Fall gets a lot of love from people celebrating the cooler temps, changing leaves, and spooky stories. But if you’re a summer-always type of person, you might dread the change of season that means even colder days are ahead. The good news is there are plenty of destinations where you can transform a classic fall vacation into a warm and tropical getaway. Think endless beaches, warm breezes, swaying palm trees, and sunny skies.
And, bonus: Crowds tend to be smaller and prices are usually lower in these locales during the fall. You do have to take hurricane season into consideration for many of these destinations, which runs until the end of November. But if you plan accordingly, you can enjoy an amazing tropical fall escape with the whole family or just the grownups. Here are my picks for tropical vacation spots ideal for visiting this time of year.
CLOSER TO HOME: 10 fun and easy fall getaways you can enjoy in a weekend
1. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is home to Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. You’ll find a lot of the island’s top hotels situated along this stretch of white sand on the island’s western shore, as well as spots like Bonny Moon Beach Club, which offers cabanas and beachside food and drink service by day and DJs, stargazing, and other events once the sun sets. And you’ll get to enjoy it all with fewer crowds but weather that’s still warm and pleasant.
DREAM TRIP: Every family deserves a chance to stay at one of these bucket list Caribbean resorts
Beyond the beach, the island has a definite wild side, but one that’s totally family friendly. Visit Cayman Turtle Center to learn all about the gentle sea creatures and other local wildlife or book a tour of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ blue iguana conservation facility, which is dedicated to restoring Grand Cayman’s population of the critically endangered reptiles and preserving the island’s biodiversity. The artificial reef created by the sinking of the U.S.S. Kittiwake is the place to go to spot stingrays, reef and nurse sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish.
Where to stay on Grand Cayman for a fall getaway
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa offers ocean-front views on Seven Mile Beach and is home to Library by the Sea, named the best bar in the Caribbean by North America’s 50 Best Bars. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa sits along the famed beach, and on-site dive operator Red Sail Sports helps guests explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. And The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is always a good option for a special family trip.
2. Key West, Florida
Fall is an ideal time to visit Key West. There’s less humidity in the air, and it’s the perfect season to explore the island’s spooky side. But there’s plenty to do here if you’re not into creepy stuff or are traveling with young kids, like visiting The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy, riding the legendary Conch Tour Train, and strolling around the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
SUNSHINE STATE: From beaches to theme parks, the best Florida family vacations prove there’s something for everyone
The Key West Aquarium celebrates its 90th birthday in 2025 and is home to more than 250 specimens of fish, sharks, and four of the five sea turtle species. On November 1, the Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden opens to the public, allowing visitors to see the fully restored home where the American poet lived and wrote during the 1930s and ’40s and a garden showcasing more than 80 plant species, including 50 species native to the Florida Keys. Plus new flights from Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways are making it even easier to get to the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
Where to stay in Key West this fall
A multimillion-dollar renovation at Doubletree by Hilton Grand Key Resort Key West has given the property’s accommodations, restaurants, and pool area a fresh island-inspired look. The new Blue Flamingo Resort has a fun tropical vibe, and Southernmost Beach Resort offers different ways to stay for a family getaway or adults-only trip.
3. Miches, Dominican Republic
About 90 minutes north of Punta Cana, Miches is an up-and-coming destination in the Dominican Republic that’s a perfect place for a tropical fall getaway. Think lush tropical forests, scenic waterfalls, and palm tree-fringed beaches and lagoons, all with minimal crowds.
EASY BREEZY: Chill out or dive right in at 2025’s top all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean
The secluded Playa Esmeralda beach is known for its white sands and turquoise waters, while Montaña Redonda offers sweeping views of the area. Guided horseback rides and ecotours help visitors explore the region’s memorable natural sights.
Where to stay in Miches for a fall getaway
The new Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton offers accommodations inspired by the indigenous Taíno people of the Caribbean and a slew of family-friendly activities and amenities. The eco-chic Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda features “villages” for both families and adults, and the new Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is a luxe spot for an adults-only escape.
4. Maui, Hawai‘i
A trip to Maui is always a good idea, and it’s an even better one during the fall, when the crowds thin out but the days are still balmy. A lot of fun events also take place on Maui this time of year, like the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival, and Aloha Classic windsurfing competition.
MAKE YOUR CHOICE: Which Hawaiian island is right for you? An insider’s guide to picking the best island for your vacation
Beyond spending plenty of time in and by the water, you can check out Maui Chocolate Tour at Ku‘ia Estates’ new Cacao Farm Tour and Treehouse Lunch and the new immersive Planting Experience from Maui Pineapple Tour. To learn more about the island’s history and culture, head to Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience at Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater, where dancers and musicians bring Hawaiian songs and stories to life.
Where to stay on Maui this fall
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows recently concluded a multimillion-dollar property-wide revitalization with the opening of a new oceanfront spa and the Mana Up Market spotlighting locally made products. Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott also recently unveiled a resort-wide refresh and its all-new Signature Oceanfront Villas, and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort debuted its new Keiki Club, led by Forbes-trained childcare brand itavi and offering culturally immersive daily programming and experiences.
5. Grenada
Head under the sea this fall in Grenada, known as the “Wreck Diving Capital of the Caribbean.” More than a dozen shipwrecks can be found near the island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, including the 600-foot cruise liner Bianca C that’s been called the “Titanic of the Caribbean.” Snorkelers can explore Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park, a hot spot for reef fish, seahorses, rays, starfish, and other sea life.
TOGETHER TIME: 10 best adults-only all-inclusive Caribbean resorts for couples
Fall is a good time to check out Annandale and Seven Sisters Falls with fewer people around and find plenty of room to relax on Grande Anse and Bathway Beaches. And Belmont Estate is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth to learn more about the organic farm’s tree-to-bar chocolate making.
Where to stay in Grenada for a fall getaway
The luxe Spice Island Beach Resort is a much-lauded spot for an all-inclusive vacation. Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection Resort is another good pick for an all-inclusive family getaway, offering a kids club, on-site dive shop for scuba and snorkeling excursions, and a range of activities to keep the whole family busy. Silversands Resort at Grand Anse Beach Grenada has a new Kids Club with playful features like a “Reading Tree.”
6. St. Maarten
Expanded air service from JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines makes planning a tropical fall getaway to St. Maarten easier than ever. The weather’s still ideal for visiting the island’s 37 beaches, but you won’t have to share the sand with as many other people as during other times of the year.
ACTION PACKED: The fun comes guaranteed at these 17 all-inclusive family resorts with extraordinary kids clubs
Head to Maho Beach to watch jets land at Princess Juliana International Airport or book a snorkeling excursion to Île Pinel. Private nature reserve Loterie Farm offers a hiking trail and the Jungle Kids Adventure Park for young visitors. Or brave the steepest zip line in the world at the island’s Rockland Estate.
Where to stay on St. Maarten for a tropical fall vacation
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino, and Spa offers a dedicated kids’ aqua park, kids club, and teen zone for a fun family getaway. Two-bedroom villas at Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa include kitchens and plenty of space for the whole crew, and JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa is a good choice if relaxing is on the agenda.
