The profile of the coastal visitor changes dramatically after the busy days of summer are over. Many of these post peak-season visitors are the savvy travelers who have come to love the coast for its unpredictable pleasures such as its unspoiled natural areas where a herd of elk might be encountered around any turn, a visit to an ocean overlook can be punctuated by spouting whales and even a casual walk on the beach can be the envy of even the most serious birdwatcher. Some visitors are looking for that less crowded, slower paced getaway, a celebration or a romantic escape with an intimate dinner, a fire in the fireplace and a priceless oceanfront view at a fraction of the peak season rates. Plan your escape for midweek and you'll find even greater savings and more secluded beaches. While the summer traveler is often seeking the sun or escaping the inland heat, the weather itself is the attraction for some visitors during the fall and winter. The landscape can change rapidly to the delight of photographers and sightseers who witness truly inspirational moments of spectacular light, dramatic cloud formations and moody, atmospheric scenes of fog and mist. For some visitors the more wild the weather, the better. Many purposely plan their trip for one of the coast's famous storms, where the crashing waves create astonishingly powerful tumultuous scenes that summer visitors never experience. Come prepared to get outdoors no matter what Mother Nature delivers and you're likely to experience awe-inspiring locations and these remarkable, memorable and magical moments. Whether you're hiking, surfing or just soaking up the luxurious view from an oceanfront resort, the real magic of the coast lies in the surprises that await. Do you fit one of these profiles? If so, you're invited to discover the wonders of winter and fall for the coast.