After Labor Day, people across the country pack up their towels, stash their unfinished beach reading, and stow their beach chairs for the winter ahead. But what they don't realize is that fall and winter are actually the best times of year to visit many beaches around the country.
Smaller crowds, empty swaths of sand, and lower prices on lodging make beach vacations even more appealing in September and beyond.
These 10 beaches are some of the best to visit in the off-season.
SEE ALSO: 30 incredible beaches every surfer should visit in their lifetime
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Cannon Beach, Oregon
The sea stacks at Cannon Beach distinguish it as quintessential Oregon coastline (yes, you probably recognize it from The Goonies). In calm weather, you can walk right up to the famed Haystack Rock and explore its tide pools with colorful sea stars and green anemone. Bring blankets and a bottle of wine so you can cozy up into the evening with a twilight bonfire and watch some of the year's most incredible sunsets (there's no rule against alcohol along the Oregon coastline).
It's a year-round bird-watching location, but the wildlife really comes out when the crowds disperse. Visit neighboring Ecola State Park and watch for elk and migrating grey whales off-shore. Plus, Dungeness Crab season begins in mid-December, so you'll reap the benefits at local eateries.
Storm chasers will love the unpredictable weather that can bring crashing waves, best enjoyed from an oceanfront hotel with dramatically reduced rates.
Related:10 Most Romantic Coastal Destinations
Ditch Plains Beach, New York
Wealthy New Yorkers and celebrities flock to the eastern end of Long Island, past the Hamptons, for a little R&R. But post-Labor Day in Montauk is when the real R&R begins. After all, the point is to get away from Manhattan's traffic jams, right?
Moshup Beach, Massachusetts
Anywhere on Cape Cod and the islands is quieter in the off-season (thank goodness for less Route 6 traffic). But the best part about going to Martha's Vineyard in the fall is you actually have a shot of getting your car on the ferry without reserving a year in advance. And with less cars congesting the island (and out-of-towners driving like maniacs around the narrow roads), it's a bicyclist's paradise.
Whether you're cycling or driving, Moshup Beach (also known as Aquinnah Public Beach) is the island's best. You won't have to fight for parking or pay fees in the off-season, and the empty beach is the perfect spot for strolling, picnicking, or (if you're lucky) spotting seals. Plus, the nudists that tend to stake claim to the beach along the dramatic, multi-colored cliffs are bundled up for the winter.
Related:10 Secret American Islands You'll Have All to Yourself
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