Are there a lot of things to do in Orlando for fall? You bet! Even though the weather still feels like summer during this transitional time of year, there are SO MANY Orlando fall activities to get you into the autumn spirt. From PSL, to fun foods, farms, horseback riding, beer gardens, and fall activities too! Some of these are even available year round, or change up seasonally for the holidays and springtime.
Here’s our list of 50 things to do in Orlando for the fall season!
1 – Fall Coffee Flights
Orlando has grown an amazing coffee scene! New City Coffee offers seasonal fall coffee flights! You can order them hot or iced, and the flavors change each year so there’s always something new to trie. I chose iced, because even though it’s autumn in my heart, it still feels like summer temps outside.
2. Magical Dining
Over 90 restaurants participate in Orlando’s Magical Dining Month each fall by offering a 3 course prix fixe dinner for only $40! Plus, one dollar from each meal benefits a new charity every year, so you can eat for cause!
We find each menu has such a great lineup it’s almost hard to choose! So I recommend going with friends so that you can taste more than one thing.
3. Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Featured Flavors
So, even though it feels like autumn in my heart, it’s still summer outside. Which is why one of my picks for 50 Things To Do In Orlando This Fall was getting some cool fall flavored treats at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Each month, Kelly’s creates 5 new seasonal flavors. But you’ve got to taste them while they’re featured! Each month brings a new batch of flavors that you can check and see on Kelly’s Menu.
4. Add Horseback Riding To Your List Of Things To Do In Orlando This Fall!
Experience the beauty of Central Florida’s countryside with a peaceful horseback ride at Hidden Palms Ranch. This family-owned ranch offers guided trail rides through scenic oak hammocks and open pastures, perfect for riders of all skill levels. The cooler fall temperatures make this outdoor adventure especially enjoyable, and you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. The ranch provides well-trained horses and experienced guides who share interesting facts about the area’s natural history. It’s a wonderful way to disconnect from the theme park crowds and enjoy Florida’s natural side.
Best for: Families with children 8+, couples seeking a romantic outdoor activity Tip: Book in advance, especially on weekends, and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants
5. Cube Shaped Croissants Chiffon Culture Bakery Cafe
Right next to Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream on Corrine Drive is Chiffon Culture Bakery Cafe (with a second location in Winter Springs too!) will have you wanting to try one of each of their treats. From cream puffs to cube-shaped croissants in all the most delicious trendy fall flavors. Just be sure to go early as the seasonal flavors tend to sell out!
Here’s what we tried: Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissant’s and the Tiger S’mores Cookie Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissant.
6. Fall Crafts At Board & Brush
Make your own Fall Door Decor or autumn cheeseboard (or butterboard!) at Board and Brush!
And just like the name suggests, you start with a board of wood, distress it, stain it, paint it, and stencil your design. I have to confess, I’m not very handy with tools. But we cracked open a cider, learned as we went, and had a whole lot of fun.
The owner was very gracious in teaching us about drilling and stenciling. And I could tell from others taking the workshop that this kind of home decor craft can be very addictive as several girls were back for their second time and already building things like pros.
TIP: Scroll through the designs on the website and take measurements for the space you’d like to display your design. I had a signed up to do a fall board to display as a sign on my kitchen backsplash, but the one I picked wouldn’t have fit the space. But I LOVE the cheese board I ended up creating.
(Not sponsored, by the way, but they did give us a cider to celebrate our first craft!)
7. Florida PSL At Lobos Coffee Roasters
My local favorite is Lobos Coffee Roasters for their Florida PSL and Maple Bourbon Cortado.
Florida PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) has your classic pumpkin spice flavor with a hint of citrus. Hand crafted, so it tastes AMAZING. And the Maple Bourbon Cortado is made with Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup and fall spices with a garnish of cinnamon. (This was my favorite!)
More reasons to move Lobos Coffee Roasters…
☕️ coffee roasted in-house
☕️ Italian espresso machine = rich flavor
☕️ supports fair trade coffee practices
8. Beer Garden at Ravenous Pig Brewing
Sip seasonal brews in the Ravenous Pig Beer Garden Garden! Once the weather cools off a bit, late fall is perfect for dining outdoors. Here are the seasonal brews we tried!
