Call me crazy, but I rarely go to the beach during the summer. Thanks to our convenient east-coast location, we’re within easy driving distance of two of the country’s most popular beach destinations: Virginia Beach, VA, and the OBX (Outer Banks), NC. This means we can visit them anytime we want, and that’s usually not during tourist season.
While I know that a beach vacation isn’t possible for many people once school starts, there’s a great case to be made for postponing your ocean visit until the weather starts to cool down.
After years of living by the Outer Banks of North Carolina (and a summer inspecting beach houses for work), I’ve found quite a few reasons not to join the masses driving down the US 158 during the summer break and more and more reasons to wait. In my opinion, the experience can be even more fun during the fall, and today, I’m going to tell you why!
The Crowds Are Gone
This is an obvious one, so I’m just going to get it out of the way. Once September hits, the crowds in the Outer Banks plummet. This means more space on the beach, quicker trips any time you hit the roads, and faster service whenever you go out to eat.
The further into fall you get, the further the crowd dwindles, giving you lots of peace and quiet. Of course, there is a point where the whole place starts to feel a bit deserted, but if you’re in search of peace and quiet, you won’t have a problem with that.
You’ll also be able to see more of the area’s attractions in less time, thanks to less traffic and wait times.
You may also enjoy: Can You Really See Wild Horses in the Outer Banks?
Prices Come Down
One thing I learned very quickly during my time as a beach house inspector (such a fun summer job, minus the traffic) was that staying in a beach destination is expensive! I remember inspecting an old, small house that maybe had 1000 square feet and being shocked that it cost like two thousand dollars to rent for the week.
Once you add in more space, a pool, beach access, etc., it’s not uncommon to shell out $7K-$20K for a week in a beach house.
Um, no, thank you.
But once that summer rush ends, houses start dropping by the hundreds just about every week. You can probably still expect to pay around $1K minimum, but that’s still better than paying $2500 for the same house a few weeks before.
In addition to house prices going down, you may be able to cash in on quite a few end-of-season sales at local shops or find better prices at local restaurants.
Dogs are Welcome
This is a big deal for us now that we have Atlas in our lives. While several spots along the OBX allow dogs year-round, the rules do relax once fall hits.
For example, in Kitty Hawk, your dog can’t be on the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm. The rules in Southern Shores are similar.
You can choose plenty of other locations, like Duck or Nags Head, but it’s nice to know your pooch is welcome anywhere you want to stay. Plus, the cooler weather means your dog will enjoy him or herself more than when the sand is extra toasty.
The Weather is Gorgeous
Speaking of toasty sand, the temps can be a lot more comfortable during September and October. We’re no Florida, but this area does tend to stay pretty warm through October. While the “Indian Summers” tend to deprive us of any fall colors, it does extend beach season quite a bit.
You can generally expect sunny days in the 70s and 80s through most of October, which I think is perfect for hitting the beach– or for exploring the area without breaking a sweat. (Lighthouse tour, anyone?)
Things do tend to cool down at night, though, so be sure to bring some warmer clothes if you plan to stay out late.
The Sunsets are Even Prettier
I’m a sucker for a good sunset on the beach any time of year, but there is something particularly beautiful about the fall sunsets in the area.
According to “the science,” it’s due to changes in weather and temperature. But I also think it has something to do with being able to experience it alone instead of with 500 other people on the beach.
OBX Festival Season Is Fantastic
When the tourists leave, the locals fire up some pretty great events–especially if you love seafood.
Mid-September brings The Easterns, the largest amateur surfing competition in the world, to Nags Head.
And the Outer Banks Seafood Festival and the Duck Jazz Festival both come to the area in October.
On top of that, there are bike festivals, pumpkin patch Saturdays, First Fridays in Manteo, birding events, a bluegrass festival, and more!
These events may not be the sole reason you come to the area, but they’ll offer some great fun while you’re here.
It’s the Best Time to Fish
If you’re into fishing off the pier or a boat, the fall is actually the best time of year to do it in the OBX! This is when the fish start migrating, and you’ll plenty of winners to take home. Depending on whether you’re an offshore angler or prefer surf fishing, you can catch anything from white marline and sailfish to red drum, cobia, and trout. (And plenty others.)
Once again, I know that a fall trip isn’t possible for many families due to school. But, if you happen to have some travel freedom, I highly recommend you check out the OBX in the off-season.
In fact, there’s still time to come visit this year before the weather gets cold!
If you have any questions about visiting, feel free to drop them below, and I’ll answer them as best I can based on personal experience.
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Happy travels!
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