These Are The 4 Trendiest Beach Destinations This Fall, According To New Report

Crowds are dispersing and sweltering weather is dissipating, leaving much of America’s coastlines more enjoyable to visit in the fall.

Beach season doesn’t have to be over. Rather than hitting the closest rustic mountain town to go apple-picking and PSL-sipping, scenic sun-drenched shores are still calling your name, whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, or the underrated Gulf.

As such, the latest report from popular vacation rental platform HomeToGo revealed some shockers
If you thought most travelers are seeking out the same-o, same-o experiences year after year, following crowds to iconic names we all know and love — think again.

At Travel Off Path, we realize one thing has become increasingly clear, and that is more travelers are going, well, off-path.

Hidden gems are becoming less ‘hidden’ and these 4 lesser-known locales are the latest proof as America’s trendiest beach getaways this fall:

4) Brookings, Oregon: The Word Of The Day Is “Chetco”

If you think Oregon is too nippy for a beach vacation come fall, in the wise words of the world’s favorite leather-clad band Judas Priest, “you’ve got another thing comin’”.

Despite most of the state rockin’ their finest flannels and all seeming to drive the same car for no apparent reason (do Subarus’ heaters work better?), there’s one town that has cracked the weather code due to a natural effect, causing what would normally be chilly temps to rise like a well-baked soufflé, earning a handshake from Paul.

We all know “Petco is where the pets go”, but what about Chetco?

Known as the “Chetco Effect“, similar to California’s “Santa Ana winds” they learn about the hard way, this weather phenomenon in Brookings welcomes a north wind descending from the Siskiyou Mountains that compresses and dries, ultimately creating a noticeable increase in warmth, extending summer vibes well into fall.

HomeToGo reports this under-hyped hideaway is gaining steam. Perched along the famous Highway 101, Brookings is the perfect end-cap to a scenic road trip as it’s home to unmatched beauty to explore, virtually no crowds, and ample lodging options from colorful cottages to homey beachfront inns.

3) Mystic, Connecticut: Yes, Mystic Pizza Is A Real Place

Every era makes a comeback in one form or another. I mean, have you seen all the mullets lately?

While business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back haircuts probably should’ve stayed where they came from, can we all agree that despite “chili bowls” and mullets, the ’90s were the best decade?

Any time a ’90s movie comes on, chances are we’ll stop endlessly scrolling to feel a sense of nostalgia, and one of those films is Mystic Pizza, a Julia Roberts classic.

Turns out Mystic Pizza is a real place, but that doesn’t have to be the town’s lone claim to fame anymore, as it sees a surge of 285% in searches.

While many view Connecticut as a pass-through state connecting New York and Boston, the delightful coastal town of Mystic is a worthy stop.

Not typically known as a proper beach town, there are plentiful waterfront thrills like river cruises and harbor tours, though there is one actual beach at Williams Beach Park with tranquil waters and picnic areas.

Oh, but beware of Krakens.

2) Solana Beach, California: Where Locals Escape Hordes Of Tourists

In San Diego, locals are celebrating post-Labor Day “locals summer” as Arizona and Nevada license plates are off Southern California highways and back in the desert.

While popular tourist locales Coronado, Del Mar, and Mission Beach are far less crowded right now, Solana Beach has always been my go-to as a fellow San Diegan to find a perfect spot for sun and sand any time of year.

Offering no flashy resorts like neighboring beach towns, this town feels more authentic to what you picture as “SoCal”, and it’s the perfect middle ground, no matter if you’re staying in San Diego County.

Boasting laid-back bars where flip-flops are always welcome, an expansive main strip with boutique shops, and paradise coves backed by staggering bluffs, Solana Beach is San Diego’s ultimate hideaway, though it’s becoming more popula,r seeing a 313% increase in traveler interest.

1) Lido Key, Florida: Siesta Key, Who?

Southwest Florida’s Clearwater and Siesta Key find themselves in an annual duel for the crown of “America’s Best Beach”.

As such, each of them draws a crowd as Florida lives up to its “Sunshine State” moniker no matter the season, largely led by icons like Siesta Key.

Lido Key is one of the best alternatives to beat the crowds, and people have clearly taken notice with a whopping spike of 327% in vacation searches.

This vibrant beach town is just outside Sarasota, yet one could argue it boasts equally stunning white-sand shores with more room to sprawl out (or run away when you see a retiree wearing swimwear that should’ve retired before them).

What you will want to see is ample wildlife, majestic mangroves, and a surprising amount of luxe resorts and spacious vacation rentals overlooking the vivid bluish-green Gulf of…whatever you want to call it.