City Gate, St. Augustine

National GeographicSep 27, 2023

These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall

Summer may be over, but beach season doesn’t have to be. In fact, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the best time to explore coastal towns where cultural sites, natural wonders, and ...

Built with coquina blocks in 1808.

18 things in this story

Old Town TrolleyPlaceTour the historic city.
City GateSightBuilt with coquina blocks in 1808.
González-Alvarez HouseMuseumOldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in the city.
Crescent BeachSightGo horseback riding on this sandy shore.
Mickler’s Landing BeachSightLook for shark's teeth on pink sand.
Elsewhere
Cape May LighthouseSightCape May, United StatesClimb 199 steps for a bird's-eye view.
Haystack RockNature reserveCannon Beach, United States235-foot basalt sea stack on the shoreline.
Madison’s BakeryBakeryCape May, United StatesFamily-owned bakery for a sticky bun.
Cape May BreweryRestaurantCape May, United StatesOffers a double IPA.
S.S. AtlantusSightCape May, United StatesExplore the skeletal remains at Sunset Beach.
Revere Beach ReservationSightRevere, United StatesFirst public beach in the U.S.
Kelly’s Roast BeefFast foodRevere, United StatesGrab a roast beef sammie or lobster roll.
Twist & ShakeRestaurantRevere, United StatesFamily-run spot for a sundae.
Welcome PoleSightCannon Beach, United States10-foot cedar sculpture by Guy Capoeman.
Cannon Beach History Center and MuseumMuseumCannon Beach, United StatesSee one of the namesake cannons.
Main BeachSightLaguna Beach, United StatesAction-packed beach where Michael Jordan played basketball.
Thousand Steps BeachSightLaguna Beach, United StatesSecluded beach reached by a steep staircase.
Top of the World hikeTrailLaguna Beach, United States2.4-mile hike with panoramic views.

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City Gate

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These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall