Top 9 Fall Getaways In Florida
While the kids head back to school and students delve into studies, Florida paints itself with the most beautiful colors as it shakes off the last summer heat. From small towns to grand natural escapes, these are the top fall getaways for the golden season in Florida.
The Everglades
Set embraced by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Florida Bay to the south, the Everglades is one of the nation's biggest treasures. The largest wilderness area in the United States with a subtropical climate promotes rich biodiversity and just the right temperatures for explorative hikes in the fall season. The unique environment boasts a wide variety of both tropical and temperate plants and animals, with saw grass covering much of the watery land and hammocks on the open waters. These islands house varied trees and shrubs like palms, pines, cypresses, and oaks coming a-blaze for a scenically-set picnic. The Everglades also hosts the largest mangrove complex in the Western Hemisphere, as well as some sub-tropical jungles. The Everglades National Park (est. 1947) covers the southwestern part of the marshes as a popular escape for fishers, boaters, and tourists. There are four visitor centers offering tours and knowledge, including the varied wildlife one may encounter, such as herons, the American crocodile, snakes, and endangered species like the West Indian manatee. The hammocks shelter deer, wildcats, pumas, bears, and even Florida panthers.
Golden Isles
Just three hours north of Orlando, the magical seaside paradise of the Golden Isles features four beautiful barrier islands. Comprising St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island, they offer breathtaking landscapes, vast shores, and inherent tranquility maximized during the fall season. The largest St. Simons Island is a quaint and homey retreat with moss-draped buildings, oak-lined streets, and must-see historical sites, all bounded by sandy beaches. It is also a paradise for the foodies with hundreds of quality dining options to suit any palate, interspaced by bountiful shopping opportunities. Only accessible by boat, the Little St. Simons Island is an 11,000-natural retreat offering a myriad of activities, including naturalist-led experiences and sensational seafood cuisine. The family-friendly Jekyll Island comprises a charming state park renowned for open wilderness and a National Historic Landmark District. The Sea Island is an internationally-acclaimed Forbes Five-Star resort known for private luxury in a memorable setting with high-end service and hospitality. Easily reachable from Florida's eastern coast makes it easy to island-hop for a sensational fall-time getaway.
Matlacha
A friendly rural fishing village that means "Big Warrior" shines through with its big personality even brighter during fall. As the beach-crowd thins, searching for a different outlet, artisans pull out the big guns for the upcoming fleet of tourists, while fishing is also still in season. The home of hippies, artists, and other free spirits, there must be something in the air that lures the like-minded to come, see, and create. It could be the vibrantly decorated streets full of art and colorful houses, as well as the funky store-fronts housing one-of-a-kind handmade craft that inspires many. All rejoice in the sensual Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, full of lush natural beauty surrounding displays of local artwork. One must also check out the MOTI museum, telling the history of the islands that might help uncover the secret to this magical place. Although the town of just 800 experiences an influx, it retains the laidback vibe, with many B&Bs to stay and enough room in all of the fresh-seafood eateries.
Mount Dora
The charming lakefront Mount Dora is one of the state's most beloved small towns, attaining a fabulous glowing vibe when the leaves start turning in color. The outdoor cafes call for a scenic morning cup 'o' Joe before diving into the annual Mount Dora Craft Fair, with over 400 local vendors showcasing their talent. The treasure-worthy historic downtown district becomes especially atmospheric with 19th-century clapboard houses, antique stores, and galleries to explore by foot. One must visit the Renninger's Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market in full swing with valuable collectibles, followed by a stop at one of the gourmet restaurants. The Scott's Maze Adventures offers fall-themed fun, including a 7-acre corn field maze, hay rides, and a 60-foot slide. There is also the Cellar Door winery and the beautiful Lake Dora for fishing that mesmerizes with scenery, while to stay, one can choose from the many historical inns or B&Bs.
