S.S. Atlantus, Cape May

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 ...

Explore the skeletal remains at Sunset Beach.

18 things in this story

Cape May LighthouseSightClimb 199 steps for a bird's-eye view.
Madison’s BakeryBakeryFamily-owned bakery for a sticky bun.
Cape May BreweryRestaurantOffers a double IPA.
S.S. AtlantusSightExplore the skeletal remains at Sunset Beach.
Elsewhere
Haystack RockNature reserveCannon Beach, United States235-foot basalt sea stack on the shoreline.
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.
Old Town TrolleyPlaceSt. Augustine, United StatesTour the historic city.
City GateSightSt. Augustine, United StatesBuilt with coquina blocks in 1808.
González-Alvarez HouseMuseumSt. Augustine, United StatesOldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in the city.
Crescent BeachSightSt. Augustine, United StatesGo horseback riding on this sandy shore.
Mickler’s Landing BeachSightSt. Augustine, United StatesLook for shark's teeth on pink sand.

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S.S. Atlantus

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