Travel Expert Names the Beach Towns That Are Even Better in the Off-Season

Summer is popular for a beach vacation, but that often means dealing with intense crowds, higher costs, and limited parking. Traveling in the off-season eliminates the biggest problems of peak visitor months. In fact, some beach towns are even better outside of this period, with water warm enough for swimming and plenty of space on the sand.

When asking travel experts to name their picks for the beach towns that are better in the off-season, they chose a range of enticing destinations, some that may be closer to home and others ideal for an escape to a more exotic locale. 

Summer in Santa Cruz draws visitors from across the globe, many of whom head straight to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which runs alongside Main Beach. Stretching for about a mile from the mouth of the San Lorenzo River to the municipal wharf, it’s often so jam-packed there’s barely enough room to turn around. Plus, this is the season for morning fog. 

If you visit between mid-September and October, you’ll typically enjoy clear, sunny days and pleasantly warm temperatures, around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. In fact, the ocean will be at its warmest of the year (although still chilly at around 59 degrees). Plus, the Boardwalk rides will be open on weekends, and there will be significantly fewer people around. 

Marked by towering Haystack Rock along the northern Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is renowned for its rugged beauty. It’s one of the state’s most appealing towns for an off-season beach getaway. Visit outside of summer for thinner crowds, easier parking, more budget-friendly prices, and a peaceful experience. Walking the nearly four-mile stretch from Chapman Point on the north end to Silver Point on the south end is more enjoyable without navigating through large groups. 

In early spring, bring binoculars to watch for gray whales that migrate offshore from mid-March to mid-April. You can also spot tufted puffins that return to nest at Haystack Rock in April. Early fall typically sees some of the year’s best weather, but if you visit in November, you can enjoy the Stormy Weather Arts Festival with music, wine, and artists’ demonstrations. Winter is a great time to visit Cannon Beach for storm watchers, with huge ocean swells crashing against the shore.

Winter is peak season for visiting La Paz but can be a bit too cool for spending days at the beach and in the Sea of Cortez, with temperatures averaging between 63 and 72 degrees. If you visit toward the end of the tropical storm season, between mid-October and November, you’ll hit the sweet spot, avoiding scorching temperatures and the highest risk of hurricanes. 

There will be far fewer tourists around, making it more enjoyable to spend time at famous beaches like Balandra, with its translucent turquoise water like a vast natural swimming pool. With the sea averaging between 79 and 85 degrees, it’s also ideal for tours that will take you to snorkel with sea lions. 

Puerto Morelos, nestled between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, is less visited than its neighbors. It’s managed to retain its small fishing village charms, but in the off-season, particularly from around mid-October through November, it will be even less crowded, while the weather is warm and there’s a low risk of major storms. It’s an ideal time to enjoy the independent shops, local eats, and beautiful beaches like Main Beach, or Playa de Puerto Morelos, in the heart of town. 

Along the shore, you can be as relaxed or as active as you’d like. The water is calm and shallow, protected by the Great Mesoamerican Reef, just 1,600 feet away. You can see all sorts of tropical fish, and occasionally rays, right in the shallows. A guided snorkeling tour will bring you farther out to see even more marine life, like sea turtles. Or simply lounge around at one of the beach clubs with umbrellas, and food and drink service.

Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica enjoys a “mini dry season” in September and October while the rest of the country gets heavy rain. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving will be ideal now, with the sea calm and clear. Accommodation and tours are often cheaper, everything is fully open, and the beaches are incredibly quiet compared to the peak season, December through April.

The most popular, developed beach near town is Playa Cocles, with golden sands, a lively surf scene, and the only lifeguards in the area. Just north is unique Playa Negra with its black sand and mellow waves. A short drive north, Cahuita National Park offers beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal-clear blue water inside a protected wildlife area. The very best beach for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking is Punta Uva. Lapped by shallow, turquoise water, it’s about six miles south of town.

The island of Rhodes in the southeast Aegean is known for its warm climate with 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular destination for beachgoers. While the sands are packed throughout the summer, a visit between late September and October is much more tranquil. Plus, the sea will have retained the season’s heat, making it pleasantly warm for swimming. 

Just below the village of Lindos and its 4th-century BC Acropolis is Lindos Beach, made up of two adjacent sandy beaches. Loungers, umbrellas, and rentals like stand-up paddleboards are all available for getting out on the clear, shallow blue water. With beach bars and tavernas, you can spend the whole day here, concluding with a colorful sunset.

Crete is one of the southernmost Greek islands, with its north coast facing the Sea of Crete in the Aegean and the south coast opening to the Libyan Sea. The entire island is ideal for an off-season visit. It combines comfortable temperatures, warm water for swimming, and a quieter atmosphere without the thick summer crowds. In romantic Chania, with its historic Venetian Harbor and Byzantine walls, you can walk the narrow, cobbled streets and spend time on nearby beaches like Nea Chora without bumping elbows. A day trip to Balos, one of the island’s most famously beautiful beaches with its spectacular turquoise lagoon, will be much more enjoyable now. 

Aim for September for the year’s warmest water and harvest time, with the olive and grape harvests beginning now. October is even more tranquil, but the sea may be a bit too cool for some. May is ideal for lush, green landscapes filled with spring flowers and quiet beaches. June brings warmer weather, but it’s slightly busier. 

Located on Spain’s renowned Costa del Sol, Fuengirola offers an ideal blend of traditional Andalusian charm, long sandy beaches, and a promenade. It’s more authentic Spanish and less touristy than many other beach towns in the region, with locals outnumbering visitors. In the off-season, there will be even fewer tourists, and temperatures are mild, perfect for spending time at the beach without the scorching heat of summer.

In October, the water is still comfortable enough for refreshing swims, and daytime highs averaging in the mid-70s are perfect for long walks along the five-mile stretch of coast. If you’re here between October 6-12, the famous annual Fuengirola Feria will be taking place, adding a cultural twist to your beach getaway.

The Balearics are always buzzing in the summer, but you’ll have to compete with the crowds for the best beach coves, and getting reservations at coveted restaurants like cliffside Ca’s Patró March will be nearly impossible. Instead, head to Port de Sóller in late September or October. It’s the top beach town in Mallorca for a visit this time of year, with nearly empty shores and warm but mild temperatures. The sea cools down slowly, so it will be pleasant for swimming, hovering around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Plus, the horseshoe-shaped bay at Port de Sóller is protected, providing calm, safe conditions.

In between spending time at the beach, take the historic tram running between the bay of Sóller and the mountains to enjoy the views practically all to yourself.

The Aegadian Islands, made up of five islands off Sicily’s northwest coast, are part of a protected marine reserve. This is a wonderful destination for peaceful seclusion, particularly in the fall. It’s arguably the best time of year for a relaxed, slow-paced beach trip in Cala Dogano on Levanzo Island, the main town and only true village. All the local bars, eateries, and lodging are here. It’s an ideal base for lazy beach days, snorkeling or swimming in coastal caves, and off rocky shores. Cars aren’t allowed for non-residents, but staying in Cala Dogana makes it easy to walk to top swimming spots like Cala Fredda, with calm, shallow turquoise waters.