While leaves may not change here as they do in the North, there’s still a lot to “fall” for in Florida this autumn! From colorful beachfront sunsets to regional festivals, the Sunshine State has its own traditions, which locals know and love! The weather is still warm, and the summer crowds are so last season, making it the perfect time to discover a new activity. With rental properties in Tampa Bay, Zephyrhills, and Hallandale Beach, Kong Management Group knows Florida, and we want our residents and guests to experience all fall has to offer! We’ve compliled this list of our favorite things about Florida in fall to help you celebrate the season:
- Get subtropical
In much of Florida, the climate is subtropical, with daytime highs in the upper 80s as fall begins. But, as we get closer to winter, the temperature cools to the upper 60s or 70s, and the humidity drops, too. The mild, less humid weather is just one reason that this season is the ideal time to explore the Sunshine State. Plan a daytrip around fun fall activities!
- Play sports this fall
Autumn is a great time for sports! Just in the Tampa Bay area, you’ll find several championship teams to watch, including Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers and back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. They are just two reasons why the region has earned the nickname of “Champa Bay”! With football and hockey seasons just starting in fall (while baseball and soccer are heading to playoffs), there’s always a game going on! Florida is home to so many sports franchises, and there also are a ton of options for you to get active, too.
- Visit the manatees
Manatees live in Florida year-round, but the best time to see them begins in the fall. In fact, the peak season happens from November through April! Just an hour’s drive north of Tampa, Homosassa Springs is the place to go to watch these gentle giants.
- Welcome snowbirds
Just like birds migrate south in pursuit of warmer climates, many seasonal travelers also travel to the Sunshine State! Nicknamed “snowbirds,” these visitors begin flocking to Florida in October and November, just as it is beginning to get cold up north. We’re especially happy to welcome our snowbird friends to our RV/mobile home parks in Zephyrhills, like The Oaks at Zephyrhills – a popular seasonal destination!
- Reconsider holiday traditions
Like anywhere in the U.S., you’ll find fall décor on display in Florida. What might be a little different are the pirate ships or beach themes you’ll see carved into pumpkins around Halloween – or all of the sea shells incorporated into seasonal decorations. That is especially true at our Zephyrhills properties, where we really get into the autumn spirit! At The Village of Zephyrhills, you’ll find lots of decorated porches and community spaces. Just don’t carve your pumpkin too soon, because it is still warm outside!
- Take a taste of stone crab season
While many look forward to pumpkin-flavored treats every autumn, Floridians can’t wait for the return of stone crabs! Running October through May, stone crab season is your chance to try this seafood delicacy, if you have never tasted it before.
- Celebrate Halloween every night
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, happening throughout September and October, is internationally known for its haunted houses and open-air frights. For more family-friendly fun, Creatures of the Night at Zoo Tampa offers howling good outdoor experiences for all ages. In the Miami area, there are even haunted yacht parties for Halloween – talk about putting a Sunshine State spin on the season!
- Shop local at farmers’ markets
Enjoy the bounty of Florida’s fall harvests at local farmers’ markets. There you’ll not only find fresh produce and hand-crafted products, but you also might discover corn mazes and pumpkin patches! In Tampa Bay, check out Fox Squirrel Farm this October, located just outside of Tampa and home to the 6th best corn maze in the country (by a USA Today 10 Best reader’s poll). If you’re in South Florida, head to the Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique and Collectable Market in Miami Beach to discover autumn’s treasures!
- See fall colors, Florida-style
Don’t look at the trees to see the fall colors you love when you’re in Florida – more often than not you’ll see palms year-round! Instead, take in the vibrant colors of the sky. Our autumn sunsets are sensational, and they are even better at the beach. Take a walk in the sand and take in the gorgeous view!
- Be a trailblazer
Fall is a great time to go outside and explore Florida’s trails! Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to enjoy the beauty of nature with a hike at a park. Grab your backpack and water bottle – and get ready to experience the Sunshine State’s natural beauty firsthand!
Did your fall favorite make our list, or did you find something new to try this autumn? At Kong Management Group, our motto is “Stay. Live. Experience.” – and it’s our goal that you have a safe, secure rental that allows you to fully experience the beauty of every season. We manage a variety of rental properties in Hillsborough County (Tampa Bay), Pasco County (Zephyrhills), and Broward County (Hallandale Beach), including Kong Vacation Homes and RV parks! For more information about the properties Kong Management Group offers, contact us at info@kongmg.com or call 866-499-9026.