The beer garden is open on Tuesday through Sunday depending on the weather. And the best days to go are Tuesday or Sunday for smaller crowds and a relaxing vibe.
9. Pancakes at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill in Deleon Springs
Pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill is something I’ve been doing since I was a kid! It’s so fun, but definitely better to in fall/winter when it’s not quite as hot out since the old mill isn’t air conditioned. (When we went it was still warm, but fun!)
It’s the perfect little road trip as it’s just about an hour drive north of Orlando. The sugar mill restaurant is located inside a state park, so there is a small entrance fee. But worth it to see a “waterfall” in Florida, right?
The spring is named for Ponce De Leon (legend is that he thought this was the fountain of youth, but there are several springs with that same claim). And the sugar mill was built in the 1830’s to crush sugar cane utilizing the power of water flowing from the spring. Today, it’s a pancake house and restaurant!
Service is fast since you cook your own pancakes on a griddle in the center of the table. Pancakes are completely customizable with two different batters (unbleached white flour and stoneground made with their own unique mix of 5 fresh stoneground flours.)
You can get fresh fruit, nuts, and even chocolate chips as mix ins or toppings. But since it’s fall we did seasonal flavors: Pumpkin Pancakes, and Apple Pancakes with Pecans.
10. Day Trip To Visit Cassadega
Another fun thing to do in Orlando during the fall is to take a day trip and drive up to Cassadaga, a spiritualist camp known for tarot readings and mediums. I have a tradition of meeting a friend for “pumpkin pancakes and palm readings” were we go to the Old Sugar Mill for breakfast, and then drive over to Cassadega for palm readings and some spooky fun. There’s also a historic hotel, shops where you can get your crystals on, and a whimsical Fairy Trail (if you dare go for a walk in the woods).
11. Gideon’s Bakehouse
Gideon’s Bakehouse is so special to Orlando. What started as a small little shop in East End Market with a single employee, $800, and a cookbook from 1898 with the name Gideon written in the back is now a VERY BIG DEAL. Visit the original location at East End Market, or try Gideon’s second location in Disney Springs for the full immersive cookbook legend experience.
TIP: These cookies are so legendary, there is usually a queue. But if you go on a weekday morning it’s not a long wait. Plus, the Coffee Cake Cookie is perfectly acceptable for breakfast.
Each month has a new featured cookie in addition to their regulars, so definitely be sure to check out their website to see what the flavor of the month will bring.
There’s other treats too! To-die for cakes, locally made sweet scented candles, and Lineage coffee including:
☕️ Gideon’s Ginger Snap Cold Brew
☕️ Peanut Butter Iced Coffee
☕️ Seasonal Pumpkin Spice
12 – Fall On The Farm At Orlando’s Whisper Creek Farm
There’s lots of nearby farms, but Grande Lakes Orlando’s Whisper Creek Farm is in the city! The host a Weekend “Fall On The Farm” event each year. I had so much fun having a relaxing girl’s day here with my friend Christina, listening to acoustic guitar, sipping cider, and enjoying being out on a farm! Whisper Creek Farm is 18,000 acres and is normally only open for private events, so I was excited to spend the day there!
Here’s what you’ll find …
🍁Hayrides
🎃Pumpkin Carving + Painting
🍁Hay Maze
🎃Pumpkin Checkers + Games
🍁Farmer’s Market
🎃BBQ + Food!
🍁Cider and Fall Drinks
🦉Falconry
TIP: The entrance to the farm is a little hidden. But it’s the first right after the Marriott Grande Lakes entrance on John Young Parkway. Look for a little sign! Tickets must be purchased in advance. Check out GrandeLakes.com and look for “Fall On The Farm” for more info!
