6 Top Beach Destinations To Travel to in the Fall If You’re on a Budget

Beach trips aren’t just for the summer. There are many places within the U.S. that are well worth the visit as the leaves start to turn and the temperatures start to drop. A beach destination trip doesn’t have to be expensive, either. With some planning and a little finagling, you can have a great time without breaking the bank.

Summer is still in full swing, but if you’re planning ahead for the fall, here are some budget-friendly beach destinations to check out.

• Average nightly hotel cost: $386

If you’re in the South, check out Gulf Shores.

“Gulf Shores provides a great mix of white-sand beaches, outdoor activities and budget-friendly options,” said Maddi Bourgerie, travel expert at RVshare. “Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, which means better deals on accommodations and dining. The Gulf State Park is also an excellent spot RV camping, hiking or biking.”

• Average nightly hotel cost: $294

For an even more economical trip, especially if you’re already in the general area, check out Tybee Island in Georgia.

“Just a short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is an affordable beach destination with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere,” said Bourgerie. “Fall brings lower hotel prices, warm weather and fewer tourists.”

This means you can enjoy your trip without the lines — and likely with cheaper accommodations, as hotels reduce rates from what they were in the summer.

• Average nightly hotel cost: $323

Another Alabama destination that’s worth checking out is Orange Beach. Some would even call it a hidden gem on the state’s Gulf Coast.

“Perfect for families, couples and solo travelers, it stands out with its pristine white sands and clear emerald water [that] stretches for miles and offers plenty of water activities, from swimming, sailing and kayaking to boat tours, fishing and even dolphin watching,” said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at Asaptickets, part of Trevolution Group. “The 6,000-foot-wide Alabama Point East is one of the best spots you’ll find in Orange Beach. It’s slightly out of the way and, therefore, mostly visited by locals.”

• Average nightly hotel cost: $142 (rates vary by location)

The Sunrise Coast is a 200-mile stretch that runs along Lake Huron from Mackinaw City to Standish. It’s hard to choose just one place to visit, so if time and your budget allows, see if you can do the whole thing.

“It’s especially beautiful in the fall, though, as the leaves change colors,” said Becky Hart of Seven Corners, Inc. “You can get the best of the beach with kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor recreation activities, along with the leaf-peeping you usually only associate with more crowded routes in the Northeast.”

There are also state parks, lighthouses, wooded parks with campgrounds and so much more to explore.

“A road trip along US-23, stopping at the many state parks, is a unique and budget-friendly way to see beaches in the fall,” said Hart. “Non-Michigan residents can buy a state park day pass for just $11. An annual pass, which is ideal if you plan to stop at multiple parks during your trip, is $40.”

• Average nightly hotel cost: $221 (rates vary by location)

The Californian coast is beautiful, even in the fall. From Black Sands Beach to Moonstone Beach to the Mendocino Coast, it’s really hard to go wrong. You might not get the chance to see all 800 plus miles of beach in the state, but you can still enjoy the several hundred miles of the north. Just be sure to go in early fall, before the water gets too cold.

“As a surfer, the fall is the perfect time to get to a beach. The sea has been warmed by the summer and the bigger swells are pushing in. Even if I didn’t surf, a Northern California beach-themed road trip for me would be wonderful,” said Tim Gunstone, chief communications officer at Hotel Planner. “So much marine life, so much beauty and a road that just does not seem to end! The food is pretty amazing, as well.”

• Average nightly hotel cost: $604

This might not be a destination you stay for multiple nights, as accommodations can be pricey, but Anna Maria Island is beautiful and well worth the visit — especially if you stay outside the city or live nearby.

“If you need that last bit of heat to get you through the winter, then Florida is the place to go,” said Gunstone. “Anna Maria Island is my recommendation. White sand and turquoise sea and no summer crowds.”

Gunstone did advise checking the forecast before planning any trips, as fall is hurricane season in the southeast.

Average nightly hotel costs were sourced from Budget Your Trip.