Fall is one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the Southeast’s coast. The heat and humidity of summer begin to fade, giving way to comfortably warm afternoons and cooler mornings that make time on the coast more enjoyable. Fishing heats up as inshore species like redfish and trout gather in the creeks and marshes, while offshore runs of cobia, mackerel, and grouper keep boaters heading out past the inlets. Crowds thin at many destinations after the summer rush, yet towns still come alive with shrimp festivals, seafood celebrations, and waterfront events that showcase their local culture. From barrier islands lined with beaches to historic harbors steeped in maritime tradition, each of these towns offers its own reason to make a fall getaway. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip, a weekend boating escape, or simply looking for a mild-weather coastal retreat, these ten destinations highlight the best of the Southeast in autumn.

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Which Coastal Towns Are Best to Visit This Fall in the Southeast?

The best coastal towns to visit this fall in the Southeast include Beaufort (SC), Destin (FL), Georgetown (SC), Key West (FL), Savannah (GA), the Outer Banks (NC), Fort Lauderdale (FL), Charleston (SC), Gulf Shores (AL), and Jekyll Island (GA). These destinations stand out for their mix of mild fall weather, excellent fishing, and seasonal events and festivals.

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Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort is one of the Southeast’s best-kept fall secrets, blending small-town charm with a welcoming, historic character. Each October, the Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival transforms the downtown waterfront with fresh seafood, live music, and a lively community atmosphere. The season also delivers outstanding fishing, with redfish and speckled trout schooling in the creeks and marshes during October and November, considered by many anglers to be the most productive months of the year. Average daytime highs in the 70s make it comfortable to spend long afternoons outdoors, while cooler mornings give just a hint of fall in the Lowcountry air. Between the centuries-old architecture, oak-lined streets, and seasonal events, Beaufort offers an autumn getaway that feels both relaxed and deeply rooted in tradition.

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Destin, Florida

Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin shines brightest in the fall. October is anchored by two of the town’s biggest events: the Destin Fishing Rodeo, a month-long tournament that draws anglers from across the country, and the Destin Seafood Festival, which celebrates the area’s culinary ties to the Gulf with fresh catches, live music, and waterfront fun. Offshore fishing heats up this time of year, with king mackerel, grouper, and snapper among the top targets, while inshore anglers can still find redfish and trout along the flats and bays. Fall weather makes it all the more enjoyable, with warm emerald-green waters still comfortable for swimming, paired with cooler, refreshing air that signals the change of season. Lighter crowds compared to the summer rush also make it easier to enjoy Destin’s beaches, harbors, and vibrant downtown without the peak-season congestion.

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Georgetown, South Carolina

Georgetown may be smaller than many of the Southeast’s better-known coastal towns, but in the fall it offers one of the region’s most distinctive waterfront festivals. Every third weekend in October, the Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show takes over the historic downtown, filling the harborfront with beautifully crafted wooden boats, maritime exhibits, and family-friendly activities. It’s an event that reflects the town’s deep boating heritage while also drawing visitors from across the state. Beyond the festival, Georgetown’s historic district adds to the charm, with centuries-old buildings, oak-lined streets, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from the busier tourist hubs. Paired with comfortable fall temperatures and a scenic setting along Winyah Bay, Georgetown delivers an autumn experience that blends tradition, history, and the timeless appeal of a small Southern port town.

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Key West, Florida

For travelers looking to stretch summer a little longer, Key West is the ultimate fall escape. While much of the Southeast begins to cool, the island holds onto its tropical climate, with daytime highs in the 80s and warm waters that stay comfortable for swimming well into November. It’s also one of the top offshore fishing destinations in the region this time of year. Anglers can target mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish in the blue water beyond the reef, while closer to shore, opportunities remain strong for grouper, snapper, and mackerel. Calm days on the Gulf and Atlantic sides of the island give boaters plenty of choices for heading out, whether it’s for a long offshore run or a relaxing cruise at sunset. Pair that with Key West’s laid-back island atmosphere, and fall here feels less like an ending and more like a continuation of summer on the water.

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Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s historic charm makes it a standout fall destination in the Southeast. The city’s oak-lined squares, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture take on a relaxed vibe as the summer crowds fade and cooler weather sets in. Fall is an ideal season to simply slow down and enjoy the atmosphere, strolling the riverfront, exploring historic homes, or dining outdoors beneath moss-draped oaks. Visitors can also make the short trip to Tybee Island for a day at the beach, tour Fort Pulaski to step back into history, or tee off at one of the area’s scenic golf courses. With average highs in the 70s, the weather is mild enough for comfortable sightseeing yet still warm compared to much of the country. For travelers who value culture, history, and a laid-back coastal setting, Savannah is a fall getaway that balances relaxation with plenty to explore.

