A Map Shop Travel Guide
U.S. BEACH TOWNS

Summer is a special time of the year, one where everyone is inclined to loosen their grip on the figurative reigns somewhat, enjoy much-needed downtime, and rest up for the future busy days ahead. Taking vacations – or even a quick weekend getaway – plays a significant role in this. However, it’s a mistake to think these should only be reserved for the more sweltering months of the year.

Indeed, fall is actually an ideal time to cash in some of those paid days off and explore somewhere new. And we’ve got a few destination ideas that’ll ultimately convince you. Read along for six essential beach towns you should visit this fall. Not only will they help you unwind just before the holiday rush (and probably get a decent tan), but they’ll help you truly see everything the season has to offer, too.

Clearwater, FL

Fall is an undoubtedly great time of the year, full of the season’s vivid, changing colors, comfortable hoodies, delicious food, and lots of quality time spent with family and friends. However, fall still comes with a few downsides. For some folks, the cooler temperatures zoom to the top of the list.

Luckily, Clearwater is just the right vacation or weekend trip spot to give a little reprieve. Located in the Tampa Bay area, the weather is nearly always warm, the beaches are pristine, and the atmosphere is always fun yet relaxed. In other words, it’s the perfect place to kick back and thaw out when autumn gets a little too chilly for your liking.

Sullivan's Island, SC

For the uninitiated, all beach towns seem to be one and the same, but Sullivan’s Island is strong evidence to the contrary. While it’s certainly got all the sand and heat that you’d expect from a good coastal locale, it has a unique charm all its own – Southern charm, to be precise. Thanks to its close proximity to Charleston, historical sites are in abundance, with old plantations, famous sites, and even a 1776 military base just a stone’s throw away, giving you plenty of sightseeing and learning opportunities during your travels. There’s also some fantastic traditional architecture, down-home cooking, and family-friendly festivals that make Sullivan’s Island a must-see town this fall.

Bay St. Louis, MS

When you hear St. Louis, a small town in Mississippi probably isn’t what you’re envisioning. But once you discover more about this Hancock County seat, it’ll surely stick with you. Why? Bay St. Louis is a unique spot that doesn’t only rely on its pleasant weather and coastal vibes to attract attention. Despite its very lovely, clean beach, Bay St. Louis is best known for its fall-centric fairs and festivals.

One by the name of Cruisin’ the Coast is an especially colossal draw, gathering thousands of classic cars to the area and offering nonstop live music, food, events, and fun for everyone. Clearly a departure from the typical beach town fare, but one that’s thoroughly welcome for anyone who wants to celebrate autumn in style.

Gulf Shores, AL

Beach towns are some of the most widely visited areas around the country, and it’s no wonder why. They offer some of the best, most comfortable weather around, and between the blue waters, copious number of restaurants, and entertaining local gems, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Gulf Shores likely counts amongst the most famous, being the premier destination of spring breakers everywhere, but its real appeal lies in autumn, not summer.

Part of this lies in the fact that it’s simply less crowded this time of year. Fall brings fewer travelers, giving you free rein over the city’s typically packed beaches, hotels, and venues. This makes Gulf Shores feel much less like a frat house extension and more like a waterside paradise, something most of us can appreciate. Although, the town also has tons of seasonal-specific activities that make it well worth the visit as the temperatures start dropping.

Traverse City, MI

Love the idea of having the beach close at hand but still want some more pretty natural space to explore or merely breathe in? Traverse City should be the ideal fit, particularly in the cooler coming months. The Lake Michigan town’s foliage is really something to behold when the greenery abates and those fall colors start popping. 

Vivid and picturesque, it’s a joy to exist in whether you’re having an afternoon picnic with your partner or are looking to enjoy it more actively with a nice hike. More than just a town for nature-lovers, Traverse City also has a reputation for great wineries and cultural experiences through the museum and opera house! Take advantage of all the above, and you’ll easily have the perfect autumn vacation day ahead of you.

Nantucket, MA

In the not-too-distant past, people saw Nantucket as a place to visit from Memorial Day to Labor Day, looking only for a brief, summertime excursion away from the city for shopping and little else. Times have changed though, as has the town, and we’d argue that autumn is an even better season in which to enjoy this Massachusetts locale nowadays.

Like with Gulf Shores, the summer rush has cooled off by now, guaranteeing you’ll actually be able to snag a table at restaurants or see a movie that would otherwise be sold out. Overall, a welcome change of pace in such a typically busy town. Prices also drastically fall in – well – the fall, meaning you can stay in far swankier accommodations and buy more without completely blowing your Christmas budget to bits. This makes it an essential beach town stop for all who want a touch of luxury without the crazy price tag.

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