Last Call forSummer
Cool coastal escapes for one final getaway
By Carrie Dunlea
By August, many Texans have had enough. Triple-digit temperatures, baked sidewalks and endless afternoons indoors have us dreaming of somewhere cooler. Fortunately, late summer can be one of the best times to head for the coast. Crowds begin to thin, hotel rates often become more reasonable and ocean breezes provide welcome relief from the North Texas heat.
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend or planning one last getaway before fall arrives, these coastal destinations are worth considering.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Travel up the Atlantic Coast to Bar Harbor, Maine, if ocean views, mountain adventures and small-town charm are on the agenda.
Situated along Frenchman Bay, this charming harbor town serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, where granite peaks, scenic carriage roads and rugged coastline await.
One of the area’s biggest draws, Cadillac Mountain rises 1,530 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands. From early October through early March, it’s one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise. Visitors can watch lobster boats unload their daily catch, stroll the picturesque Shore Path or drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views of the Atlantic.
The Gulf of Maine attracts humpback, fin, minke and other whale species. Excursion boats also frequently encounter puffins, seals and porpoises during the season.
Jordan Pond is a favorite stop inside Acadia, known for its crystal-clear water and the twin rounded peaks called “The Bubbles.” Many visitors make time for the historic Jordan Pond House, famous for serving warm popovers with strawberry jam.
Downtown Bar Harbor is filled with locally owned bookstores, art galleries, ice cream shops and seafood restaurants. It maintains the feel of a working harbor rather than a commercial resort.
Finish the day with a classic Maine lobster dinner while sailboats bob gently in the harbor, and it’s easy to see why Bar Harbor remains one of New England’s most beloved coastal escapes.
Cape May, New Jersey
America’s oldest seaside resort is aptly nicknamed “America’s Victorian Seaside Resort.” Featuring more than 600 colorful “painted ladies” with wraparound porches and gingerbread trim, nearly every block photo-worthy while broad beaches, the historic Cape May Lighthouse, pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall and spectacular evening views over the Delaware Bay invite visitors to slow down and explore.
Nature lovers can watch dolphins just offshore or visit one of North America’s premier bird migration hotspots. Cape May sits along the Atlantic Flyway, making it famous among birders. During spring and especially fall migration, hundreds of species pass through the area, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. End the day at Sunset Beach, where visitors gather for spectacular evening skies and search the shoreline for the polished quartz pebbles known as “Cape May diamonds” — quartz pebbles polished by the surf — and watch the flag-lowering ceremony held each evening during the summer.
It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking history, relaxation and classic seaside beauty.
Beaufort, South Carolina
For a very different—but equally appealing—late-summer coastal experience, visit
Beaufort, South Carolina. Draped in Spanish moss and surrounded by winding tidal marshes, Beaufort captures the timeless charm of the South.
Stroll along the waterfront, including Waterfront Park, one of the city’s signature attractions featuring swings, walking paths, docks and shady spots to watch shrimp boats, sailboats and dolphins.
The historic downtown centers around Bay Street, where locally owned shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants and cafés overlook the Beaufort River.
Kayaking through tidal creeks often brings sightings of dolphins, herons, egrets and pelicans. Just 20 minutes away, Hunting Island State Park, a barrier island, offers five miles of undeveloped beaches, maritime forests and one of South Carolina’s few historic lighthouses open for climbing. It’s consistently ranked among the state’s best beaches.
Late summer and early fall bring fewer visitors, making it an ideal time to kayak through quiet waterways, sample fresh Lowcountry seafood and experience one of the South’s most picturesque coastal communities at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Door County, Wisconsin
Some of North America’s most memorable waterfront escapes are found along the Great Lakes.
Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a 70-mile-long peninsula extending into Lake Michigan with more than 300 miles of shoreline, charming harbor villages and a refreshing escape from late-summer heat.
Communities like Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay and Egg Harbor offer waterfront restaurants, art galleries, locally owned shops and marinas filled with sailboats. Many visitors spend their days hopping from town to town.
Door County is famous for its tart cherry orchards, which burst with fruit during the summer. Visitors can enjoy homemade cherry pies, jams, wines, ciders and even chocolate-covered cherries. Many orchards welcome guests during harvest season.
The 3,700-acre Peninsula State Park features scenic overlooks, wooded hiking and biking trails, sandy beaches, campgrounds and spectacular views of Green Bay. Eagle Tower, rebuilt in 2021, offers an accessible treetop walk and panoramic vistas over the forest and shoreline.
One of Wisconsin’s most photographed landmarks, the 1869 Cana Island lighthouse sits on its own tiny island. Depending on the lake level, visitors can walk across a shallow causeway or ride a wagon pulled by a tractor to reach the lighthouse before climbing to the top for sweeping lake views.
Kayaking along limestone bluffs and sea caves, sailing on Green Bay or cruising Lake Michigan are favorite ways to experience the peninsula. Unlike many Great Lakes destinations, much of Door County faces west over Green Bay, making it one of the few places in Wisconsin where visitors can watch spectacular sunsets over the water.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
For travelers seeking natural beauty and cooler temperatures, the Apostle Islands offer an unforgettable late-summer escape where rugged wilderness replaces crowded beaches. This collection of 21 islands along the shores of Lake Superior is known for its dramatic sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses and crystal-clear waters. Paddle a kayak through sculpted rock formations, hike forested trails or take a ferry to Madeline Island to browse shops and enjoy a leisurely waterfront lunch.
The islands are best known for their dramatic sandstone sea caves, sculpted over thousands of years by Lake Superior’s waves. Guided kayak tours allow visitors to paddle beneath towering cliffs, through narrow arches and into cathedral-like caves where the water glows shades of emerald and turquoise.
Several islands are accessible by ferry or private boat. Madeline Island—the largest and only permanently inhabited island—is home to charming shops, restaurants, beaches and a small museum, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.
Six historic lighthouses stand throughout the archipelago, reminders of the area’s maritime past. Some can be toured seasonally, offering a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers while providing spectacular views across Lake Superior.
Located on the mainland, Meyers Beach offers one of the easiest ways to experience the area’s stunning cliffs and shoreline. It’s also the launching point for many kayaking adventures.
Trails wind through dense forests and along rugged bluffs where visitors may spot bald eagles, black bears, foxes and white-tailed deer. The islands are also home to nesting seabirds and abundant wildflowers during late summer.
With little light pollution, the Apostle Islands are an outstanding place for stargazing. On clear nights—and during periods of heightened solar activity—visitors may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing above Lake Superior.
Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is watching fishing boats glide into a quiet harbor, hunting for seashells along a sandy beach or enjoying fresh seafood with an ocean view, North America’s shorelines offer no shortage of memorable escapes. Sometimes the best vacations aren’t about checking attractions off a list—they’re about finding a place where the rhythm of the tides reminds you to slow down.