Summary
- Fall is a great time to visit Florida's beach towns, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower rates on accommodations and attractions.
- St. Augustine, Siesta Key, and Cape San Blas are some top beach destinations in Florida that offer scenic shorelines, outdoor activities, and a relaxed ambiance.
- Delray Beach, Amelia Island, Clearwater Beach, and Sanibel Island are other beach towns worth exploring, each offering unique attractions, amenities, and a chance to unwind by the sea.
When visitors think of Florida getaways, crowded spring break hot spots and family-filled summer resort towns likely come to mind first. However, the Sunshine State offers a whole different experience in the fall that not everyone considers. As temperatures cool down across the country, Florida’s underrated beach towns retain their warmth and provide a rejuvenating seaside escape.
Without the summer crowds and heat, fall is arguably one of the best times to visit Florida's stunning shores. The weather is mild, tourist crowds thin out, and hotels and attractions offer lower rates. From historic seaside villages to luxury resort communities, we’ve selected the top beach destinations in Florida that promise a surprisingly perfect fall vacation. Offering an array of scenic shorelines, great fishing, unique shops and restaurants, and plenty of ways to relax, these beach towns prove Florida is just as ideal for fall as any other time of year.
10 St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine on the Northeast coast is America’s oldest city. Its historic streets, architecture, and ample B&B accommodations provide charm. Nearby Anastasia State Park has a stunning beach, hiking trails, camping, and water sports.
Don’t miss visiting the majestic Castillo de San Marcos fort. Foodies will love the restaurants focused on fresh seafood and local ingredients. The mild fall weather is perfect for strolling St. George Street and taking one of the nightly ghost tours. With fewer crowds, it’s easier to admire the city’s old-world ambiance.
- Things to Do: Visit historic attractions, go on a ghost tour, check out the outlets, explore Anastasia State Park
- Amenities: Wide range of hotels and inns, golf courses, spas
- Top Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Old Jail, Fort Mose Historic State Park
9 Siesta Key
Siesta Key near Sarasota is consistently ranked one of the world’s top beaches for its nearly pure quartz crystal sand. Its turquoise waters provide optimal conditions for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Rent a bike and cruise from beach to beach taking in the island’s laid back, tropical vibe. Make sure to catch one of Siesta Key’s famous sunsets at Point of Rocks. The village is home to art galleries, souvenir shops, and plenty of places for seafood and cocktails, with live music on many evenings.
Accommodation choices range from affordable condos to luxury hotels. With smaller fall crowds, it’s easy to find a spot on the sand and fully appreciate this protected barrier island's beauty.
- Things to Do: Relax on Crescent Beach, check out beachside bars and dining, enjoy water sports, watch the sunset
- Amenities: Wide range of condos, hotels and vacation rentals, bike and boat rentals
- Top Attractions: Crescent Beach, Point of Rocks, Siesta Beach Public Beach, Siesta Key Village
8 Cape San Blas
For a remote, uncrowded beach getaway, head to the Cape San Blas peninsula between Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The pristine waters offer excellent fishing, kayaking, boating, and shelling opportunities.
Nearby St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park provides opportunities for camping right on the beach as well as hiking and biking trails. Watch for migratory birds like ospreys and eagles fishing in the bay.
Rent a cottage or stay at one of the small B&Bs in Port St. Joe for more amenities. Fall is the perfect time to experience the peaceful, pristine nature of this undiscovered Florida beach without the bigger crowds.
- Things to Do: Relax on the beach, go camping, hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, shelling
- Amenities: Smaller accommodations; campgrounds, cottages, B&Bs
- Top Attractions: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Cape San Blas Lighthouse
7 Delray Beach
Delray Beach offers seaside charm combined with plenty of upscale amenities. Quaint Art Deco architecture lines its main Atlantic Ave drag. Visitors can meander through the myriad art galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and dining spots spilling over with live music and entertainment.
It's clear there are a lot of fun things for all the visitors in Delray Beach!
The two-mile public beach provides all the requisite water activities along with ample space to soak up the sun. Don’t miss the world-class Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens that immerse visitors in arts and culture.
With its vibrant small-town feel combined with luxury options, Delray Beach makes for an idyllic fall beach vacation for couples or families.
- Things to Do: Stroll Atlantic Ave, visit art galleries, dine at sidewalk cafes, tour Morikami Museum
- Amenities: Excellent dining scene, high-end hotels and spas, golf courses, shopping
- Top Attractions: Atlantic Ave beachfront promenade, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Old School Square
6 Amelia Island
Just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Amelia Island retains a secluded, exclusive ambiance. Its uncrowded shoreline allows miles of pristine beaches for long morning walks and collecting seashells.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love options like horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, nature preserves, and championship golf.
