Things to Do in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast in Fall 2025
- arthurhartunian
- Sep 19
- 6 min read
Your Guide to Autumn Adventures, Culture, and Relaxation in South Florida
The shift from the sultry summer to the gentle embrace of autumn is a magical time in South Florida. As the humidity dips and the ocean breezes carry a fresh crispness, Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast awaken to a season filled with festivals, outdoor pursuits, culinary discoveries, and cultural delights. Whether you’re a local planning memorable weekends or a visitor seeking the perfect autumn escape, fall 2025 promises an array of experiences to savor.
1. Celebrate the Harvest: Festivals and Seasonal Events
Fall in South Florida means festivals abound—celebrations that marry local flavor with the area’s unique coastal flair.
· Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival: Sample gourmet bites and meet celebrity chefs at this annual event, where local produce and international cuisines come together in culinary harmony. Expect pop-up tastings, wine pairings, and chef-led dinners at top restaurants along Worth Avenue and Clematis Street.
· Jupiter Harvest Festival: Held in beautiful Jupiter, this family-friendly festival features craft vendors, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and live bluegrass music. Children can carve pumpkins as parents browse artisan stalls and enjoy fresh-pressed cider.
· Oktoberfest at the American German Club (Lake Worth): Experience South Florida’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, complete with polka bands, steins of beer, bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and alpine dancing. Authentic German food and culture are the heart of this two-weekend tradition.
· Stuart Air Show: The skies over Martin County come alive with aerobatic feats, vintage warbirds, and parachuting exhibitions. The Stuart Air Show is a Treasure Coast favorite, offering heart-pounding excitement for aviation enthusiasts and families.
· Spooktacular Halloween Events: Across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, you’ll find ghost tours in historic downtowns, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating extravaganzas. Delray Beach’s Halloween parade and West Palm Beach’s Clematis by Fright are not to be missed.
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
With the weather turning idyllic, fall is prime time to soak in the region’s natural beauty. Outdoor adventurers will find countless ways to connect with Florida’s wild side.
· Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Glide through glassy waters and mangrove tunnels at Jonathan Dickinson State Park or the Loxahatchee River. Autumn’s cooler mornings are perfect for spotting manatees, herons, and turtles.
· Hiking and Biking: The Grassy Waters Preserve and Riverbend Park offer scenic trails where cypress, pine, and wildflowers flourish. Birdwatchers can bring their binoculars: fall migration brings painted buntings, warblers, and hawks.
· Beachcombing and Surfing: The Atlantic’s autumn swells attract surfers to Jupiter Inlet and Bathtub Beach in Stuart. Early sunsets make for peaceful evening walks on Juno Beach, where sea turtle nests dot the sand well into October.
· Golfing: The region’s world-class courses—including PGA National and Abacoa—are lush and less crowded in the fall. Tee off under cerulean skies surrounded by palm-lined fairways.
· Fishing: Fall is a favorite for anglers: snook, redfish, and tarpon are active in the Intracoastal Waterway, while deep-sea fishing charters chase sailfish and mahi-mahi offshore. The Jensen Beach Causeway and Juno Pier are local hotspots.
3. Arts, Culture, and History
Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast are home to a vibrant arts scene and a rich heritage, showcased in museums, theaters, and galleries.
· Flagler Museum: Step into the Gilded Age at Henry Flagler’s spectacular Whitehall estate in Palm Beach. The museum’s fall lecture series and art exhibitions are both elegant and educational.
· Norton Museum of Art: Explore rotating exhibitions, contemporary installations, and sculpture gardens in West Palm Beach’s celebrated museum. Thursday nights often feature live music and food trucks.
· Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: Catch a Broadway musical, symphony performance, or ballet as the Kravis Center launches its fall season. The 2025 lineup promises both classic favorites and exciting premieres.
· Elliott Museum and House of Refuge (Stuart): Delve into the nautical and pioneer history of the Treasure Coast, with antique car displays and maritime artifacts that tell the story of early settlers and shipwrecks.
· Downtown Art Walks: Stroll Clematis Street, Lake Worth’s arts district, or Fort Pierce’s First Friday Art Walk, where local artists display their work, musicians perform, and boutique shops invite exploration.