13 – Ghost Tour With American Ghost Adventures
Rather than your typical theatrical story-telling, this was a walking ghost investigation of paranormal activity! American Ghost Adventures is locally owned and offers tours year round! But this month seemed like the right season for spooks. Tours are offered throughout Central Florida and we went on one while visiting Mount Dora. But they have them in downtown Orlando too!
14 – Cocktails + Screams “The Craft” Speakeasy
Cocktails and Screams is a spooky themed bar in downtown Orlando that’s actually open year round! But it is perfect for spooky season. The cocktails are all perfectly pumpkin themed, but you truly want to make a reservation for the speakeasy in the back of the bar called “The Craft.” The vibe in The Craft is a bit like walking onto a movie set where you’re part of the story. It’s a little Indiana Jones meets grown up Goonies and there are three choices on the menu.
The absinthe is legit, complete with sugar cube and flame. But the magic potion was a craft cocktail at its finest. Fresh herbs and botanicals blended in a way you’ve never had before or will ever have again.
15 – Long + Scott’s Corn Maze
Fall is the perfect time of year to get lost out on a farm! Try and find your way through a corn maze! And Long and Scott’s Farm near Zellwood carves out the perfect fall fun in their annual corn maze. There’s also food vendors, a country market, pumpkins, playgrounds, and plenty of fall photo ops. Open times and prices are subject to change, but here’s a glance of what they were when we visited:
The corn maze typically runs through December, so you have plenty of time to check out this great farm!
16 – Scott’s Country Market
There are farmers markets in the city, and then there are real farmer’s markets! And Scott’s country market and cafe is one of them! Grab basket and fill it with all sorts of local goods, from fresh fruits and veggies, jams, apple butter, hot sauces, cookware, and crafts too. You can skip the corn maze above and just visit the country market. It’s a great place to pick out your pumpkins for the season! And there’s a cafe too, so you can grab lunch if all that fresh food makes you hungry.
17. U-Pick Farms for Fall Fun
Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like visiting a working farm. The Orlando area offers several fantastic options for picking your own produce and enjoying seasonal festivities:
Far Reach Ranch U-Pick Farm (Tavares) Just 30 minutes from Orlando, this working cattle ranch transforms into a fall paradise. Pick your own pumpkins, navigate through sunflower fields, and enjoy hayrides around the property. The farm often hosts special events like live music and barbecue dinners on weekends.
Southern Hill Farms U-Pick and Fall Festival (Clermont) This popular destination offers the complete fall experience with pumpkins, wagon rides, and u-pick sunflower and zinnia fields. Don’t miss their famous apple cider donuts!
Amber Brooke Farms U-Pick (Eustis) A smaller, more intimate farm experience where you can pick seasonal fruits with extended events and live music in the fall. Known for their organic practices and friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for families looking for an educational outdoor experience. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, without the crowds of some of the areas bigger farms.
Pro tip: Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and the freshest selection
18 – Fall Themed Sushi
Wave Sushi in Mount Dora always makes a unique seasonal roll that goes go viral on social media. We had to drive out to try their pumpkin roll for Halloween! But we also ordered The Donut Roll and The Taco Roll . They also do a “whole” pumpkin and a black cat roll too!
Mount Dora is more of a weekend day trip from Orlando. But great sushi is SO worth the drive out to Mt Dora. And they have a new additional location in Maitland!
19 – Day Trip To Visit Mount Dora
Speaking of taking a weekend day trip, Mount Dora is about a 40 minute drive from Downtown Orlando and it’s the perfect place to spend a Saturday or Sunday. We’ve given you a sneak peek of some things to do here including pumpkin sushi at Wave and ghost tours, but really it’s worth a day trip because there’s so much more! The historic downtown is picturesque and walkable, filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here’s what we did on one afternoon:
- Apple Cider Mimosas To-Go (yes, they have a open container law here so you can walk and shop with your beverage.
- Shopping at Mount Dora Marketplace (there are great eats here too)
- Light bites and coffee upstairs on a balcony overlooking town at One Flight Up
- Pumpkin Sushi at Wave Mount Dora
- Historic Ghost Tour with American Ghost Adventures.
