12 US Beach Destinations in October Where Summer Never Really Ends

The US is full of sun-soaked places to enjoy in October. No matter if you’re looking for tropical beaches or lakeside retreats, the US is where to go.

As the dark skies and cold winds approach many destinations in October, you’ll find a few places that stay over 70° F (21° C). These beachside destinations are where you can go for late-season relaxation and seaside fun.

From the tropical beaches of Florida to the desert lakes of Atrizona, you’ll have plenty of epic destinations to choose from. Below are the sunniest beach destinations in the US to visit in October.

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Miami, Florida

Must Visit U.S. Cities Miami — © miami2you / Adobe Stock

Miami enjoys a year-round tropical climate with plenty of sunshine and hot temperatures. If you’re looking for the ultimate beach destination in October, then book your flights to this popular spring break destination.

From its famous South Beach to the quiet keys just off shore, Miami is the place for sunshine, sand, and non-stop entertainment. After relaxing at one of its famous beaches, you can hop over to Miami Beach’s bars and restaurants before hitting the town and enjoying the historic downtown.

If you’re tired of the beach—lucky you, you can experience the city’s renowned golf courses, including the famous Miami Beach Golf Club. To get even more out of the warm weather, consider taking a cruise out of Miami Harbor to take on the open seas or try your luck at sport fishing, a Miami pastime.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Lake Havasu City is like an oasis in the desert. It’s like a monster truck rally on a lake, with all the excitement and embarrassment you can handle. It’s also incredibly beautiful. And, with an average October temperature above 70° F (21° C), you’ll have plenty of beach time relaxation.

The city sits at the banks of the mighty Colorado River. It’s surrounded by desert and receives relentless sunshine throughout the year. On top of its freshwater beaches, you can explore its vast network of trails by foot or mountain bike.

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Golfers and boating enthusiasts will also find plenty of excitement. To enjoy the fall season like a local, rent a boat and go fishing on the Colorado River before pulling into one of the quiet coves to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii’s capital and largest city is full of summer vibes all year round. Because the islands are tropical, temperatures will stay well above 70°F (21°C) throughout the year.

Honolulu is famous for its beaches and surf spots, such as Waikiki. Here, you can rent a surfboard to test your balance on the mellow waves that break on the reefs outside of the city. Then, you can take a dip or snorkel the many reefs near the town.

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There are also endless activities you can do from the city. Try taking a submarine tour through Atlantis Submarines Waikiki or explore the surrounding mountains by rental car. No matter where you go, you’ll be immersed in one of the most striking destinations in the US.

Charleston, South Carolina

Known for its historic cobblestone streets and downtown architecture, Charleston is also a wonderful beach destination. Located next to the Atlantic Ocean, this subtropical city has plenty of palm-lined beaches with warm water and plenty of sunshine.

Walk the beaches of Sullivan’s Island or drive to the Isle of Palms to enjoy a more secluded beachside paradise. You’ll have plenty of resorts and off-season hotel prices to take advantage of in October, so start looking now.

After spending the day at the beach, don’t miss downtown Charleston for historic sights and late-night excitement. The city is full of fantastic restaurants, bars, and shopping. You can also hop on a water tour before spending a warm October night dining outside on some of the best seafood dishes in the country.

Tampa, Florida

Tampa and the nearby cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg have some of the most exciting beaches in the country. In October, the summer crowds from the peak season are gone, leaving you with endless stretches of beaches with few tourists.

Try staying near the Gulf of Mexico in one of the resorts or cozy boutique hotels along the sand. You’ll have huge stretches of beaches to explore. Or, you can pop into one of the bars and restaurants on the water for bottomless seafood and drinks.

Tampa is one of Florida’s largest cities, so there’s plenty of nightlife to enjoy after your day at the beach. Head downtown to see a live show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts or enjoy one of the bars and live music venues of Hyde Park.

South Padre Island, Texas

Texas Beaches to Spend the Summer Isla Blanca Park — © Hundley Photography / Adobe Stock

Texas’ southernmost city is full of palm trees and sandy beaches. Here, you’ll have endless sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the year. Plus, if you love driving, there are endless secluded beaches far away from other people so that you can soak in the rays away from the crowds.

