Melissa Donovan
Even though Florida doesn’t have the classic leaf-peeping scenes of the north, fall here brings cooler breezes, fewer crowds, and a golden glow that’s all its own. From charming small towns and historic streets to nature trails and food festivals, you don’t have to leave the state to enjoy the season.
Here are some of the best fall weekend getaways from Central Florida — all packed with local charm, outdoor adventure, and plenty of reasons to say, “This is why we love fall in Florida.”
1. Mount Dora
Travel time: ~45 minutes from Orlando
Mount Dora is one of Central Florida’s favorite fall destinations, known for its tree-lined streets, lakeside views, and friendly small-town atmosphere.
Things to Do:
Don’t miss the Mount Dora Craft Fair (one of the largest in the Southeast, held each October).
Explore art galleries, antique shops, and the charming downtown district.
Take a boat tour or sunset cruise on Lake Dora.
Where to Eat:
The Goblin Market offers upscale dining in a cozy, book-lined setting.
Highlander Café and Copacabana Cuban Café are local favorites.
Where to Stay:
Lakeside Inn, Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel, offers a timeless lakeside experience.
Quaint B&Bs and boutique inns dot the historic district.
2. Cedar Key
Travel time: ~2.5 hours from Orlando
A quiet Gulf Coast island village, Cedar Key feels like a step back in time — especially in fall, when the weather cools and the sunsets glow amber and gold.
Things to Do:
Kayak through the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge for dolphin and bird sightings.
Visit the Cedar Key Historical Museum or browse local art shops.
Attend the Cedar Key Seafood Festival in October — a fall favorite for fresh local catches and crafts.
Where to Eat:
Tony’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for its award-winning clam chowder.
Steamers Clam Bar & Grill offers waterfront dining with unbeatable views.
Where to Stay:
Island Hotel & Restaurant, a historic 1859 inn, adds a touch of old Florida charm.
Beachfront cottages and vacation rentals are plentiful for a cozy weekend escape.
3. St. Augustine
Travel time: ~2 hours from Orlando
The nation’s oldest city takes on a special glow in fall — cooler weather, spooky tours, and fewer crowds make it an ideal weekend destination.
Things to Do:
Take a ghost tour or haunted trolley ride through the historic district.
Explore Castillo de San Marcos, stroll down St. George Street, and enjoy the bayfront breeze.
Visit local wineries or take a craft beer crawl.
Where to Eat:
Columbia Restaurant for classic Spanish-Cuban dishes.
Ice Plant Bar for creative cocktails and farm-to-table fare.
Where to Stay:
Casa Monica Resort & Spa offers elegance in the heart of downtown.
Bayfront Marin House or St. George Inn for romantic, walkable stays
4. Ocala & Silver Springs
Travel time: ~1.5 hours from Orlando
Known as Horse Country, Ocala’s rolling pastures and ancient oaks create a quintessential Florida fall backdrop.
Things to Do:
Paddle through Silver Springs State Park — one of Florida’s most famous natural springs.
Go horseback riding through scenic trails or visit the World Equestrian Center.
Explore the Ocala National Forest for hiking, birding, and crystal-clear springs.
Where to Eat:
La Cuisine serves up French-inspired dishes downtown.
Big Lee’s BBQ is a local favorite for comfort food.
Where to Stay:
The Equestrian Hotel offers luxury accommodations with equestrian flair.
Campgrounds and cabins in Ocala National Forest are perfect for nature lovers.
5. Amelia Island
Travel time: ~3.5 hours from Orlando
This barrier island near Jacksonville offers a laid-back coastal escape with historic charm and fall events galore.
Things to Do:
Stroll through Fernandina Beach’s Victorian-era downtown.
Explore Fort Clinch State Park or enjoy kayaking through salt marshes.
Attend the Amelia Island Jazz Festival (October) or Right Whale Festival (November).
Where to Eat:
Salt at The Ritz-Carlton for fine dining.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak for fresh, casual bites.
Where to Stay:
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for luxury.
Amelia Schoolhouse Inn for boutique charm.
6. Apalachicola
Travel time: ~5.5 hours from Orlando
Tucked along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” Apalachicola is an authentic small-town gem known for its oysters, maritime history, and old-fashioned hospitality.
Things to Do:
Visit the John Gorrie Museum or the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.
Explore nearby St. George Island for pristine beaches and state park trails.
Sample oysters during the Florida Seafood Festival, held each November.
Where to Eat:
Owl Café offers refined coastal cuisine.
Up the Creek Raw Bar for waterfront oysters and local seafood.
Where to Stay:
Coombs Inn & Suites for a historic B&B experience.
Beach cottages and inns along St. George Island for a peaceful retreat.
7. Crystal River
Travel time: ~1.5 hours from Orlando
If you’re craving an outdoorsy fall trip, Crystal River delivers. Cooler temperatures make it perfect for kayaking, wildlife watching, and maybe even spotting a manatee.
Things to Do:
Swim or snorkel with manatees in Kings Bay (peak season starts mid-November).
Paddle the Three Sisters Springs Trail or take a scenic boat tour.
Visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park for local history.
Where to Eat:
The Crab Plant for fresh seafood and river views.
Vintage on 5th for upscale Southern dining.
Where to Stay:
The Plantation on Crystal River offers comfortable resort-style accommodations.
Cozy vacation rentals near the springs are great for couples and families alike.
Fall in Florida: The Perfect Time for a Road Trip
Whether you’re after beach sunsets, cozy historic towns, or crisp mornings by the springs, there’s a fall getaway waiting just a few hours from Central Florida. Pack a light sweater, bring your camera, and set out to explore the Sunshine State’s softer side — where palm trees meet pumpkin season.
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