Bermuda

While summer draws cruise crowds and high-season prices, August through October in Bermuda is perhaps the island’s best-kept secret. The famous pink-sand beaches are blissfully quiet, the bathtub-like water hovers pleasantly between 79-82 degrees Fahrenheit for snorkeling and swimming, and shoulder-season rates make luxury more accessible; attractions like the Crystal Caves are open year-round and unaffected by weather, so there’s no reason not to pay a visit during Bermuda’s secret season.

Plus, it’s just a two-hour flight from the East Coast, so you can make it a weekend getaway and not even have to take time off work. Explore Hamilton, tour historic forts, or bike the Bermuda Railway Trail without the summertime bustle.

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, home to four private beaches and two private coves, is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to sun, swim, and paddle.

California

California’s “secret season” hits its stride from late August through October, when the summer surge has passed but the landscapes are still vibrant and inviting, before deep fall sets in. In mountain towns like South Lake Tahoe and Bishop, the air crisps, trails empty, and golden quaking aspens begin to light up the Sierra Nevada. It’s the perfect time to hike, fly fish, rock climb, or simply soak in the glorious quiet.

In South Lake Tahoe, pedestrian-friendly Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village is located just a few blocks from the crystalline waters of Lake Tahoe and walking distance to everything you’d want from this stunning mountainside lake town, from alpine trails to art and music festivals.

Down the road a ways, Wayfinder Bishop in Bishop—what they call “a small town with a big backyard”—puts all the outdoor adventures, attractions, dining, and events of the Eastern Sierra at your feet. Located next to the rambling Bishop Creek, the property has views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and the most comfortable beds this side of Yosemite, or so they say. Go decide for yourself.

Arizona

It doesn’t get better than desert magic after the intense heat of summer, which makes Arizona the perfect place for travel’s secret season. Food festivals, farmers markets, patio dining, art walks, and desert trails—all best avoided in peak summer—also come back online as fall draws near.

In Phoenix, Rise Uptown puts you in the heart of the best neighborhood of Phoenix while also sporting on-property highlights like colorful rooms, Sonoran eats at Lylo Swim Club, and cocktails at Don Woods’ Say When rooftop bar. Or, head out to The Wigwam in the Sonoran Desert’s Litchfield Park—this award-winning resort has stunningly designed luxury suites and casitas complemented by various recreational activities, dining, and more.

Florida

Most people think of summer vacation to Florida beaches or wintertime jaunts to Palm Beach or Disney World. However, travel’s secret season—when school resumes and the holiday rush hasn’t yet arrived—is a surprisingly nice time to visit Florida. The weather is hot and the beaches are empty, so if you want to have the best of Florida (almost) to yourself, go in the shoulder season.

Off-peak rates are always welcome at Florida’s resorts, too: head to The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach for a family-friendly beachfront retreat on the World’s Most Famous Beach (and maybe even some nesting sea turtles if you’re lucky!) or Naples Grande Beach Resort for golf, pools, and strolling Naples’ famous Fifth Avenue South.

Washington

In the Pacific Northwest, the state of Washington is stunning no matter the time of year, but it’s especially appealing in late summer and early fall, when the dense forests blaze with fall’s approach, the waterfalls are still flowing strong, the air is fresh, and summer crowds have drifted back to school and work.

The weather is pleasantly crisp for apple picking, hiking, cycling, or sipping your way through local wineries and cideries during harvest season, and you may even get early leaf-peeping opportunities. Stay at Skamania Lodge for a cozy base with river views, an indulgent spa, and serene treehouse accommodations nestled in the evergreens. It’s the perfect perch to unplug in an environment that strikes the perfect note of rustic charm and creature comforts.

Explore more destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.