Where to stay in Cape May:
Rehoboth, Delaware
With a vibrant boardwalk selling saltwater taffy and tie-dyed T-shirts, Rehoboth has rightfully been crowned the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” But there are a lot of perks to visiting in September: Parking becomes free, “The Point” in Cape Henlopen State Park opens around Labor Day, and hotels like The Bellmoor Inn & Spa offer discounted rates and resort credits. And the happenings don’t subside at the season’s end. Case in point: the one-of-a-kind Sea Witch Festival, which takes place from October 24-26 and includes costume parades, a scarecrow trail, and live music and horse shows on the beach. Don’t miss the iconic Hilda, the green sea witch float, gracing the town!
Where to stay in Rehoboth:
Newport, Rhode Island
During September and October, Newport’s three-and-a-half-mile Cliff Walk and iconic Ocean Drive are surrounded by fall foliage, while Queen Anne Square gets loaded with hundreds of pumpkins. Pretend you’re a member of The Gilded Age while sauntering (crowd-free) through The Breakers, Marble House, or The Elms, then head to Newport Vineyards for a taste of spiced wine, or Escobar’s Highland Farm to get lost in a corn maze. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, an iconic hotel that’s as opulent as ever this time of year, puts on an unforgettable Harvest Dinner on September 14, a seasonal feast featuring the very best of Newport’s farmers, fishermen, and artisans.
Where to stay in Newport:
September in Chincoteague promises wildlife spottings and ideal beach weather.
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Chincoteague, Virginia
Over in Chincoteague, you won’t get the bustling boardwalk of Rehoboth or the Gilded Age splendor of Newport, but you will experience serene, untouched nature. The area is famous for its annual Pony Swim in July, during which wild Chincoteague ponies swim across a channel—but you can still get your horse girl fix in the fall at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where the ponies freely roam around. It’s also prime birdwatching season, when waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans pay a visit to the island. An escape to Chincoteague is what you make of it, and whether you’re staying at a cozy cottage or a beachside inn, you’ll likely deem this stretch of coastline an underrated East Coast stunner.
Where to stay in Chincoteague:
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The jewel in the crown, Emerald Isle, offers an abundance of outdoor activities in the shoulder season, from fishing off of Bogue Inlet to biking through Emerald Isle Woods Park. The North Carolina Seafood Festival, held in nearby Morehead City (October 3-5, this year), is another reason to make your way down south, whether you’re interested in fish-frying demonstrations or oyster shucking contests. The Beaufort Hotel, located a few towns over, is offering a 15% discount on fall bookings, but if you’ve got the whole family in tow, a spacious townhouse on Emerald Isle Beach, might be your best bet.
Where to stay in Emerald Isle: