Autumn is upon us! Though we love the upcoming holidays, the cooler temperatures aren’t everyone’s favorite.
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If you want to delay your winter just a little longer, these 12 destinations might cheer you up and give you some travel inspiration for future November adventures. Our list below is for low-key and quaint destinations you might have never heard of before.
If you want to read about locations with a bit more fanfare, pizazz, and big city feel, here’s our list of the best warm U.S. cities to visit in November.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
High: 68
Low: 49
Bay St. Louis is a small town often overlooked by travelers, but the food scene there should stop you right in your tracks. Bay St. Louis is known in particular for its outstanding food culture. There’s a meal for every craving that will go above and beyond your expectations.
So if you’re traveling to escape November temps and instead dine on top-tier Southern food, Bay St. Louis won’t disappoint.
Bay St. Louis is less than an hour west of Biloxi, making it a great stop for good grub on a full Gulf Coast Mississippi road trip.
Fredricksburg, Texas
High: 70
Low: 47
Fredricksburg is in Hill Country, so you can anticipate rolling hills, and, you guessed right, wine!
There are around 50 wineries in Fredricksburg and the surrounding areas. That means you are within a drive away from some incredible wine and summery weather. If you want to skip the wine but enjoy the views, you can also bike through Hill Country.
As you plan your November getaway, check out our list of the top things to see and do in Fredricksburg.
Beaufort, South Carolina
High: 70
Low: 50
Beaufort is home to the Southern charm we often dream of. One way to get to know the area quickly is through an informative and undeniably memorable carriage tour through town.
Downtown Beaufort has an abundance of shops and restaurants perfect for lazy strolling, snacking, and even stumbling upon perfect gifts for loved ones. After shopping, you can stay at historic inns or bed and breakfasts like the Rhett House Inn or the Beaufort Inn, both in the quaint historic district.
Amelia Island, Florida
High: 72
Low: 54
Amelia Island in far north Florida is a great getaway from the brisk temperatures in November across the U.S.
Hit the links while on Amelia Island; golfing is one of the best experiences awaiting you there. There are quite a few superb courses. You can’t go wrong with any of our suggestions, but Fernandina Beach Golf Club offers golf without breaking the bank.
To get outside, make sure to walk around Fort Clinch State Park — a marvelous mix of history and local flora and fauna.
Kauai, Hawaii
High: 74
Low: 58
Every inch of Kauai is gorgeous, but we recommend a few spots in particular.
Since part of Kauai’s magic is its uninterrupted and untainted scenery, one of the best ways to soak it all in is through a helicopter tour. Panoramic views of the island and the ocean are proof why Hawaii is so splendid to visit.
If you want to instead enjoy some fresh air and lace up your hiking boots, why not explore on foot instead? There’s a bounty of trails with your name on them, and the not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperatures are compatible with a full day of hiking.
Adventure awaits in Kauai — here are a few other places to visit while there.
Pass-A-Grille, Florida
High: 75
Low: 64
Less than 45 minutes southwest of Tampa you will find Pass-A-Grille, a quiet, unassuming small town in Florida.
Ever heard of a beach cruiser? Neither had we. It’s a mix between a bike and a go-cart and is a fun way to get around the beach. A simple and fast rental from Wheel Fun Rentals will get you off on your way.
If you like beachy knick-knacks, you’ll enjoy the quaint Main Street strip of shops. For an adventure, check out uber-secluded Shell Key, a small island you can shuttle or kayak to. It’s rugged and gorgeous there.
Temecula, California
High: 76
Low: 53
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Malibu often steal the show in SoCal, but Temecula, just a little further south, is a hidden gem with all sorts of California charm.
Temecula Valley is affectionately known as Southern California’s Wine Country. Come for the wine, and then stay for the lovely other things to do. While there, it makes sense to join a wine tour or stop by a winery or two.
After some wine, we have two suggestions depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for. If you like to get moving and get active, horseback riding through hills and vineyards will be great for the body and mind. The experience will build memories with loved ones and gentle giants, and you’ll see wine country from a unique perspective.
Or, if you want some rest and relaxation, there are a few spas in Temecula worth a soak; consider South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and Murrieta Day Spa.
Oro Valley, Arizona
High: 77
Low: 38
Oro Valley is just a few miles north of Tuscon, but it’s quite a bit quieter, more low-key, and charming than its southern neighbor.
While in Arizona, it’s only fitting to explore the rugged, dry climate. In Oro Valley in particular, you can definitely cross that off your bucket list. To see and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Tohono Chul is a beloved botanical garden with a fascinating collection of plants, flora, and fauna.
Another option for hikers is Honey Bee Canyon Park, an 80-acre adventure offering you natural delights and a look into the rich history of the Hohokam people who once dwelled in the area.
Dominical, Costa Rica
High: 82
Low: 69
On November 1, 2020, visitors from all U.S. states can resume travel to Costa Rica. What better way to celebrate than by visiting Dominical? With a population of less than 1,000, Dominical is a great representation of what a quiet beach town should be.
Though you might come for the beaches, there’s a lot more in store for your visit. Nauyaca Waterfalls is unique to Dominical as is Manuel Antonio National Park — home of monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other incredible wildlife.
San Pedro, Belize
High: 83
Low: 74
Beach meets golf cart adventure? Sign us up. The best way to get around San Pedro is by golf cart, where you can explore at your own pace, taking in the cute, quaint streets and sandy shores slowly.
The popular beach on San Pedro — nicknamed Secret Beach — hosts warm water, squishy sand, calm waves, and an overall incredibly tranquil, fun, and enjoyable November getaway.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
High: 84
Low: 77
Vieques is an island off of Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, about 60 miles from San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital city.
Though San Juan has a vibrant city-meets-beach scene, we prefer Vieques in November because it’s a break from the hustle and bustle of a major city.
The main draw is Mosquito Bay, also called Bioluminescent Bay, where microorganisms brighten up the water in ethereal Avator-like green-blue shades. The sight is magical. Plus, you’re getting all of the beauty of the Caribbean without the crowds and tourist traps.
Vieques is a vision of peace and quiet, solitude and reflection, and a fabulous getaway to forget all about the approaching winter months. With crystal clear water and plenty of privacy to explore, there’s a lot to love about this island not too far from San Juan.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
High: 86
Low: 77
St. Thomas is a great destination if the Caribbean is calling your name. While there, make sure to experience Magens Bay Beach. This beloved stretch of sea and sand is small but mighty. When you reach the water, you will have crystal clear water ahead with green vegetation, palm trees, and hills behind and around you.
To enjoy the gorgeous water around the island, take advantage of an abundance of water activities; you can snorkel, scuba, sail, kayak, and canoe to your heart’s content. For a bird’s-eye view of the island, don’t miss the skyride up to Paradise Point. The gondola-like experience will take you up 700 feet in elevation. The skyride is currently closed due to Covid, but Mountain Top is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for high-in-the-sky views. Enjoy a world-famous banana daiquiri while you’re up there!
For other fun excursions on the island, check out our list of the best things to do while on St. Thomas.
Pro Tip
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin (including the Gulf, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean) runs until the end of November. Check advisories before booking a trip, and it might be a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case of any necessary cancellations.
Author’s Note: Weather averages presented through the article are from NOOA.
