Best Fall Beach Deals

Hit the coast after Labor Day, when you'll find smaller crowds and lower rates at the South's favorite resorts. Need extra motivation? We've scored additional discounts, so you can shell out even less.|Stephanie Granada

Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Point Clear, AL: Part country club, part resort and spa, this Mobile Bay retreat is shaded by live oaks and Spanish moss. A $6 million, two-year renovation completed in May gave the Grand's 405 rooms a modern upgrade, but the 700-acre resort retains all the charm of days gone by. Expect a bellman to greet you by name when you drive up the perfectly manicured driveway, then enjoy a drink overlooking the bay.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $169, down 29% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: 40% off the best available rate. Booking Code: L9Z; marriottgrand.com or 251/928-9201

WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach, FL: Each of the 60 rooms at this resort's hotel, designed by architect David Rockwell (Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, Emeril's restaurant in New Orleans), claims a beachfront balcony and ocean-view shower. Stroll through the sugary sand or take advantage of complimentary bikes, canoes, and kayaks and explore the site.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $245, down 45% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: Two nights in a premium Gulf-view room, in-room breakfast for two daily, a dinner for two at Fish Out of Water or the Gathering Spot Sushi Bar, and a souvenir WaterColor bath set, starting at $560/night Sept. 6–Dec. 22. Booking Code: Mention Southern Living (call-in reservations only); watercolorresort.com or 866/426-2656

B Ocean Fort Lauderdale,  Fort Lauderdale, FL: Panoramic views of the Atlantic's emerald waters frame all 240 rooms of this brand-new boutique hotel, making the glossy, white palette and straight lines feel modern, not sterile. Borrow an iPad from the front desk and head to the shore for a day of relaxation.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $149, down 33% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: 35% off the best available rate and a glass of wine with dinner. Booking Code: BSouthern; bhotelsandresorts.com or 888/662-4683

One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa, Atlantic Beach, FL: Each floor of this artsy hotel has its own 24/7 concierge. Bypass check-in as you're led to one of the 193 rooms with floor-to-ceiling views. The concierge will take care of your every need–from unpacking suitcases to personal shopping.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Deluxe rooms from $159, down 36% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: 20% off the deluxe-room rate, early check-in, late checkout, 20% off spa services, and premium access to spa and dinner reservations. Booking Code: SouthernLiving; oneoceanresort.com/southernliving or 800/874-6000

South Seas Island Resort, Captiva, FL: This resort is set on a secluded island 3 miles off the Florida coast where no building reaches higher than the tallest palm tree. And with 330 acres protected as a wildlife preserve, it's the only Gulf Coast hideaway with live-in naturalists, meaning your activities could include dolphin-spotting kayak trips, fishing camps, access to one of the best sailing schools in the country, and many other outdoor activities.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $149, down 47% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: 10% off the best available rate. Booking Code: SLII; southseas.com or 866/565-5089

The Cloister, Sea Island, GA: Vacation like a G8 magnate (the Group of Eight international summit was held in Sea Island in 2004) at this 83-year-old classic set on 5 miles of private beaches. Large guest rooms are adorned with Turkish rugs and gleaming woods that underscore the elegant–not stuffy–atmosphere. With all the grace of a great Southern lady, The Cloister entertains guests with afternoon tea in the solarium and weekly games of family bingo.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $349, down 12% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: Standard rooms starting at $325/night and a $200 resort credit, which would work well for splurging on dinner at the Georgian Room restaurant (two-night minimum). Booking Code: Living; seaisland.com or 800/732-4752

The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort,  Isle of Palms, SC: It's all Carolina coastal charm at this 1,600-acre resort on one of the state's best-kept beaches. Lounge in your Charleston-inspired room with its tartan chairs and wicker bed frames. Try the crab-crusted grouper at the Sea Island Grill for a taste of the coast. Want to swing a couple of clubs or a racket? Don't worry. You can choose between two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses or 17 Har-Tru tennis courts.
Post-Labor Day Rates: Doubles from $159, down 24% from peak rates.
SL Exclusive: A King room, Champagne upon arrival, breakfast for two each day at Sea Island Grill, one-day bike rentals for two, and a Charleston carriage ride for $279/night Sept. 15–Nov. 15 (two-night stay only). Booking Code: SLVING (call-in reservations only); wilddunes.com or 888/845-8929

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