7 fall vacation destinations for travelers clinging to summer
It's about that time when school starts again, vacationers vacate the beaches and the weather in much of the United States begins to cool before winter sets in. If you view fall as a harbinger of impending slush and gloom, you might want to book one last hurrah in a place with more summery vibes.
Here, I've compiled a shortlist of some of the many warm-weather destinations that will help you cling to the solstice season if autumn just isn't for you.
Key West, Florida
Thermometer readings in Key West reach nearly 90 degrees, on average, in September. This laidback beach town, one of several islands that make up the Florida Keys, is another domestic choice that oozes summertime ambiance. Bars line the main streets, along with historic homes shaded by trees, and visitors can sample local dining that's reminiscent of a cookout at home. Feeling touristy? Take a fishing excursion, or stop by the Southernmost Point and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum on your way to one of the area's famed beaches.
Related: Florida’s top 10 vacation regions for different types of travelers
Maui, Hawaii
With days in the high 70s in early fall, Maui is also a surfer's paradise. It's the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and it provides ample opportunity for time at the beach, whether you're visiting with kids who need calm seas or friends who want to try their luck with more adventurous activities in choppy surrounds. Travel to Hawaii is a bit contentious right now, as pent-up travel demand and low airfares to the islands have left them overrun with tourists. However, it is an option that allows you to travel to someplace that feels exotic while remaining within the U.S.
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii now
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, a desert town notable for its midcentury modern architecture, presents average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s in fall, making for a hot (but arid) domestic environment in which to carry on your summer exploits. Unlike many of the other destinations on this list, it doesn't have any beaches, but there are plenty of alternative outdoor activities to experience. If you're a duffer, start with a round of golf, followed by a soak in one of the city's hot springs, or head to Coachella Valley (home of the infamous music festival of the same name) for some horseback riding, biking or hiking.
Related: TPG’s ultimate guide to Palm Springs, California
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
When Americans think warm-weather destinations, it's usually the Caribbean that springs to mind. If pristine beaches and a variety of snorkeling spots appeal to you, St. Thomas is a sure bet. Travelers can expect highs in the 80s and fewer crowds in autumn, so it's a great time to extend your summer. The island is also famous for having the best shopping opportunities in the Caribbean, providing plenty of diversions for anyone who'd like to spend a little more time indoors.
Related: Best points hotels in the Caribbean
If you're willing to travel a little bit further...
Mykonos, Greece
With some of the best beaches in the Greek Isles, Mykonos offers plenty of opportunities to sunbathe, and temperatures generally hover in the mid- to low 70s. Shopping abounds in Mykonos Town as charming cobblestone streets wind between whitewashed buildings that make for gorgeous photos. The landscape is ideal for trekking, and visitors who want to spend additional time enjoying the weather and taking in the sights can check out the famed windmills or visit the nearby, uninhabited island of Delos -- the mythical birthplace of Apollo -- via ferry.
Related: What it’s like visiting Greece right now
Ibiza, Spain
If you aren't yet finished with the summer beach party scene, take advantage of average fall temperatures in the low 80s with a visit to Ibiza, which has become synonymous with clubbing and wild nights. However, there's also a lot to do during the day to get you out and about in the sun and sand. Besides paddleboarding, yoga, hiking and other active pursuits, you can try your hand at cliff jumping or indulge in some retail therapy at the local markets.
Related: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test now required to enter Spain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ajman Beach is Dubai's most well-known place to soak up some sun, and with highs in the mid-80s to low 90s, it's still warm enough to do so in the fall. Or take a trip to the Dubai Miracle Garden, where gorgeous flowers display brilliant colors in an outdoor setting. Because the emirate is also known for its shopping and nightlife, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Dubai Mall, which is the second-largest mall in the world, and the Dubai Fountain, which offers a spectacular light show at night. And, although it won't get you more time outside, the Burj Khalifa -- the tallest building in the world -- is a must-see.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.