While Florida is a beach destination in many parts of the state throughout the year, the fall season means that there is no shortage of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers. Home to hiking trails and kayaking and canoeing excursions, the scenic landscapes and cooler temperatures found throughout the Sunshine State offer a chance for you and your family to enjoy anything from wildlife viewing to overnight camping. Roll down your windows and take a road trip to one of these outdoor adventures in Florida you can enjoy in the fall.
Spend the Day at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Crawfordville
What Is It? Located just south of Tallahassee, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is the perfect place to explore on foot or bike in the fall.
Why Do It? You can catch a glimpse of the colorful leaves along one of the scenic walking trails.
Good To Know: Spot a variety of wildlife throughout the park, as it is home to alligators, turtles, manatees, deer and birds.
Look for Manatees at Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River
What Is It? The largest winter refuge for manatees on the Gulf Coast, Three Sisters Springs in fall is the perfect time to take a trolley tour to the boardwalk to see the manatees or take out a kayak or SUP on the water.
Why Do It? Experience one of Florida’s greatest wonders – spotting a manatee in their natural habitat.
Good To Know: See these creatures up close up until November, which is when they restrict water activities to only allow swimming in the spring.
Watch the Leaves Change at Torreya State Park, Bristol
What Is It? Torreya State Park is a top Tallahassee destination that has high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River that make it a scenic area to explore.
Why Do It? One of the best places to see fall foliage in Florida, you can spot the leaves changing color from late October into November.
Good To Know: Home to the extremely rare species of Torreya tree, you can witness the unique plant and animal species and hike the deep ravines to find scenic vistas and camping areas.
Look for Bison at Paynes Prairie Preserve, Micanopy
What Is It? You’ll find untouched wilderness at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, designated a National Natural Landmark.
Why Do It? Boasting more than 20 distinct biological communities, there are a variety of habitats and wildlife to explore, with over 20,000 acres of diverse ecosystems.
Good To Know: You can also spot wild horses and bison roaming the area, which features a variety of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
Explore Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
What Is It? Less than an hour’s drive from Gainesville, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a great place to enjoy throughout the year.
Why Do It? During fall, you can hop in a kayak or canoe or go hiking along the nature trails to explore this National Natural Landmark.
Good To Know: You can see an abundance of wildlife that includes wading birds, manatees, and river otters that roam the moss-draped cypress, limestone banks, and crystal clear waters.
Observe Wildlife at Merritt Island National Refuge, Titusville
What Is It? Nestled in Titusville, Merritt Island National Refuge is a perfect place to soak up Florida’s natural surroundings.
Why Do It? Visit this refuge to see manatees peacefully grazing past as you explore the 140,000 acres of protected area, driving on the Black Point Wildlife Drive or floating on a kayak.
Good To Know: A hotspot for migratory birds, there are over 330 species that fly through the area.
Relax at St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach
What Is It? One of the most beautiful barrier islands in Florida, St. Andrews State Park is a nature lovers paradise.
Why Do It? A combination of sugar white sand and crystal clear waters, in the fall, you can paddle around the Grand Lagoon, go fishing off the pier, or spot herons and white-tailed deer along the Gator Lake Trail and Button Bush Marsh Overlook.
Good To Know: The park is also home to campsites that offer picnic tables and grills.
Hike or Paddle Through Ocala National Forest, Ocala
What Is It? With over 360,000 acres of land, the Ocala National Forest is the perfect day trip for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Why Do It? Considered one of the best spots for hiking, visit this area to explore the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest.
Good To Know: Juniper’s Run offers a pleasant day of paddling, where its winding waterways and diverse wildlife create picturesque landscapes.
Kayak Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
What Is It? Dating back 10,000 years, Rainbow Springs State Park is not only a historic piece of land but features one of the top springs in Florida.
Why Do It? Offering an array of outdoor adventures, the park is great for canoeing and kayaking in the fall.
Good To Know: Paddle through the moss-draped cypress trees to spot river otters, or hike along the nature trails through shady gardens to discover cascading waterfalls and great views over the water.
Camp By The Water at Flagler Beach
What Is It? A beautiful beachside community located between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, Flagler Beach is home to long stretches of pristine coastline, state parks and nature preserves.
Why Do It? You can spend your afternoon canoeing, fishing, and hiking the nature trail.
Good To Know: The Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers a perfect place to go camping on the beach in the fall.
Birdwatch at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe
What Is It? St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe has 9.5 miles of snow-white sand shoreline.
Why Do It? It is one of the best places to spot migrating hawks and is surrounded by untouched natural landscapes that are perfect for a day of hiking or fishing.
Good To Know: Meander through the nature trails to spot up to 300 hawks in one day, or set up a picnic and soak up the park’s natural beauty.
Go For a Bike Ride in Tallahassee
What Is It? Explore the area on two wheels at Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail to find 20.5 miles of picturesque trail leading to the coastal community of St. Marks.
Why Do It? With a combination of cool weather and scenic landscapes, Tallahassee is great in the fall.
Good To Know: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is another great area that is home to beautiful gardens and trails for hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
