Are you wondering what are the best Florida beaches in October for your perfect fall getaway?
Look no further!
October in Florida is a quieter month before the peak tourist season ramps up, which is exactly why I love planning a Florida beach getaway this time of year.
You can score awesome deals, and with all the Florida fall festivals and beachside events, there’s lots to do when you need a little break from soaking up the sun.
I hear the waves calling, so let’s dive into the top 5 beaches in Florida in October that you absolutely must visit.
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1. Panama City Beach
Named one of the top 3 beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor, Panama City Beach is a must-visit Florida beach any time of year.
With 27 miles of sugar-white sand and nearly 100 beach access points, there’s a perfect spot to lay your towel for everyone.
If you are looking for where to stay in Panama City Beach on your Florida beach vacation in October, I suggest SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach Beachfront.
It has ocean-view balconies, free breakfast buffet, and even a lazy river.
Another option to consider is the beachfront Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach.
It’s a great choice with a spa, and lots of family-friendly amenities like a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall, kids eat free, and it is right by Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
You will want to stay a few extra days because it’s not just the beach you will be visiting!
This Florida beach in October is lined up with fun events.
Best Things to Do at This Florida Beach in October
- Oktoberfest from October 3rd to 5th at Aaron Bessant Park
- Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest from October 10th to 12th with live mermaid shows, a fire circus, fireworks, and more
- Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, the most biker-friendly free rally in the United States, runs from October 22nd to 26th
- Sink your toes into the soft, white sands and unwind at the beach
- Ride the famous PCB wheel
- Play a round of mini golf at Goofy Golf, that’s been around since 1959
- Island dining at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
- Take a boat ride over to the undeveloped oasis of Shell Island, a sandy seven-mile-long island home to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and a bird watcher’s paradise
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2. Key West
Just 90 miles north of Cuba, the beaches of Key West are pure paradise with crystal clear waters, the whitest sands, and gorgeous palm trees lining the shore.
With warm temperatures around 82 to 85°F and lows around 75°F, there is plenty of sunshine and humidity in Key West to feel like a tropical vacation.
But don’t worry, the coastal winds bring a beautiful breeze.
If you are planning to visit Key West in October, you had better be in the mood to party.
It’s the month of one of the wildest extravaganzas, Fantasy Fest, with this year’s theme as Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.
Here are a few top choices of the best hotels in Key West:
- Santa Maria Suites
- H2O Suites
- Orchid Key Inn (not only a great place to stay, but an awesome happy hour and home-made infusions)
- Ocean Key Resort
Havana Cabana is one place I always recommend to anyone planning a trip to Key West. It has live Cuban music, and it is the best place to go for classic cars and mojitos.
Best Things to Do at This Florida Beach in October
- Fantasy Fest from October 11th to 26th
- Have a sweet treat at Better Than Sex, an award-winning dessert restaurant
- Rent a bike, it’s the best way to explore this cute little island
- Catch the colorful Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
- Hop on the glass-bottom boat out to see the reefs
- Visit the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA
- Take a day trip to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park
Book your discounted Florida Key West Vacation Resort TODAY!
3. Pensacola Beach
Long walks along the soft white sands, the gorgeous emerald-colored waters, beachfront hotels and restaurants, Pensacola Beach is exactly what a Florida beach vacation is meant to be.
If you are looking for views that will literally take your breath away, then I suggest climbing the 177 steps to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse.
From there, you’ll see incredible skyline views, spot three historic forts, and be able to take stunning photos of Pensacola Pass.
One of the best things to do in Pensacola Beach in October is to head over to The Taste of the Beach Festival. It’s an open-air food festival featuring the area’s top restaurants with live music and sample plates at low prices.
If you are looking for a place to stay on your Florida beach vacation in October, I suggest checking out the beachfront hotel, Pensacola Beach Resort, near Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.
The pet-friendly Surf & Sand Hotel is also a great choice with direct access to the beach, outdoor pool, and continental breakfast included.
