This Charming Florida Town Just Made the List of the South’s Best Fall Getaways

Craving a vacation at a Florida beach with the weather warm enough for swimming yet not excruciatingly humid? Boca Raton just made the list of Southern Living magazine’s Best Fall Getaways in the South. 

As the publication notes, fall in Boca Raton is ideal for a weekend or longer getaway, with the weather warm while the humidity begins to dip. Plus, this is the off-season, with kids back in school and the holiday rush yet to arrive. The crowds will be significantly smaller, and you’re likely to enjoy discounted rates on accommodation. If you’d like to stay in a luxury resort like The Boca Raton without breaking the bank, there may be no better time, with prices significantly lower from late September through about mid-November. 

No matter where you stay in Boca Raton, you’ll have access to miles of beautiful public beaches with white powdery sands along the Atlantic coast. Dip your toes in and relax, or take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a scenic stroll, swim, or snorkel. 

We like Red Reef Park, where you can snorkel at the south end, enjoy the walking paths, and perhaps bring food for a picnic, with a picnic area that has tables and grills. Or, head to Spanish River Park, where you can climb a 40-foot observation tower for a view of the lush greenery below. By ducking into the tunnels under Ocean Boulevard, you’ll reach a beach with golden sands and dunes. 

If you like to shop ’til you drop, Boca Raton is one of the best places to do it. You’ll find everything from boutiques and high-end department stores at the Town Center at Boca Raton to local brands and designer shops downtown. The diverse culinary scene ensures something for everyone when it’s time to dine, with both casual eateries and fine dining restaurants.

While families with children will want to enjoy plenty of time at the beach, building sandcastles and splashing around in the water, there are other activities that are particularly family-friendly. That includes the playgrounds and Children’s Science Explorium at Sugar Sand Park and Boomers Park, with mini-golf, go-karts, and rides. 

If you can plan your visit around a mid-October weekend (October 10-12 or October 17-19), you’ll have the chance to raise your stein at Oktoberfest. It features all the usual highlights like German food, from schnitzel and bratwurst to pretzels, along with a continuous flow of beer, live music, traditional dancing, and more.