full , glorious strain this year for the first sentence since the pandemic . NearbyTruro Vineyardsstays open class - rung for tasting and is host its annualVinegrass Festivalon October 2 . And the driveway - in may be close , but the flea market goes secure through Indigenous Peoples Day . oddment a day with the essential walk across Uncle Tim ’s Bridge to take a leafage hiking in Hamblen Park .
Where to corrode : While some beloved dining institutions close right on after Labor Day ( snuff , Beachcomber , sniff),Mac ’s Shackstays unresolved through the end of October , prix - fixe gemCeraldiseats diners through October 15 , and spots likeThe Bookstore and RestaurantandWinslow ’s Tavernare open year - round .
Where to stay on : The Wagner at Duck Creekis a refreshed boutique hotel that fuse authoritative Cape comforts with some gamy - end touch . The Holden Inn , a no - frills but charming throwback in the eye of town , is open until mid - October .
Kennebunkport, Maine|Lamar Sellers/Shutterstock
Newport, Rhode Island
After your umteenth shuffle along the Cliff Walk or two - hour crawl down Bellevue Avenue , you tend to get a little tired of Newport ’s summer masses . But when said masses break up , the whole area short feel accessible . you may take your time atThe Tennis Hall of Fameor iconic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House . Take aschooner cruise of the harbor(there ’s no better mode to enjoy the changing leaves than from the ocean ) , or get fully immersed in the water with a last dip at Easton ’s Beach . If you ’re feeling peppy , take some surfing lessons in nearby Narragansett withWarm Wind — they provide wetsuits once the temp drop .
Where to run through : For starters , fried clams atFlo’sare a must . If you want the full Bowen ’s Wharf experience , get drinks atWharf Pubbefore dinner atFluke . Or point to the terrace atThe Reef , which is outfit with fire fossa and breathtaking sunset survey . If you expect untilRestaurant Week , which melt from November 4 - 13 , you’re able to check out as many spots as possible for a lesser price .
Where to stay : Now ’s the time to check into the newly openedChart House Inn — the seven - elbow room inn will inescapably sell out in summer . For a political party and epical sunset , book a room atGurney’sand be certain to pet the laughingstock . Or go completely nuts and fling for a nighttime atCastle Hill Inn — after all , it ’s where the Real Housewives detain ! Oh , and they also have cozy fire pits for s’mores on the lawn .
Wellfleet, Massachusetts|Danita Delimont/Shutterstock
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Post - Labor Day , the island resets to its original pleasure , like pastoral beaches and approachable , first - rate restaurants . And of course of study , scallop season begin October 1 . Bike to Siasconset Beach without care of a rental Jeep plowing you down , then do the indoor things you ’d never bother with in summer , like visit to theShipwreck & Lifesaving MuseumandWhaling Museum . Luxuriate at an actual table atCisco Brewers . New this year is theNantucket Harvest Fair from October 1 - 2,a matrimony of the Cranberry Fest and the Island Fair .
Where to wipe out : Call for reservation atStraight WharforTopper’swithout concern of being express joy at . Or , The Whalelets dogs into its dining room and has the perfect Sunday brunch menu — and terrace opinion . Sister Ship , a relative newcomer , source the mass of its ingredients from New England farmers and purveyors . AndBrotherhood of Thievesis now a four - concept terminus spot , with a beer garden , a whiskey Browning automatic rifle , the original eatery , and a surfboarder bar ( reckon sushi and tacos ) .
Where to stay : Faraway , one of the new boutique offering , charms with nautical decor and a stunning court . The spiffed - upNantucket Hotel & Resort — topic of the latest Elin Hilderbrand novel — is a rare year - round resort that amply embraces the time of year with fire pit fondu , a hot cocktail hour , and an inviting hot tub .
Newport, Rhode Island|solepsizm/Shutterstock
Provincetown, Massachusetts
phosphorus - town is the prime off - flower destination : The restaurant and bars are approachable , the workshop owner can stop over and chat , and the dune are gorgeous in the fall light . Check out the fall lineup at theProvincetown Theater . Clear your abode so that you’re able to refurnish it at theMonumental Yard Sale(October 8 - 10 ) . Start sewing your costume for the heroic Halloween weekend and the annual Black and Gold Ball . And prepare to do some serious shopping : prices get down dropping in all your favorite Commercial Street boutiques this month , which usually go into fire - sale fashion in October .
Where to eat : design a visit aroundCape Cod Restaurant Week(October 8 - 14 ) , or just hold a last - minute table atJimmy ’s Hideaway . There ’s never a bad time to visitThe Canteen , but in the fall you ’ll really get an outside seat . Same goes for theRed Inn — no guilt as you lurk in one of your adirondacks face the ocean , enjoying the famous raw streak glad hour .
Where to abide : The newMercury Hotelis funky and cozy at the same fourth dimension . Now ’s the time to charter that waterside cottage you ca n’t even affect to swing in July ( we ’re always chump forCaptain Jack ’s Wharf , capable until October 10).AWOLgives you those sensational water views and the peace of mind that come with the West End .
Nantucket, Massachusetts|mchipokas/Shutterstock
Ogunquit, Maine
The crew were out of control in Ogunquit this summertime , but saneness lie onward . Book your plans now forOgunquifest Weekend(October 21 - 23 ) . TheOgunquit Museumis the most beautiful gallery you do n’t hear enough about ; the sculpture garden overlooking the ocean is alone worth a visit . At the famed Footbridge Bridge , bask the autumn colors reflecting off the weewee surface . And Marginal Way is a lot more pleasurable when the bunch have thinned and you may take in unencumbered view .
Where to eat : The best eating house in townspeople , MC Perkins Cove , is open for bookings through the end of October . Northern Unionis the wine bar of your dream and last out open twelvemonth - round . cirriped Billy’sis the perennial favorite for lobster and equanimity down a bit occur fall ( it ’s open until the end of October ) . And while there ’s almost always a air atFlo ’s Hot Dogs , it gets more achievable once the temperatures dangle .
Where to outride : The Cliff Houseis your binge . recollect s’mores at the firepits , lobstering trips , seasonally inspired meals atThe Tiller , treatments at the 9,000 - square - pes spa on rainy days , and the indulgence of a suite that hang over the Atlantic and includes a soaking bath and multiple terraces . Beyond that , theMeadowmere Resortplaces you just a few blocks away from the water and offer some greatfall specials .
Provincetown, Massachusetts|FotoKina/Shutterstock
Ogunquit, Maine|Firefly_NewEngland/Shutterstock
