Summer isn’t the only time to head to the beach. In many destinations, autumn is actually the best time to go, with the sizzling heat of summer fading away and more pleasant temperatures for relaxing and enjoying all those activities on the sand and in the water. These spots, in particular, are ideal for a beach trip in the fall.
Naxos, Greece
Santorini is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. Even if you avoid peak season, you’re probably going to have to battle thick crowds. But there are some 1,400 islands in Greece to choose from, with many idyllic in the fall, including Naxos. One of the best-kept secrets in the Greek Islands, it hosts some of the top beaches in the country, like Plaka Beach, with its bright white sands framed by crystal-clear waters in a surreal shade of blue-green that you may have to pinch yourself to be sure it’s not a dream. Mostly mountainous, this island also offers some of the best hiking, along with dazzling white villages and impressive Venetian architecture.
Santa Cruz, California
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is considered one of the top beach boardwalks in the country. As such, summertime means less space on the sand and on the boardwalk, but fall brings opportunities for a much more enjoyable experience. You’ll find rides for nearly all ages, from the heart-racing thrills of the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the U.S., running for nearly a century, to the historic 1911 Carousel and the Sky Glider. From there, you’ll be able to take in a bird’s-eye view of the boardwalk, the beach, and the Pacific Ocean. It also hosts an indoor arcade with over 300 of the most popular video and pinball games, laser tag, and more.
Catalina Island, California
The fall season on this island that lies just 22 miles off the Southern California coast from Long Beach is lively. With its Mediterranean climate, the weather is often ideal, and September brings the chance to attend multiple festivals, from wine and art to blues and film. If you want to just relax on the beach, rent a cabana for the day and have a picnic delivered to you while lounging on your beach towel. Catalina Island is also considered to be one of the best spots in the continental U.S. for snorkeling, with the water clean, clear, and full of giant kelp forests and marine life. Lover’s Cove has one of the richest concentrations of fish found anywhere off the west coast and has been ranked one of the top 10 places for snorkeling in the world by CNN. Other activities on the island include sailing, kayaking, golfing, biking, and hiking.
Cyprus
Thanks to its location in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys warm temperatures and sunny skies throughout the fall, with temperatures in the 70s in October and November. The ideal spot to experience an “endless summer,” this European-Asian nation boasts some of the most stunning golden beaches as well as fascinating ruins of medieval castles to explore. It’s also popular for windsurfing, and while conditions tend to be at their best during the summer with the winds most consistent, there are usually plenty of days during the fall for riding the waves as well. You can fuel all those active pursuits at one of the many charming tavernas that serve mouthwatering dishes that blend Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and African fare.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The striking white, powdery sand beaches in Gulf Shores on the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama get ridiculously crowded in the summertime. By waiting until the kids are back in school but the weather is still warm enough for swimming, from about mid-September through mid-October, you’ll find a much more enjoyable experience. There are 32 miles of beaches to enjoy, along with lots of attractions, including just about every water sport imaginable. If you like seafood, plan your trip around the Annual National Shrimp Festival, held the second full weekend in October each year. Not only can you indulge in shrimp but all sorts of other seafood and non-seafood while taking in live entertainment on two stages.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Early fall is often the warmest time of the year on the northern coast of Oregon, including the picturesque town of Cannon Beach, located just 90 minutes from Portland. Declared “One of the World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places” by National Geographic, this is also when you’ll have a better chance to take in the colorful sunsets practically all to yourself. Several popular events are hosted this season too, like mid-October’s Dog Show on the Beach at the Surfsand Resort and early November’s Stormy Weather Arts Festival. The town itself hosts world-class art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants with breathtaking ocean views that include iconic Haystack Rock, and there are miles of trails that wind through moss-draped trees right along the coast in Ecola State Park.
Baja California, Mexico
Autumn, from about mid-October on, is a wonderful time to visit Baja California in Mexico, with the intense heat of summer giving way to more pleasant temperatures while the sea is still bathwater warm for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and more. The cooler weather also makes it an ideal time to hike the mountain trails, and with the wind beginning to blow again, La Ventana, renowned for its kiteboarding and windsurfing, is a popular place to get out and enjoy bigger thrills on the water. Fishing is at its peak, too, with the fish biting, including lots of tuna and marlin, from Loreto to Cabo.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
In the fall, just about everyone visiting New England is heading to the hills and mountains to experience the fall foliage, which is why it’s the perfect time of year to visit the island of Nantucket. Most arrive in Massachusetts’ picturesque islands in the summer, so you’ll be able to enjoy those beautiful beaches and tranquil harbors without the crowds, as well as much lower accommodation rates and more readily available tables at its top restaurants.
