Good place for a 10 day break in mid/late September
 

Hello all,
I am an oft-time visitor to the USA, and have lived there, too, but I am still not that up on where is a good place to go in mid-to-late September.
I want warm temperatures (75F minimum), clear skies, a good beach, traditional inns or small, good hotels and a relaxed ambience. I was thinking of Northern Florida, or one of the islands off Georgia, but also wondered about Louisiana or southern Texas?
I am 40 and like 'authentic' places and experiences, pleasant atmospheres, bookshops, local food (especially pie and cake!). Generally, I like classy B and Bs over 5* hotels, a cold IPA in a microbrewery rather than a fine wine in a restaurant, and a really good burger and fries instead of a steak hache (though I do still like all of those second-options!)
Is there a Palm Desert -kind of place on the coast? Or a Charlotte/Savannah-on-Sea anywhere? I loved Captiva and Sanibel and would like to find something like that.
I'd be travelling with my partner from London and would prefer to fly to the entry airport and then use a car to travel to my destination.
Thanks,

Nigello

Although Charleston, SC is not a beach destination (you would have to drive to the beach) it might fit the bill for you. Another spot to consider would be Jeckyll's Island or St. Simon's in Georgia. In mid to late Sept you could probably still expect warm days if you were to go to Cape Cod.

South Padre Island, TX would fit most of your criteria, except in mid to late Sept daytime temps are likely to be in the 90sF. Don't know if that's too warm for you or not.

Louisiana really doesn't have any good beaches, so if that's really important I wouldn't consider it.

The Destin area of Florida (panhandle area) would be worth considering.

Another thought is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

It's the heart of hurricane season at all the places you mention (south Atlantic and Gulf coasts). Typically hot and humid.

That time of year, if you want a beach with the amenities you mention I'd suggest southern California, where the weather will be much better (closer to your 75 F target) and there are no hurricanes. The beaches are probably not as nice as Florida etc though.

If you do decide on Florida or Georgia or the Gulf try to arrange it so you can change your plans on short notice in case of a hurricane without losing deposits etc.

Nigello,

I think the Panhandle of Florida fits your criteria. It definitely will satisfy the 75F minimum (it will be warmer than 75F, but you did say it was a minimum), and there are plenty of "local" places where you can get some homemade Cajun food and wash it down with an Abita and other great burger or seafood joints. Also, the water will still be warm and the beaches are some of the best in the US.

For a classy B&B, you can stay in Seaside, FL, which has some great cottages to stay in.

I immediately thought of Charleston (or surrounding areas, like Kiawah or Isle of Palms) as well. You might also look into North Carolina's Outer Banks in addition to other suggestions.

Someone else mentioned the fact that your target dates are hurricane season in the Southeast. The likelihood is small that a hurricane will affect the one area you choose, but all the same, I agree that it wouldn't be a bad idea to check into travel insurance.