Summary

• Fall is a magical time to visit Florida, with pleasant weather, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds.
• Off-peak season means lower rates for accommodations, airfare, and attractions in Florida.
• From idyllic beach getaways to charming lakefront towns, there are many beautiful places to visit in Florida this fall.

The Sunshine State, famous for beautiful beaches with the clearest waters, fun-packed amusement parks, and diverse ecosystems, is an incredible destination to visit year-round. However, there’s something magical about visiting Florida during the fall, as tourists enjoy pleasant weather, a touch of vibrant fall foliage, fewer crowds, and a calendar packed with riveting events.

Fall is also considered an off-peak season in Florida, so after the summer rush is over, tourists enjoy lower rates for accommodations, airfare, and various attractions. But with many epic places to celebrate fall in Florida, which destinations deserve all the attention? From cities packed with exciting attractions to islands with thrilling events and beaches, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Florida this fall.

Accommodations go hand in hand when planning a trip, so we’ve suggested a hotel in every beautiful spot to visit in Florida to ease the process. All hotels have a rating of 8.0+ on Kayak.com and have garnered many positive reviews from past guests. Additionally, they are suitable for both luxury and budget travelers since they differ in price.

Related: Not-So-Sunshine State: 10 Abandoned Towns In Florida To Know About

Hutchinson Island

Hutchinson Island is an idyllic fall getaway destination for travelers who want a wide range of relaxing outdoor activities. With over 20 miles of pristine and uncrowded beaches, this hidden gem checks all the boxes for a laid-back staycation. One of the must-visit beaches is Jensen Beach Park, which has something for everyone. This beach has a concession stand, picnic benches, and lifeguards on watch for those cooling off in the water.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Hutchinson Island: Jensen Beach Park, Blind Creek Beach, Bathtub Beach, Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge

Although Jensen Beach has plenty of parking space, beachgoers should plan to arrive earlier if visiting during weekends as it gets filled up quickly.

Ocala

Located in the heart of Marion County, Florida, Ocala boasts beautiful farms and award-winning horses, earning it the Horse Capital of the World title. A visit to the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm affirms Ocala’s alias name as visitors meet stallions, mares, and foals. Equine enthusiasts also get guided tours around the farm as they learn about the history of the Gypsy Vanner horses. On the other hand, nature lovers visit the Ocala National Forest to discover Florida’s wild side, take scenic hiking trails, and paddle through the waterways.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Ocala: Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park, The Appleton Museum of Art, Fort King National Historic Landmark

Ocala National Forest offers incredible recreational opportunities during the fall amidst its verdant pine forests and gum swamps. However, its foliage display isn’t pronounced like regions with deciduous trees.

Destin

Fall in Destin means fewer crowds, better weather, and more time and space to enjoy the attractions fully. The perfect weather drives travelers to Henderson Beach State Park for a beach day out. As hikers explore the ancient and shifting dunes, sunbathers switch from cooling off in the alluring emerald waters to laying on the unspoiled white sandy beach. Destin also hosts some events in the fall, including the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place in October. Winning anglers take home cash prizes, fishing gear, weekend stays, and fishing trips.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Destin: Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Crab Island

Related: 14 Vacation Spots In Florida That Won't Break The Bank

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park protects a vast 1.5 million-acre wetland in South Florida and is home to several exciting hiking trails perfect for all fitness levels. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems where visitors have an exhilarating time spotting rare and endangered species. Since the park is expansive, rangers provide guided tours to help visitors explore and spot the resident animals.

Adventurers choose from boat, airboat, and valley tram tours to spot manatees and the elusive Florida panther. One of the benefits of visiting the Everglades in autumn is a high chance of spotting the American alligator, which sunbathes along the shores during this season.

• Top-rated things to do in Everglades National Park: Take a ranger-guided canoe tour, watch out for alligators, go air boating, kayak the Ten Thousand Islands area

Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a charming lakefront town overlooking Lake Dora and spreading over rolling hills in Central Florida. Well-preserved commercial and residential buildings give this town character, and tourists can see how lovely they are as they stroll down the historic district area. Apart from exploring, tourists visiting in the fall come in time for the Mount Dora Craft Fair in October. The downtown streets come alive as exhibitors show and sell their fine crafts while attendees indulge in food and music.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Mount Dora: Mount Dora History Museum, Lake Dora, Palm Island Park, Modernism Museum

Read up on this guide explaining where and when major events happen in Mount Dora.

Tampa

Tampa is a hub for everything, with unique things worth trying out during the fall or any time of the year. The fall season makes this vibrant city the best destination for children to enjoy attractions without enduring the hot weather, especially in Busch Gardens. The amusement park visit starts on a high note, as visitors have a closer look at lions, rhinos, giraffes, and sloths at the zoo. While thrill-seekers get their adrenaline pumping on the thrill rides, kids enjoy fantastic educational shows arranged by the park.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Tampa: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach

Here’s a detailed guide to Busch Gardens for first-timers, highlighting everything from the best attractions to see and the best hours to visit.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a quaint barrier island offering a fall retreat from the busy city life. Besides relaxing along the beach, travelers indulge in other pursuits that fit every interest. Those looking to kick back and admire the natural beauty sign up for scenic cruises around the island. The cruise gets exciting as dolphins frolic in the water and at the sight of wild horses running along the sandy beach. On the other hand, adventurers who want an adrenaline rush enjoy lightning-fast island tours on jet skis.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Amelia Island: Fernandina Beach Historic District, Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island State Park, Amelia Island Museum of History

Related: Harbour Island: Everything To Know About Visiting This Pink Sand Beach From Florida

Fort Walton Beach

Fall is one of the best seasons to visit Fort Walton Beach, a tranquil shoreline with white sand and emerald-green waters on Florida's west coast. Hitting the beach is a must-do, as the water temperatures are perfect for swimming and enjoying sea therapy. Beach lovers traveling with their furry friends can visit Liza Jackson Park, which has designated small and large dog parks where they can roam and run around. Additionally, the park has fishing piers for anglers and walking trails for those who want to explore the beach as they enjoy the sea breeze.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Fort Walton Beach: Island Pier and The Boardwalk, Air Force Armament Museum, Liza Jackson Park

Sanibel Island

Fall is the off-peak season on Sanibel Island, meaning fewer crowds and balmy weather. Known as the shell capital of the world, Sanibel Island is home to Bowman’s Beach, the ultimate shell collector's dream come true. Unlike other islands, Sanibel Island lies east to west, making shells from as far as the Caribbean wash up along the Bowman’s Beach. Although visitors can carry their beautiful treasures back home, the county authority prohibits live shelling.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Sanibel Island: Bowman's Beach, Lighthouse Beach Park & Fishing Pier, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

Here are 10 shelling tips tourists can apply on Sanibel Island to help them build a stunning shell collection.

Orlando

As the world’s theme park capital, Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida and the United States. When the high season ends and the temperatures cool in the fall, Orlando receives fewer crowds. This means that travelers secure prime spots when watching the seasonal parades, and check off all the rides they had planned for the day in amusement parks. Additionally, Orlando hosts fall events such as the Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, delighting food, wine, and music enthusiasts from mid-September to mid-November.

• Top-rated attractions to visit in Orlando: Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Gatorland

Orlando is more than Disney World, so here's more that tourists can do to make use of their trip this fall or any time of the year.