Three hidden coastal gems for a fall getaway

Fall is the perfect time to relish East Coast beaches. The summer crowds are gone, restaurants are less busy, and accommodation prices are no longer at their peak.

Instead, enjoy cool sweater weather and leisurely beach strolls without the heat weighing you down. Seafood is at its finest (hello, oysters!), and the locals are in great spirits. If you're fortunate, you might even enjoy a few warm days perfect for soaking up the sun.

If you missed out on summer fun or just crave more time by the water, here are a few spots that provide the ultimate autumn beach experience.

St. Michael's, Maryland

Just an hour and forty-five minutes from Washington, D.C., and a little over two hours from Philadelphia, St. Michael's is an ideal destination for a quick weekend escape. While it doesn’t face the ocean directly, it overlooks the tranquil Miles River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. These serene waters are perfect for water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a welcome change from the rougher ocean waves.

Stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin, a luxurious waterfront estate housed in a 19th-century manor, or opt for the more laid-back new hotel The Wildset, managed by sisters Allie Balin and K.C. Lager, who also contributed to Nashville’s popular restaurant Henrietta Red. The Wildset’s restaurant, Ruse, is the ideal spot to savor Maryland crabs and other local seafood like tilefish and a bounty of oysters. Guests at The Inn at Perry Cabin can enjoy complimentary bikes and kayaks.

If you’re in need of outdoor gear, visit Shore Pedal and Paddle to rent bikes, stand-up paddleboards, or kayaks for a few hours or the entire weekend. For a more extended experience on the water, consider booking a two-hour sailing tour with Sail Selina, or elevate the experience with a sunset sail complemented by Champagne. Back on land, indulge in spicy blue crab nachos at Gina's Café, paired with a refreshing brew from Eastern Shore Brewing, a local microbrewery.

Nags Head, North Carolina

If your ideal fall beach getaway involves endless walks along mostly deserted shores, with breathtaking sunrises and gentle waves, then the Outer Banks of North Carolina are calling your name. These barrier islands are famous for their long, smooth beaches and stunning horizons.

Choose an Airbnb in Nags Head for your stay, preferably a spacious condo or house at budget-friendly offseason rates. To capture the best fall beach atmosphere, select a rental featuring a heated pool or hot tub, along with a patio overlooking the water—perfect for enjoying a glass of wine at sunset or your morning coffee.

When (if!) you tire of walking along the beach and soaking in ocean views, make your way to Corolla to witness the wild horses, believed to be descendants of those that survived a shipwreck in the 1400s. Enjoy a meal at Basnight's Lone Cedar Café, a local gem known for its fantastic seafood and lovely water views. You can also rent kayaks or jet skis, embark on a parasailing adventure, or go sailing with Kitty Hawk Water Sports, which offers a variety of experiences, including tiki boats for a fun, lighthearted outing.

Cape May, New Jersey

If you're from the Philadelphia area, Cape May may not seem like a hidden treasure. However, those traveling from further away may be pleasantly surprised by the area’s natural beauty and charming small-town atmosphere just south of Atlantic City.

If you're coming from Philadelphia, make sure to stop by Sweet Amalia's Market and Kitchen for a delicious fried oyster roll and some of the best raw oysters around, then head to the tip of the Cape May peninsula, where you can find a variety of affordable offseason rentals or stay in cozy hotels like the historic Southern Mansion.

Savor a meal on the wrap-around porch, then take a leisurely walk to the beach, enjoying a peaceful stroll away from the summer crowds. Delight in local seafood at Fish & Fancy Seafood, where you can choose from a variety of fried or broiled seafood platters or pick up fresh ingredients for a homemade feast. If you're in the mood for something different, visit Exit Zero Filling Station, which offers an internationally inspired menu with a particular emphasis on diverse curries. No matter where you dine, Cape May's rich history, warm hospitality, and coastal charm will enchant you.

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