Other things I recommend in Mount Dora from previous visits …
- Pizza at PizzAmore (the best!)
- Dinner and/or drinks at 1921
- Dinner or Lunch at Goblin Market
- Stay overnight at Adora Inn or Mount Dora Cottages
There’s also a beautiful lakefront park with a lighthouse and fun weekend festivals all fall and winter long.
20. Rooftop Beer Garden at Hollerbach’s
German food and beer at Hollerbach’s rooftop beer garden! It might be nearing the end of October, but it feels like Oktoberfest all year long over Hollerbach’s Willow Tree. And the roof top beer garden is perfect this time of year! They have a full menu of German comfort foods including:
- 🥨Pretzels
- 🍺German Beer (extensive list!)
- 🌭Sausages
- 🍗Schnitzel
- 🌭Curry wurst
And tons more. Plus live music and a fun atmosphere! Sanford is a fun town too. Worth a day trip to spend the day!
21. S’mores Bar
For another fun fall afternoon if you’re looking for something to do in Orlando, visit the S’mores Bar at Wondermade in Sandford! You might recognize these adorable gourmet flavored s’mores from local Orlando gift shops, Disney Springs, and the airport. They’re made locally in Sanford and you can visit their shop!
S’mores are my all time favorite fall campfire treat. But you know, a countertop kitchen blow torch is just as fun. Wondermade in Sandford handmakes craft marshmallows in all kinds of fun flavors (including boozy ones) And at their cafe in Sanford they’ll fire up some s’mores with them too! Plus, they make a “smorescicle” which is half frozen pudding pop and half marshmallow that is toasted to order.
22. Diablos Rex at Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnuts are great anytime of year, but especially so around Halloween! Here are the fun donut flavors to order that are perfect for spooky season:
- 😈 Diablos Rex — Devil’s food chocolate cake, dipped in chocolate frosting topped with red sprinkles, chocolate chips, and a piped on pentagram.
- 🌶 Ring Of Fire – (try this if you dare! I didn’t dare 🙈 Devil’s food cake with cinnamon sugar, cayenne pepper, and a dried red chili pepper.
- 🍩 Voodoo Doll – Voodoo Doll shaped doughnut with chocolate, a face, and a yellow spiral.
23. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
The steam punk theme at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is fun for fall. We like to go for Chocolate Craft Cocktails and desserts!
TIP: Skip the line at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium by heading upstairs to the bar.
The bar has some amazing chocolate infused craft cocktails. And not the sticky sweet kind, but layered with flavor kind you’d normally get at a speakeasy. Which is of fitting with Toothsome’s whole steam punk theme. Here’s what to try:
- 🍫Old Chocolate Fashioned – Bird Dog chocolate whisky, cherry Heering liquor, chocolate and orange bitters.
- 🍫Chocolate Cherry Mule – Double chocolate vodka, brandied cherry, ginger beer, chocolate bitters.
You can also order food from the bar from the main menu. We loved the selection of shareable bites recommended by our bartender.
24. Stay In A Treehouse
This has been on my bucket list of things to do in Orlando for awhile and fall seemed like the perfect season for it. And believe it or not, there are a few treehouses to choose from! Just search for “treehouse Orlando” in either AirBnB or VRBO. Both treehouses I tried were only about a 20 minute drive outside of Disney. Such a peaceful location and relaxing stay!
I guess you could call this glamping since there’s a bed, A/C, a shower, and even a kitchenette! An owl even peeped inside our window one night. There are a couple of treehouses available in Orlando on AirBnB. But they book up fast, so you’ll need to research and book them almost a year in advance.
25. Candles and Crafts
Sipping coffee while hand making seasonal candles … yes, please! Any sort of fall or autumn themed craft, I’m there! When I first embarked on finding candle making crafts in Orlando, my friend Christina and I did a pop up workshop at Quigley Coffee. But there are so many candle bars and workshops available now! I recommend checking out Aromatic Vibes Candle Company, and seasonal workshops at Authentic Books where you can get “lit” with a candle and cozy book!
