10 Stunning U.S. Beaches Perfect for a Boating Getaway This October

Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

October is the sneaky-perfect boating month—warm days, golden sunsets, and wide-open beaches without summer chaos. Whether you’re fishing remote shores in the Outer Banks, lounging at Sarasota’s sandbars, or watching the sun sink over Key West, this is your chance to hold onto summer just a little longer. Here are 10 beaches where boating in October shines:

Key West, Florida

• Spend your October chasing endless sunshine and unforgettable sunsets

October is when locals love to boat in Key West—storm season is fading, but the skies are blue and the water sparkles. Anchor at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, home to one of the island’s best swimming beaches, where you can snorkel right from the shore.

In the evening, cruise toward Mallory Square. The nightly sunset celebration is a local tradition, and from your boat, you’ll have the best view of the sky lighting up in pink and orange.

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Sarasota, Florida

• Spend your October exploring sandbars, spotting dolphins, and anchoring at white-sand beaches

Sarasota’s fall weather is tailor-made for boating, with calm Gulf breezes and plenty of sun. Launch from Sarasota Bay and head for Siesta Key Beach, where the sand is famously soft and cool to the touch.

For a more hidden adventure, cruise to Beer Can Island. With turquoise water, driftwood sculptures, and plenty of shallow spots to beach your boat, it feels like you’ve stumbled on a private island escape.

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Gulf Shores, Alabama

• Spend your October cruising sugar-white sand beaches and feasting on Gulf seafood

By October, Gulf Shores has cooled off just enough to make boating comfortable, but the water is still warm enough to dive right in. Gulf State Park offers miles of shoreline to anchor off, and Perdido Pass is a go-to spot for dolphin sightings.

Onshore, seafood festivals fill the calendar this month. Dock at a local marina and treat yourself to Gulf shrimp or oysters fresh from the boat.

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Charleston, South Carolina

• Spend your October cruising sandbars, shucking oysters, and soaking up Southern charm

Charleston’s waterways come alive in fall, when oyster season kicks off and the weather is perfect for a long day on the water. A quick ride from the harbor brings you to Folly Beach, a laid-back surf town that feels worlds away.

Between sandbar picnics along the Intracoastal Waterway, make time for a dockside oyster roast. Few things say “Charleston in October” like oysters eaten with friends by the water.

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Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Spend your October fishing remote shores and exploring wild island beaches

The Outer Banks are quieter in fall, but the fishing is better than ever. Cruise down to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you’ll find long stretches of untouched sand.

For a true off-the-beaten-path trip, boat to Ocracoke Island. Known for wild ponies and maritime history, it’s the kind of place where you can drop anchor and feel completely removed from the mainland.

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San Diego, California

• Spend your October chasing surf culture, sunshine, and golden beaches

San Diego is a boater’s dream in October—plenty of sunshine, fewer tourists, and water still warm enough for a swim. Launch from Mission Bay and head toward Coronado Beach, a wide stretch of sand with a backdrop of the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Cruising past Point Loma often means spotting dolphins or even migrating whales. And if your trip lines up, the city hosts boat races and waterfront festivals that keep the docks lively well into fall.

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South Padre Island, Texas

• Spend your October cruising calm lagoons and dining on fresh Gulf shrimp

By October, the blistering summer heat has eased in South Padre, but the Gulf is still perfect for swimming. The Laguna Madre, one of the world’s largest hypersaline lagoons, is a calm-water paradise for boating and birdwatching.

After a day on the water, dock at a local spot for shrimp season. Nothing caps off a South Padre boating trip like a dockside seafood feast.

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Catalina Island, California

• Spend your October discovering hidden coves and stargazing from your boat

Catalina in October feels worlds away yet is only a short boat ride from Los Angeles. Avalon Harbor is an easy anchorage with access to sandy beaches and a lively seaside town.

For more seclusion, head to Two Harbors, where snorkeling is crystal clear and the night skies are unbeatable. With summer crowds gone, you’ll have the coves—and the stars—mostly to yourself.

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Destin, Florida (Emerald Coast)

• Spend your October fishing emerald waters and joining lively dockside traditions

Destin is famous for its emerald-green Gulf waters, and October is prime time to enjoy them. Cruise along Crystal Beach or anchor at Crab Island, a sandbar that doubles as a floating party.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo takes over the town this month, with daily weigh-ins and celebrations that bring energy to every dock. Even if you don’t fish, the atmosphere is worth experiencing.

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Maui, Hawaii

• Spend your October sailing tropical waters without peak-season crowds

Maui’s beaches are legendary year-round, but October is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The weather is still warm, but the tourist rush has eased, making it easier to snag slips and quieter anchorages.

Sail to Ka’anapali Beach for golden sand and calm waters, or snorkel Honolua Bay, where marine life thrives in the clear Pacific. End your day with a sunset sail—the views this time of year are unforgettable.

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Insider tips for October boating

• Pack layers: Days are warm, but nights on the water can get breezy.

• Check local events: From seafood festivals to fishing tournaments, October is festival season in coastal towns.

• Mind water temps: Southern beaches stay swim-ready, while northern waters may need a wetsuit.

• Take advantage of shoulder season: Easier dock slips, fewer crowds, and often lower rental rates.