The 10 Best Florida Beaches To Visit In Fall

Sunset in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea — Photo:
Robbie Caponetto

If you consider the beach to be a solely a summertime destination, you’re missing out. We’ll let you in on a little secret: a sunny stretch of shoreline is a place to vacation year-round, especially if you live in the South. In fact, shoulder seasons (basically any time that’s not summer) might actually be the best times to visit a beach destination. Not only will you escape the hordes of tourists who flock to the coast from June through August (including the thousands of kids off for summer break), but you’ll also enjoy more affordable rental rates and the chance to see a more authentic version of your favorite seaside community.

Everyone knows that Florida is summer-vacation central for folks from all over the country—and all over the world—so it pays to push your annual visit until the fall when crowds have thinned out and temperatures have a chance to drop into that perfect “sunny and 75” range. If you’re itching to get your toes in the sand, hang tight. We promise that if you get past the Labor Day rush, you’ll have smooth sailing for sunny skies, magical temperatures, and an unforgettable fall beach vacation. Here are the best Florida beaches to visit this fall.

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Navarre Beach

One of the Gulf Coast’s most laidback destinations, Navarre is ideal for people who value peace and quiet during their beach trips. Make your camp on its 12 miles of pristine beaches, or spend a leisurely afternoon casting a line over the extra-long Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Rent a pole there, or bring your own—either way, you’re bound to reel in a big catch. October is prime time for inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing in the Emerald Coast.

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Rosemary Beach

If you’re dreaming of a European vacation for fall, you can get a similar vibe—plus sugar-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water—in Rosemary Beach. This 30A community is known for its charming cobblestone town square surrounded by coastal chic boutiques, all-day cafes, and the acclaimed Pearl Hotel, a 55-room boutique property known for its distinctive black-and-white-striped awnings, grand turrets, and spacious terraces.

Cocoa Beach

Known as the Surf Capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach is especially enticing to those looking to hang ten come fall. That’s when northeasterly swells are largest, and it’s also when hurricane swells are most likely to occur here. If you’re not a surfer, there are plenty of other reasons to love Cocoa. Expect temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s—absolutely ideal for a day on the beach. You can also seek out migratory birds and other wildlife in the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge or visit the Kennedy Space Center, where launches to space frequently take place.

Islamorada

The Florida Keys are a big snowbird destination, so winter (not just summer) can be a busy time to visit. Hit the sweet spot—for both weather and crowds—by making your trek along U.S. Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, in fall. One of the newest reasons to visit is Three Waters Resort & Marina in Islamorada. Opening in fall 2024, the new resort features 216 guest rooms, nine culinary concepts, and lots of available activities and amenities including watersports, diving, snorkeling, seaplane charters, fishing, and boating. The ultra-colorful, cheery atmosphere that abounds across Islamorada will ensure you’re on island time no matter the season.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida

There’s only one word to describe South Florida in the summer: hot. OK, so there are probably a few others, but the soaring temperatures are certainly first to come to mind. Skip past the sweltering summer, and visit this charming South Florida town in fall. Nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is exactly the type of character-filled small town that makes you immediately fall in love. At just 1.5 square miles in area, you can walk anywhere you’d need to get (including to the gorgeous beach just steps from your stay), and thanks to cooler autumn temperatures, you won’t have to sweat up a storm to do so.

Anna Maria Island

Located off the western coast of Florida, directly south of St. Petersburg, Anna Maria Island is all about delivering old-school Florida nostalgia to its guests. It’s a little easier to imagine a Florida beach town of yore when the crowds have thinned—and that’s exactly what you’ll find here in fall. Average high temperatures still reach into the 80s, so you’ll have ample opportunity to take a dip in the ocean. You’ll also get to enjoy lower rental rates, seasonal farmers markets (that start in November), and plenty of exciting events. Bayfest, which is typically held in mid-October, is an all-day festival featuring live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly fun.

Destin

Two big events take place in this popular Gulf Coast vacation spot each fall: the Destin Seafood Festival and the Destin Fishing Rodeo. If you’re interested in eating or catching fish, fall might be the ideal time for you to visit. Not only is it a budget-friendly time to go, but you’ll get access to all the same activities offered in summer, plus a few added events. Looking for a true adventure? Go beach camping at Henderson Beach State Park, where you’ll sleep peacefully thanks to the sound of crashing waves and the cooler evening temperatures come fall.

Marco Island

This luxurious destination in southwest Florida offers a little something for everyone—unspoiled beaches and lush eco preserves for the nature lovers, excellent galleries for the art enthusiasts, and top-notch restaurants for the foodies. This colorful community is a treat to experience any time of year, but fall’s cooler temperatures paired with still-warm waters make it a shoulder season dream. A long walk on the beach to collect “fall color” in the form of spectacular shells littered across the shore is exactly what the doctor ordered to propel you through the rest of the year.

Clearwater Beach

overhead shot of Clearwater/St. Pete beach — Courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Known for its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear water (hence the name), Clearwater Beach is an undisputed Florida gem. A sunset cruise on the water is a must-do activity that becomes even more enjoyable once temperatures start to cool. Choose one of the area’s dozens of fabulous resorts, and treat yourself to a relaxing weekend away. Bonus points if you coincide your visit with one of Clearwater’s many fall festivals including Frenchy’s Stone Crab Festival, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, and more. A short drive away, you can attend SHINE Mural Festival in St. Petersburg.

Delray Beach

Art lovers will love popping into galleries and taking in the public art along Atlantic Avenue, Delray’s magnificent main drag that leads right up to the Atlantic Ocean. Time your visit to include a First Friday for an especially lively night out. Fall is a great time to visit because you’ll get to skip the sizzling daytime temps, making it lots more pleasant to do things like take a food tour to sample dishes from the town’s excellent restaurants, take a walk around Wakodahatchee Wetlands, or just relax on the beach.

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The Best Florida Beaches To Visit This Fall For Ideal Weather And Smaller Crowds