The 12 Best Fall Getaways in Florida (Because There's Way More to See Than Just Beaches)

1. Tampa

• Why I Recommend It: great beaches, museums, family-friendly
• Where to Stay: Tampa Marriott Water Street (from $239/night), Bay Lake Cottage (from $169/night, sleeps 4)
• What to Do: visit the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum and Henry B. Plant museum; scare yourself silly at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens; grab dinner at Ulele or a Hyde Park Village restaurant

Tampa has got all the fixings to make it one of the best places to visit in Florida in October and November. The bustling metropolis has no shortage of things to do, be it visiting nearby Clearwater Beach, taking in the restaurants at Hyde Park or enjoying the nightlife (and a killer Cubano) in Ybor City.  Walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, spend the day museum hopping from the Tampa Museum of Art to the Henry B. Plant Museum, and or really lean into spooky season with a trip to Busch Gardens during Howl-O-Scream, where the theme park is reimagined with haunted houses, scare zones and creepy cirque-style shows at every turn. (And trust me when I say that you will howl. And scream. And lose your voice by the night’s end.)

2. Hutchinson Island

• Why I Recommend It: relaxed retreat, not too crowded
• Where to Stay: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa (from $296/night), Condo in Stuart (from $210/night, sleeps 4)
• What to Do: go bird watching at Bear Point Sanctuary; enjoy brats and beer at Port St. Lucie’s Oktoberfest celebration; race in the Game On! 10K or half marathon

As snowbirds prepare to descend on South Florida for the fall and winter, Hutchinson Island somehow remains a quiet, hidden gem. It’s the perfect refuge for native Miamians to escape for a quick fall getaway. Comprising two, secluded barrier islands off the coast of Martin County, this picturesque beach town offers wide-open, white sand beaches, adorable seafood shacks and nature-driven activities like bird watching and trails through preserves. If you’re staying overnight, the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa was ranked among the top 30 resorts in Florida by Condé Nast readers in 2021.

3. St. Petersburg

• Why I Recommend It: mix of arts and culture, stunning backdrops, great beaches
• Where to Stay: The Don Cesar (from $451/night), Condo in Madeira Beach (from $258/night, sleeps 6)
• What to Do: take in the city’s 170ish murals—or see them being painted during the 2024 Shine Festival; explore the Dali museum; eat literally anywhere off Central Ave (though I’m partial to Dirty Laundry, Pour & Décor and Wild Child)

Looking for an overseas-inspired escape right in your backyard? Two words: St. Petersburg. About four hours north of Miami—and 45 minutes from Tampa—this city is a magnet for cooler weather, delicious restaurants and top-notch art museums. You’ll want to stop at the Dalí Museum, which houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work outside of Spain. Plus, make some time to explore the city’s seven unique arts districts, eat a Cuban sandwich at Bodega and visit Dunedin, Florida’s oldest microbrewery.

4. Cape Canaveral

• Why I Recommend It: great for science buffs, family-friendly
• Where to Stay: Radisson Resort at the Port (from $118/night),Condo in Cape Canaveral (from $273/night, sleeps 5)
• What to Do: catch a launch near the Kennedy Space Center or sample chefs’ take on a “Marstini” during the Marstini Shake-Off in October; head to Cocoa Beach to take in the waves and see the original Ron Jon Surf Shop

If you haven’t made the trek up to the Kennedy Space Center yet, fall is the best time of year to take the plunge. Spend the day at NASA, see the Rocket Garden and, if you’re lucky, catch a live rocket launch. (Check out the schedule—there’s an exciting launch happening in October!) Plus, Cape Canaveral has a handful of pretty cool things to do besides the Space Center. (Scenic state parks! Quiet beaches! Parasailing!) Check out Exploration Tower, a funky seven-story structure detailing the history of Port Canaveral. Then walk toward the water and nosh on some fresh seafood at one of the area’s local fish spots.

5. Key West

• Why I Recommend It: lively beach town, seafood eats
• Where to Stay: Southernmost Beach Resort (from $210/night), Casa Marina Key West (from $318/night)
• What to Do: relax on a sunset cruise; snorkel along the coral reef; Fantasy Fest (for adults) in October

Peruse colorful pastel-painted beach houses, hang at Ernest Hemingway’s historic home and drink your way through the rowdy bars of Duval Street. Oh, and indulge in some freshly caught seafood and zesty key lime pie. You may even want to spend an afternoon out at sea and try out fishing. Though it may not be your first time in Key West, we love spending a weekend down here in October or November. The slightly cooler weather is ideal for boating and fishing, as well as sitting al fresco at your favorite haunt and watching the sunset without feeling hot and sweaty.

If you really want to let loose, plan your visit around Fantasy Fest, a 10-day Bacchanalian party where people where mostly body paint and there’s no shortage of shows, drinks and live entertainment. Just note that it’s an adults-only sort of affair, so if you’re planning a vacay with the kids, choose a different time this fall.

6. Amelia Island

• Why I Recommend It: golf, close to St. Augustine, great for history buffs
• Where to Stay: Omni Amelia Island Resort ($378/night), Condo in Fernandina Beach ($440/night, sleeps 8), Seaside Amelia Inn ($179/night)
• What to Do: spend the morning golfing, check out a ghost tour, visit the Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival or Dance Festival

Any golfers around here? If you get a kick out of a day on the course, Amelia Island is your ideal fall getaway. With historic roots dating back to 1562, this timeless city is known for some of the state’s most beautiful golf courses. But even if golf isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do on beautiful Amelia Island. If you fancy a spooky ghost tour, the area’s historic district hosts a few every night.

There are also art museums and waterfront restaurants, and in September, the city hosts both a world-class dance festival and a jazz fest. (Not to mention that there's a free concert, Sounds on Centre, held the first Friday of July, August, September and October that's family-friendly.) Plus, you’re only an hour and 15 minutes from St. Augustine, which makes for a fun day trip.

7. Sunny Isles

• Why I Recommend It: close to Miami, home to the best waterfront hotel in the country
• Where to Stay: Acqualina Resort & Spa (from $700/night), Condo in Sunny Isles (from $155/night, sleeps 4)
• What to Do: get your savasana on during Full Moon Yoga on the beach; enjoy family-friendly games, live music and food at the Gateway Market on Wednesday nights; visit Haulover Beach Park

Sunny Isles is quite literally in Miami’s backyard, making this a perfect getaway for those who would rather pass on a long drive. But hear us out: Home to the best waterfront hotel in the country for four years in a row (hi, Acqualina Resort & Spa), Sunny Isles one of our favorite local towns. Just under two miles long, this slice of paradise offers great places to dine, a healthy dose of adventure and plenty of things to do. The best part? One block north of Sunny Isles, escape towering skyscrapers for acres of open shoreline. Set up shop with a chair, a cooler and a stylish umbrella at Haulover Beach Park, which is one of the only areas in Miami-Dade County with a stretch of public sand and not a building in sight.

8. Everglades

• Why I Recommend It: unique landscape, interesting wildlife, adventure activities
• Where to Stay: Condo in Miami (from $125/night, sleeps 4), Apartment in Miami (from $63/night, sleeps 3)
• What to Do: take an airboat ride at Everglades National Park; visit the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters; photograph local wildlife

If you’re in search of a fall day trip instead of a full-on getaway, may we suggest visiting the Everglades? We promise the experience will be magical. After all, it’s one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems hidden in plain sight. Scope out alligators, manatees and panthers on an hour-long airboat ride, which begins and ends at Everglades National Park. You’ll journey deep inside the area’s tree-canopied landscapes, stopping every few minutes to spot wildlife and get some history from your local tour guide.

Fall and winter are the best times of year to visit (fewer mosquitos), but make sure to wear sleeved clothing, long pants and stock up on extra bug spray.

You’re also a short drive from the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, an only-in-Florida gem that spotlights the Sunshine State’s very own version of Bigfoot, the mighty…Skunk Ape. (There’s no better time than around Halloween to explore the paranormal folklore, right?) In terms of accommodations, you’ve got two options: Stay in Naples or Miami, then drive an hour out to the Glades.

