Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach. With many beach towns hosting festivals and other special events, some beaches are actually better in the fall! Here are 5 beach vacation destinations that are better in the fall.
1. Newport, RI
There’s nothing like fall in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a lovely time to stroll the famous Cliff Walk, the ocean on one side and Gilded Age-mansions (including The Breakers) on the other. Time your visit with the free-admission Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Fest (Oct. 19 to 20, 2019), where you can feast on lobster rolls, oysters and clam chowda’ — perfect for a chilly fall day.
2. Myrtle Beach, SC
Summer runs late in Myrtle Beach — particularly North Myrtle Beach, where the Endless Summer Festival is hosted in late-October. The annual event features free entertainment from a stage on Main Street, along with carnival rides, a children’s play area, arts and crafts, a car show, and plenty of festival food. Best of all, the entire event is free! Of course, the fun in Myrtle Beach stretches beyond the fall festival, with an amusement park, mini-golf, food and the famous SkyWheel on its boardwalk.
3. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach celebrates the end of summer with a month-long, annual celebration! The Neptune Festival kicks off at the end of August and includes a craft beer fest, wine festival, sand-sculpting contest, arts and crafts show and more. Other highlights of the festival include fireworks, parades, and teen programming.
4. South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island is one of the best beaches in the fall; in fact, fall is actually the best time to visit this destination on the Gulf of Mexico. In early October, South Padre Island hosts Sand Castle Days, a fun event in which families are invited to watch master sand builders create fantastical creations. Visitors can then participate in amateur sandcastle building competitions. Live music, arts and crafts tents, and children’s play areas add to the fun.
5. Jekyll Island, GA
The temps drop and the crowds lessen on Jekyll Island come fall, making it a great time to enjoy the Georgia island’s beaches. You’ll find lower hotel rates at this time, too. Make it a long weekend and visit Savannah, which is especially fun at Halloween.
