Florida’s beaches are great to visit in the fall season and are home to an endless stretch of idyllic coastline. The cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds mean it is the perfect time to spend a weekend away with the family and enjoy a little fun in the sun. From small-town charms to bustling cityscapes, here are some of Florida’s best beach vacation destinations in the fall.
Clearwater Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach, is lined with powder-white sand and crystal blue waters. The fall season brings some of the best weather in this area, the perfect time to explore the array of family-friendly attractions that make this award-winning beach so popular. You can lounge on a beach chair and soak up the sunshine or attend one of the fantastic fall festivals, such as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Clearwater Offshore Nationals and Seafood Festival.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island fits the bill if you’re looking for a beach escape without the hustle and bustle of some of Florida’s more popular areas. With a speed limit that never exceeds 35 mph, this quaint barrier island and seaside town is full of kayakers and cyclists eager to soak up the laid-back ambiance. You won’t find high-rise condos or fast-food joints here, making its quiet shoreline a perfect escape from day-to-day life.
Siesta Key
Most locals would agree that fall is a great time to visit Siesta Key, as the beach’s mild temperatures bode well with the silky white sand made of quartz. Spend an afternoon melting your worries away under the sunshine and soaking up the cool Gulf breeze. If you want to get out and be active, there are plenty of things to do. This beautiful eight-mile barrier island offers an abundance of water sports activities and is just a short drive from Sarasota’s attractions.
Fort Walton Beach
Many consider Fort Walton Beach one of Florida’s most underrated vacation destinations, as the tranquil shoreline is picturesque and free of crowds. In a family-friendly area with plenty to do, you can build sandcastles with the kids or go to one of the nearby parks. Fishing is also popular in the area, while many choose to sit back and relax on the picturesque Emerald Coast shoreline.
Naples
It’s hard not to be lured in by the white sandy beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters of Naples, where nature lovers will be in heaven with its beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Head to Lowdermilk Beach to find a family-friendly area to enjoy, with a playground, volleyball court, and picnic tables. Take a stroll along the iconic Naples Pier, where you can watch fishing boats, spot dolphin pods, and catch one of Florida’s famous sunsets.
Palm Beach
A luxurious stretch of shoreline, Palm Beach is home to upscale resorts, beautiful mansions and historic landmarks. Boasting 14 miles of pristine beaches, Palm Beach is the former winter home of the Vanderbilts, Kennedys and Rockefellers. Its annual climate attracts beachgoers from around the world, tempting visitors with its 5-star luxury hotels, upscale dining and pampering opportunities.
Marco Island
A sun-drenched jewel nestled against the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island is the largest barrier island in the Ten Thousand Islands. The perfect escape in the fall season, you’ll find a combination of low-key, friendly vibes highlighted in the local seafood restaurants and water-based activities such as kayaking, dolphin watching, and eco-tours. With a postcard-perfect backdrop of palm trees and turquoise waters, you’ll find plenty of space to kick back, relax, and appreciate the view.
Fort Myers Beach
A charming city filled with sun-kissed beaches and historic landmarks, Fort Myers offers an excellent mix of natural landscapes and family-friendly attractions. A great place to visit in the fall with the entire family, you can dig your toes in the sands of Lover’s Key State Park, play with your four-legged friend at the dog-friendly Bonita Beach, or head to Lee County Manatee Park to see manatees from an observation deck.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a small beach town located on the Atlantic Ocean coastline that is perfect for enjoying a fall getaway. Without the crowds of tourists, you can enjoy the small-town charm and beautiful beaches all to yourself. Surfing, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling are at the top of any itinerary to Delray Beach. At the same time, you can get a dose of culture at the Japanese-inspired gardens at the nearby Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens.
Venice
Venice is known for being home to fossilized sharks’ teeth on its pearly white beaches, a small town with loads of charm. Spend the afternoon beachcombing for unique treasures or enjoy the simple pleasures of swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating. After you’ve got in enough beach time, take a stroll through the downtown area to admire the beautiful architecture and browse through boutique shops, restaurants, and locally owned businesses.
West Palm Beach
An excellent destination for beachgoers that are looking to mix a little sunshine with a variety of cultural events, West Palm Beach is a vibrant destination on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Spend your afternoons lounging along the shore. In the evening, you can admire Norton Museum of Art artwork, catch a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or indulge in one of the buzzing nightlife spots along Clematis Street and see some of Florida’s gentle giants by heading to Manatee Lagoon.
Jupiter
A city famous for its beautiful inlet, Jupiter offers laid-back beach areas and timeless lighthouse views. An alluring destination with plenty of natural landscapes to explore, head to Juno Beach to find a beautiful shoreline, Blowing Rocks Preserve to see the limestone shelf, or John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for its subtropical coastal habitat. Make sure to visit Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, where you can find peace and tranquility in the 1000 acres of the protected area.