Amelia Island’s tranquil beaches and abundance of amenities make for an upscale yet welcoming fall beach retreat.
- Things to Do: Relax on beautiful beaches, go horseback riding, enjoy nature preserves, play golf, visit local spas
- Amenities: Excellent upscale and boutique hotel options, fine dining, spas, shopping
- Top Attractions: Fernandina Beach, Fort Clinch State Park, American Beach, Main Beach
5 Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast provides the quintessential family-friendly seaside vacation. Its white sands, calm waters, and abundant marine life make for endless fun in the sun. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet Winter the Dolphin.
At Pier 60, enjoy the nightly sunset celebration with artisans, musicians, and street performers. Rent a boat, charter a deep-sea fishing trip, or take a dinner cruise along the Intracoastal. Nearby Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, offering pristine natural beaches.
With cooler fall temperatures, Clearwater Beach provides the perfect setting for swimming, impromptu football games, or beachfront picnics. Grab a resort right on the sand to be steps from the action.
- Things to Do: Visit marine life encounters, go dolphin watching, have sunset picnics on the beach, take a boat tour
- Amenities: Family-friendly resorts, casual and fine dining, fishing charters, boat rentals
- Top Attractions: Pier 60, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Caladesi Island State Park
4 Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island near Fort Myers is famous for its pristine beaches covered in an abundance of spectacular shells. No need to get up at dawn, as the impressive shell variety comes in all day long.
Meander along the sandy shores, eyes peeled for whelks, scallops, and colorful cockles. Over half the island is a protected wildlife refuge, home to birds, turtles, and gators. Kayak through the mangrove estuaries for a peaceful paddle.
Accommodations consist of intimate resorts and rental cottages for a relaxed, tropical feel. Sanibel’s incredible shelling, wildlife, and seclusion from larger resort areas make it a choice fall escape.
- Things to Do: Hunt for shells, explore secluded beaches, visit wildlife preserves, go kayaking
- Amenities: Cottage and condo rentals, intimate resorts, casual seafood restaurants
- Top Attractions: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Lighthouse
3 Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has been a surfer's paradise ever since the 1960s. Its perfect waves and chilled-out vibes never get old. Novices can take lessons and try their luck standing up on a board.
At the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, anglers reel in huge catches while diners nosh on fresh seafood at the pier restaurants. Strike out on foot or cruiser bikes to explore quirky shops, beachside cafes, and bars with live music.
Don't miss a day trip to Kennedy Space Center just 45 minutes away. Visitors may luck out and catch a rocket launch over the ocean. Cocoa Beach's endless sunshine, surf, and eclectic character make it an ideal fall getaway.
- Things to Do: Take surf lessons, lounge on the beach, visit Kennedy Space Center, check out the nightlife
- Amenities: Surf shops, casual bars and restaurants, limited service hotels
- Top Attractions: Cocoa Beach Pier, Alan Shepard Park, Kennedy Space Center, Ron Jon Surf Shop
2 Rosemary Beach
Just east of Destin, Rosemary Beach is an upscale master-planned community acclaimed for its architecture and design. Its streets are lined with pastel-colored cottages trimmed with white around a lush green commons.
Travelers will find abundant options for fine dining, shopping at upscale boutiques, and enjoying resort amenities like pools and spas. The town connects directly to a pristine stretch of beach on the Gulf with powdery white sand and emerald water.
Fall provides warmer weather to still enjoy the beaches and amenities while avoiding summer crowds. Visitors rave over Rosemary Beach's beauty, calling it the Hamptons of the South. The tranquility and luxury also make it an ideal couple’s getaway.
- Things to Do: Relax on the beach, go shopping and dining, enjoy the amenities at the resorts
- Amenities: Luxury accommodations, excellent dining, pools, spas, shopping
- Top Attractions: Rosemary Beach, Deer Lake State Park
1 Fort Myers Beach
Just 15 minutes from Fort Myers, this barrier island offers Old Florida hospitality. Its beaches offer calm surf, making it great for families. Charter boat trips let visitors try world-class fishing or spot dolphins frolicking in Matanzas Pass.
Lovers Key State Park provides serene nature trails and kayak routes through its estuaries. Don’t expect towering resorts or swanky amenities here. Accommodations consist of smaller hotels and inns with charming tropical decor.
Nightlife staples include live music venues and ice cream shops. With fewer crowds and lower prices, Fort Myers Beach allows visitors to experience authentic old-style Florida beach towns.
- Things to Do: Enjoy old Florida-style beaches and charm, try authentic seafood, go dolphin-watching
- Amenities: Smaller hotels and inns, casual bars and restaurants, fishing charters
- Top Attractions: Lovers Key State Park, Matanzas Pass Preserve, Fort Myers Beach Pier