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5 Fall Destinations That Can Help You Hang Onto Summer

Capital One

By Natalie Burg

Leaves may be turning and temps may be dropping where you live, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to summer just yet. All you need for a little seasonal time travel is a long weekend and a flight to one of these warm destinations. 

And don’t forget your sunscreen. 

Jekyll Island, Georgia

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jekyll Island was an exclusive retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families. 

Anyone can visit this sultry, marshy island today. But carefully preserved historic spots, like the Jekyll Island Club Resort, where many of those fine families stayed, still lend an air of luxury to the area. 

The island’s historical attractions, which include the recently renovated Mosaic Museum and some Colonial-era ruins, are just part of the appeal. Jekyll Island is overflowing with natural beauty, from the surreal Driftwood Beach and inland salt marshes to the adorable residents of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. 

And the island offers plenty of excuses to get out and enjoy the splendor, including golf, tennis, horseback riding and bird watching. A visit to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, across the water from Jekyll Island, is time well spent. And near the end of September the Shrimp and Grits Festival comes to the island, highlighting an iconic regional dish. 

Of course, given average highs are in the mid-80s throughout September, just about anything you choose to do on Jekyll Island will be pleasant.  

Santa Barbara, California

A gorgeous coastal town in a state that boasts its share of them, opulent Santa Barbara is the ultimate seaside getaway for those looking for a taste of the good life. Mountains, beaches, vineyards and lush valleys can all be found in and around this gem. 

It’s not only about nature, though. The town’s Spanish-influenced architecture and Mediterranean ambiance have earned the city its “American Riviera” moniker. Chief among the distinct, red-roofed buildings is the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara, which Spanish Franciscans founded in 1786. While it’s still an active church, it also hosts tours. 

The definitive way to do Santa Barbara is to go upscale, and the city includes plenty of luxurious places to stay.

The food is great, too. Try to catch the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival in October. 

South Padre Island, Texas

In March, spring breakers fill South Padre Island to the brim. 

By autumn, there’s quieter fun to be had on this idyllic Texas island. Lovers of marine life in particular will revel in the dolphin tours, sea turtle facility and some of the best birding in the country. 

The island is also popular with fishing enthusiasts—more than two dozen companies offer fishing charters, both nearshore and offshore. 

The island’s great beaches are a source of other thrills, like sailing, diving, jet-skiing and parasailing. 

There are less adrenaline-intensive things to do on the beach, too. You might take a sandcastle-building lesson, for instance. It will come in handy if you make it to South Padre Island for their annual Sandcastle Days in early October. 

With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to island-perfect bungalows, this quintessential beach getaway offers plenty of ways to hang on to summer in style. 

Sedona, Arizona

Beaches aren’t the only backdrop for a summer-like getaway. There’s also the desert. 

The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, set the stage for a unique vacation that combines breathtaking panoramas and upscale attractions. Known for its spas, resorts and art galleries, Sedona is full of opportunities for both pampering and adventure. 

You could spend an entire weekend exploring Red Rock Country by foot, SUV, balloon, helicopter or horseback. The area’s destinations include Native American cliff dwellings, the Hopi reservation and Montezuma Castle National Monument. The Sedona Arts Festival sets up in town each October.

Sedona is also a wellness destination, offering spiritual retreats and yoga experiences. And that’s not to mention its more than 80 art galleries and shops, which help to support the many local artists. 

No matter what your favorite way to unwind is, sunbaked Sedona is sure to deliver it.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras gets all the attention, but New Orleans has a whole different experience in store for those who wait to visit until fall arrives. 

It’s important to make flexible travel plans this time of year because hurricanes make last-minute rescheduling a possibility. But it’s worth the effort to visit NOLA when the temps are down from their summer highs, and the city’s perfect for exploring. 

Fall is perfect for boutique shopping and fine dining in the French Quarter. But leave time for the opera or the symphony in the Saenger or Orpheum theaters, too—New Orleans is never short on ways to spend a day. 

Or a night: NOLA isn’t exactly quiet just because it’s fall. In October alone, the city’s major events include the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, Gentilly Fest, the New Orleans Film Festival, Beignet Fest and Art for Art’s Sake. 

Plus, there’s all the jazz you can handle, as always.

Whether you’re looking for one last weekend at the beach, a sunny outdoor adventure or an urban sojourn, these fall destinations will help you recapture that summer feeling. 

A former downtown development professional, Natalie Burg is a freelancer who writes about growth, entrepreneurialism and innovation.

This article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical or legal advice, or to indicate the availability or suitability of any product or service for your unique circumstances.

Capital One does not provide, endorse, or guarantee any third-party product, service, information or recommendation listed above. The third parties listed are solely responsible for their products and services, and all trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners.