Every summer, millions flock to the world-famous Delaware beaches to enjoy our sand, surf, and award-winning restaurants. Locals, however, stay away. You won't catch a Delawarean in Rehoboth from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, once September starts, it's fair game! Local summer is the best season of the year, and there are plenty of reasons we wait until the summer ends to come to our coastal towns.

1. You'll have the beach to yourself.

Tourists go home after Labor Day, and you'll have the best of the beaches to yourself. Forget trying to find a spot to lay out your towel - you'll have miles of sand to choose from!

2. The fall colors are beautiful.

There's nothing quite like catching the leaves changing on the trees that line our beachy streets. Visiting Bombay Hook and Prime Hook in the fall is something you'll remember for life.

3. The weather is perfect.

You don't have to worry about 100 degree days in September - instead, you'll enjoy weather that's absolutely perfect! Temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day and ocean temps that are still just as warm as they are in August make for the perfect getaway.

4. The wildlife come out to play.

When the tourists go home and the seasons start to change, the wildlife at the beach comes out to play. The fall is an active season for foxes and migratory birds, and you're sure to see plenty of wildlife if you look in the right spots.

5. The food's just as good, but the lines are way shorter.

Plenty of Delaware's beach restaurants stay open year round, and you can enjoy all of your favorite meals without having to wait like you do in the summer. So, if you're looking to grab a quick sushi lunch at Striper Bites, you're in luck!

6. The best festivals happen in the Fall.

Rehoboth Beach is home to the Sea Witch Festival and a huge Sandcastle Competition, and both happen after Labor Day. There are also Oktoberfests, Art Festivals, and Harvest Fests. Check with the Dewey & Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce for an updated list of events happening all season long.

7. Rentals are way cheaper.

It's easy to find a weekend rental in September and October, so you can enjoy the beauty of Delaware's beaches in the off season for a fraction of the price of a summertime getaway.

8. Off-Season Specials!

Plenty of Delaware restaurants offer off-season specials to reward locals and entice people to head to the beaches in the summer. Check out a list of local, seasonal specials at Rehoboth Foodie.

9. Parking is WAY easier.

Forget having to circle the block again and again! In the off-season, you'll find parking near your destination every time. The lack of traffic makes planning last minute beach days or dinner dates way easier than it is in September.

No wonder we love the beach after everyone goes home! There's so much to do and see, plus we don't have to fight crowds or traffic. If you wait until late enough in the year to head down here, though, you might miss some of the best Boardwalk shops, and you'll have to wait until warmer weather to enjoy them. For some of the things you ought to enjoy before winter sets in, read 7 Things Delawareans Miss When The Boardwalk Closes Up.