The 10 Best Shoulder Season Destinations in the US
The perfect vacation destination can make or break your vacation, but so can the season. Locations during their peak seasons can mean bigger crowds, bigger prices, and a bigger chance the perfect place to stay is already booked up.
Shoulder season is the time between a location's peak season and offseason, also known as travel’s Secret Season! This time-frame can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and often during either Spring or Fall. The shoulder season can mean lower prices, less crowds, and a better chance of getting the perfect accommodations!
To help you find the perfect place to visit and stay for your next vacation, we have compiled a list of the best shoulder season destinations, along with the best places to stay while there.
The South
If you are wanting to experience some southern charm during your next shoulder season vacation, take a look at these five incredible destinations!
Tybee Island, GA
Tybee Island is a charming, barrier island minutes from Savannah, GA. This small coastal city includes beautiful, sunny beaches, historic landmarks, and some of the best seafood in Georgia! Regardless of whether you are traveling alone or with a large group of people, Tybee Island offers everything you could want and more, from dolphin and beach ecology tours to relaxing beaches and yummy restaurants, this is the perfect place for the perfect vacation.
At The 100 Collection, we understand that accommodation is just as important as location, luckily, we know the best place to stay! Our partner, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals, is the definition of luxury, charm, and quality. Highlight your vacation with wrap-around porches, private pools, rooftop decks, and so much more! Whether you are looking for a condo, cottage, or mansion, you can expect to find exactly what you need.
Blue Ridge, GA
If you want to experience the southern feel of Georgia but aren’t a huge fan of beaches, then Blue Ridge, GA is the perfect destination for you! This mountain town offers a flourishing artistic community, exciting hiking trails, and so much more! Whether you are looking to visit the chimp sanctuary, ride the rails, or visit the spa, this destination is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals are the perfect place to stay when visiting Blue Ridge. Expanding on the charm and beauty of the surrounding area, these mountain themed cabins combine a rustic feel with luxury. Equipped with hot tubs, outdoor lounge areas, and stone fireplaces, this is the best place to stay for your next shoulder season vacation.
Outer Banks, NC
This line of breathtaking barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is the perfect place for those who love a relaxing beach vacation with a historic twist. Home to England’s first settlement in the New World, Roanoke Island, the Outer Banks offers a first hand experience of an intriguing part of history. At Outer Banks you can do it all, relax on a beach one day and explore a historic shipwreck the next, this destination has everything you could possibly want for your next shoulder season vacation.
Whether you are searching for a soundside condo, an over-water refuge, or a luxurious oceanfront getaway, our partner Coastal Carolina Vacations has exactly what you need. Equipped with hot tubs, cabanas, private walkways to the beach and so much more, these homes offer the high-end amenities needed to create the perfect stay.
Hilton Head Island, SC
This charming island in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is the perfect place to visit for your shoulder season vacation. Known for their tranquil, white-sand beaches and golf courses, this island is perfect for a more relaxing getaway. Outside of the beach and golf, you could also visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum, various heritage buildings and themed gardens with the Coastal Discovery Museum, or the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge just to name a few. There is so much to explore and enjoy at Hilton Head Island!
After a long day of adventure and excitement, you can go home to our partner Bestnest By Beverly Serral Vacation Rentals. These luxury homes put quality at the forefront with these oceanfront beauties, equipped with high-end amenities, lush furnishings, and ample space, these homes will take your vacation to the next level!
Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, AL is the perfect destination for your next shoulder season beach vacation! With warm temperatures, incredible views, and thriving wildlife, this charming city is the best place to relax and unwind. For those that love a sense of adventure, Gulf Shores offers ziplining, hands-on encounters at the zoo, and much more. You could also have fun relaxing by the beach, visiting the pier, or taking a walk on one of the many trails. Regardless of what you like to do, this is the perfect place to do it!
If you are looking for luxurious, oceanfront condos, or a beautiful private home, then our partner Beachball Properties has you covered. A short walk from the waves, these gorgeous homes offer high-end amenities and coastal decor to complete the charming ocean scenery surrounding them.
