7 US beaches for an unexpected fall vacation

Though American beaches are busiest during the summer, the peak travel season can bring challenges that can quickly turn a leisure trip from relaxing to stressful.

This summer, temperatures across the country soared to scorching, record-high levels, making outdoor activities uncomfortable and unsafe. Crowds, too, are a perennial issue, as summer is when families with school-aged children plan their vacations — and the surge in demand means higher prices for hotels and flights. If these things aren't enough to deal with, July and August are also prime months for flight delays and cancellations.

Fall offers an underrated opportunity to take advantage of your favorite beaches nationwide with more ease, comfort and affordability. Whether your idea of a vacation this time of year involves sun-drenched swims or strolling along a quiet coastline all bundled up, here are seven of the best U.S. beaches to visit this fall.

Note that Hurricane season in Florida and North Carolina runs through the end of November. For information on how to safely plan a trip, refer to our guide to the top travel mistakes to avoid during hurricane season.

Crystal Cove State Park, California

Declared the best beach in California this year by the California State Parks Foundation, Orange County's Crystal Cove is home to a roughly three-mile stretch of sandy coastline punctuated with rocky tide pools and sandstone bluffs that feel quintessential California. (The local favorite is Moro Beach, Crystal Cove's southernmost beach.)

Average daytime highs hover in the mid- to high 70s in September and October, providing an opportune time to swim, surf, or just lounge around in relative quiet. Beyond its beaches, Crystal Cove has 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, giving hikers, backpackers and campers ample room to take in the stunning views while spotting native flora and fauna.

TPG tip: Prominently set above the Pacific coastline, The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of Orange County's most luxurious stays. Drawing inspiration from the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, the 504-acre resort features residential-like bungalows and villas, two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, the iconic Colosseum Pool (done up with over a million hand-cut glass tiles), a tranquil spa, and several enticing restaurants and bars. In September, accommodations are available from $865 or 114,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Waimanalo Beach, Hawaii

Marked by powdery-soft sand, crystal-clear water and a blissfully secluded feel, Waimanalo Beach is Oahu's longest beach. It's also one of the island's most beloved, as it's well-suited for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, from sunbathing to stand-up paddleboarding. Since the weather on the island is generally mild and tropical year-round, there really isn't a bad time to visit. But if you're seeking a quieter and more affordable vacation, consider September and October in Hawaii's shoulder season.

Related: The best time to visit Hawaii for good weather, smaller crowds, deals and more

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Since Hawaii has countless world-class beaches, why not island-hop to make the most of a fall vacation here? In addition to offering many flights within Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines earlier this year started accepting surfboards, bicycles and other sports equipment as standard checked baggage.

TPG tip: There are no points hotels directly on Waimanalo Beach, but Honolulu's resorts are a 30-minute drive away. Set in the Waikiki Beach Walk complex, the 38-floor Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts has it all: super-spacious rooms and suites, many with modern amenities like fully-equipped kitchens and washer-dryer units; a convenient address close to popular attractions; and one of Honolulu's best breakfast buffets. The hotel will be even more appealing when the phased renovation by Brian O'Sullivan Studio wraps next spring. In September, rooms are available from $496 per night, or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.

Key Biscayne, Florida

South Beach attracts its fair share of out-of-towners seeking sun and sand in Miami, but the area can feel a bit rowdy — that's when Key Biscayne comes in. The local community cherishes this five-mile-long barrier island just minutes from downtown Miami for its tranquil vibes.

Here, you have everything you need for a warm-weather fall escape, from kayaking in the mangrove wetlands to visiting Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park's historic Cape Florida Lighthouse to swimming at the beach. One of the best spots is Crandon Beach, a palm-fringed, two-mile stretch of soft sand and calm, shallow waters.

TPG tip: While the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, is closed for renovations through mid-December 2025, many hotels are just a 15-minute drive away in downtown Miami's Brickell neighborhood.

East Miami has always had top-notch amenities, like a lush outdoor pool with cabanas and Beast (Body by East) — a massive fitness center stocked with the latest equipment. But its recent revamp of its three restaurants and bars (Quinto, Sugar, Tea Room) has cemented it as one of the most delicious hotels in town. Nightly rates in September start at $303. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive daily breakfast for two, late checkout and more.

East End Beach, Maine

The only public beach in Portland, Maine, is just a 15-minute stroll from downtown. East End Beach provides a scenic perch for panoramic views of Casco Bay and neighboring islands like Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island and Little Diamond Island.

Though this time of year is too brisk for a dip in the ocean, it is ideal for kayaking, ambling along the pebbly beach with your dog — some areas even permit furry companions to be off-leash under voice control — and gazing at the kaleidoscopic fall foliage, which typically peaks in mid- to late-October.

TPG tip: From the organic sheets topping the beds in the energy-efficient rooms to the restaurants running on electricity instead of gas, the West End's Longfellow Hotel practices what it preaches regarding sustainability. Thanks to Hilton's partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, overnight stays in September start at $401 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Located approximately 80 miles west of Portland, Oregon, Cannon Beach is renowned for its singular and stirring landscape. (You may recognize it from movies like "The Goonies" and "Point Break".) The coastline is long and pristine, and Haystock Rock, a volcanic monolith that towers over the beach, is one of Oregon's most recognizable landmarks.

Despite its year-round appeal, Cannon Beach is especially enchanting in autumn, which locals call "Magic Season." The beaches are secluded, and there are more chances to see wildlife like Roosevelt elk and sea lions that come out when there are fewer crowds.

TPG tip: Even though you can redeem points at the Holiday Inn or Best Western 15 minutes north in Seaside, you'll want to splurge locally in Cannon Beach.

Opened in 1993 and still run by the founding family, Stephanie Inn feels more like a luxurious beach house than your standard hotel. It offers cozy accommodations with mountain or ocean views, botanical spa treatments and elevated dining prepared with local ingredients. Rooms in September start at $669 per night.

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands and coastal terrain off the North Carolina coast, stretching from Back Bay, Virginia, to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Its wonderfully wild landscape reflects the destination's dedication to preserving its diverse wildlife and vulnerable ecosystems.

Come fall, the daytime highs range between the low 70s and low 80s, making the water comfortable enough for all kinds of recreation. If it's great surf you're after, head to Kitty Hawk's beaches, which are famous for their consistent and powerful swells.

TPG tip: Recently renovated, Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk has a beachfront location and spacious accommodations. Nightly rates in September start at $158 per night, or 52,000 Hilton Honors points.

Related: A movie and TV lovers road trip through coastal North Carolina

La Jolla Cove, California

Consistently ranked among the top beaches in America, La Jolla Cove is a small, protected beach dramatically cradled by sandstone cliffs about a 20-minute drive north of downtown San Diego.

While the actual stretch of beach skews small, its extraordinary natural beauty and abundant wildlife-spotting opportunities — you'll likely encounter garibaldi (California's bright orange state fish), leopard sharks and sea lions while snorkeling and scuba-diving — warrant a visit in the fall. Even better? The water hits its warmest temperatures (low 70s) in early September, so you can jump right in.

TPG tip: Fresh off a 2024 renovation, the Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, has a year-round heated pool and a penthouse-level restaurant with sunset views. September rates start at $209 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

For a convenient place to stay downtown, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has rooms in September that start at $286 per night, or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Related reading:

• Leaf-peeping season is nearly here: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US in 2025
• 12 European destinations that are best experienced in the fall
• The 8 best beaches in Mexico, from the Caribbean to Baja California