The city stretches along a skinny island next to the warm Gulf of Mexico. It’s famous for its fishing charters and beachside resorts, which feature golfing, horseback riding, water sports, and plenty of off-season deals to take advantage of in October.

For families and anyone looking for adventures, the city has amusement parks and water parks. For nature lovers, South Padre Island is a paradise, with natural reserves such as Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge featuring birds and other animals.

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Santa Monica, California

Most Filmed Beaches_Santa Monica Bay, California — © nata_rass / Adobe Stock

Los Angeles’ neighboring beachside city is one of the top beach towns in the country. With warm and sunny October temperatures, you’ll find plenty of excuses to lay in the sand.

Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier, a historic pier that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. It has rides and plenty of restaurants along the boardwalk where visitors can enjoy the seaside views and relax.

After relaxing on the beach, don’t miss shopping and dining downtown. The historic downtown has mom-and-pop shops, luxury shopping, and some of the best restaurants in LA. When you’re there, head to Center Plaza to enjoy live music at the year-round Sounds of Santa Monica concert series.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The beautiful city of Gulf Shores is full of southern charm, right on the water. Come here to enjoy a more laid-back beach vibe with calm seas, crystal-clear waters, and warm October temperatures.

Also, the pace of life in Gulf Shores is slower, and it’s by no means a sleepy town. You’ll find late-night parties, bars, and live music throughout the city, especially on weekends.

During the day, take a deep sea fishing charter or spend the day golfing at one of the city’s world-renowned golf courses. To fuel your outdoor adventures, check out the city’s seafood restaurants for fish, oysters, and shrimp.

Austin, Texas

Wait… Austin? Yes, Austin has beaches that stay hot and inviting in October. Although the city is inland, you’ll find plenty of epic sandy beaches along its rivers and lakes.

Just 45 minutes outside of the city center is Emma Long Metropolitan Park. This tranquil riverfront beach is the perfect place to rest in the sand. There’s also Georgetown Lake and McKinney Falls State Park, not to mention the popular Colorado River—not the same river as out west.

Austin will also be one of the most sought-after destinations for surfers. Sure, there’s no ocean, but the city is building one of the largest wave pools in the world. There’s already a famous wave pool an hour north in Waco, so if you love getting pitted, you may want to head to the Lonestar State.

West Palm Beach, Florida

For sunshine and warm beaches in October, it’s no surprise Florida tops the list. For great beaches, mellow crowds, and plenty of activities both day and night, consider traveling to West Palm Beach.

Neighboring Palm Beach has uninterrupted stretches of pristine white sand beaches and epic resorts. You’ll find anything from 5-star hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts to relax in.

The reefs off shore have some of the state’s best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are also fishing charters and sunset cruises that take you out to enjoy the open ocean.

For nightlife, West Palm Beach has it all. You’ll find incredible shopping downtown and at the Cityplace shopping center. As the sun falls, take a stroll and pop into downtown’s historic bars to take in the vibes and catch live music.

San Diego, California

As warm beach destinations go, you can’t beat San Diego. This Californian city has an average October temperature of around 75° F (24° C). You’ll also enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm water temperatures.

San Diego is famous for its beaches. Head out to La Jolla to catch the surf and beachside fun at La Jolla Cove. Or, swim with California’s colorful state fish, the garibaldi, at Coronado Beach. You can also visit the La Jolla tide pools or visit the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

After sitting under the hot sun, head downtown to enjoy the historic charm of the Gaslamp Quarter. Or, you can visit the city’s famous destinations such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.

Huntington Beach, California

‘Surf City USA’ is the home of California beach culture. It’s here where the first Hawaiian surfers caught waves in the lower 48 and brought surf culture to the world. It’s also where you can find warm sunshine and beaches well into October.

The warm climate of Huntington Beach means you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of summer, even as Halloween approaches. Spend the day swimming and relaxing on the beach before hitting the town to enjoy live music and delicious cuisine.

Huntington is also home to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Here, you can learn about the history of the sport and see how the city and California became synonymous with beach vibes, Gidget, and hanging ten.