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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
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In USA
2. Enjoy Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Studios
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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
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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
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Key West In January
4. Stroll Through Bok Tower Gardens
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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
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6. Relax At Clearwater Beach
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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
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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
Suggested Read: National Parks In The US
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
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10. Attend The Fantasy Fest In Key West
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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
11. Go Shelling On Sanibel Island
Photo: Lewis Brian Day / Wikimedia Commons
October is one of the best months to go shelling on Sanibel Island, thanks to lower tides and fewer tourists. With over 250 types of shells washing ashore, it is one of the most famous islands in Florida. Head to Bowman’s Beach or Lighthouse Beach Park early in the morning for the best finds. The cooler fall weather also makes long walks along the shoreline more pleasant. Whether you’re a seasoned sheller or a curious beginner, Sanibel offers a peaceful, treasure-hunting experience in a beautiful coastal setting.
Location: Southwest coast of Florida, near Fort Myers, on the Gulf of Mexico
Top Experiences: Shelling on the beach, wildlife spotting at Ding Darling Refuge, and biking scenic island trails
Suggested Read: Unique Islands In The USA
12. Attend The Mount Dora Craft Fair
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Held in late October, the Mount Dora Craft Fair is a must-visit for art lovers and weekend explorers. Recognized as one of the top craft festivals in the country, it draws hundreds of artisans from across the U.S. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to gourmet food and home décor. The charming streets of downtown Mount Dora come alive with music, food vendors, and vibrant crowds. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the cool fall air while discovering unique creations in a picturesque lakeside town.
Location: Downtown Mount Dora, Central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of Orlando
Top Experiences: Browsing handmade crafts, enjoying local food vendors, and experiencing live entertainment and small-town charm
13. Catch The Monarch Butterfly Migration At St. Marks
Photo: Alex Makarov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Every October, thousands of monarch butterflies make a stop at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as part of their migration to Mexico. The sight is nothing short of magical, clouds of orange and black fluttering among wildflowers and coastal marshes. Birdwatchers and nature lovers flock here with cameras in hand to witness the peak of this natural phenomenon. The refuge also offers walking trails and observation decks for a closer view. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring autumn escape for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the wild.
Location: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Tallahassee
Top Experiences: Witnessing thousands of monarch butterflies, exploring scenic trails, and visiting the historic St. Marks Lighthouse
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14. Kayak Through Bioluminescent Waters In Titusville
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Although peak bioluminescence season ends in September, early October can still offer glimpses of glowing waters around Titusville. Paddle through the Indian River Lagoon or Mosquito Lagoon during a dark new moon, and you may see the water sparkle with light from plankton or comb jellies. Guided nighttime kayaking tours make the experience safe and magical. It’s like paddling through stardust, and it is one of the most unique things to do in Florida. The cooler weather also keeps bugs at bay, making October an ideal time for this surreal aquatic adventure.
Location: Titusville, on Florida’s Space Coast along the Indian River Lagoon
Top Experiences: Night kayaking through glowing waters, spotting marine life, and stargazing under dark skies
15. Go Horseback Riding On Amelia Island Beaches
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October is the perfect month to enjoy horseback riding on the sandy shores of Amelia Island. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, you can trot along the Atlantic coastline under open skies. Amelia island beaches are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Florida for beach lovers. Guided beach rides are available for beginners and experienced riders, often at sunrise or sunset for the most scenic views. You’ll pass dunes, driftwood, and rolling waves as you bond with your horse.
Location: Amelia Island, in Northeast Florida near the Georgia border
Top Experiences: Riding horses along the shoreline, enjoying ocean views, and experiencing a peaceful coastal sunrise or sunset
Suggested Read: Beaches In Orlando 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
