9 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Miami
Florida enjoys sharing its famous sunny shores with summertime visitors and the wintering birds on a getaway from the snowy cities from January through April. Largely overlooked in autumn, the Sunshine State feels like a dream for a fall getaway without pesky heat, crowds, flights, or costs. Despite a lack of the traditional foliage in the south of the state, you can experience the most creative palette of flora varieties and colors, including golden blooms of goldenrods and vibrant purple beautyberry bushes.
From palm trees to trees like sweetgum and bald cypress turning shades of yellow and orange, a softer kind of autumn surrounds the Greater Miami Area, but no less magical. Full of wonderful sites, the underrated season is a great time of year to explore, from small towns to national parks, under perfectly chilled weather without the need to pack an enormous jacket. Starting off strong, an hour's drive from Miami, Biscayne National Park offers a unique wilderness experience close to home.
Biscayne National Park
Home to an incredible diversity of animals and plants, including more than 500 species of fish, Biscayne National Park feels a world away next to the growing and diverse metropolis, visible from downtown Miami. The divers can explore vibrant underwater ecosystems like fish-teeming coral reefs and vestiges of 10,000 years of human history in the making. From prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, the area had distinct appeal to pineapple farmers and presidents. For many today, the national park is all about epic explorations via boating, fishing, and diving destinations. Head straight on a wildlife hike along the Jetty Trail with your family, relax along the shore in the warm breeze and peaceful scenery, and show off your fishing skills.
Boasting aquamarine waters and emerald-hued islands largely accessible only by boat, it is home to healthy mangrove forests, without which Florida's vital recreational and commercial fisheries would decline. Leaves fall from mangrove branches year-round, break down, and become food for tiny marine organisms, on which larger organisms feed, like the commercially imported species of fish, shrimp, and lobster that make it on your plate back home. Full of discoveries for all ages on a quick escape from the city, learn about kids and youth programs at the visitor center and how to earn a junior ranger badge, plus the bookstore on site for a keepsake of one of the most beautiful national parks in South Florida.
Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park
Sometimes, the best fall getaways are right under your nose. In the heart of North Miami, the 22-acre Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park inspires an oasis amid a concrete jungle. Offering unique animal encounters and subtropical flora on both sides of Arch Creek, it is just a hop from downtown to soak in the magic of scenic beauty. Boasting a nature center, butterfly gardens, and horse stables with private pony ride concessions at MM Equestrian Farm, relieve your stress along the paved trails for joggers or relax in serenity with two picnic facilities. On Friday, October 25, 2024, you can put on a costume and explore the enchanted landscape among other ghosts and goblins of all ages during the annual Halloween Haunted Trails and Kids Zone, with an entry fee of $7.00.
The city of North Miami’s signature annual haunted trail event promises a riot of cute and creepy creatures and activities like Family Fun Zone for the young guests with a scary costume parade, hayrides, pony rides, music, and games, plus food vendors throughout. The petting zoo invites families year-round for comical views and interactions with goats, chickens, pigs, horses, ducks, donkeys, ponies, and miniature horses. From open grassy fields for family recreation to a kids playground, the nature center offers a series of environmental experiences for children ages 2-4. One of the notable sites, the Queer (LGBTQ) Monument, Miami’s first public art of its kind, was dedicated in March 2017 by the city to the heroes of South Florida’s LGBTQ community at this park.
Everglades National Park
Covering 1.5 million acres under an hour from Miami, Everglades National Park is unforgettable in the fall. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoorsy, there is a trail for every fitness level, and while you may not walk under a full-blown canopy of colors, the shades of green differ from the summer's. Along the boardwalks across its swampy ridges, you may notice sunkissed treetops and rustic touches, plus the autumn vibes in the air as nature prepares for its season of rest. Access the Everglades via the Florida Turnpike due south until it merges with U.S. 1 at Florida City, turning right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive. Alternatively, drive west until Miccosukee Indian Village and Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area—Stairsteps Unit. The Tamiami Trail heading south into the heart of the Everglades offers a magnificent, uninterrupted view of the lush, natural wilderness.
There are also shuttle services to the park, or it is just a hike away. Shark Valley Observation Tower features a 45-foot deck midway along Tram Road for panoramic Everglades views south. Teeming with unique wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of birds, sightings are almost guaranteed along the Anhinga Trail. The Shark Valley Tram Trail offers stunning views of the park. Whether you're after epic adventures or a sojourn with nature on a fall weekend, hop on a tram at Shark Valley for a tour of the park’s largest creatures, with male alligators weighing as much as 1,000 pounds at 14 feet in length. From thrilling airboat tours to hiking and biking trails, many enjoy paddling into nearby Snake Bight, with canoe rentals from Flamingo Visitor Center. A mile away, Eco Pond hosts freshwater wildlife for viewing wading birds and more alligators.
Jupiter
Just an hour and some drive from Miami due north, Jupiter is a one-of-a-kind town to visit this fall. Stop by the family-friendly Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, with sea turtle rehabilitation on display, plus tours and a gift shop. Ten minutes onward, you're in town, where you can enjoy its unique blend of nature activities, sightseeing, and events. Fall Fest takes place at two locations this weekend, 12-13th of October. Comprising two days of fun, food, and festivities, there's something attention-grabbing for everyone, like pumpkin painting, a photo booth, bites and beverages, and goodie bags. Next to Jupiter Farms Park, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a refuge and nature center for Florida wildlife, offers kid-friendly trails through woods and wetlands, plus education on Florida's wildlife and natural resources.
Just north along the Atlantic shore, Blowing Rocks Preserve features a beach and an outcrop of Anastasia limestone, plus wildlife and an education center. Just north of South Beach, Haulover Park has both clothing-optional and family-friendly beaches, plus a dog park and picnicking. From glamping to camping, enjoy easy access to the Loxahatchee River and riverfront nature trails for a nature-centric escape. The beloved Feathers, Fangs, Fur & Fun Halloween Event is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, with entrance by donation to join trick-or-treaters along the nature trails from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and special education programs all day. Kids of all ages can enjoy Spooky Tiny Tales Story Time at 12:30 p.m., Flatwood Friends Haunted Forest at 2:30 p.m., and Creepy Conservation Conversation.
Lake Okeechobee
There's plenty of fall excitement and beauty on Florida’s largest and most famous lake without summertime heat or crowds. Just 45 minutes west of Port St. Lucie in East Central Florida and about two hours to its southern shore from Miami, Lake Okeechobee is an angler’s dream. Drawing boaters and sightseers from around the world, the 730-square-mile lake teems with largemouth bass, black crappy, and catfish. From adventurous hikes to family-friendly airboat tours, the Grassy Island Mountain Bike Trail delivers a dose of thrills. The Okeechobee area is also popular for the 27,000-square-foot Seminole Casino in Brighton, plus falltime pursuits like local clay and sport shooting facilities in town. To the north, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida's first park recognized as a Dark Sky Park, is a dream for astronomers and night-sky enthusiasts.
So plan your trip to Okeechobee County, the small town, or a section of shoreline. You'll be a hop away from the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, a bucket-list item for Florida hikers and cyclists. Encircling the lake for some 110 miles, it offers horseback riding with sightings of egrets, osprey, alligators, manatees, deer, wild hogs, and bobcats. Enjoy traditional and RV camping under a star-studded sky after a day of exploring endangered wildlife on a bike, hike, or guided prairie buggy tour. Don't miss the popular Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant among a variety of shops and restaurants with a quality-price ratio higher than the city's. Fort Pierce hosts a number of fall festivals, like the Lucie County 4-H Fall Farm Festival at 1901 S Ffa Rd., with fun fall and Halloween activities for children and the young at heart.
Oleta River State Park
Florida’s largest urban park will feed your sense of adventure and natural desire in the fall without the summertime crowds or the scorching heat. Bisected by its namesake waterway, Oleta River State Park reveals what the city looked like before it was developed, just thirty minutes from downtown Miami. At just over a thousand acres, this gorgeous park is a serene haven for family picnics along the scenic bay and miles of shoreline for strolls. Soak in some Florida sun and nature in your favorite way along 15 miles of multi-use trails, plus miles of off-road bike trails, rated novice to experienced. Bring your own bike or rent from BG Oleta River Outdoors to soar along the winding trails through a wild and native world in the heart of Miami-Dade County.
Likewise, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard owners can use their equipment or rent from the same concessionaire, which also offers guided tours like sunset and full moon tours. Home to the native Florida vegetation and wildlife through the mangrove forest, explore the channels and the quiet blue waters, with occasional manatees and dolphins nearby. North Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway boast wildlife like blue herons and egrets soaring above and hermit grabs in the maze of mangroves. Whether you're in for a day at the beach or the beautiful Oleta River, unwind from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, at $6 per vehicle. There's also a fishing pier with bait from the outdoor center, nine picnic pavilions, and rustic, air-conditioned cabins for a nature-centric escape.
