Florida Joins Arizona, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Alaska, California, Wyoming, and More Revealed as New US Shoulder Season Travel Destinations for 2026

Published on December 21, 2025

Florida joins Arizona, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Alaska, California, Wyoming, and several other key states as newly favored US shoulder season travel destinations for 2026, offering a rare balance of pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and stronger value between peak and low travel periods. Spring and fall travel keeps beaches, national parks, cultural districts, and cruise routes fully accessible while delivering a more relaxed and cost-effective way to experience the United States.

As travelers map out 2026 itineraries, shoulder season stands out as the ideal travel window between crowded peak months and quiet off-season lulls. Occurring from early spring into early summer and again from late summer through fall, this period brings lower prices, thinner crowds, and uninterrupted access to attractions, making timing a key advantage for discovering the best of the US.

Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona
Best time to go: March–April, late September–early December
Spring in Phoenix and Scottsdale brings warm but manageable temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities such as golfing and hiking. Resorts around Paradise Valley and Old Town often reduce rates, while fall offers a similar calm after monsoon season, providing easier access to landmarks like Taliesin West, Papago Park, and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Best time to go: September–October
After Labor Day, Cape Cod experiences “local summer,” when crowds diminish and ferry schedules slow down. September still offers warm water for swimming, while October showcases fall foliage and cranberry harvests. Hotel rates drop significantly, and popular spots like Chatham Bars Inn and Wequassett Resort are easier to book.

New Orleans, Louisiana
Best time to go: September–October
The late summer and early fall months bring relief from summer heat and crowded peak periods. Festival season begins with events like film and music festivals, yet major attractions such as the French Quarter are far less crowded. Hotels and dining options are more accessible, offering a smoother travel experience.

Miami, Florida
Best time to go: Late April–early June, September
Late spring sees fewer crowds than spring break, making neighborhoods like Wynwood, Little Havana, and Brickell easier to explore. September offers another lull in visitors, though brief afternoon showers are common, providing opportunities to visit museums and indoor attractions before returning outdoors.

Alaska Cruises
Best time to go: Late August–September
Late-season cruises in Alaska provide quieter ports and better value. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, including humpback whales, otters, and puffins, while cruise fares and excursion costs typically drop, making this period ideal for both scenery and budget-conscious travelers.

Hawaii
Best time to go: April–early June
The shoulder season in Hawaii falls between spring break and summer travel peaks. Expect warm weather, calmer seas, and good resort availability, ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and exploring popular islands without peak-season crowds.

Savannah, Georgia
Best time to go: March–April, October
Spring blooms and milder temperatures make early spring perfect for strolling through historic squares and enjoying outdoor dining. In October, the city cools, visitor numbers decrease, and hotel rates are more reasonable, allowing for easier exploration of River Street and local neighborhoods.

San Diego, California
Best time to go: April–May, September–October
Spring offers more space at beaches such as La Jolla Shores and Coronado. Museums and gardens in Balboa Park are quieter, and the Gaslamp Quarter is easier to navigate. Early fall keeps temperatures warm while avoiding summer crowds, especially in coastal neighborhoods like Encinitas and Del Mar.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Best time to go: September–early October
After Labor Day, crowds thin and lodging rates drop, while Grand Teton National Park remains accessible. Fall colors emerge along Teton Pass and the Gros Ventre Range, and wildlife viewing, including elk migrations, is at its peak.

Charleston, South Carolina
Best time to go: September–November
Late September through November offers cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. The Historic District, Battery, and harbor areas become easier to explore, and hotel availability improves. Dining options are more accessible, making it a prime period for a comfortable city experience.

Florida joins Arizona, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Alaska, California, Wyoming, and other leading states as newly favored US shoulder season travel destinations for 2026 due to their mix of comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and improved affordability between peak and off-peak periods. Spring and fall visits keep attractions fully open while offering easier access to beaches, national parks, cultural hubs, and cruise routes across the United States.

As 2026 approaches, shoulder season travel across the United States emerges as the smartest way to experience popular destinations without the pressure of peak crowds or peak prices. From Florida’s beaches and California’s coastlines to Alaska’s cruise routes and Wyoming’s mountain landscapes, these states prove that timing matters just as much as the destination itself. By planning trips during spring and fall, travelers can enjoy comfortable weather, full access to attractions, and greater value, making shoulder season the ideal moment to explore the US in a more relaxed and rewarding way.