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Outer Banks, North Carolina

By fall, the pace in the Outer Banks slows as cooler temperatures set in and crowds thin out, creating a quieter atmosphere than many other Southeastern coastal towns. For anglers, though, this season is one of the best times of year to visit. The Neuse River becomes a hotspot for trophy redfish, with anglers catching large numbers of bull reds out of New Bern, Ocracoke, and Morehead City. It’s widely considered one of the top places in the country to target redfish in the fall. Offshore, the season also sets the stage for some of the most exciting bluefin tuna fishing, with winter months offering a chance at fish of a lifetime for those booking a charter. While the weather is cooler than other destinations on this list, the Outer Banks delivers a world-class fishing experience that more than makes up for it — just be sure to bring a sweater instead of a bathing suit.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Known as the “Yacht Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale offers a fall and winter boating scene unlike anywhere else in the Southeast. Thanks to its warm, subtropical climate, boating season here never ends — in fact, the cooler months mark the busiest stretch of the year for the local yachting industry. Fall is also when the city hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the largest in-water boat show in the world and a must-visit event for boating enthusiasts. With daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and calm waterways stretching from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic, it’s easy to see why Fort Lauderdale draws boaters, anglers, and yacht owners from across the globe once the temperatures start to dip elsewhere. For travelers, it’s a destination where fall feels less like a shoulder season and more like the heart of boating culture.

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Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston offers one of the most complete fall experiences on the Southeast coast. For anglers, October and November bring some of the best redfish and trout fishing in the country, as fish school up in the tidal creeks and marshes surrounding the city. On land, Charleston’s historic character is front and center, with sites like Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the stately homes along The Battery offering a window into centuries of Southern history. While the city is popular year-round, fall sees a dip in tourist numbers, and cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to explore all day. Beyond sightseeing, travelers can also take advantage of Charleston’s golf scene, with world-class courses stretching from Isle of Palms to Kiawah Island. Whether you’re on the water or exploring historic streets, Charleston’s mix of culture, fishing, and recreation makes it an unbeatable fall destination.

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Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is one of the Gulf Coast’s most inviting fall destinations, thanks to its mix of warm beach weather and signature seasonal events. Each October, the city hosts the National Shrimp Festival, a massive waterfront celebration that draws more than 250,000 visitors with live music, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of Gulf shrimp prepared every way imaginable. While the festival is the headline event, fall is also one of the best times to simply enjoy the area’s sugar-white beaches without the peak summer crowds. Daytime highs often hover in the 70s and 80s, making it comfortable for long walks along the shoreline, afternoons on the water, or outdoor dining with a view of the Gulf. With its relaxed pace, great seafood, and welcoming atmosphere, Gulf Shores offers a classic coastal getaway that feels both lively and laid-back in the fall season.

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Jekyll Island, Georgia

For travelers looking for a quieter fall retreat, Jekyll Island delivers with wide beaches, unspoiled natural scenery, and a slower pace than many other coastal destinations. Fall weather brings daytime highs in the 70s and 80s, ideal for biking the island’s extensive trail system, exploring driftwood-strewn beaches, or enjoying a round of golf with fewer crowds. The cooler mornings and lower humidity make it comfortable to spend full days outdoors, whether you’re kayaking the tidal creeks or simply relaxing by the water. Unlike some busier resort areas, Jekyll Island has preserved much of its natural charm, offering a mix of maritime forests, marsh views, and historic sites that feel especially peaceful in the fall season. It’s a destination where the focus is on enjoying the outdoors at a relaxed pace, making it an appealing choice for travelers who want a coastal escape without the bustle.

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Planning Your Fall Coastal Getaway

From the historic streets of Charleston and Savannah to the beaches of Gulf Shores and Jekyll Island, the Southeast offers a coastal destination for every kind of traveler in the fall. Some towns come alive with festivals, others deliver world-class fishing, and a few simply provide a quiet retreat with comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Whether you’re booking a fishing charter in the Outer Banks, strolling the waterfront in Charleston, or spending the day on the beaches of Destin, fall is the season when these towns truly shine. As you plan your trip, explore local accommodations and experiences to make the most of your visit and enjoy everything the Southeast coast has to offer this autumn.

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