26. DG Doughnuts
A must-do anytime of year, but especially during the fall and holiday season, is to go for donuts at DG Doughnuts. DG stands “Damn Good” and they certainly live up to the name! Named Best Doughnuts in the state of Florida for 2020!
Local baker and owner Amanda Eubanks dreams up some of the most creative doughnuts. The selections change regularly and the seasonal selections are really great, so be sure to check out DGDoughnuts for what’s available. Personally, I’m keeping an eye out for their Coquito Doughnut! But you can’t beat this “monster sized” cinnamon bun for fall. It’s a shareable, for sure.
27. Packing District Farmers Market
Another fun thing to do in Orlando during the fall is shop local and visit a farmers market! There’s no better time of year to shop for local produce, fresh baked bread, locally roasted coffee, and more. It’s the season for eating!
We checked out the Packing District Farmer’s Market. It’s a collaboration by 4 Roots Farm Campus, the farm initiative of 4Rivers founder John Rivers, and The Farmacy, an online co-op selling produce and meats from Central Florida farmers. TIP: Bring cash and go early!
28. Phyre Saloon
Candy Bacon and cocktails at a pinup themed speakeasy? YES! Phyre Saloon is a nano brewery and tavern in a historic building in downtown St Cloud with a pin-up/speakeasy vibe. And I have to say, this is one of our more unexpectedly pleasant surprises when we visited during our video shoot.
My friend Christina and I visited here and were completely charmed. The cocktails and food were delicious! But you must try the BACON! Here’s what we tried:
- 🥃Smoked Old Fashioned – BSP 103 Brown Sugar Bourbon, Heering Cherry Liqueur and bitters.
- 🍸Lavish Lucy – Lavender Rosemary Vodka w/ Elderflower Liquer, thyme, and lemon
- 🥓Phyre Candy – thick smoked bacon with a perfect combination of sweet, smokey, and peppery.
- 🍟Nico’ Dumpster Phyre – a southern take on poutine including house cut fries topped with pulled pork, bacon, jalapeños, bbq, and beer cheese
- 🍔Phyre Whiskey Burger – a burger blend of angus chuck, brisket, and short rib. Topped with avocado, egg, house made whiskey sauce, and Phyre candy
29. Golden Hills Coffee Roasters Espresso Bar
How about a Warm Apple Pie Latte or Bourbon Maple Cold Brew to start your week? I can’t get enough fall flavored coffee. And anything local beats a normal PSL! Both of these delicious autumn coffee drinks can be found at Golden Hills Coffee Espresso Bar in Montrose Street Market. They’re a family owned local micro roaster and the coffee is divine!
30. Montrose Street Market
Take a day trip out to Clermont and visit Montrose Street Market. It’s a charming two story food hall with so many artisan vendors. IT’s really fun to watch empanadas, crepes, and donuts all made to order right in front of you. There’s also shopping and small boutique stores so you can get a head start on your holiday shopping while also supporting local creators and businesses.
31. Pumpkin French Toast + Fall Lattes at Vanessa’s Coffee Shop
Visit Vanessas Coffee Shop for breakfast and order the Pumpkin French Toast with real pumpkin puree topped with pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, caramel, and whipped cream!
Her coffee drinks are also divine (and instagram photo worthy!), with the option to add chocolate or Nutella rimmed cups and different toppings. She has two locations, one in Lake Nona and one in St. Cloud.
32. Spiced Sweet Potato Latte with Toasted Marshmallow Topping
While most coffee shops are about “all things pumpkin” during the fall, the spiced sweet potato latte at The Monroe is a delicious alternative. And what a unique change from the normal PSL latte.
The flavor is perfectly balanced with autumn spices and a hint of sweetness that makes the toasted marshmallow fluff an absolute treat. It’s like a pie in a mug. Sip it before it’s gone as it will only be on the menu for a limited time. The matcha latte is also tasty! Plus, the coffee bar is such a charming place to relax and catch up with friends.