4. Seasonal Tastes: Autumn Culinary Experiences
Fall brings a bounty from local farms and waters, inspiring chefs and home cooks alike.
· Farmers’ Markets: The GreenMarket in West Palm Beach and Stuart’s Market on Main re-open in full swing with autumn harvests. Shop for heirloom tomatoes, fresh honey, avocados, and tropical fruit jams.
· Seafood Festivals: Indulge in stone crab feasts, shrimp boils, and oysters on the half shell at coastal festivals from Palm Beach Gardens to Fort Pierce. Fresh-caught mahi-mahi tacos are a must-try seasonal treat.
· Winery and Brewery Tours: Discover local vineyards and craft breweries offering tastings, live music, and food trucks. Try a pumpkin ale or citrusy IPA at Tequesta Brewing or Ocean Republic Brewery.
· Elegant Dining: For a special night out, reserve a table at fine dining institutions like Café Boulud or The Breakers’ HMF in Palm Beach, where autumn-inspired tasting menus pair perfectly with ocean views.
5. Family Fun and Unique Attractions
South Florida’s fall is made for making memories with loved ones—indoors and out.
· Lion Country Safari: Embark on a drive-through safari adventure and spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming free.
· Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society: Visit during Zoo Boo, the zoo’s Halloween celebration featuring costumed characters, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin enrichment for the animals.
· Rapids Water Park (West Palm Beach): The park remains open into the fall and is less crowded, perfect for thrill-seekers wanting to ride the slides or relax on the lazy river before the winter closure.
· U-Pick Farms and Corn Mazes: Families can visit local farms for U-pick strawberries, sunflowers, or to navigate creative corn mazes and take hayrides.
· Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Learn about sea turtle conservation in Juno Beach, with interactive exhibits and guided releases of rehabilitated turtles back into the Atlantic.
6. Relaxation and Wellness
For those seeking tranquility, Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast offer serene retreats where you can unwind and recharge.
· Beachfront Yoga and Meditation: Join a sunrise yoga class on the sand at Delray Beach or take part in guided meditation sessions in the lush Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.
· Spas and Wellness Centers: Book a soothing massage or facial at the Eau Spa in Manalapan or the PGA National Resort Spa, where fall specials often include seasonal scents and treatments.
· Botanical Gardens: Wander through Mounts Botanical Garden or the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, where autumn flowers and foliage create a perfect setting for peaceful strolls and nature photography.
7. Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Beyond the well-known attractions, fall is an ideal time to seek out South Florida’s lesser-known treasures.
· Blowing Rocks Preserve: Marvel at dramatic limestone outcroppings and crashing surf on Jupiter Island, especially beautiful during autumn’s golden hour.
· Peanut Island: Rent a kayak or water taxi to this unique island for snorkeling, picnicking, and touring the historic bunker built for President John F. Kennedy.
· McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach): This lush oasis features waterfalls, exotic plants, and a whimsical children’s garden, changing with the seasons.
· Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along A1A or through the back roads of Martin and Indian River counties, where old Florida charm and autumn color await around every bend.
Practical Tips for Visiting in Fall 2025
· Weather: Expect warm, pleasant days (mid-70s to mid-80s °F) and cooler evenings. Occasional autumn showers are possible, so pack a light rain jacket.
· Accommodations: Fall is less crowded than winter, with excellent deals on hotels and vacation rentals. Book early for festival weekends.
· Transportation: Renting a car is recommended for exploring both coastal towns and inland parks. Many attractions are within a short drive of I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
As the summer crowds dwindle and the landscape glows with the soft light of autumn, Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast invite you to discover a season of adventure, serenity, and authentic Florida charm. From the excitement of fall festivals and outdoor activities to the tranquility of garden strolls and beachside yoga, this region offers something for every traveler in fall 2025.
EET World is a media company owned by Florida licensed real estate agent Art Hartunian. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house in Orlando, Southeast Florida, or Space & Treasure Coasts, reach out and he would love to help you realize your goal! We got you covered!! Email Art at arthurhartunian@gmail.com .
Comments