California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, And Michigan Ten Family-friendly Beach Destinations For The Perfect Fall Getaway

Published on September 5, 2025

Fall is 1 of nan astir underrated seasons for a family formation vacation, and these 8 cities crossed California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia connection immoderate of nan champion spots for a cleanable autumn getaway. As summertime crowds dwindle and temperatures go much comfortable, these coastal areas connection nan cleanable equilibrium of formation activities, seasonal festivals, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring nan sunny shores of California, enjoying nan lukewarm waters of Florida, aliases experiencing nan charming autumn foliage adjacent Michigan’s beaches, each location provides unsocial attractions for families looking for some relaxation and fun. From coastal cities pinch rich | taste festivals to quiet, scenic shores cleanable for unwinding, these formation destinations committedness unforgettable memories for your autumn getaway.

1. Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham, located astatine nan “elbow” of Cape Cod, is simply a picturesque New England municipality that comes live successful nan fall. Known arsenic Cape Cod’s “second summer,” this charming municipality offers mild upwind and a much tranquil atmosphere, cleanable for family outings. Explore nan stunning landscapes of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge aliases bask nan coastal beauty astatine Chatham Lighthouse Beach. The autumn play besides brings nosy events for illustration nan Pumpkin People successful nan Park and Oktoberfest celebrations.

Families tin besides sojourn nan Chatham Shark Center, wherever you’ll study astir nan region’s shark organization successful an interactive, acquisition setting.

Where to Stay: Chatham Bars Inn offers luxurious accommodations pinch a backstage formation and motorcycle rentals. For a cozy, family-friendly option, see Chatham Tides, wherever rooms travel pinch kitchenettes and beautiful water views.

2. Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad is simply a hidden gem connected nan Southern California coast, offering a much relaxed gait successful nan fall. This formation municipality is perfect for families looking for a operation of outdoor nosy and taxable parkland excitement. LEGOLAND California Resort is simply a must-see, pinch nan celebrated Brick-or-Treat arena successful October wherever kids tin dress up and cod treats. For a seasonal twist, caput to Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s pumpkin spot aliases participate successful nan yearly Pumpkin Plunge, wherever children tin “catch” pumpkins floating successful nan excavation astatine Alga Norte Aquatics Center.

Where to Stay: Beachfront hotels for illustration Beach Terrace connection awesome autumn discounts, making it an affordable and scenic option. The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is different family-friendly prime pinch waterslides, s’mores astir nan fire, and an engaging kids’ club.

3. Naples, Florida

Naples is nan cleanable autumn destination for families seeking lukewarm upwind and outdoor adventures. While Florida doesn’t boast nan colorful foliage recovered elsewhere, nan cooler autumn temperatures make it a awesome clip to bask Naples’ beautiful beaches and attractions. Take a sojourn to nan Naples Zoo, wherever you tin spot exotic wildlife, aliases caput to nan Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples for hands-on fun. Don’t miss nan area’s seasonal activities, including pumpkin patches and section festivals.

Families tin besides research nan earthy beauty of nan region pinch a vessel circuit aliases hike done nan adjacent preserves and quality centers.

Where to Stay: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is simply a premier prime for families, offering formation access, golf, and kid-friendly activities. Alternatively, nan Inn connected Fifth is cleanable for those who want to beryllium adjacent to downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment.

4. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is simply a quintessential autumn destination, wherever nan cool water breeze and autumn colors travel together for a spectacular experience. Take a locomotion on nan historical Cliff Walk, which provides breathtaking views of nan coastline and surrounding mansions. Fall festivals, specified arsenic nan Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, connection a sensation of Newport’s maritime culture, while section orchards induce families to bask pome picking. The town’s rich | history, including its expansive mansions and scenic lighthouses, makes Newport a cleanable spot to explore.

Where to Stay: Newport Harbor Island Resort offers waterfront views, a seasonal kids’ club, and motorcycle rentals. Wellington Resort provides spacious, family-friendly suites pinch afloat equipped kitchens, making it perfect for longer stays.

5. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, nestled on nan shores of Lake Michigan, is nan perfect spot for families who bask a operation of formation nosy and seasonal activities. Known for its cherry orchards and wineries, Traverse City besides features pome picking, maize mazes, and vibrant autumn foliage. The adjacent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers melodramatic landscapes and miles of hiking trails. Spend your days exploring nature, and past bask immoderate cherry-infused treats astatine section shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay: For a charming stay, Delamar Traverse City offers families a welcoming ambiance pinch scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay and easy entree to adjacent hiking and biking paths. Alternatively, Grand Beach Resort Hotel is an perfect family-friendly option, featuring nonstop beachfront entree and an indoor excavation for year-round enjoyment.

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach offers a awesome operation of relaxation and outdoor escapade for families during nan autumn season. The boardwalk, stretching 3 miles on nan beach, is cleanable for a leisurely stroll aliases motorcycle ride. Families tin sojourn nan Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, wherever kids tin study astir marine life done interactive exhibits. For quality lovers, First Landing State Park offers hiking trails and beautiful autumn foliage, while nan yearly Neptune Festival’s Sandsculpting Championship brings a fun, creator touch to nan beach.

Where to Stay: The Cavalier Resort offers aggregate accommodation options for families, including nan historical Cavalier Hotel, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, each wrong stepping region of nan beach.

7. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island, a celebrated outpouring break destination, is overmuch quieter successful nan fall, making it perfect for a family formation vacation. Enjoy sunny days connected nan beach, and return portion successful nan Sand Castle Days festival, wherever world-class soil sculptors showcase their talents. Families tin besides sojourn Sea Turtle Inc. to study astir turtle conservation aliases embark connected a dolphin-watching cruise for an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay: Isla Grand Beach Resort offers beachfront accommodations cleanable for families, while Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront is different awesome action pinch easy entree to nan sand.

8. Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is simply a charming formation municipality that becomes moreover much magical successful nan fall, pinch its historical Victorian architecture and quieter atmosphere. The municipality is known for its yearly monarch butterfly migration, which families tin acquisition astatine nan Cape May Bird Observatory. Take nan kids to nan section zoo, climb nan Cape May Lighthouse, aliases walk clip astatine nan formation enjoying nan serene surroundings.

Where to Stay: Ocean Club Hotel provides freely rooms pinch backstage balconies and easy entree to nan beach. For a much historical experience, enactment astatine Congress Hall, which combines luxury pinch a rich | history.

9. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, a mini coastal municipality connected Oregon’s coastline, is cleanable for families looking for a serene retreat successful nan fall. The celebrated Haystack Rock and nan adjacent formation make for a stunning backdrop, and nan quiet ambiance allows families to research astatine their ain pace. The municipality is besides location to a thriving arts scene, making it a awesome spot to sojourn galleries and shops. Keep an oculus retired for migrating whales, arsenic autumn is an perfect clip for sightings.

Where to Stay: The Ocean Lodge offers beautiful oceanfront views, while Hallmark Resort & Spa provides family-friendly accommodations pinch kitchens successful immoderate rooms, perfect for longer stays.

10. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores offers a relaxed, family-friendly formation picnic pinch less crowds successful nan fall. The beautiful beaches and Gulf State Park make it a cleanable destination for outdoor activities for illustration biking, hiking, and birdwatching. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is different awesome family spot, offering a Halloween-themed arena called Boo astatine nan Zoo, wherever kids tin bask trick-or-treating and meet animals up close.

**Where to Stay:** The Lodge astatine Gulf State Park provides sustainable accommodations, blending modern comfortableness pinch a heavy relationship to nature. Guests tin bask outdoor adventures correct astatine their doorstep. For those seeking a much rustic retreat, nan area besides boasts campgrounds and RV parks, offering unsocial family-friendly stays successful cozy mini homes and charming cottages.

Fall offers nan cleanable blend of mild weather, less crowds, and seasonal fun, making these 8 states perfect for family formation vacations. From California’s sunny shores to Michigan’s scenic lakes, each destination offers unsocial activities and beautiful coastal experiences for nan full family.

Fall is simply a awesome clip for a formation vacation. With cooler temperatures, less tourists, and plentifulness of seasonal activities, these U.S. formation destinations supply nan cleanable mounting for a family getaway. Whether you want to relax connected nan sand, research section attractions, aliases bask nan autumn festivities, these beaches connection thing for everyone to enjoy.