Just because the hot summer sun starts to cool doesn’t mean you can’t take a trip to the beach. Smaller crowds, autumn colors and exciting annual fall events are some of the reasons to make a trip to beaches like Biloxi on the Gulf Coast or the vibrant Venice Beach in California. From bird-watching and biking paved trails to enjoying coastal picnic lunches, here are six great stops to consider across the U.S.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Biloxi Beach, Mississippi
Water sports, fishing and even casinos await on Biloxi Beach, plus delicious seafood. The Mississippi Gulf Coast produces 70 percent of the nation’s oysters and 69 percent of the nation’s domestic shrimp.
You can take The Biloxi Shrimping Trip: a 70-minute marine-life shrimping trip that shows you exactly how shrimp and other marine life end up on your plate.
Watch for dolphins and catch a sunset along the coastline in a replica Biloxi oyster schooner or visit the nearby Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, which takes visitors on a journey through the maritime history and heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Reeds Beach, New Jersey
Situated in New Jersey’s Cape May County, Reeds Beach is a quiet coastal retreat perfect for catching the sunset, bird-watching and butterfly watching.
In particular, fall brings migrant birds, including raptors, waterfowl and passerines. You can also walk or bike along the beach and take in some of the dozens of restored historic Victorian homes in the Cape May area, a 30-minute drive from Reeds Beach.
Venice Beach, California
Explore the Venice Beach attractions. (Photo: Getty Images)
A mecca for bohemian craftspeople, outdoor exercise equipment and street performers, Venice Beach can be enjoyed year-round, with the mild weather of fall in Southern California making it a must-see.
Muscle Beach gym is the iconic outdoor weight room where Arnold Schwarzenegger bulked up, and guests can purchase day passes. Take photos next to some of the beach’s most elaborate graffiti walls, burn calories by walking the 16 miles of human-made canals, or shop for souvenirs or grab a bite at a variety of vendors along the boardwalk.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Catch the sunset at Driftwood Beach. (Photo: Getty Images)
Located right off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island is located just an hour from both Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, and it’s a brief drive from Atlanta. Driftwood Beach, one of the most interesting destinations in the region, is surrounded by cool blue water and adorned with aged driftwood that gives it the look of an abstract tree graveyard.
In the fall, see the shells of turtle hatchlings on the beach and rent a bike to sail across 20 miles of paved bike trails on the island. The trails meander past Driftwood Beach: Stop for a picnic lunch or take photos where TV show “The Walking Dead” filmed some scenes.
Amelia Island, Florida
Replete with sand dunes, a boardwalk, and public sports and recreation facilities, Main Beach Park, located on Florida’s Amelia Island, is a family-friendly destination perfect for fall exploration — when the weather begins to cool, crowds are fewer and the ocean is still warm.
Guests can enjoy nearby activities like walks in Fort Clinch State Park, shark tooth hunting, wildlife viewing and boat excursions to Cumberland Island in Georgia.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Go sailing at Waikiki Beach. (Photo: Getty Images)
Located on Oahu’s south shore, Waikiki Beach has a good surf season in the fall for beginners. The swells in the fall aren’t as large as the those in the summer, and they are more frequent than during the winter months.
There are also fun annual fall events to check out, including the annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, a series of events that attracts internationally renowned master chefs, winemakers and mixologists.
If you’re traveling around Halloween, check out the annual Hallowbaloo Music & Arts Festival, where visitors in costume flock to Chinatown’s streets and participate in live music performances on the outdoor stages.