Halloween in Florida is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. As someone who loves the spooky season, I was thrilled when my friend Olivia suggested a Halloween-themed trip. Florida’s blend of sunshine, eerie stories, and festive fun makes it a perfect destination to celebrate Halloween. If you’re looking for things to do in Florida for Halloween, this guide from my adventure will help you plan the ultimate spooky getaway.
After a day filled with Halloween excitement, you’ll definitely want a cozy place to unwind. I’ll also guide you to the best accommodations in Florida. Despite the busy tourism season, the area offers a wide range of excellent vacation rentals to consider. Even if you’re looking for luxury vacation rentals, home rentals, hotel stays, resort accommodations, beach rentals, or cabin retreats, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your needs.
Before I dive deeper, here’s a sneak peek of the spooky things to do in Florida for Halloween that we covered –
- Pumpkin Patch Picking
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- ZooBoo at ZooTampa
- Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
Table of Content
Spooky Things to Do in Florida For Halloween
Last October, my friend Olivia and I decided to embark on a spooky adventure to experience Halloween in Florida. We’ve always been huge fans of Halloween, and Florida is packed with events that blend thrills, fun, and plenty of scares. With pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and some of the best Halloween events you could imagine, our trip was nothing short of unforgettable! If you’re planning a visit for the first time, these are the things to do in Florida for Halloween that will make your trip as memorable as ours.
1. Pumpkin Patch Picking
We kicked off our Halloween adventure with a visit to a pumpkin patch near Orlando. There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about picking out your own pumpkin, especially when you’re surrounded by families, fall decor, and the crisp autumn air (well, as crisp as it gets in Florida!). The patch we visited had more than just pumpkins – there were hayrides, corn mazes, and even food trucks serving fall-themed treats.
The best part? Olivia and I turned it into a competition to see who could find the most perfectly shaped pumpkin for carving later that evening.
Pro tip: pumpkin patches in Florida are a bit warmer than those up north, so dress comfortably and bring water!
2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Olivia and I are both Disney fans, so naturally, we had to check out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. It was an absolute blast! From the moment we stepped into Magic Kingdom, the entire park was decked out in Halloween decorations, with pumpkins, spooky lights, and even costumed characters greeting us.
What makes this event unique is that it’s perfect for all ages. The trick-or-treating stations were a hit (even for two adults like us!), and the Halloween parade was one of the most magical experiences. The fireworks show? Breathtaking! We also couldn’t resist dressing up, as adults are allowed to wear costumes at this event, which added to the fun. This is hands down one of the best Halloween events in Florida, and if you’re visiting during the spooky season, it’s a must-see.
3. ZooBoo at ZooTampa
Next on our spooky tour was ZooBoo at ZooTampa. Olivia had never been to Tampa, so this was an exciting first for her. What’s great about ZooBoo is that it combines both a traditional zoo experience with Halloween-themed attractions. From haunted houses to lighthearted scares for younger kids, ZooTampa really knows how to put on a show.
One of our favorite parts was the “Scare Zones,” where costumed actors jump out and surprise you as you make your way through the zoo. But don’t worry, it’s not too intense—more fun than fright. We also got to see the animals during the day, which was a nice break from the haunted excitement.
4. Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
I’ve always been fascinated by history, and Olivia is a sucker for anything supernatural, so we couldn’t pass up a ghost tour in St. Augustine. As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is packed with eerie tales, and the city itself has a spooky vibe, especially at night.
We booked a night tour that took us through old cemeteries, haunted inns, and even the famous Castillo de San Marcos. Our guide told us chilling stories about past residents whose spirits are said to still wander the streets. The atmosphere was surreal – lanterns flickered in the distance as the guide whispered about ghost sightings. It was easily one of the best ghost tours I’ve ever been on, and it’s a must if you’re looking for spooky things to do for Halloween.
5. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
To wrap up our Halloween adventure, Olivia and I headed to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa. This is NOT for the faint-hearted! While the daytime at Busch Gardens is full of roller coasters and animal exhibits, nighttime turns it into a terrifying theme park experience with haunted houses, scare zones, and actors lurking in the shadows.
We went through several haunted houses, each one scarier than the last. The best (or worst, depending on your scare tolerance) part? There’s no escaping the actors who chase you, scream, and even jump out when you least expect it. By the end of the night, Olivia and I were clinging to each other, both laughing and screaming. If you love an adrenaline rush, Howl-O-Scream is one of the top Halloween events in Florida.
Accommodation Options in Florida
Florida has a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Even if you’re seeking luxury, budget-friendly, or unique stays, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy your Florida adventure. Here is a list of the best accommodation options in Florida –
- Quality Inn – Nestled just minutes from historic St. Augustine, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and essential amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for families and travelers looking to explore the nation’s oldest city.
- Hyatt Place – This modern hotel features spacious rooms with separate living areas and stunning views of Vilano Beach. Guests can savor a complimentary breakfast, unwind by the outdoor pool, or take advantage of the hotel’s convenient location near historic attractions and waterfront dining.
- Spark by Hilton – A smart, budget-friendly option, this hotel provides contemporary rooms and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Its easy access to I-95 makes it a convenient stop for travelers on the go.
- Hilton Garden Inn – Ideal for family vacations, this hotel is situated near major attractions like Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a full-service restaurant, and amenities like an outdoor pool and fitness center, ensuring a comfortable and fun stay.
- Hilton Orlando – This elegant hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers. With upscale accommodations, a full-service restaurant, and an outdoor pool, guests can relax and unwind. Its central location provides easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions in the greater Orlando area.
Essential Tips for Halloween in Florida
- Book Early: Halloween events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Howl-O-Scream sell out quickly, so make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
- Dress Comfortably: Florida is still warm in October, so wear breathable clothes, especially if you’re going to be outside for extended periods.
- Bring a Bag for Treats: If you’re planning to do trick-or-treating at places like Disney, don’t forget a bag for all the candy you’ll collect!
- Stay Hydrated: Between haunted houses, ghost tours, and outdoor events, you’ll be walking a lot. Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Florida is hands down one of the best places to celebrate Halloween, offering a wide variety of events that cater to all ages and thrill levels. Olivia and I had an incredible time exploring these spooky spots, and I can’t recommend them enough to fellow Halloween enthusiasts. Plus, ending each day at one of the vacation rentals in Florida made our trip even more relaxing. So, if you’re planning your Halloween getaway, be sure to add these places to your list – they’ll create memories you won’t forget!
FAQs
Yes! Florida offers a range of Halloween events, from family-friendly to downright terrifying, making it one of the best states to celebrate Halloween.
Absolutely. From theme park haunted houses at Busch Gardens to independent haunts around the state, Florida has plenty to offer for scare-seekers.
St. Augustine is known as one of the most haunted cities in Florida, with ghost tours taking visitors through cemeteries and haunted buildings.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is considered one of the scariest Halloween events in Florida due to its intense haunted houses and scare zones.
Some of the most popular activities include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, pumpkin patch picking, Howl-O-Scream, ZooBoo, and ghost tours in St. Augustine.
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