off season beaches

Head to the gorgeous wilds of Oregon’s Cannon Beach. (Photo: Getty Images)

Beach Travel

Looking for a Good Deal? Visit These Beaches During Shoulder Season

Labor Day comes and goes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some more sun and sand in during shoulder season. In fact, it might be a better idea to hit the beach in the fall or spring, since crowds will have largely disappeared, rates will have plummeted, and there’s a chance you’ll still get beautiful weather.

Here are our seven picks for the best beach destinations to visit this fall.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Of all of Oregon’s beaches, Cannon Beach might be its most recognizable, home to the massive Haystack Rock that protrudes out of the ocean just offshore.

The sky here is often gray throughout the year—this is the Pacific Northwest, after all—but a little rain doesn’t stop visitors from wading through tide pools on the beach, hiking the trails in the nearby mountains, or visiting the artsy town center, home to its own theater company, antique shops, bookstores, and great dining. (Who knows? You might even luck out with some sun.)

Montauk, New York

Long Island’s eastern shores are a summer hot spot for tony New Yorkers, but in-season prices are there to match, too. During the warmer months, crowds can be pretty intense in Montauk—the beach town farthest out on the island known for its surfer-chic vibes and hip hotel scene.

off season beaches
Pay a visit to Montauk’s lighthouse. (Photo: Getty Images)

Instead, consider a shoulder-season getaway to enjoy the town’s beaches and beautiful wooded hiking trails without the typical hordes of weekend-tripping city dwellers.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Just 25 miles south of Charleston lies one of the most exclusive beach destinations on the East Coast: Kiawah Island. In addition to its pristine sands, golf is Kiawah’s main attraction, with six courses for residents and an additional two for hotel guests.

By November, temps dip into the 60s, which might be a little chilly for swimming but perfect for beachside lounging in your favorite light sweater.

Siesta Key, Florida

For a laid-back Floridian vacation, head to Siesta Key on the Gulf Coast. The beaches here are often considered some of the most beautiful in the world, with powdery white sand and turquoise seas. Naturally, most local activities revolve around the water, but there are a number of beachside restaurants and bars to entertain you at night.

Want even more action? Head to the mainland, where the sophisticated city of Sarasota awaits with its host of impressive art galleries and eclectic shopping scene.

Newport Beach, California

Though southern California has the fortune of bearing great weather all year long, its beach towns see a seasonal shift during the fall and spring, which is when you’ll find great deals and fewer tourists.

off season beaches
Take a hike in Newport Beach. (Photo: Getty Images)

Our shoulder-season pick is Newport Beach, an Orange County town with plenty of surf and sand to go around. Off the beach, there are beautiful hiking trails for outdoorsy types as well as world-class shopping for those who’d prefer to spend more time inside.

South Padre Island, Texas

While we don’t recommend visiting South Padre Island during spring break (we’re looking at you, college kids!), fall is an ideal time to enjoy the sand without the crowds. If you’re traveling with your family—or if you’re just a kid at heart—there’s Schlitterbahn, an indoor/outdoor waterpark that’s open on weekends year-round.

For a quieter afternoon, head to the South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center, which is filled with migrating birds and monarch butterflies from October through January.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Another quintessential summer beach destination, Cape Cod is equally as beautiful during shoulder season—especially as New England’s legendary fall foliage sets in. Through early October, you can catch the tail-end of whale-watching season, not to mention the area’s many wineries, breweries, and distilleries remain open through the entire fall.

The best part? Local restaurants and bars are still buzzing after summer’s end, but it’s not nearly as difficult to snag a reservation (though they’re still recommended).

This article was published through a partnership with Jetsetter magazine. Read the original story: Beautiful Beaches in the U.S. to Visit During Shoulder Season by Stefanie Waldek, a regular contributor to Jetsetter.

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