When the leaves change color and the weather turns cooler, you might think your family beach vacation days are behind you. But if you choose the right family vacation spot, fall can actually be the most enjoyable time to head to many waterfront destinations for a beach vacation.
In the fall, most kids are back in school, which means fewer crowds. The temperatures have begun to drop, making afternoons on the beach even more pleasant. And many fall beach vacation destinations host seasonal events and festivals that beg for a trip of their own. So, pack your bags and grab a pumpkin spice latte: Here are the best fall beach vacations in the U.S. for families.
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1. Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is a surprisingly uncrowded fall beach vacation spot despite the fact that it’s close to San Diego and also home to a major family-friendly attraction: LEGOLAND California Resort. Take advantage of the smaller crowds at one of the country’s best amusement parks for kids on Brick-or-Treat weekends in October, when children are invited to wear their costumes and visit treat stations.
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You can also frolic in the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Carlsbad Strawberry Company or, better yet, go to a pumpkin patch in a pool: The Alga Norte Aquatic Center transforms its giant swimming pool for the City of Carlsbad Pumpkin Plunge, an interactive floating pumpkin patch where kids can “catch” a pumpkin by throwing a hula hoop into the water.
And don’t forget to enjoy some time by the water on your fall beach vacation, too. Many beachfront hotels such as The Beach Terrace Inn offer discounts on nightly rates this time of year.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
New England’s coastal towns and seaside villages are at their most charming this time of year, which is why an autumn visit to the gilded mansions of Newport is a must-do for beach-loving families who never want the summer to end.
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Visit for the fall festivals, including the annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, you-pick orchards, and ghost tours. And don’t miss out on the spectacular fall foliage, which is usually on full display by mid-October along the scenic 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, with its crashing waves and historic mansions around every bend.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
The city of Virginia Beach continues to reinvent itself with new reasons to visit any time of the year, but especially for fall beach vacations. When you’re not strolling the beach or three-mile boardwalk, take the kids to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, home to hundreds of animal species, or pose for photos in the immersive exhibits at Lost Planet.
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Ogle at the changing foliage at First Landing State Park, the most-visited state park in Virginia, where 1.5 miles of sandy beach and 20 miles of walking trails await. As for seasonal events, this classic American beach town lures fall vacationers with Neptune Festival’s International Sandsculpting Championship, the annual Mural Festival, and the yearly Boardwalk Art Show.
4. South Padre Island, Texas
Best known as a popular spring break destination thanks to its wide-open beaches and many vacation rental homes, South Padre Island is even more welcoming to families in the fall. Why? Think pleasant weather (with agreeable ocean temps to match) and events like the annual Sand Castle Days, a multiday sand sculpture festival featuring artists from all over the world.
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Little ones and nature lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to Sea Turtle Inc., a sweet educational rehabilitation center for turtles. Even better, South Padre Island is home to Isla Grand Beach Resort, one of the best family resorts in Texas situated right on the beach.
5. Traverse City, Michigan
You might not know that Traverse City is the self-proclaimed “Cherry Capital of the World,” but you may have heard that it is known for its wide selection of breweries, wineries, cideries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
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Put those together and you can expect to find unique cherry-infused food and drink during your visit. Where’s the beach, you ask? It’s at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the very best natural recreation areas in the country.
6. Cape May, New Jersey
With cute B&Bs and historic downtown buildings, Cape May is charming all year long. It also has powdery beaches, a county zoo, an aviation museum, and a historic lighthouse (which you can climb) that makes it especially fun for families.
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But visiting Cape May for a fall beach vacation provides a unique opportunity you can’t get any other time of year: experiencing the annual monarch butterfly migration. Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory to watch these beautiful creatures as they make their journey to Mexico. And who knows, it may even inspire you to plan your own family vacation to Mexico someday.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Just a 90-minute drive from Portland, this iconic Oregon beach is a popular spot for summer vacations but arguably even better for fall beach vacations when the big crowds have gone home. You can expect warm temperatures, reaching up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in October, as well as the occasional dramatic storm that’s fun to watch from a safe and cozy spot.
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Named one of America’s Top 100 Art Towns, Cannon Beach offers a lot to see and do in town, while the beach provides stunning views of Haystack Rock, as well as a possible whale sighting in September and October.
8. Chatham, Massachusetts
Fall is known as Cape Cod’s “second summer,” when the crowds and prices have dropped but the weather’s still pleasant and there’s plenty to do. Stay in the Lower Cape town of Chatham for easy access to great shopping, a variety of restaurants, and scenic views galore. Fun fall events like Pumpkin People in the Park and Oktoberfest only add to the appeal.
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Chatham Light serves up photo ops any time of year, and fall’s a great time to get outside and explore spots like Monomoy Natural Wildlife Refuge. History buffs will find lots to enjoy here, including the Chatham Railroad Museum and Chatham Marconi Maritime Center. And to understand why sharks are drawn to the area as much as humans are, visit the family-friendly Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Chatham Shark Center.
The luxe Chatham Bars Inn makes for an excellent fall getaway spot, where a wooden boardwalk leads to a quarter-mile stretch of private beach and complimentary bike rentals help guests get around town. Or stay at Chatham Tides where rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens plus excellent ocean views.
9. Naples, Florida
Florida may not have colorful foliage, but fall does bring slightly cooler temperatures and shoulder-season visitor levels to the Sunshine State. Head to Naples for a beach escape where it’s still warm enough to swim in the Gulf of Mexico but pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor events like Boo at the Zoo at the Naples Zoo and pumpkin patches throughout the area.
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Other kid-friendly spots include The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and the Nature Center at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Explore Naples’s wild side at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Collier-Seminole State Park, and other preserves in the area, or book a boat or paddling tour to take in the sights by water.
There’s also plenty of art to admire, boutiques to browse, and good food to eat. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is one of the best family-friendly resorts in Southwest Florida, while Inn on Fifth is well situated for a more grownup getaway.
10. Gulf Shores, Alabama
The beaches are a lot less crowded in Gulf Shores, Alabama, during the fall, which makes it a great time to book a sand sculpting lesson with Sand Castle University. The weather’s also ideal for biking and hiking the trails at Gulf State Park, where you’ll also find a nature center and public beach access.
Go back in time with a visit to Fort Morgan, which played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. Or go a little wild at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, home to 118 animal species (including 22 critically endangered species). Its Boo at the Zoo event in October celebrates the Halloween season with trick or treating, scare-free activities, and meet and greets with animal ambassadors.
Lodging options include beachfront properties like The Lodge at Gulf State Park, where sustainability is a focus and the design helps connect guests with nature. There are also campgrounds and RV parks throughout the area for truly embracing the outdoors, some of which offer tiny homes and cottages as well.
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Beth Luberecki also contributed to this story.
