Enjoy the beautiful weather before winter comes with one of these autumn vacations.
From Country Living
Summer may be wrapping up, but there's still plenty of sun and fun to be had with these fall vacation ideas. Plan a visit to one of these scenic beach towns and you'll save money and steer clear of crowds, all while taking in incredible views of the fall foliage.
Summer may be wrapping up, but there's still plenty of sun and fun to be had with these fall vacation ideas. Plan a visit to one of these scenic beach towns and you'll save money and steer clear of crowds, all while taking in incredible views of the fall foliage.
Sea Ranch, California
Average High Temperature in October: 66°F
Why We Love It: Make the most of harvest season—and enjoy sweet sips and beautiful beach vistas—with a visit to California’s famous wine capital. Drive up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, go for a tasting at Navarro Vineyards and Winery, and kick back with a relaxing stay at the Sea Ranch Lodge.
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Average High Temperature in October: 78°F
Why We Love It: You'll find this clean, scenic, and family-friendly beach located just a short drive from Charleston, South Carolina. The seaside escape is also close to plenty of historic plantations (Boone Hall and Magnolia to name a few) that offer fresh fall foods, pumpkin picking, and more fun.
Carmel, California
Average High Temperature in October: 68°F
Why We Love It: Though the California location might fool you, this charming seaside town located two hours south of San Francisco will make you feel like you've been whisked away to southern England with its foggy mornings, cypress trees and rugged coastlines. Feel free to bring your pup along with you for the weekend—dogs can run free on Carmel Beach and The Cypress Inn is known for being pet-friendly.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Average High Temperature in October: 58°F
Why We Love It: Though the beach is the most obvious place to go leaf-peeping, we highly recommend taking in the fall foliage from a kayak on the Mousam River. Another benefit to visiting Kennebunkport after Labor Day? The lobster shacks typically stay open until the end of October and the award-winning White Barn Inn Restaurant stays open year round.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Average High Temperature in October: 78°F
Why We Love It: The white-sand beaches in this town on the Gulf of Mexico get super crowded in the summer, so wait until the kids go back to school and visit in the fall when the weather is still warm enough to go swimming. Love seafood? The Annual National Shrimp Festival takes place in Gulf Shores the second full weekend of each October.
Traverse City, Michigan
Average High Temperature in October: 57°F
Why We Love It: Its famous cherry season is over by the time autumn hits, but this Lake Michigan beach town is worth adding to your fall bucket list for its amazing wineries and vivid foliage that begins to change as early as mid-September.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Average High Temperature in October: 61°F
Why We Love It: While Nantucket may be New England's quintessential summer destination, fall might actually be the best time of year to visit this island off the coast of Cape Cod. Not only can you manage to get a table at popular restaurants, but also rates at the family-friendly Nantucket Hotel and Resort drop from nearly $1,000 a night to a much more realistic $195 in October.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Average High Temperature in October: 60°F
Why We Love It: Located just an hour and a half from Portland on Oregon's blustery coast, Cannon Beach is often at its warmest in September. When the weather begins to cool off in October, you'll have the scenic beaches to yourself to enjoy the stunning sunsets that happen here.
Clearwater, Florida
Average High Temperature in October: 84°F
Why We Love It: Clearwater, Florida's weather is still warm enough to go swimming in the fall—plus it's the dry season, so you don't have to worry about your beach vacation getting rained out. Plan your visit for mid-October when stone crab season kicks off with the Stone Crab Festival every year.
Montauk, New York
Average High Temperature in October: 63°F
Why We Love It: Montauk transforms from a party town to a quiet beach town after Labor Day, but there's still plenty to do. Stop by Wölffer Estate for a glass of Long Island rosé and then enjoy a traffic-free drive out to Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina where you can take tennis or sailing lessons if you're feeling active, or hide out in the spa if you're not.
Newport, Rhode Island
Average High Temperature in October: 62°F
Why We Love It: During summer it can be nearly impossible to find a place to stay in Newport. Wait until fall, when availability goes up and rates go down and it's still warm enough to wander around the historic colonial center.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Average High Temperature in October: 78°F
Why We Love It: One of the Golden Isles of Georgia, Jekyll Island is located halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida. Hole up for the weekend at the historic Queen Anne-style Jekyll Island Club Hotel and be sure to check out the tree graveyard at Driftwood Beach on the island's northern tip for amazing sunset views.