33. Hike the Florida Trail to Boonie Falls
Hiking in Florida? Yes! Waterfalls … maybe. This is a really fun hike that’s part of the Florida Trail called Boonie Falls. (You can also typically find it by typing it into Google Maps.) Start at Flagler Trailhead which is off of Lockwood in Oviedo. The trailhead is about a 10 minute drive from UCF and there are only a few parking spots on the street side next to the trailhead (so definitely go early) About a mile in from the main trailhead is Boonie Falls. Yes, there are waterfalls in Florida! They’re small, but the sound is soothing just the same. Wear good hiking shoes or boots as the trail is muddy in quite a few places. Bring snacks and enjoy a day outdoors!
34. Pies + Sweet Treats at Se7en Bites
Yes, yes, there’s a lot of coffee and sweets in the list of things to do in Orlando in the fall. But tis the season for such things! And as it gets closer to Thanksgiving, you’ll want to reserve your take home pies and desserts from Seven Bites in The Milk District. It’s such a delicious brunch spot, but also the best bakery for ordering your seasonal party treats.
- 🥧Pick up some pies for Thanksgiving, like their signature Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie.
- ☕️Grab a cup of seven bites custom blend coffee with the OG Barnies Coffee (flavor inspired by pie mentioned above.
- 🍰Or place a custom desert order for your special occasions this season! We ordered a Boston Cream Pie birthday cake for my mom that was divine decadence!
35. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail
For those seeking spine-tingling thrills, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail delivers one of Central Florida’s most terrifying haunted experiences. Rated “Best Haunted Attraction” by USA Today in 2024, this outdoor haunted trail features multiple themed areas connected by dark woodland trails, where costumed actors lurk behind every tree and corner. The elaborate sets and special effects create an immersive horror experience that’s been frightening visitors for over two decades. From zombie apocalypse scenarios to classic haunted house scares, each section offers different frights. The attraction typically runs from late September through October, with special events on Halloween night.
Not recommended for: Children under 12 or those with heart conditions Insider tip: Purchase fast-pass tickets to skip the lines on busy weekend nights
36. Host A Friendsgiving Picnic
Plan a photo-worth Friendsgiving picnic with friends! There is nothing better than dining outdoors in fine weather. We planned a Friendsgiving picnic where everyone brought a dish and Orlando Picnic set the table for us at Gaston Edwards Park in Downtown Orlando. We were so delighted by this gorgeous table setting and how special it made the occasion feel! Pick up an epic cheese board by Femme du Fromage and desserts at Choulala to make your fall picnic delicious and picture perfect.
Florida weather shines this time of year until summer heat sets in again. So get out and enjoy it. Plan a picnic in one of Orlando’s gorgeous parks.
37. Gobble Gobble Mofo
Gobble gobble, what?! Yes, order the he Gobble Gobble MoFo at Big As’s Sandwich on Primrose. It’s a Thanksgiving themed sandwich that includes house roasted turkey, gouda cheese, stuffing, cranberry aioli, and crispy onions. And it is served with sweet potato tots and gravy for dipping!
🚨 Available for a limited time during the year 🚨But if you happen to read this after November, ALL of their sandwiches are really great. Bad A’s was a crowd favorite at this year’s Cow’s and Cabs event. Our other favorite on the menu is the Ninja … crispy fried Asian sauce glazed pork belly topped with slaw, cilantro, and spicy miso lime aioli.
38. Meet Up With Friends At Milkhouse
Meet up with friends for casual lite bites at Milkhouse. It’s is a mini food hall in the Milk District and includes a great variety of Orlando food favorites. Here’s what we tried!
- 🍺Local Craft Beer from RavenousPig
- 🥃Hand Crafted Old Fashioned at The Milk Bar
- 🍖Tapas Style Dishes from Cicchetti by Bruno (the ribs and fried mozzarella were our personal favorites!)
- ☕️Foxtail Farmhouse Blend Coffee from Foxtail (also picked up a bag of their seasonal Winter Solstice Blend to brew at home)
- 🍦Ice Cream from Kelly’s (Bruno’s Cannoli is a special local flavor only available at this location!)
