An unofficial end to summer is marked by the coming and going of Labor Day weekend. School is back in session and the weather is about to get a bit cooler. But don’t put that beach blanket away just yet. There are several beaches that deserve a day or two in the September (or even October) sun! Even for the end of the season, these beaches offer plenty of fun activities without the intense heat or crowds!
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The landscape changes from summer to fall at Old Orchard Beach – the ocean is still there, the sand is still there, but the crowds are long gone making this popular beach a solid choice once fall arrives. The 7-mile stretch of beachfront is there but now a leisurely stroll is just that – no crowds clipping at your heels doing the same! It’s nice to be amongst the crowds, but it’s just as fun in the fall when it feels like you’ve got the beach all to yourself. The water may be a bit cold for a swim but the beachfront is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. Moody Beach RV Campground in Wells, Maine is just a short, 40-minute drive to Old Orchard Beach.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Oval Beach in Saugatuck is open year-round and is said to have some the best sand this side of any tropical island. Thanks to its slightly elevated setting, it’s also perfect for catching the sunset over Lake Michigan. The sweeping dunes are another plus to visiting this award-winning beach.
The town of Saugatuck is also worth a visit with its many art galleries, antique and novelty shops, plus the many restaurants, pubs, and sweet shops to sample from. If you’re visiting in October, attend the Saugatuck/Douglas Gallery Stroll, scheduled for October 7. Participating galleries in Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas will have special receptions, live music, art demonstrations, and more. Bear Cave RV Campground in Buchanan, Michigan is only an hour south of Saugatuck.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
It might seem hard to believe, but did you know that fall is actually warmer than summer on the Oregon coast? This weather phenomenon has something to do with the combination of warmer waters, cooler inland temperatures, and airflow from the east. Whatever the case, we’ll be happy to take a few more beach days in September! September is also known to be drier than summer months and less crowded at Cannon Beach, one of Oregon’s most popular destinations. The beach’s claim to fame is Haystack Rock which rises 235 feet from the sea at low tide providing an incredible photo op. Birdwatchers will be glad to know that fall is an ideal time for their favorite hobby at Cannon Beach, as migrating birds travel the Pacific Flyway toward warmer climates. Seaside RV Campground in Seaside, Oregon is a short, 17-minute drive down to Cannon Beach.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
The crowds are gone and the daily afternoon rainstorms have subsided, but the sun and sand remain at Clearwater Beach, Florida come fall! Sugar sand and great swimming are a few of the reasons this beach made the Number One spot on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards (it was also named Number One in 2016). When you want to take a break from the beach, take a stroll on the Beach Walk, a winding promenade along the beach that offers several places to eat and drink. Don’t miss the Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival scheduled for October 19-21, 2018 where a few simple pieces of chalk transform the sidewalks into a one-of-a-kind art gallery. Clearwater Beach is a great day trip option when you stay at the Peace River RV Campground in Wauchula, Florida.
