This Laid-Back Beach Town Named Florida’s Top Fall Getaway

If sunshine is on your mind, there’s no better state to visit than Florida. No matter the time of year, the rightfully named “Sunshine State” provides paradise shores wrapping the Gulf, the speckled Keys, and up and down the Atlantic, all with their own unique flair.

If fall foliage and campfires are your jam this season, well, Florida might not be for you along the coast.

If you’re the type that wants to keep your checkered flannel tucked away for a rainy day, then there’s no question we have the place for you.

Boasting less crowds, sun-drenched shores, and a way more relaxing vibe than nearby Miami, the experts at Southern Living recently named one unsuspecting city as the state’s top fall getaway.

Just north of Fort Lauderdale lies Boca Raton, a laid-back beach town to escape the hordes of leaf-peepers seeking out the perfect photo-op in neighboring states.

Prime Location

Close enough but not too far from the city bustle, Boca Raton is a well-balanced hideaway. After all, there’s a reason so many retirees flock here to close out their golden years.

You can fly into either West Palm Beach (PBI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or Miami (MIA) and make your way to the Brightline train to Boca Raton, reaching this low-key haven of welcoming locals and beautiful shores in a jiffy.

Most fall trips are short but sweet since PTO is typically maxed out during summer, and the kiddos have to go back to class.

That makes vacationing here even more attractive. Southern Living states “The Boca Raton (a luxe resort) is recently renovated and perfect for a weekend getaway (or longer)”.

Upscale, Yet Laid-Back

Boca Raton’s namesake resort isn’t the only option to splurge on yourself. Being so close to Miami, opulence trickles in.

There are world-class spas such as holistic- minded Skin Apeel Day Spa, who’ve been in business for 30 years and impressively hold a perfect Google rating.

There’s also an array of upscale restaurants to treat yourself. Recents patrons visiting downtown Boca’s Le Sorelle Restaurant describe this Italian soiree as “exquisite”.

If you prefer a more intimate setting, Six Tables a Restaurant has, you guessed it, only 6 tables. Obviously, reservations go quick.

Those who’ve scored a seat simply say it’s a “phenomenal experience” and “great for intimate dinners”.

Of course, there’s also the yacht aspect. Like Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton shares a maze of waterways.

Maybe cozy up at a local bar and befriend the old guy in flip-flops. You never know who’s living their best life on their pension.

Boca Raton’s Top Beaches

Boca Raton’s population exceeds the 100,000 benchmark. It’s not a map-dot town with one beach everyone flocks to — you have plentiful options here.

Most notably, Red Reef Park is an expensive park to lounge under swaying palms or tap into your adventurous side by snorkeling the pristine waters to witness the vibrant coral reefs.

Not to be confused with Miami’s most sought-after beach locale, South Beach Park is a family-friendly beach with gleaming white sand, a playground, and daily lifeguard presence.

Spanish River Park is the one beach that might catch you by surprise considering its location splitting the intracoastal and Atlantic.

Holding rave reviews and earning a coveted Blue Flag certification, Spanish River Park is Boca Raton’s crown jewel for perfect beach days.

Of course, locals always have their secret spots too, and Boca Raton is known for being very friendly.

Though, I have a feeling Gumbo Limbo Nature Center will make the cut, especially if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, and they may also mention an Uber hack — take the BocaConnect shuttle where no ride costs more than $5.

So Long, Humidity & Crowds

If you visit Boca Raton in fall, you’re in for a treat. There’s plenty of room to sprawl out on any aforementioned beach as it’s mostly retirees, born-and-raised locals, and few tourists escaping Miami’s hustle and bustle.

Best of all, Florida’s notorious humidity slowly subsides in the coming months, making the weather so much more enjoyable, where you don’t have to bug spray and worry about your unsightly pit stains in vacation photos.

Right now, expect some 90-degree days to pop up, but by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, temps are more tolerable in the high 70s to low 80’s on average.

Do know that “hurricane season” is in effect until the tail end of November.