Whether you celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re looking at a holiday weekend ahead. The federal holiday falls on the second Monday of each October, presenting a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends and family, take a little trip and discover what’s in your backyard. Here’s a guide for some fun ideas to consider during this special fall break.
NKF Rich Salick Surf Festival
The NKF Rich Salick Surf Festival ranks as one of the largest charitable surfing competitions for its support of the National Kidney Foundation. In addition to professional and amateur competitions at Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, the 38th edition hosts the Foamie Surf Classic, a Hawaiian luau and surf film screening on the beach, and Taste of Brevard at Cocoa Beach Country Club (October 7-9).
nkfsurf.com
Named for the Kennedy Space Center, site of NASA’s SpaceX rocket launches, the Space Coast occupies much of Brevard County. It attracts surfers, cruise passengers (Port Canaveral) and nature lovers looking for pristine white beaches where sea turtles nest. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Melbourne Beach | Merritt Island
Brightline To Orlando
Board Brightline, the Sunshine State’s high-speed rail service that recently connected its final stretch of track to Orlando for a quicker ride than a car trip from stops in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Perks range from discounted fares for groups and kids to complimentary Uber and shuttle transportation within certain distances from stations to theme parks and more.
gobrightline.com
Spanning 235 miles from Miami to Orlando, Brightline stops in many South Florida cities. Here are just a couple destinations to call home. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Synonymous with Aventura Mall, among the highest-grossing shopping centers in the U.S., the relatively new city of Aventura was also founded and developed by the same visionary. Its ideal location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and their respective airports is convenient for commuters and visitors alike. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Aventura
Perhaps most famous for its destination mall and namesake luxury resort, Boca Raton also delights snowbirds and locals alike for its arts, entertainment venues and proximity to down-home Delray Beach. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Boca Raton
Jax River City Pride
Though Pride Month is celebrated nationwide in June, Jacksonville also hosts Jax River City Pride during fall to take advantage of the great weather and bustling change of season. Grand marshal Mayor Donna Deegan leads the 1.5-mile Pride parade through a historic LGBTQIA+ neighborhood to the 5 Points business district (October 8). The party continues with the Jax RC Pride Festival and Cabaret.
jaxrcpride.org
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Pro Sports
Between rooting for the Fins and Jags, show some love for our Inter Miami CF and Florida Panthers. Both teams play home games at their Broward bases this weekend. Despite Lionel Messi being sidelined with an injury, cheer for Inter Miami CF against Cincinnati and Charlotte (DRV PNK Stadium). The Panthers and longtime rivals Tampa Bay Lightning play a preseason game (Amerant Bank Arena).
intermiamicf.com | nhl.com/panthers
Broward County spans the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Fort Lauderdale and its beaches to the Florida Everglades. The expansive area offers historic neighborhoods, luxury high rises and family-friendly gated communities with a choice of in-town and suburban lifestyles. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Pompano Beach | Southwest Ranches
Kids’ Entertainment
Make it a double-holiday weekend with the 13th annual Not-So-Scary Family Halloween Bash at Miami Children’s Museum (October 8). Beyond its beloved haunted house as the main attraction, kids can decorate pumpkins, meet characters and trick or treat. “Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza” stops in West Palm Beach (Kravis Center, October 7) and Miami (Arsht Center, October 10).
miamichildrensmuseum.org | disneyjuniortour.com
West Palm Beach sits on the mainland directly across from the island of Palm Beach. The growing city has become a destination in its own right for convention and performing art centers, hip restaurants and shopping of all kinds from major brands to vintage wares. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
West Palm Beach
Known as the gateway to Latin America, the dynamic city of Miami is constantly evolving with the influx of new residents, visitors, businesses and brands from all over the world. There’s always something new and exciting to try, whether a starchitect-designed space, museum exhibit or hot restaurant. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Snapper Creek Lakes | Brickell
Animal Attraction
Support animals at several events. Commemorate Hobe Sound Nature Center and Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge’s mission during their “50th Anniversary Shell-ebration” (October 7). Jupiter-based musician Ricky Young performs for Big & Small Dog Ranch Rescue’s “Barks & Brews” (Downtown Palm Beach Gardens, October 6). Brevard Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo” kicks of this weekend (Saturdays and Sundays through October).
hobesoundnaturecenter.org | bdrr.org | brevardzoo.org
Hobe Sound is a quiet, green paradise tucked between Tequesta/Jupiter and Stuart. The unincorporated area offers some of the nation’s most unspoiled beaches and preserves including Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, a key sea turtle nesting site. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Tequesta | North Palm Beach | Stuart
A golfer’s mecca, Palm Beach Gardens is home to the PGA headquarters, the Honda Classic and luxury golf communities, many of which attract famous athletes. The community also shines for its conveniences such as the Gardens Mall and Downtown PBG, among well-tended retail centers. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Palm Beach Gardens
Though most associated with the Kennedy Space Center, hence its Space Coast nickname, Brevard County offers so much more. Its world-class Brevard Zoo supports animal conservation, while its largest city Palm Bay is known for innovation and growth. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Melbourne Beach | Merritt Island