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Bye-bye summer: Here are the best Florida beaches to visit in the fall

Southern Living ranks 10 beaches to visit in Sunshine State

Florida beach (Pixabay)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Bye-bye summer, hello fall (sort of).

The best part about living in the Sunshine State is, of course, the beautiful weather that we have most of the year. Of course, the summer can be brutal. Now that it’s almost over, Southern Living put together a list of the best beaches to visit this fall.

Navarre Beach

This beach in Pensacola Beach features an “extra-long” fishing pier, where you can rent a pole and try to reel in a catch.

According to Southern Living, October is the best time for fishing in this part of Florida.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach features a cobblestone town square, boutiques and cafes.

[RELATED: Do you know all the nicknames of Florida’s coasts? ‘Sea’ them here]

You can also check out the popular Pearl Hotel, a 55-room property “known for its distinctive black-and-white-striped awnings, grand turrets, and spacious terraces,” according to Southern Living.

Cocoa Beach

Families play in the ocean along Cocoa Beach, Florida, where the summertime water temperature has risen 5.5-degrees over the last ten years. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Cocoa Beach is the place for those looking to get some surfing in.

During the fall, the swells are largest and the temperatures are comfortable enough to spend a day on the beach, according to Southern Living.

Islamorada

Located in the Florida Keys, Islamorada will be home to a new resort that features various activities, including watersports, diving and boating.

Southern Living says, “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

Right between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a walkable beach you can enjoy during the fall.

You can enjoy local eats, water activities and more in this small town.

Anna Maria Island

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 27: Vacationers on the beach at the shoreline of Anna Maria Island, Florida, United States of America (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) (Tim Graham/Getty Images)

Anna Maria Island, just south of St. Petersburg, is home to “old-school Florida nostalgia,” according to Southern Living.

If you’re visiting in the next few months, you can check out its seasonal farmers market that begins in November and an all-day festival in mid-October that features live music, vendors and more fun.

Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy lower rental rates as the fall is not as busy of a season.

Destin

Ever wanted to do some beach camping? Henderson Beach State Park here in Destin offers the chance to fall asleep to crashing waves.

Destin is also home to two big Florida events, according to Southern Living: The Destin Seafood Festival and the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

Marco Island

Marco Island has art galleries and delicious restaurants to make your Southwest Florida stay worthwhile.

There are eco preserves to check out and more.

Clearwater Beach

Here, you can enjoy a sunset cruise, visit one of the resorts or just enjoy the water.

According to Southern Living, there are several fall festivals to enjoy, including Frenchy’s Stone Crab Festival and Clearwater Jazz Holiday.

Delray Beach

This beach visit is perfect for art lovers with the available galleries and public art along Atlantic Avenue, according to Southern Living.

Enjoy the food, walk around Wakodahatchee Wetlands or just chill at the beach.


You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below:


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