Marco Island
How about a falltime escape that reinvigorates your soul and clears your mind with unobscured ocean views in an attractive yet casual, easy-paced lifestyle? Marco Island, the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, is a paradise on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, just a two-hour drive west of Miami. Surrounded by brilliant emerald waters and soft white sands, the 24-square-mile island flaunts six miles of tropical sun-washed white sand beaches, with words like magical, mystical, and alluring floating around. Welcome to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge—it is a heaven for water sports enthusiasts, and it includes superb fishing and kayaking, with marine life sights like loggerhead turtles and the Florida manatee and frolicking dolphins near shore.
An enviable fall time escape to relax on island time, Marco Island inspires sunkissed strolls alongside beach volleyball, picnics, and sand castle building for families. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, kick off your weekend getaway with Marco Island 5K at a $40 per person entry fee, and stick around for the free Fall Family Fest. Open to the public, the event features family-friendly fun and wellness at South Campus (Marco Island YMCA), with children’s games, giveaways, and delicious food options. Every other day in the fall, treat your taste buds with unique island creations of fresh seafood from the surrounding waters. Explore the wild side of the Ten Thousand Islands by land, boat, or air, plus more adventures accessible along the undeveloped islands via a boat tour.
Naples
Naples is blessed with rich historical sites and some of the state's best Gulf Coast beaches, without crowds in the fall. Only 1.5 hours away via Route 41, it inspires a retreat from the busy life in Miami, with a vibrant downtown full of shopping, cafe culture, and fine dining. Along the waterfront, enjoy all the seafood, plus a chance to see Naples on a boat tour. Travel the waterways via a kayak or hit the walking trails and boardwalks, plus the unmissable Botanical Garden. Naples attracts people to dress casually in airy clothing and flip-flops while exploring its Italian-style architecture and culture in the laidback atmosphere. From famous golf courses to local breweries and tropical vibes all around, plus antique stores to tearooms, you'll bring a truckload of souvenirs and memories home.
Experience the charm of fall on the farm during the Fall Festival at the Empowerment Farm on November 2. Full of autumnal fun and community spirit, under the sunny skies, it offers games and animals with admission of $7 per person in advance online or $10 per person at the gate. Free for kids under 3, the variety of activities for kids of all ages include a pumpkin patch, themed pumpkin character displays, farm animal encounters, photo stations, and hayrides. Adults alike can savor delicious homemade treats and stock up on seasonal goodies and fall crafts from the farm market. On all other days, Third Street South is an attractive strip with a lovely ambiance and unique vantage points at restaurants draped in lights and live music on top of terraces to feel the beat of the city.
Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Just 2 hours and 40 minutes north of Miami, the 63,000-acre Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area is the remote escape you've been dreaming of. Home to Lakes Kissimmee, Jackson, and Marian, with large prairie and longleaf pine stands, the WMA is spectacular in the fall. It protects the Kissimmee Prairie, one of the state's largest remaining dry prairies, among other landscapes abounding in falltime wildlife, including over 180 species of birds. A free event hosted by IHOP on October 29th, 2024, starts at the IHOP parking lot at 8800 20th St. in Vero Beach for the 45-minute drive to the trailhead near Kenansville. Look for migrating birds, like the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker and the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, through the mosaic of dry and wet prairie, flatwoods, hammocks, cypress ponds, and patches of scrub.
Among butterflies, American Snout, White M Hairstreak, and Tawny Emperor are common. With Florida's Turnpike through the heart, enjoy anytime access to the Sunset Ranch Interpretive Trailhead and Lake Jackson Tower, with a map from the Prairie Lakes Unit on Canoe Creek Rd. to get your bearings. Pay an honor fee for recreation, with the opportunity for a paid driving tour and trail guides. Many enjoy a self-guided 10-mile educational driving loop with excellent birding, past a group of Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest trees before exit. In the Longleaf Pinewoods, spot Brown-headed Nuthatches and Bachman’s Sparrow, plus hawks overhead. The renowned Florida Trail cuts diagonally across as a backpacking journey or a trek for daytrippers, with a variety of loop hikes. Home to Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area, the two campgrounds are the Three Lakes WMA campground and Lake Jackson Campsite.
Deemed some of the best fall getaways in Florida, these nine falltime experiences close to home are under three hours from Miami. Forget that you are in the heart of the metropolis at Oleta River State Park. With temperatures hovering between the mid-70s and low 80s, enjoy beautiful beaches on Marco Island or Jupiter, the host of the Feathers, Fangs, Fur & Fun Halloween Event on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
If it's the wild nature that you're craving, Biscayne National Park offers to encounter the scenery, wildlife, history, plus amazing resources just an hour's drive from Miami. Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park will have little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating along the enchanted trails on October 25. Want to get away from civilization? Enjoy fishing? Quiet and serene in the fall, the Three Lakes WMA abounds in falltime wildlife.
