2024's Towns In Florida That Come Alive In Fall
Although Florida may not see the same vibrant fall foliage as more northern states do, the later seasons of the year transform it into an idyllic place to spend a beachside vacation; where the temperature isn't as hot and humid as before and the crowds dissipate a little bit. Beyond that, there are many other things to see and do, like explore a state or national park, visit a unique museum, or check out one of Florida's natural wonders, of which there are plenty.
From the Emerald Coast to Miami-Dade County, Let's take a look at 7 of the best small towns in Florida to spend your fall 2024 vacation.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora, located just outside of Orlando, is an ideal destination for an easy fall trip in Florida's central lake lands. Known for its cute downtown core with serval historic storefronts and views of Lake Dora, this town of less than 20,000 residents offers a refreshing change of pace from Florida’s other nearby bustling tourist spots, most notably Disney World.
The nearby Palm Island Park is perfect for an afternoon walk in the slightly cooler fall weather, where you can observe some of Florida’s wildlife amid the turning leaves of cypress and oak trees. With the cooler temperatures outdoors, golf is another ideal pastime at this time of year, and courses like Deer Island Country Club, The Country Club of Mount Dora, and Mount Dora Golf Club make booking a game in Mount Dora easy.
Apalachicola
Apalachicola, a historic coastal town in Florida’s Panhandle, offers a remote yet inviting atmosphere for anyone looking to spend some time on the Gulf Coast in peace. Its location along the Apalachicola River makes this small town particularly enjoyable during the autumn months when the weather cools and the summer crowds thin out.
As a seaside town, Apalachicola is famous for its fresh seafood, especially oysters, and many visitors come to enjoy the annual Florida Seafood Festival, which takes place in early November.
The nearby Apalachicola National Forest and St. George Island State Park provide local ways for you to go hiking, birdwatching, and boating. Fall is also prime time for fishing in the area’s rivers and bays, where popular species like Snappers are most active.
DeLand
DeLand, situated between Orlando and Daytona Beach, is known for its assortment of festivals (many of which take place in the fall months of 2024), robust arts scene, and proximity to several state parks and preserves.
DeLand hosts the annual DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts in November, showcasing the work of artists, both local and from abroad. Visitors can also explore this town's other permanent galleries, like the Museum of Art-DeLand, at any other time of the year.
As mentioned, there are numerous nearby natural attractions here, like De Leon Springs State Park, where you can take a scenic boat tour, hike, or even make your own pancakes at the park’s Old Spanish Sugar Mill, a replica of the mill originally built in 1830. For another excellent opportunity to explore the woods of central Florida, Tiger Bay State Forest is a brief drive north of town.
Sanibel
The town of Sanibel, located off Florida’s Gulf Coast on Sanibel Island, is a tranquil retreat that is best known for its idyllic beaches that are covered in a notable amount of gorgeous seashells, world-class seafood, and in the fall, a place that is still warm enough to go swimming in the ocean.
The island’s calm waters and mild temperatures make it an excellent time to explore the famous J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can kayak, hike on its trails and boardwalks, or go birdwatching during the fall migrations of several species. Fall is also a great time to bike the island’s extensive public trail system, which takes you past its shops, local eateries, and other scenic spots like the Sanibel Lighthouse at the far eastern edge of town.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., having been founded in 1565! Its beautiful location and intriguing history make it a fantastic place to visit regardless of the season. However, with cooler weather and fewer tourists, fall is often ideal for exploring the city’s historic landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress with views of Matanzas Bay. St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets and other well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture also add to its charm as you explore further.
The city’s ghost tours are particularly popular as Halloween draws nearer, adding a spooky twist to its longstanding past. There are several such tours available, with the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour St. Augustine and Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine being two of the most popular.
St. Augustine draws visitors with its festivals and events too, like the St. Benedict Blues Festival, held in late October 2024.
Key West
Key West, at the southernmost point of the continental U.S., is a tropical destination that is an amazing place to escape some of the colder areas of the country in the later months of the year.
Key West’s interesting history is on full display at sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, one of the homes of the former writer, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where you are free to explore Civil War-era fortifications and enjoy stunning sunsets from its waterfront. Outdoor activities like snorkeling, sailing, and fishing are popular during the cooler fall months, with charter companies and outfitters available to contact in downtown Key West.
Visitors in the fall can experience the famous Fantasy Fest in October, a lively celebration filled with parades, costumes, and other local events.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach sits on the beautiful Amelia Island just north of Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast. With a notable collection of Victorian architecture lining its streets, this small town is a cozy place to spend a day if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here, you can explore the area's past through nearby landmarks like Fort Clinch State Park, where you can tour the 19th-century fort and enjoy scenic coastal views around it. The fall weather is ideal for walking along the uncrowded beaches or taking a boat tour through the island's marshlands.
For those interested in seafood, the local shrimp industry remains central to the town's identity, and the fall season is a great time to enjoy fresh catches before the fishing season begins to wind down before December.
See the Best of Fall in Florida this 2024
Florida may not have the pumpkin patches and colorful fall forests of the north that exemplify the season, but that doesn't make it any less of a destination to explore in the last quarter of the year. Between the cooler weather, the thinner crowds, and the various festivals that take place in this state's many small towns, the fall may in fact be one of the best times out of the whole year to plan your next vacation in Florida. Let these destinations be just some of the many gems that you should definitely explore in the Sunshine State before 2024 ends.