The Southwest
If you are looking for western charm with warm southern weather, then look no further! These two southwestern destinations are perfect for your next secret-season vacation!
Scottsdale, AZ
This captivating desert city is known for its spa resorts, golf courses, and scenic desert terrain. Home to the largest urban wilderness area in the United States, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with more than 60 miles of trails! This destination is a must for your shoulder season vacation! Home to some of Arizona’s best shopping, dining, and nature experiences, Scottsdale has a little something for everyone.
If you are looking for resort-style amenities, indoor-outdoor layouts, and perfect locations, then our partner, Porter, has you covered! These homes feature amenities such as private pools, water slides, gorgeous fireplaces, and multi-level patios, perfect for a memorable shoulder season trip.
Santa Fe, NM
As the capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe is a hub for history, arts, and culture. As home to the oldest public buildings in America, there are plenty of historic sites and museums to visit and explore during your time in the city. Apart from that, there is also a wide variety of outdoor attractions, shopping, and restaurants for you to choose from. This beautiful city is the perfect place to add to your historic knowledge while having a first-rate vacation experience.
Our partners, Two Casitas, is the best place to stay to heighten the excitement and enjoyment during your trip to Santa Fe. These beautiful homes feature the adobe-style architecture that Santa Fe is famous for! These homes offer a one-of-a-kind experience, immersing you into the true nature of Santa Fe with antique doors, handcrafted sconces, and Aztec-style decor. The perfect place to stay to truly experience all of Santa Fe!
The West
If the mountain ranges, desert terrain, and western culture is what you are looking for for your next shoulder season vacation, then these next three destinations are perfect for you!
Vail Valley, CO
This charming little town at the base of Vail Mountain is home to the Vail Ski Resort and is set within the White River National Forest. Whether you are a pro on skis or just looking to enjoy a cultural festival, Vail Valley has exactly what you need. Although this grand ski resort is a staple for this city, there are also adventures in fishing, hiking, and scenic views. This town is the perfect place to visit for your next shoulder season vacation.
Our partner, Triumph Mountain Properties, is perfect for summer, winter, and everything in between when it comes to staying in Vail Valley. These properties are nestled into the mountainside, offering private pools, personal concierge, and state-of-the-art facilities! This is the perfect place to experience the luxury and excitement of Vail Valley.
West Yellowstone, MT
This town located in Southern Montana is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. This park is famous for its incredible views and attractions such as the Old Faithful geyser. Entering Yellowstone National Park from West Yellowstone puts you right in the heart of Yellowstone and the quickest access to all of its most famous attractions. This is the perfect place to visit for your next shoulder season vacation in the wonder of nature.
Roam Property Management offers the best homes in West Yellowstone to relax and unwind after a full day in Yosemite. As partners to The 100 Collection, quality, cleanliness, and safety are guaranteed when you stay at these elegant homes, where rustic style and luxury meet. These spacious homes come equipped with fire pits, wildlife inspired decor, and wrap-around decks, perfect for your next vacation in West Yellowstone.
Cannon Beach & Arch Cape, OR
This stunning town is a west coast wonder, with some of the most stunning beach views there are! Arch Cape is only six miles from the Cannon Beach city center, having been a backdrop for many films, this beach is absolutely breathtaking. Home to Haystack Rock, incredible state parks, and some of the most picturesque views on the west coast, Cannon Beach and Arch Cape is a must for your next shoulder season vacation.
Our partner Beachcomber Vacation Homes immerses guests into the true beauty of Cannon Beach through luxurious beachfront homes and charming cottages, making it the perfect accommodation for your next trip. The expansive decks and beautiful beach tones will have you surrounded by true allure and elegance whether you are inside or outside.
Choose The Perfect Shoulder Season Destination For You!
Shoulder season is the new season to travel! Fewer people, lower prices, and more excitement, what more could you ask for! With this list, you can find the perfect place to visit for you, your family, and your friends on your next vacation, and you already know the best place to stay! With 100 Collection partners, you know you can always expect quality, safety, and cleanliness with every stay, every home verified to have the luxury you deserve.
