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Where has the summer gone? There are less than four months left before our calendars turn, but next up is fall.
‘Tis the season of chasing photos of fall leaves and sipping pumpkin spice lattes for many, but others still have sun and sand on their minds.
No matter the time of year, we all love secrets.
While Gulf Shores and numerous Florida beaches are common for vacationers, there are four beaches in the south close to the vest.
Each in different states and with their own unique look, these 4 underrated beaches are the South’s best-kept secrets heading into fall.
‘Get out of my swamp’! Visit Louisiana’s only inhabited Barrier Island
Louisiana is not just a bunch of hillbillies, as is often portrayed.
Popular TV shows such as Swamp people will certainly not help their image, but there is perhaps no more cultured city in the United States than New Orleans.
Yes, I’m aware that N’awlins doesn’t have a beach, and if there’s any town you don’t want to visit, it might be this one.
But there’s much more than eating your way through the delights of New Orleans when it comes to exploring Louisiana.
Take Baton Rouge for example, a city currently bustling with tourists.
At first glance, New Orleans seems to be at the bottom of the state, but that’s where the zoom button comes in handy.
Beyond the vast winding wetlands lies a beach destination that no one ever seems to talk about – Big island.
If you’re looking for wide open beaches, nature observations and yes, even a… 4 star resort Nestled along the beautiful waters of the Gulf, Grand Isle hits its mark even in the fall.
Neighboring states like Texas and Mississippi may have more popular beaches and that’s probably because Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana.
So there are more fun things to do than you might think. Grand Isle is known as a world-class fishing spot and a nature lover’s dream. There is no doubt that Grand Isle should be much more popular.
Visit Grand Isle State Park for hiking and relaxing beaches, plus delicious seafood restaurants such as Hurricane holethat also serves as a beautiful hotel that radiates the Caribbean atmosphere.
Sorry, Louisiana! The secret is now out.
Forget Galveston! Surfside is nicer with much less crowds
Another southern cultural city is Houston, and there is certainly no beach here either.
As someone who just had a layover in Houston, something as simple as walking to a grocery store left me drenched in humidity, so I won’t have to worry about beach weather in the region anytime soon.
Located an hour south of Houston Surfside Beacha small but popular seaside resort among locals, but relatively quiet for a whilesomeone else.
Most outsiders come to Galveston, but as a born and raised Texan, I’m here to tell you not to waste your time unless brown water is your problem.
Surfside has much bluer water, but definitely don’t expect a Caribbean experience. The Gulf is very beautiful, but not known for snorkeling, but still offers a pleasant beach experience.
The sun still shines brightly in September, when the local crowds dwindle.
Best of all, you can drive down the beach for an impromptu tailgate or simply take advantage of the excellent parking.
Beach passes however, must be displayed.
Florida’s most underrated island
You probably understand by now: Florida is a great beach destination!
In addition to the household names Miami, Fort Lauderdale and others, there are hidden gems around the oddly shaped state, both to the east and west.
St. George Islandoff the coast of lovely Apalachicola, has remained under the radar for far too long.
As Florida becomes more and more popular, fewer and fewer beaches can claim ‘hidden gem’ status.
In fact, it’s hard to find beaches that feel authentic, which lends credence to why Travel & Leisure calls these beautiful coastlines the ‘Forgotten coast‘.
St. George offers miles of white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, but best of all, it has no dazzling high-rise apartments or hotels.
Enjoy potential wildlife sightings, such as sea turtles, and the pristine landscapes of Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park in sunny September.
Life’s A Fripp: Enjoy football fields with wide open beaches!
More and more vacationers are looking beyond the enchanting charm of Charleston and the family fun of Myrtle Beach in search of more picturesque waters and fewer crowds.
Fripp Island ticks all the boxes and then some, especially at low tide.
Beachgoers literally have football fields (yes, plural!) with wide open space, far removed from the resort-lined shores of Myrtle Beach.
While many vacation hotspots shoo tourists away like flies, Fripp Island welcomes them with open arms. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy a blissful beach where time passes more slowly.
Crowds are rarely a factor, and the weather sticks around until October, in the 80s.
A majority of the island is coordinated by Fripp Island golf and beach resortwhere most tourists typically spend a full week in lovely vacation rentals ranging from cottages to villas, all including resort-style amenity cards for fun activities like movie nights by the pool.
Our editor, Tyler, recently vacationed here (with his dog!) and raved about it! You can read his experiences here.
Tip: Golf carts are worth their weight in gold here – reserve yours in advance.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
