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Fall in Florida has its own personality.

While other parts of the country start preparing for colder days, Florida remains a place where travelers can spend an afternoon outside, explore waterfront neighborhoods, visit theme parks, browse local shops and enjoy a weekend getaway without packing a winter coat.

It is also a great season for discovering different sides of the Sunshine State. Orlando brings world-famous attractions and entertainment. St. Petersburg combines Gulf Coast sunshine with arts, dining and waterfront experiences. Mount Dora slows things down with a walkable downtown, lakeside scenery and a busy calendar of fall festivals.

For travelers planning a Florida fall getaway, properties owned and managed by Southern Hospitality and Management Company provide convenient places to stay in each of these destinations.

Orlando: Turn a Fall Weekend Into a Florida Escape

Orlando rarely needs an introduction, but fall can be an especially enjoyable time to experience Central Florida.

Theme parks roll out seasonal celebrations, restaurants introduce fall menus, and the area’s entertainment districts offer plenty to do long after the parks close. Travelers can build an entire getaway around the major attractions or use Orlando as the starting point for exploring more of Central Florida.

For visitors flying into Orlando International Airport, location can make the first and last day of a trip much easier.

TownePlace Suites Orlando Airport is just minutes from MCO and works particularly well for travelers who appreciate having extra space. The all-suite hotel offers fully equipped kitchens, complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and complimentary airport transportation.

That combination makes it useful for everything from a quick weekend trip to a longer Central Florida stay.

Rather than spending the first day of vacation worrying about logistics, guests can settle in, recharge and start exploring Orlando when they are ready.

St. Petersburg: Sunshine, Art and the Gulf Coast

For travelers who associate fall with slowing down, St. Petersburg offers a very different experience from Orlando.

Downtown St. Pete has developed into one of Florida’s most interesting urban destinations, combining waterfront parks, museums, restaurants, public art and independent businesses within a relatively compact area. Add nearby Gulf beaches and it becomes easy to create a trip that mixes culture with time outdoors.

Spend a morning exploring the waterfront, visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, walk along St. Pete Pier or head toward the beaches for an afternoon by the Gulf.

Southern Hospitality and Management Company offers several options in the St. Petersburg area, allowing travelers to choose a hotel that fits their particular trip.

Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Petersburg North

Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Petersburg North offers convenient access to I-275 and is an easy drive from downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Pier, the Dalí Museum and area beaches.

Guests can start the morning with complimentary breakfast before heading out for a full day of exploring. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and fitness center, making it a comfortable home base for a fall weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Quality Inn Saint Petersburg North-Tampa Bay

Travelers watching their getaway budget can consider Quality Inn Saint Petersburg North-Tampa Bay.

Located near I-275, the property is approximately 10 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg and about 20 minutes from St. Pete Beach. Guests also have access to complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.

Saving on accommodations can leave more room in the travel budget for museums, dining, shopping and experiences around the destination.

Comfort Inn & Suites Northeast – Gateway

For travelers planning to explore both St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area, Comfort Inn & Suites Northeast – Gateway provides another convenient option.

The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Its location works particularly well for travelers who do not plan to spend their entire getaway in one neighborhood.

Together, these three St. Petersburg properties give visitors flexibility when planning a Gulf Coast fall escape.

Mount Dora: A Florida Town That Feels Made for Fall

If there is one Central Florida destination that seems to embrace fall especially well, it may be Mount Dora.

Located northwest of Orlando, the lakefront community is known for its historic downtown, locally owned shops, restaurants, antiques, outdoor recreation and year-round festivals.

Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, Mount Dora invites visitors to slow down.

Walk through downtown. Browse an antique shop. Stop for coffee. Explore the waterfront. Take a boat ride on Lake Dora. Then find a restaurant and enjoy an unhurried evening.

Fall also brings some of the community’s signature annual events. The Mount Dora Craft Fair fills downtown with hundreds of makers and crafters each October, while November brings the Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair and Renninger’s Antique & Collector’s Extravaganza.

For a convenient place to stay, Hampton Inn Mount Dora puts guests close to the area’s attractions, including downtown Mount Dora and Renninger’s Antique Center.

The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking and an outdoor pool, giving travelers a comfortable base for a relaxed Central Florida weekend.

For couples looking for an easy escape or families wanting something different from Florida’s larger destinations, Mount Dora is a reminder that some of the state’s most memorable trips happen in its smaller communities.

Make It a Florida Fall Road Trip

Travelers with a few extra days do not necessarily have to choose only one destination.

Orlando, Mount Dora and St. Petersburg can be combined into a Florida road trip that moves from Central Florida entertainment to small-town charm and finishes along the Gulf Coast.

Start in Orlando after flying into MCO. Spend a day or two enjoying the area’s attractions before heading to Mount Dora for a quieter change of pace. From there, continue west toward St. Petersburg for museums, waterfront dining and a little Gulf Coast sunshine.

It is a simple itinerary, but the destinations feel remarkably different from one another.

That variety is one of the advantages of traveling through Florida.

Find Your Florida Fall Getaway

Fall travel does not always have to mean sweaters, changing leaves and cold weather.

In Florida, the season can mean waterfront sunsets, outdoor festivals, theme park adventures, historic downtowns, Gulf Coast beaches and warm afternoons spent exploring somewhere new.

Whether the plan is an Orlando vacation, a St. Petersburg weekend or a relaxing escape to Mount Dora, choosing the right hotel can make the trip easier from the moment you arrive.

Southern Hospitality and Management Company continues to develop and manage hotels across Florida while working with leading hospitality brands including Marriott, Hilton and Choice Hotels. Its portfolio reflects the company’s focus on hotel development, management and the fundamentals of creating positive guest experiences.

Explore the portfolio and learn more about Southern Hospitality and Management Company as you start planning your next Florida getaway.