While leaves may not change here as they do in the North, there’s still a lot to “fall” for in Florida this autumn! From colorful beachfront sunsets to local festivals, the Sunshine State has its own unique fall traditions for you to experience. The weather is still warm, and the summer crowds are so last season, making it a great place to visit. With vacation rental properties in Tampa Bay and Hallandale Beach, Kong Vacation Homes is your home away from home during your fall getaway and your guide for seasonal activities! Here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Florida in the fall:
1. Get subtropical
In much of Florida, the climate is subtropical, with daytime highs in the upper 80s as fall begins. But, as we get closer to winter, the temperature cools to the upper 60s or 70s, and the humidity drops, too. The mild, less humid weather is just one reason that this season is the ideal time to travel to and around the Sunshine State.
2. Enjoy fall sports
Autumn is a great time for sports! Just in the Tampa Bay area, you’ll find several championship teams to watch, including Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers and back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. They are just two reasons why the region has earned the nickname of “Champa Bay”! With football and hockey seasons just starting in fall (while baseball and soccer are heading to playoffs), there’s always a game going on! Florida is home to so many sports franchises, and there also are a ton of options for you to get active, too.
3. Visit the manatees
Manatees live in Florida year-round, but the best time to see them begins in the fall. In fact, the peak season happens from November through April! Just an hour’s drive north of Tampa, Homosassa Springs is the place to go to watch these gentle giants.
4. Welcome snowbirds
Just like birds migrate south in pursuit of warmer climates, many seasonal travelers also travel to the Sunshine State! Nicknamed “snowbirds,” these visitors begin flocking to Florida in October and November, just as it is beginning to get cold up north – and a vacation rental home is the perfect roost until spring!
5. Reconsider holiday traditions
Like anywhere in the U.S., you’ll find fall décor on display in Florida. What might be a little different are the pirate ships or beach themes you’ll see carved into pumpkins around Halloween! You know you’re in the Sunshine State, when decorations include sea shells. And, at Thanksgiving time, you just might find yourself enjoying dinner outdoors at your vacation home!
6. Take a taste of stone crab season
While many look forward to pumpkin-flavored treats every autumn, Floridians can’t wait for the return of stone crabs! Running October through May, stone crab season is your chance to try this seafood delicacy.
7. Celebrate Halloween every night
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, happening throughout September and October, is internationally known for its haunted houses and open-air frights. For more family-friendly fun, Creatures of the Night at Zoo Tampa offers howling good outdoor experiences for all ages. In the Miami area, there are even haunted yacht parties for Halloween – talk about putting a Sunshine State spin on the season!
8. Shop local at farmers’ markets
Enjoy the bounty of Florida’s fall harvests at local farmers’ markets. There you’ll not only find fresh produce and hand-crafted products, but you also might discover corn mazes and pumpkin patches! In Tampa Bay, check out Fox Squirrel Farm this October, located just outside of Tampa and home to the 6th best corn maze in the country (by a USA Today 10 Best reader’s poll). If you’re in South Florida, head to the Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique and Collectable Market in Miami Beach to discover autumn’s treasures!
9. See fall colors, Florida-style
Don’t look at the trees to see the fall colors you love when you’re in Florida – more often than not you’ll see palms year-round! Instead, take in the vibrant colors of the sky. Our autumn sunsets are sensational, and they are even better at the beach. Take a walk in the sand and take in the gorgeous view!
10. Be a trailblazer
Fall is a great time to go outside and explore Florida’s trails! Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to enjoy the beauty of nature with a hike at a park. Grab your backpack and water bottle – and get ready to experience the Sunshine State’s natural beauty firsthand!
With all of these autumn traditions and more, we hope you’ll plan a visit to Florida this season. And, while you’re here, we hope you’ll stay with us at Kong Vacation Homes! You can find our impeccably clean, safe, and secure vacation rental homes in the popular vacation spots of Tampa Bay and Hallandale Beach, centrally located from major attractions and filled with sought-after amenities. All of our properties are fully equipped with fast Wi-Fi, feature complete kitchens to make mealtime a breeze, and give you all the space you need to enjoy your time away from home!
For more information about our available rentals this fall, visit the specific property pages on our website, contact us at info@kongmg.com, or call 866-499-9026. No matter the season, when you choose Kong Vacation Homes, you can vacation to the fullest!