If you’re looking for the best fall vacation ideas this year, you’ve come to the right place! Summer vacations are great, but summertime trips usually come with large crowds, high temperatures, and inflated prices.
With cooler temperatures and fewer out of town visitors, you’ll be able to spend more time soaking up the natural splendor on the coast and less time looking to get back to the air conditioned indoors.
On the east coast, shoulder season (the time in between peak season) spans the months of September, October, and November. Although the weather is typically mild during this time, it’s important to note that it’s also hurricane season. So, make sure to check the weather reports before you plan your trip to one of these destinations.
Best Places to Visit in the Fall
Hands down, the best places to visit in the fall are going to be places where you can enjoy the great outdoors. The weather is great for camping and hiking and the fall foliage makes for an incredible view.
Cape Charles, Virginia is a family beach destination that has so much to offer. The historic town with free beachfront locations is nestled right on the Chesapeake Bay. Spend the day tossing fishing lines off the pier, browsing locally owned and operated shops, or exploring nature in the 29-acre Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve.
2. Savannah, GeorgiaFall is possibly the best time of year to visit Savannah, Georgia. This historic town is known for being haunted, which means you’ll be thoroughly entertained if you travel through for a Halloween vacation. Don’t miss out on the chance to take a ghost tour or stay in a haunted hotel! For a less spooky fall vacation, hop on a bicycle for a bike tour of the downtown area or spend an afternoon wandering the many parks throughout the city.
3. Assateague State Park, MarylandAssateague State Park in Maryland is one of the best places to spend fall at the beach, especially if you love horses. This 2-mile stretch of beachfront is home to wild horses that might trot up if you’re at the beach for a picnic - they’re always looking for a good snack! If you’re coming for a weekend trip it’s best to arrive on Thursday and leave on Monday, so you can avoid the heavy traffic on saturdays and sundays
4. South Padre Island, TexasSouth Padre Island is one of the best beaches for November travel because it still feels like summer in south Texas. South Padre Island is a resort town with miles of clean, public beaches. If you’re interested in camping on South Padre island, you’re in luck! It is home to one of the best RV parks in Texas.
5. Cape Cod, MassachusettsCape Cod is a very popular summer destination, but some might argue that the best time to visit is during the “second summer” months of September and October. The weather is still mild during this time of the year, and sometimes the temperatures will get into the 80s! You and your family can enjoy the beaches of Cape Cod, swimming in the hotel pool, a nice hike, kayaking, and so much more this fall.
6. Huntington Beach State Park, North CarolinaHuntington Beach State Park in North Carolina is the perfect place to plan a fall camping vacation. You’re right on the coast and close to the beach where you can spend a day if the weather is nice enough. Otherwise, you’ll certainly enjoy exploring trails like Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail and Kerrigan Nature Trail. You may even catch a glimpse of sea turtles, egrets, or herons!
LowTides has must-have accessories for your vacation this fall. Whether you need a new beach chair to sit in, large beach towel to lay on, or some outerwear to keep you warm, LowTides has you covered. Shop our collections today!