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There’s no better time to go to Florida than October. The summer heat begins to subside, and it gets quite pleasant. This change makes it the perfect month to go outside, check out festivals and try out water sports without the flurry of crowds. October in Florida has everything, from theme parks and seafood festivals to quiet forests. Whether on vacation with family or friends or travelling alone, there are plenty of things to do in Florida in October. Let’s get started with this guide for an escapade to this coastal paradise in early autumn.
Best Things To Do In Florida In October
Explore what to do in Florida in October in this transition month and make lasting memories.
1. Attend The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Photo: Theme Park Tourist / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is one of Disney’s most anticipated annual events. It takes place between mid-July and mid-November, and the best time to visit this festival is in October, when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are less overwhelming. There are over 30 food and beverage stalls at this festival, and world cuisines, from delicious starters to desserts, can be found here. In addition to great food and drink, the festival offers cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live music performances. Children can enjoy kid-friendly offerings such as a scavenger hunt inspired by the hit movie Ratatouille.
Location: Orlando, Florida
2. Enjoy Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Studios
Photo: Phydend / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are an avid horror fan, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is the event for you this October. The park is turned into a haunted playground with horrific haunted houses, scare zones, and full-blown live entertainment. The haunted houses take their inspiration from popular horror movies and TV shows, and their professional actors and elaborate sets make your nightmares a reality. These scare zones, tucked throughout the park, are there to excite and scare visitors as creatures and monsters roam everywhere in the park.
Location: Universal Studios, Orlando
3. Visit The Florida Keys In Lobster Season
Photo: Ra Boe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
October is the ideal month to visit the Florida Keys if you love seafood. It is a mid-lobster season, the highly anticipated time when local restaurants bring in fresh spiny lobsters. For a fun-filled adventure, you can indulge in special meals or join a lobster hunting expedition. In addition to lobstering, the Florida Keys provide wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving at its beaches. Clear waters make for excellent sightings of colourful marine creatures such as tropical fish and corals. Another essential excursion is the Overseas Highway drive, which gives stunning views of turquoise waters and lovely island villages.
Location: Florida Keys, Florida
4. Stroll Through Bok Tower Gardens
Photo: traveljunction / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bok Tower Gardens is a quiet, 250-acre botanical wonderland that turns into a romantic dreamscape during October. This time of the year, you can see the lovely fall blooms with seasonal flowers and beautiful leaves. Its centrepiece is the Singing Tower, a 205-foot high structure that vibrates its carillon bells several times a day, creating a soothing atmosphere.
The cooler temperatures of October are a good time for a little leisurely walking, picnicking, and nature photography. It is an ideal spot for families, couples, and everyone who wants to get away from the clamour of city life.
Location: Lake Wales, Florida
5. Celebrate At The St. Augustine Greek Festival
Photo: Andrew Martin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The St Augustine Greek Festival, which takes place every October, is a celebration of Greek culture, food, and music. It is a colourful show with traditional Greek dancing, music, and authentic dishes such as moussaka, spanakopita, and baklava. People can watch folk dances, attend cultural events and bask in a Greek atmosphere. It is an ideal experience for families and for people who want to get out of their comfort zone. Set in the old town of St Augustine, you can also visit some of the historic landmarks in the city, such as the castle of Castillo de San Marcos.
Location: St. Augustine, Florida
6. Relax At Clearwater Beach
Photo: Saffron Blaze / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful place with fine, sandy beaches and pristine waters. There is no better time to visit than in October when the weather is cooler, and the beach is less crowded. This is also the month of Stone Crab, and the Stone Crab Festival in nearby Naples is an excellent way to celebrate. New stone crab claws, music, and family activities fill the festival at the venue. You can also parasail in Clearwater, go on a dolphin tour, or just chill out on the beach and watch the sunset on the horizon.
Location: Clearwater, Florida
7. Explore Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
October is the start of bird migration and is a great time to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Here is a bird sanctuary near the Kennedy Space Center, where you will find a huge array of species. The place is among the best things to see in Florida in October. There are roseate spoonbills, bald eagles and even the rare reddish egret in the refuge. The refuge has many lovely trails and points of interest for birding and wildlife photography. It is pleasant in Florida in October, giving you more time to see the many different habitats, wetlands, salt marshes, and coastal dunes. Nature lovers should not miss out on a trip to this wildlife habitat.
Location: Titusville, Florida
8. Explore Everglades National Park By Airboat
Photo: Sanjay Acharya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visit Everglades National Park in October to take the opportunity to see one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. The summer rains have passed, and the park is green and wildlife-rich. The best way to see the Everglades is by airboat. These fast boats take you through the shallow, swampy waters, where you will find alligators, manatees, and an unbelievable number of bird species. This tour is best enjoyed in a pleasant month, and October is the beginning of the dry season, so you will not find as many mosquitoes, and chances of spotting wildlife are higher.
Location: Everglades National Park, South Florida
9. Discover The Oktoberfest In Tampa Bay
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Tampa Bay Oktoberfest is one of the biggest German-style celebrations in Florida, and it is a true celebration of Bavarian culture. The celebration is an annual October tradition of German beer, pretzels, bratwurst and lively entertainment. Visitors can take part in games such as stein-tossing, barrel-rolling and yodelling. The festival has beer tents, picnic tables and games for kids; it is a great family event too. You can spend the day in the open air and enjoy eating German meals and dancing to German music.
Location: Tampa, Florida
10. Attend The Fantasy Fest In Key West
Photo: Kiran891 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Fantasy Fest Key West is an annual celebration that happens in October. It is known for costumes, parades and bonfires. This 10-day celebration is also marked by costume contests, masquerade balls, and an all-out parade with fancy floats. It’s a little bit different and showcases the open-minded, fun side of Key West. The festival is mostly aimed at adults due to its party-like and occasional risqué nature, but events are also suitable for families. You can also enjoy the festival outside and stroll the historic streets of Key West during or after the festivities.
Location: Key West, Florida
October is a beautiful time of year to visit Florida because it combines warm weather and amazing seasonal activities. And, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, a cultural festival or an outdoor excursion, there is nothing short of things to do in Florida in October. Lower tourist places teeming with events means you can enjoy all of the wonders of Florida in a laid-back environment. Start booking your trip now with TripXL and enjoy all Florida offers this October before it gets crowded again.
Cover Photo: InFocus Productions / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