Best Things to Do at This Florida Beach in October
- Dive at the largest artificial wreck in the world
- Glow paddle on Little Sabine Bay and Santa Rosa Sound
- Get adventurous and go jet skiing or parasailing
- Eat your way through the open-air food festival, The Taste of the Beach Festival, from October 9th to the 11th at Casino Beach’s Gulfside Pavilion
- Sunset Rooftop After Dark series every Friday and Saturday night with DJs under the stars
- Taste of the Beach VIP Trolley Dinner on October 10th
- Annual Beach-O-Ween on October 18th
Get up to 83% off of the Pensacola tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!
4. South Beach
Miami may be known for its gorgeous beaches, but the iconic South Beach Miami is the Florida beach you should be checking out in October.
The iconic shoreline is lined with the famous Miami lifeguard huts, fitness enthusiasts, colorful bars and restaurants, soft sand, and gorgeous water that is perfect for dipping in.
When October rolls in, so does the start of the famous stone crab season, and South Beach is ready to shell-ebrate.
The South Florida Seafood Festival takes over with a Seafood Slam, VIP pop-up cafes, endless fresh seafood, open bars, live music, and a Chef Showdown.
I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Joe’s Stone Crab. This place is a true Miami legend!
But if sizzling Latin flair is more your thing, then I recommend Mango’s Tropical Café for dinner and a colorful show.
South Beach may ooze luxury, but we all deserve to treat ourselves! You can stay at the Fontainebleau for luxury vibes or The Confidante for retro cool.
Best Things to Do at This Florida Beach in October
- Stroll down Ocean Drive. During the day and at night, it’s two completely different worlds!
- Explore and take lots of pics of South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, or take a guided tour and hear about mobsters, celebrities, and its architectural evolution
- South Beach Seafood Festival from October 22nd to 25th
- Head over to Miami for Miami Carnival October 10th to 12th
- Learn salsa and sip mojitos at Mango’s Tropical Café
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5. Destin Beach
Destin is a true paradise when it comes to beaches in Florida.
The gorgeous, clear, emerald waters and shores of sugary white sands are something out of a postcard.
Some of my favorite beaches to visit in Destin include Crystal Sands Beach in the heart of Destin, with Caribbean-like soft sands and crystal-clear waters, and I love the turquoise waters of James Lee Park.
If you want to feel secluded, then Princess Beach will have you feeling like you are on a private beach getaway, and Eglin Matterhorn Beach is a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds.
But it’s not all lazy beach days in Destin, there is always something going on too, October included!
Over at Fort Walton, the flavor and festivities of Greece come to the Florida Panhandle during Greek Fest.
While the Annual Fall Arts Festival will have street performers, live music, food trucks, art demonstrations, and incredible original artwork.
Destin has so many perfect Florida beach houses that you can find on VRBO with beachfront condos, premier resorts, and gorgeous Gulf views.
For those looking for a quieter alternative to Destin, Fort Walton Beach is nearby, where you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Resort and grab a bite at Lulu’s for authentic coastal cuisine.
Best Things to Do at This Florida Beach in October
- Swim in the most beautiful shades of blue at Miramar Beach
- Snorkeling at Norriego Point
- Boozy fun at one of the most popular beaches in Destin, Crab Island
- City of Crestview’s Oktoberfest on October 4th
- Destin Songwriter Festival, October 10th and 11th
- Greek Fest at Fort Walton Beac,h October 17th and 19th
- Trick or Treat at the Zoo on October 18th and 25th at Emerald Coast Zoo in Crestview
- Family Friendly Boo Dash at Destin Common,s October 25th and 26th
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Wrapping Up the Best Florida Beaches for a Beach Vacation in October
Fall may be the season for cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and spiced lattes, but the sun is still shining here in the Sunshine State.
And that means beach days are waiting for you, or as I like to say, it’s always beach o’clock in Florida.
I hope this list of the 5 best Florida beaches to visit in October helps you plan your perfect fall beach getaway in Florida.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!
