Top 10 destinations to extend your summer
Shoulder season refers to the off-peak travel times when Vrbo vacation homeowners decrease nightly rates due to less traveler demand and changing seasons. While there’s no official date for shoulder season, Vrbo has seen prices drop by nearly 30% for vacation homes in coveted beach and outdoor destinations for September.
There are endless benefits to traveling during shoulder season: less crowded beaches, less time in line for popular attractions, and less traffic. Families and groups of friends traveling together can expect good weather with average temperatures likely to decrease only one percent from August to September in top destinations.
Whether they’re looking for a mountain escape or beach getaway, travelers can find a vacation rental home for less in Vrbo’s top destinations for shoulder-season savings.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City, New Jersey, is a premier family beach destination on the East Coast with eight miles of coastline. When you’re not soaking in the rays or building sandcastles with the kids, you can explore the Ocean City Boardwalk. With family-friendly attractions like Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, Playland’s Castaway Cove, OC Waterpark, and Congo Falls Adventure Golf, the kids will never want to leave!
Travelers can save 29% per night on September vacation rentals in Ocean City, New Jersey, with an average nightly rate of $296. This beach cottage is just five minutes from the beach and has enough space for the family to spread out into four spacious bedrooms.
Stay in this adorable beach cottage
Sunriver, Oregon
Looking for adventure? Look no further than Sunriver, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest, where adventure-seekers can explore nearby wilderness areas and hiking trails. Sunriver is also a great educational vacation destination with opportunities to learn about local wildlife at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, see the remains of a volcano that erupted over 7,000 years ago at Lava Lands Visitor Center, and gaze into space at the Oregon Observatory.
Travelers can save 29% per night on September vacation rentals in Sunriver, Oregon, with an average nightly rate of $285. Reviewers boast about the available games in this vacation home, perfect for a night of family fun, with room for not one but two families to vacation together.
Rent this family-friendly home
Ocean City, Maryland
Known for its sun and surf, Ocean City, Maryland, has 10 miles of free beach to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more! In September the beach town celebrates Sunfest, a free family-friendly festival with live music, arts and crafts, hayrides, and other kids activities. Visitors can also see master kite flyers at work at the festival.
Travelers can save 29% per night on September vacation rentals in Ocean City, Maryland, with an average nightly rate of $254. The ocean theme continues in this waterfront home.
Stay in this nautical-themed home
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a popular destination for East Coast residents.The hook-shaped peninsula has no shortage of things to do. (Or lobster rolls!) The seaside community has miles of preserved beaches within the Cape Cod National Seashore to spend the day on the sandy shores. The park also has 12 walking trails open year-round!
Travelers can save 25% per night on September vacation rentals in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with an average nightly rate of $304. This vacation home features a huge open kitchen where guests can cook fresh seafood from a local market.
Rent this beautifully decorated home
Lincoln City, Oregon
Lincoln City is located on the central coast of Oregon and is a great spot for outdoor recreation. The main attraction is Devil’s Lake Recreation Area, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Just 120 feet away you can find the shortest river in the world: D River. The recreation site has access to a beautiful beachfront and is a great location to fly a kite. Both areas are maintained by Oregon State Parks and are pet-friendly!
Travelers can save 25% per night on September vacation rentals in Lincoln City, Oregon, with an average nightly rate of $263. This dog-friendly abode has a lovely yard with a wraparound porch making a great spot for your morning coffee.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is nestled along the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina. It is endless summer at Myrtle Beach with summer-like temperatures through fall and warm ocean water. The beach town is a premier golf destination with challenging courses designed by famous golfers like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Greg Norman.
Travelers can save 24% per night on September vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with an average nightly rate of $193. You can practically smell the ocean from this beach cottage, ideal for a romantic getaway or small family getaway.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island sits along the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its beaches and calm waters. Kids love visiting Sea Turtle Inc., where you can visit rehabilitating sea turtles and learn about the different species in the area. Pro tip: Get the best photos (and views) of South Padre Island at Port Isabel Lighthouse, 50 feet and 75 winding stairs above the ground.
Travelers can save 23% per night on September vacation rentals in South Padre Island, Texas, with an average nightly rate of $235. Enjoy a private pool in this bright yellow home that sleeps up to 10 guests.
Whitefish, Montana
Seeking solitude? Escape to the Rocky Mountains in Whitefish, Montana, for year-round adventure. In the fall, you can expect cooler temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking in Glacier National Park or Whitefish Trail.
Travelers can save 22% per night on September vacation rentals in Whitefish, Montana, with an average nightly rate of $250. This modest 3-bedroom home has a huge backyard with stunning views of the Rockies.
Rent this beauty with mountain views
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The park features picturesque rocky beaches, granite peaks, and lots of wildlife sightings of moose, bears, and whales. The park has nearly 160 miles of hiking trails, including the trek up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard.
Travelers can save 22% per night on September vacation rentals in Bar Harbor, Maine, with an average nightly rate of $261. This charming home overlooks Denning Brook and has a fully equipped kitchen to whip up meals for friends and family.
Stay in this classic vacation home
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island offers 12 miles of immaculate beaches, 24 golf courses, 350 tennis courts, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like horseback riding, biking, and ziplining. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, you won’t be disappointed by your next vacation on Hilton Head Island.
Travelers can save 19% per night on September vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with an average nightly rate of $227. This beautifully decorated vacation rental will make you feel right at home.