9. Orlando

• Why I Recommend It: theme parks, family-friendly, great restaurants, outdoor activities
• Where to Stay: Waldorf Astoria Orlando (from $199/night), Lake Nona Wave Hotel (from $309/night)
• What to Do: go kayaking in Wekiwa Springs State Park; dine around the world at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, running Aug. 29 through November 23; try not to scream your face off at Halloween Horror Nights

As the scorching Florida heat starts to break in the fall, consider it the perfect time to explore tourist hotspot Orlando. Of course, you’ll want to hop into some of the theme parks, from Legoland to Disney. (The Happiest Place on Earth has no shortage of fall events, from the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Eat to the Beat Concert Series to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.) But beyond the rollercoasters, don’t miss out on wandering through Lake Eola Park and exploring neighborhoods like Thornton Park and Winter Park. (Psst:These areas are known for their chef-driven restaurants like Michelin-starred Soseiki). Plus, thanks to the cooling temperatures, you can also enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking in Wekiwa Springs State Park or roaming the scenic landscapes of Harry P. Leu Gardens. Whether you're an amusement park enthusiast, a nature lover, or a die-hard foodie, fall is the prime season to revel in all that Orlando has to offer.   

10. Fort Myers Beach

• Why I Recommend It: mellow Gulf coast waters, close to Naples and the Everglades, great beaches and restaurants
• Where to Stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina (from $212/night), Margaritavilla Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach (from $244/night)
• What to Do: listen to live music during the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest; savor sunset over the water—and fresh seafood—at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille; rent a boat and explore for the day

You’ve heard all about Coachella and Bonnaroo, but live music fans, there’s another music festival that deserves to be on your radar: the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Spanning 10 days, from September 20 through 29, the annual event features more than 100 free performances.

Should you find yourself in the Fort Myers area in late fall, however, you're still in for a treat—from November 21 through 24, Fort Myers Beach is hosting its 34th annual Sand Sculpture Competition, creating larger than life works of art. (There's also live music, a barbecue and a street market featuring more than 50 local vendors.)

Beyond that, Fort Myers offers a classic beach town vibe, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and waterfront views at Bonita Bill’s Bar and Fish House or Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. You can also do some serious paddling along the 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway or rent a boat at Salty Sam’s Marina. (You’re also not far from Gasparilla Island, where you can explore the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse or treat yourself to a spa day at the Gasparilla Inn Salon & Spa.)

11. Key Biscayne

• Why I Recommend It: great nature views, close to downtown Miami, quaint atmosphere
• Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscyane (from $324/night); Kimpton EPIC (from $220/night)
• What to Do: Visit Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park; explore the Miami Seaquarium to see dolphins up close; swim and relax on the beach

If you listened to the Sorry Charlie Miller podcast and got hooked on Key Biscayne, it’s about time you visited the actual village. It’s located on a barrier island that’s sandwiched between two parks. To the north is the Crandon Park, which features a marina, tennis center, golf course and nature center. To the south is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where you can climb the 109 steps of the Cape Florida Lighthouse to take in the spectacular views of the water and nearby floating homes. Come Halloween, ditch the usual cemetery tour in favor of a snorkel (or dive) at Neptune Memorial Reef—a 16-acre “lost city” that serves as an artificial reef and memorial site.

12. St. Augustine

• Why I Recommend It: plenty of history and culture, walkable city, family friendly activities
• Where to Stay: Casa Monica Resort & Spa (from $220/night), Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel (from $188/night)
• What to Do: wander a corn maze; take in the Spanish architecture; book a wine tasting; watch The Dracula Ballet at Flagler College

Architecture nerds and wine aficionados, St. Augustine is made for you. Fall’s cooler temperatures make this an excellent time for strolling and taking in the Spanish Colonial architecture in the nation’s oldest city. Warm your bones with a wine tasting (or go all out with a wine tasting tour), and budget some time to explore Castillo de San Marcos, a 450-year-old fort originally designed to defend the Atlantic Trade route. This is also one of the best places to get more of a true fall (OK, fall-ish) experience: Take in a ghost tour, go to the Pumpkin Festival at Wesley Wells Farms and find your way through a nine-acre maze at Sykes Family Farms. Flagler College will also host The Dracula Ballet October 11 and 12, telling the tale of Bram Stoker’s vampire on pointe.

Oh, and if you’re looking something that’s autumnal but still very Florida-coded, check out the Alligator Farm’s Croctoberfest, a chance to stare at reptiles while sipping beers and listening to live music.