There’s a little something for everyone whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory! We love this local neighborhood hangout.
39. Craft Workshops at House On Lang
Sign up to try your hand at making modern crafts at House On Lang. Follow their Instagram to keep an eye out for special events, local creator market pop ups, and even fun workshops. We did one where we created watercolor gratitude affirmation cards for Thanksgiving and also a clay earring workshop. Both are fun to make for yourself or to give as a gift.
40. Shop Local And Get A Head Start Before The Holidays
I love that there’s so many small shops around town showcasing Orlando creators. From pins, to jewelry, custom T-shirts, ceramics, art, home goods, and even food items. Don’t wait until the holiday rush to start shopping for gifts. Fall is a great time of year to stock up your gift closet with local goods. Here’s a list of where you can shop local.
- 🛍 The Neighbors at East End Market for local gifts
- 🛍 Deli Fresh Threads for fun foodie gifts like pins and tees (find them at The Neighbors listed above too!)
- 🛍Etoile Boutique in The Milk District for fun vintage finds
- 🛍The Owl’s Attic and The Lovely on Corrine Drive for fun clothing and gifts.
- 🛍 Peterbrooke Chocolate for chocolate treats and sweet stocking stuffers
- 🛍 Magpies Modern General for clothes, candles, jewelry, and gifts. And Wondermade (mentioned for s’mores above!) for giftable handmade marshmallows in Historic Downtown Sanford.
- 🛍 House On Lange in the Mills 50 District for clothes, gifts, gorgeous housewares and local art
- 🛍 Mount Dora Marketplace for fun gift shops (and to see the 🎄 lights too!)
- 🛍 Adjectives Market for home decor in Winter Park, Winter Garden, and Altamonte
41. Pumpkin Glass Blowing Workshop
Embrace your creative side with a hands-on glass blowing experience at The Orlando Glassblowing Center. Their seasonal pumpkin workshop offers participants a chance to assist a professional glassblower in creating their own colorful, hand-blown glass pumpkin. During the workshop, you’ll get to choose your own colors, melt them in, and help blow, reheat, and shape your unique piece using a variety of traditional glass-making tools. This is an excellent opportunity to try your hand at an ancient art form while creating a beautiful fall decoration that will last for years. The experience is beginner-friendly and perfect for couples, friends, or families looking for a unique Orlando activity. Your finished pumpkin will need to cool overnight in a special annealing oven and can be picked up the following day.
Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, couples seeking a unique date night, anyone wanting a special handmade fall decorationNote: Participants must be at least 8 years old when accompanied by an adult, and the workshop costs between $75-$95 per pumpkin
42 – Paint Some Pottery
Fall crafts for the win! Paint a piece of pottery at All Fired Up, a pottery studio in Winter Park. I remember painting pottery at a place similar to this in the 00’s and was feeling a bit nostalgic on a rainy night. And we had so much fun!
There’s a variety of different projects to choose from, including small ring dishes to bigger things like light-up Christmas trees (I actually want to go back and do more!) Grab a friend, pick your project and paint colors, and have some fun creating unique gifts this holiday season. I painted a little planter and a coffee cup (or wine cup, depending on the time of day 😉)
43. Fountain Features at The Enzian
Check out Fountain Features at The Enzian Theatre! Fall is a great time for outdoor movies, and The Enzian has you covered.
- Reserve at table outside for one of their weekly Fountain Features on the patio next to Eden Bar.
- Get tickets to one of their many Christmas movie features throughout December.
- Mark your calendar for their monthly Popcorn Flicks In The Park (which is a free event year round! But the weather is particularly wonderful for outdoor movies this time of year).
44. Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
When it’s cool outside, it’s the perfect time for Grilled Cheese Happy Hour at Le Femme du Frommage.
- 🥪🍺On Fridays they pair gourmet grilled cheese with craft beer and each week is a different pairing based on the artisanal cheeses they currently have sourced.
- 🥪🍺Start your weekend with a comforting grilled cheese and beer!
