Fall is beautiful in the mountains. But if you’d rather gaze at ocean waves than changing leaves, why not plan a beach trip instead? While many travelers head north, you can enjoy lower hotel prices and uncrowded shores at a number of coastal towns across the south.
Unlike the peak of summer, temperatures are actually pleasant after Labor Day and the water is still warm enough for swimming, especially along the Gulf Coast. Here are three Southern beach towns to put on your fall travel list.
Grayton Beach, Florida
This laid-back little village is probably the most relaxed community along Florida’s famed Highway 30A. Flip-flops and sandy feet are welcome nearly everywhere you go, whether you’re grabbing a drink at the legendary Red Bar or browsing for local art at The Shops of Grayton, where colorful cottages double as stores.
Lodging options are somewhat limited in Grayton and rooms book up far in advance of the high season. But the fall is a less popular time to visit, so you’re more likely to find a room in town or neighboring Santa Rosa Beach, often at a lower price. (We recommend the quaint Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse.)
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
The glassy aquamarine water and powder-soft sand at the beaches in these neighboring towns could double for the Caribbean, which is why the shores are packed with people during the spring and summer months. Once school is back in session, the area is significantly less crowded, and room rates tend to drop as well.
As stunning as the beaches are, other outdoor activities can be just as fun — and much more enjoyable in slightly cooler weather. Go hiking in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, play a round of golf at one of the area’s numerous courses or fish for red snapper (the season runs until the end of October).
Tybee Island, Georgia
This small barrier island about 30 minutes east of Savannah feels packed to capacity with college students during spring break and families during the summer. But in the fall, things calm down, opening up reservations, parking spots and space on the sand. If you’re a seafood lover, it’s the start of oyster season and a great time to reel in redfish — another local delicacy.
Depending on when you visit, you might be lucky enough to catch the peak of migratory bird season. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, North Beach is one of the best and most accessible spots for watching shorebirds and other species on their annual journey south.