Where did summer go? There are less than 4 months left before our calendars flip over, but next up is fall.
‘Tis the season of chasing fall foliage photo-ops and sipping pumpkin spice lattes for many, but others still have sun and sand on the brain.
No matter the time of year, we all love to be in on secrets.
While Gulf Shores and countless Florida beaches are commonplace for vacationers, there are 4 beaches the South holds close to the vest.
Each in different states and with their own unique allure, 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 isn’t just a bunch of hillbillies as it’s often portrayed.
Popular TV shows like Swamp People certainly don’t help their image, but there may be no more cultural city in the States than New Orleans.
Yes, I’m aware that N’awlins doesn’t have a beach, and if there’s any city you don’t want to visit, this may be it.
But there’s far more than eating your way through the delights of New Orleans when it comes to exploring Louisiana.
Take Baton Rouge, for example, a city that’s surging with tourists right now.
At first glance at a map, New Orleans appears to sit at the bottom of the state, but that’s where the zoom button comes in handy.
Beyond the vast winding swamplands lies a beach destination nobody ever seems to talk about – Grand Isle.
If you’re in search of wide open beaches, wildlife sightings and yes, even a 4-star resort nestled along the pretty Gulf waters, then Grand Isle hits the mark even through fall.
Neighboring states like Texas and Mississippi may have more popular beaches and that’s likely because Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana.
As such, there are more fun things to do than you might think. Known as a world-class fishing spot and nature enthusiasts’ dream, there’s no doubt Grand Isle should be way more popular.
Check out Grand Isle State Park for hiking and relaxing beaches, plus delicious seafood restaurants like Hurricane Hole, also serving as nice hotel oozing Caribbean vibes.
Sorry, Louisiana! The secret’s out now.
Forget Galveston! Surfside Is Prettier With Far Less Crowds
Another southern cultural city is Houston, and there’s definitely no beach here either.
As someone who just had a layover in Houston, something as simple as walking to a convenience store had me drenched from humidity, so I do not need to worry about the beach weather any time soon in the region.
Located an hour south of Houston lies Surfside Beach, a small yet popular beach town among locals but relatively hush-hush for anyone 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 waters are your jam.
Surfside boasts much bluer waters, but don’t expect the Caribbean by any means. The Gulf is very pretty but not known for snorkeling, yet it still offers a pleasant beach experience nonetheless.
The sun is still shining brightly through September when local crowds die down.
Best of all, you can drive on the beach for an impromptu tailgate or simply take advantage of prime parking.
Beach passes must be displayed, however.
Florida’s Most Underrated Island
You probably get it by now – Florida is an amazing beach destination!
Beyond the household names of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and others, there are hidden gems wrapped around the oddly shaped state, both east and west.
St. George Island, off the coast of fun-to-say Apalachicola, has flown under the radar far too long.
As Florida has surged in popularity, fewer and fewer beaches can claim true ‘hidden gem’ status.
Even more so, it’s hard to find beaches that feel authentic, giving credence to why Travel & Leisure dubbed these beautiful shorelines as the ‘Forgotten Coast‘.
St. George offers miles of white-sand beaches and vivid turquoise waters, but best of all, it does not have eye-sore high-rise condos or hotels.
Enjoy potential wildlife sightings, such as sea turtles, and the untouched landscapes of Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park in sunny September.
Life’s A Fripp: Enjoy Football Fields Of Wide-Open Beaches!
More vacationers are looking beyond the captivating charm of Charleston and the family fun of Myrtle Beach in search of more picturesque waters and fewer crowds.
Fripp Island ticks off all the boxes and then some, especially at low tide.
Beachgoers have quite literally football fields (yes, plural!) of wide-open space, a far cry from Myrtle Beach’s resort-lined coast.
While many vacation hotspots are shoeing away tourists like flies, Fripp Island welcomes them with open arms. So you can kick back, relax, and enjoy a blissful beach where time slows down.
Crowds are rarely a factor, and the weather still hovers until October, in the 80s.
A majority of the island is coordinated by Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort, where most tourists typically spend a full week at lovely vacation rentals ranging from cottages to villas, all including resort-like amenity cards for fun activities like poolside movie nights.
Our Editor, Tyler, recently vacationed here (with his dog!) and raved about it! You can read about his experience here.
Tip: Golf carts are like gold here – book yours in advance.
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