Ocala
The rolling green pastures of the "Horse Capital of the World" see less crowds and more beauty in the fall. Known for some of the best hiking in the state, the crown of the immense 360,000-acre Ocala National Forest becomes multi-colored and then "lights up on fire." One can trek through over 100 miles of natural habitats, including pine forests, gum swamps, and cypress. Recreational activities include carriage rides, horseback rides, paddling adventures in Juniper Run, as well as taking a dip in the pleasant, 72 degrees waters of the Silver Glen Springs. Extreme-seekers come specifically to swing through and over the beautiful golden landscape with the Canyons Zip Lines. Known for the highest and fastest zip lines in Florida, along with the longest over open waters in the nation, the exhilarating combination of speed and scenery will leave one breathless. The extensive countryside calls for scenic outings, like picnics and visiting picturesque farms.
Orlando
Central Florida's Sunbelt city is home to the largest amount of theme parks in one place, with the notable Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gator Park, among others. The city of only 2,000,000 has mounted itself with accommodations and recreational opportunities to greet over the 50 million people visiting each year. Moreover, the University of Central Florida has the second-largest college enrolment in the nation, which makes fall-time ring with a youthful vibe for the vacationers to experience while students hover over books. Void of hurricanes in the area and boasting beach-worthy weather in the fall, many come to soak up the sun on the empty sands and swim in the still-warm, gentle waters without crowds. The city's pride and joy, the Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival brings tourists and locals alike in a fantastic gathering to mingle, sip, and eat international cuisine. There's also the Disney After Hours Boo Bash for the little ones, while the renowned Halloween Horror Nights with haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows attract the thrill-seekers. For more outings, there's the nearby Orange City, while the Springs State Park will appease nature lovers with Florida's manatee sightings.
Sanibel Island
The small and quaint town of some 7,000 residents emanates peace and tranquility, especially in the autumn season. Set on the namesake island in southwest Florida, it is surrounded by some of the state's most beautiful beaches and water vistas for 360 degrees around. One will find a very walkable downtown with a laidback vibe sans crowds, an arts center, and many small places for local seafood cuisine. Set perpendicular to Florida's coastline, the ocean's surf gifts the colorful shores with truly, one-of-a-kind shells. There's the ultimate off-season beachcombing for "souvenirs" while checking out the views of the famous 19th-century lighthouse. The "Sea Shell Capital of the World" is also known for harboring pirates in the past. The stroll-worthy fishing pier and the boardwalk winding through the marshes offer great views of the renowned western coast's sunsets. For more attractions, there's the highly-rated historical museum, a botanical garden, and the must-visit JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
St. Petersburg
Set in the Tampa Bay area, at the peninsula's tip, the formerly popular spring break town has reinvented itself as an overseas-inspired escape for any time of the year. The town greets one with a renowned historic district featuring streets full of lovely art murals to start absorbing the vibe via a stroll-through. The trendy and energetic place brims with boutiques and galleries, while dining options include everything from farmer's marketplace to high-end restaurants. St. Petersburg's lively cultural scene includes seven unique art districts, along with top-notch art museums, such as the fantastic Dali museum, known for the largest collection of the surrealist's works outside of Spain. One must also check out the beautiful beaches for an atmospheric saunter in the cool sea-breeze with views sans the crowd. The Bodega is renowned for its delicious Cuban sandwiches, while evening-time calls for a visit to Dunedin, Florida's oldest microbrewery.
Tampa
There's something unique about the sprawling city of Tampa in the fall season. Often overlooked by tourists, it comes completely alive, shaking off the last of the summer's heat that used to drench one's t-shirt just by walking along the streets. Scenic and bustling, Tampa welcomes with many entertainment options, along with natural outings. The banks of the Hillsborough River run into Tampa Bay, offering lovely enclaves for atmospheric walks among the trees scenically back-dropped by modern architecture. There are a myriad of interesting museums, an aquarium, and theme parks, while the renowned nightlife comes with great restaurants, bars, and clubs for any taste. It is also the best time to enjoy the crowd-free family-friendly attractions in the fresh air, including Lowry Park with access to ZooTampa, along with the Adventure Island and Clearwater Beach. For the active, there are plentiful hiking opportunities in Little Manatee River State Park, just a short drive away. One must try and make it to the lively Top of the Bay Oktoberfest for pints of German beer, food, and many festivities.
Fall-time is the season of reinvention when all of the summertime hopes and plans start to manifest themselves. For many, it includes that long-awaited getaway for the colorful spectacle in the still-warm, fresh air of a new locale to explore.
