Looking for advice on good destinations leaving from Boston or Providence for a 3-5 day trip in Sept/October for our Anniversary. Somewhat limited flight times and direct flights are a plus. In terms of activities looking for mostly relaxation (beach?) with a few activities available (fishing, snorkeling, hiking, etc.).
Funny, half the world wants to go to New England in Sept/Oct for the fall color; you want to leave it.
September and October are both still hurricane season, so while the weather in Caribbean/Gulf Coast/Bahamas/Bermuda/Mexico could be great, it's a definite risk.
If you can be happy visiting gorgeous red rock country with excellent hiking, then you might consider Sedona, AZ. Fly to Phoenix and it's a less than 2 hour drive north from there. Another possibility with beach (tho I don't think snorkeling) hiking, probably deep-sea fishing possible, and nearby wine country is Santa Barbara, CA, which is a 4 to 5 hour flight from Boston, I'd imagine. You could fly to LAX nonstop and drive north; maybe there's direct service to Santa Barbara from Boston, but I doubt it.
Contributor 
11,105 posts
156 reviews 
143 helpful votes With Sept/Oct being US/Carib hurricane season, do choose with care. If you want a truly good snorkel, Bonaire — out of the hurricane belt, and can connect with DL through ATL (unless changed of late). Less sandy beach, but known for water quality. USD is accepted currency.
Sooo many to choose from. With limited time, one stands out. Key West. Happy travels!
This post has been removed at the author's request.
To read more about editing your posts, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts
Contributor
11,105 posts
156 reviews
143 helpful votes Just fwiw, Key West in hurricane season might be…. interesting. As noted on another thread, the last such through there had great affect on some beach locations.
Homework is indeed your friend. ATB. 🍹
Following up on the comment in post #5, while the chances of a hurricane ruining the trip aren't huge, Key West would be a particularly bad place to be if one were threatening. It's about 8 feet above sea level and there's only one road in and out...the long causeway to mainland Florida. Other than that, it doesn't have a lot of beach. Farther north, on Key Largo, is John Pennekamp Coral Reef S. P., a well-known place for snorkeling. It's got the same issues as Key West, however.
Somebody already said it, but September/early October is prime Cape Cod and Islands beach time since the ocean is finally warm and the kids are all back in school. I would fly 15 minutes to Nantucket, Block Island or Martha's Vineyard and pay half the price of a hotel in August. Great hiking, swimming and cycling.
