The 8 Best Beaches to Visit in October
In theory, a beach trip should always be an opportunity to escape everyday life—a relaxing, fun-filled, stress-free time. Unfortunately, what often happens during peak beach season is the opposite. If you’re tired of dealing with crowds, commotion, and the constant struggle to find a spot on the sand, we have an easy solution: rethink your timing. Skip May through September in favor of an October beach getaway, typically the best time of year for finding fewer tourists and still-sunny weather. Below, the 8 best beaches to hit this October.
P.S. Check out What to Pack for a Beach Vacation before your next seaside getaway!
Browne’s Beach, Barbados
If you want a Caribbean vacation in October, opt for Barbados—its easternmost position makes it one of the least likely islands to experience a direct hit during hurricane season. Considered one of the best beaches on the island, Browne’s Beach boasts calm, warm, crystal-clear water that’s perfect for morning snorkeling with sea turtles—one of the area’s most popular activities. After your marine life encounter, you can wind down on the fluffy white sands or grab food and drink from any one of the local beachside restaurants. Speaking of good bites, don’t miss October’s Food and Rum Festival to see Barbados live up to its “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” title, with an appearance by British celebrity chef Tom Aikens.
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Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio is fantastic year-round, but an October visit means fewer crowds and milder weather. Enjoy views of the turquoise Indian Ocean waters and fine-grained, white sands from a villa at Raffles Seychelles on the island of Praslin. Framed by palms and indigenous Takamaka trees, the beach feels like true tropical paradise.
Playa de la Tejita, Canary Islands, Spain
With average highs of 79 degrees in October, the Canary Islands are ideal for a fall beach getaway. Playa de la Tejita is a gorgeous, large, natural beach with views of the Montaña Roja and strong winds perfect for kite- and windsurfing. While the sea tends to be too choppy for swimmers, the beach is excellent for sunbathing, surfer-watching, and long scenic walks, especially for those looking for something secluded and totally crowd-free.
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Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Photographers (and everyone on Instagram), gather round: Driftwood Beach is a must-see this month. Famous for its sandy strip piled high with pieces of—you guessed it—driftwood, this picturesque Georgia locale is jaw-droppingly pretty. While summer months can be stifling hot here, October kicks off the pleasant weather season. Grab your cameras, Jetsetters!
Photos courtesy of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji
Yasawa Islands Beaches, Fiji
October is the perfect time to visit Fiji before its cyclone season starts in November. Looking for the ultimate relaxation spot? The unspoiled beaches at Yasawa Islands are extra serene compared to Fiji’s more popular Mamanucas. One caveat: this getaway is best for someone wanting to really disconnect, since there aren’t many shops or restaurants on the island—here, it’s all about natural beauty. With clear blue waters and uncharted reefs, the Yasawas are especially great for scuba diving and snorkeling. You also can’t miss swimming in the hidden chambers of the Blue Lagoon Caves. We recommend staying at Yasawa Island Resort for access to 11 of the most amazing private beaches and the opportunity to stay in a traditionally thatched, beachfront bure suite.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous for its spots of purple—yes, purple—sand, a result of concentrated garnet minerals mixed in with the quartz. Majestic, right? The beach’s towering rock formations create an additional sense of awe, as does the adventure of getting there. (The beach is notoriously tricky to find, but that makes the incredible sights even more rewarding.) Though October temps are a little cooler—lows of 45 degrees and highs of 69—the crowds are much smaller than in summer months. Plus, fall in Big Sur is prime time for wildlife lovers, since hundreds of monarch butterflies in the area’s Andrew Molera State Park begin migrating come October.
Isle of Palms Beach, South Carolina
For a calm, clean, can’t-go-wrong spot in the U.S., pay a visit to Isle of Palms in South Carolina. The beach is huge, which means people can spread out to find a quiet section for peaceful sunbathing, and the waves are mild and relaxing. Prepare for balmy, high of 77 degree weather in October, one of the most comfortable (read: not muggy) times of the year.
Taharu'u Beach, Papara, Tahiti
For something a little different than the white or gold sands most people are used to, check out the Beach of Taharu’u in Papara, Tahiti. Here, you’ll find a change of scenery with a stunning black-sand beach complete with mountain views. The spot is known for its huge surfer-friendly waves, and there are picnic tables along the soft sand for beachgoers to eat, relax, and soak up the sun and sights before Tahiti’s humid, rainy season begins in November.
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