Top Spots For A Fall Getaway Near South Florida

If you live in South Florida, you are already one of the luckiest people on earth. Most people get to see the beach once a year, but you get to see it daily. Still, everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while and Florida has plenty of places to see. Turn a two-hour trip into a jaunt to the Florida Keys or a day trip to the Bahamas. Explore the everglades or shop to your heart's content. There is a getaway for everyone and with so much to do, it will be hard to choose just one.

Islamorada
Islander Hotel
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33066
(305) 664-2031
www.guyharveyoutpostislamorada.com

Islamorada is an overlooked gem in the Florida Keys. Located two hours north of Key West and two hours south of Miami Beach, this sleepy beach town has great views of the sunrise and sunset. If you stay at the Islander hotel, you can enjoy the comforts of a bed, a kitchenette, an expansive screen porch and a short walk out to your own private beach. Cross the street at sunset, have a drink at a local bar and enjoy the most amazing sunset on Florida's east coast. For a decadent experience, check into the Cheeca Lodge and enjoy a luxury room and a world class spa complete with butler service.

Naples/Marco Island
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort
400 S. Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239) 394-25111
www.marriott.com

There is a reason why the Naples/Marco Island area is called the Paradise Coast. Marco Island has white sand beaches for miles, sunsets to die for and beachside massages that will transport you to another world. If you travel by boat, you can explore the many private islands and have a date night unlike any other. After your comfortable oceanside stay at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, head over to Naples for lush golf courses and fresh seafood from a number of dining establishments. Finally, you'll get the experience of retiring without ever having to leave your job.

Related: Top Day Trips Under $100 In South Florida

Everglades National Park
40001 State Road
Homestead, FL 33034
(305) 242-7700
www.nps.gov

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, head to Everglades National Park. Peak camping season is from November to April but during the summer months, no reservations are required. However, campers should be aware that South Florida summers are brutal, so it might be better to reserve during the fall months and enjoy the outdoors without the blistering heat. While there, there are plenty of things to do like camping, nature walks, biking and viewing natural wildlife like alligators, egrets and manatees. It's hands down the best trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

West Palm Beach
Embassy Suites West Palm
1601 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 689-6400
www.embassysuites.com

Shoppers can agree that West Palm Beach is the perfect destination to find what you need. Stroll along Worth Avenue to buy Chopard and Chanel and then head to CityPlace for a movie. Stop into B.B. King's Blues Club for beignets and blues and beat the heat at West Palm Beach's number one attraction, Rapids Water Park. Then come back and relax at the Embassy Suites located in the epicenter of everything. There's plenty to do and see in West Palm Beach.

Related: Best Day Trips For Families In South Florida 

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.