- 🧀 And if you miss happy hour, there are plenty of other delicious cheeses and grazing plates on the menu.
45. Taste Locally Made Chocolate
Taste and shop locally made chocolate at Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Winter Park! You can get pretty much anything dipped in chocolate here! From potato chips, to bacon, and even a whole bottle of champagne! (Yes, a bottle of champagne dipped in chocolate!) Peterbrooke’s chocolate covered popcorn is legendary. If you’ve never had it, this is a must-try. And the hot cocoa bombs are perfect little giftables or a treat for yourself on a chilly night.
46. Day Trip To Sanford
Take a day trip up to Sanford. Seriously, the downtown area is such a great place to spend the day (or weekend!) Here is a sampling of things to do:
- 🍺Sip beer and play a game in the beer garden at Celery City Craft
- 🥨Head up to the rooftop beer garden at Hollerbach’s for beer and great German food
- 🛍Browse through the many shops along 1st Street
- ☕️Grab an artisan coffee or tea at The Collective
- 🐖BBQ pulled pork and all the sides at Fuel BBQ
- 🍺 Craft Beer and snacks at Wops Hops Brewing Company
- 🍫Hand crafted marshmallow S’mores at Wondermade
And there so much more we didn’t get too! Honestly, you might have to spend a weekend here to see/taste it all. But it’s only a 30 min drive from downtown Orlando and definitely worth a drive up.
47. Wine Tasting at Wine Bar George
Book a table for a wine tasting at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. With over 135 wines by the bottle, glass, and ounce, Wine Bar George has the best micro wine list in the world! And it is the only Master Sommelier led wine bar in Florida. A wine tasting here is one of my favorite things to do in Orlando in fall. Sip some outstanding wines along with tapas style plates, cheeses, and charcuterie. And don’t forget dessert!
48. Clear Kayak Tours
Discover Orlando’s hidden natural beauty with a unique clear kayak adventure. These transparent kayaks offer an unobstructed view of Florida’s crystal-clear springs and diverse aquatic life. Popular locations include Rock Springs and Winter Park. Fall is the perfect time for these tours as the water remains warm while air temperatures are more comfortable for paddling, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. You might spot manatees, turtles, fish, and various water birds during your journey. Many tour companies provide guided experiences with local naturalists who share fascinating information about the ecosystem.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful water adventure What to bring: Waterproof phone case, sunscreen, and a change of clothes
49. Celebratory Cocktails at The Waldorf Astoria
Celebratory seasonal “girl dinner” with craft cocktails and the best French fries in Orlando in the lounge at Bull and Bear in the Waldorf Orlando, rated one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by Open Table. TIP: Head to the lounge for an elevated experience with friends without breaking the bank.
We recommend ordering the Wagyu Carpaccio and the Fries … then wrap the fries with the carpaccio. It’s SO good. The mixologists are wizards behind the bar and always create a tasty seasonal cocktail menu that will pair perfectly with your carpaccio wrapped fries. Tell them your favorite spirit and see what they recommend!
50. Halloween Horror Nights
No fall Orlando experience is complete without visiting Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, consistently ranked as one of the world’s premier Halloween events. This separately ticketed event transforms Universal Studios into a terrifying playground filled with haunted houses based on popular horror franchises, original twisted tales, and scare zones throughout the park. Select attractions remain open, often with Halloween overlays, and the atmosphere is enhanced by fog, special lighting, and roaming scare actors. Each year brings new themes and experiences, from classic movie monsters to contemporary horror icons.
Essential tips:
- Purchase tickets in advance (they often sell out)
- Arrive early for shorter wait times
- Consider an Express Pass for busy nights
- The event is not recommended for children under 13
Florida Resident Perks:
- Frequent Fear Pass: Perfect for locals, this season pass allows multiple visits throughout the event period at a significant discount compared to individual night tickets
- Florida resident discounts are often available on select nights
- Annual passholders typically receive exclusive discounts and early access opportunities
Best strategy: Start with the haunted houses at the back of the park and work your way forward to avoid crowds
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