Labor Day in Florida: where sunshine and relaxation collide with a touch of salty sweat and soggy t-shirts. As the rest of the country bids farewell to summer, Floridians embrace this holiday like a flamingo does water – gracefully, yet ready to party.
From beaches adorned with colorful umbrellas to theme parks teeming with tourists seeking one last adrenaline rush before fall sets in, Labor Day in the Sunshine State is an electrifying affair.
So grab your flip-flops, slap on some sunscreen, and join us as we dive headfirst into the wild and wacky world of Labor Day festivities in Florida!
Things to Do on Labor Day in Florida
There are plenty of things to do on Labor Day in Florida, and not all of them are beach-related.
For example, you can visit the beaches of Destin for a day on the beach, or enjoy a craft beer festival in Key West.
Or you can check out a downtown market in Ocala.
1. Labor Day in Destin, Florida
Destin is a beach destination
If you’re looking for a beach vacation during Labor Day weekend, Destin is a great choice.
Destin is home to fun events throughout the weekend, including the annual Labor Day Concert Celebration at HarborWalk Village.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation with friends or family, Destin offers several options. The Emerald Coast city is renowned for its sugary white sands, fresh seafood, and great fishing.
On Labor Day weekend, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities, including live music and art at the Baytown Art Walk.
You can even take in a spectacular fireworks display from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Destin has a waterfront musical festival
Destin has a waterfront musical festival on Labor day that is a popular weekend destination. It features live music all day and night.
The weekend also features fireworks and a fire-spinning show.
There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, so there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.
The festival will feature music by local and regional artists. It concludes with a fireworks display over the lagoon. The event is family-friendly and pet-friendly.
There are several activities planned for the entire family, including live music and a dog park.
The festival also features the Destin Rotary Club’s annual Cajun Crawfish Bash.
The Emerald Coast is a great place to celebrate Labor Day with family and friends.
The city has plenty to do during Labor Day Weekend, including the waterfront musical festival and Baytown Art Walk.
The water temperature is perfect for relaxing on the beach, and the city is packed with festivities.
Destin has a drive-in movie theater
If you’re looking for a fun family activity to do on Labor Day, Destin has plenty to offer.
Not only does the area enjoy beautiful weather all year round, but there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
From a drive-in movie theater to a Gulfarium marine adventure park, Destin has something for everyone.
Drive-in movies have a nostalgic appeal and are a fun way to spend the day with your family.
Admission is usually around $5 for adults and three dollars for kids. You can also bring your dog along on a leash, which makes for even more family fun.
Ticket prices vary by age. Kids ages 5 and under can get in for free, while children ages four and older must pay $7.
The theater takes only cash, so make sure you bring some cash.
Destin is home to many famous people.
Emeril Lagasse, the chef behind the hit television show “The Kitchen,” lives in Destin and frequently shops for fresh seafood.
Even Britney Spears, the pop star, purchased a vacation home in the area in the late 90s.
Other celebrities who frequent Destin include Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, and Sheryl Crow.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Destin on a weekday instead. Mondays and Fridays are usually the least busy.
Destin is known for its sugary white beaches and top-notch fishing.
You can also check out the family-friendly Henderson Beach State Park or the Crab Island Water Park.
In addition to theme parks, Florida has over 175 state parks that offer secluded escapes.
A day at one of these will provide you with a good amount of time to explore the state’s many attractions. In addition to theme parks, Florida also hosts events throughout the year.
You can visit Shine St. Petersburg, an arts festival featuring local artists, or enjoy a day at Fort De Soto Park with its swimming pool and pier.
A lazy river or a natural spring will provide a much-needed respite from the hot summer heat.
If you’re in the area, you can also take advantage of great Florida Resident discounts at these locations.
Other attractions in the area include Tampa Riverwalk, Weeki Wachee Springs, and kayaking in the bay area.
2. Epperson Lagoon
Spending Labor Day weekend in Florida means you’ll have the opportunity to spend the day at Epperson Lagoon.
The family-friendly attraction offers beach and water access for a fee of $40 per person.
During the day, guests can enjoy the 30-foot waterslide, a variety of water sports, and lawn games.
You can also visit the swim-up bar and play beach volleyball.
Located just outside of Tampa, FL, Epperson Lagoon is a slice of paradise.
The lagoon is a seven-acre expanse of crystal blue waters surrounded by soft, white sand.
There are various spots to sunbathe or swim. Epperson Lagoon features a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course, a swim-up bar, and live entertainment.
There are many activities at Epperson Lagoon for the entire family. The swim-up bar is a fun feature, as are the many routines available.
You can even rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the water.
You can also watch movies on the lawn, enjoy live entertainment, or play games on the sand.
3. Ocala Downtown Market
If you’re looking for a fun outdoor place to spend a Saturday afternoon, head to the Ocala Downtown Market.
The market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features products from local vendors.
Vendors sell everything from fresh produce to boho decor and make-your-own-bloom flower carts. There’s even an ATM and restrooms on-site.
Located in the central region of the state, Ocala is surrounded by lush rolling hills and streams.
The city is named after the Timucua tribe that originally settled the area.
The town was incorporated into the United States in 1821. The town’s streets are lined with mature trees.
There are dozens of local artists’ displays and live music under a gazebo. You can grab a bite to eat here as well.
4. Key West Brewfest
If you’re looking for an event to attend on Labor Day in Florida, the Key West Brewfest is the place to go.
This brew festival usually features over 100 different beers.
There’s also an array of activities, from beer brunches to happy hours, pool parties to late-night parties.
You can even buy a VIP ticket for early access to the festival and other perks.
There are a number of events throughout the festival, and you can get more information about each one by visiting the festival website.
For example, on Saturday, there is a signature tasting event that will be held, and this event has sold out in the past. You can also purchase general admission tickets, which are $40.
The Key West BrewFest is a multi-day event hosted by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Key West.
The event includes beer dinners, pool parties, and beer brunches, as well as bingo and live music.
5. Amelia Island during Labor Day
When you think of summer vacation, you probably picture the beach and warm weather.
But the fact is that summer doesn’t have to end at the beach.
There are still some activities to do at Amelia Island on Labor Day in Florida.
While the beaches are empty during the week after Labor Day because schools have resumed, the holiday weekend brings a surge of visitors to this beautiful city.
There are 13 miles of beachfront to explore!
You can attend the Amelia Island Dance Festival, a three-day celebration of dance.
The festival features four live performances that feature national and local talent.
You can check out performances of ballet, jazz, tap, and acro yoga.
You can also attend workshops that feature professional dancers. Many of these classes are free or very low-cost.
For those looking for a more active vacation, Amelia Island has bike rentals that are affordable. You can also bring your own bike to explore the island.
Several bike rental companies offer beach cruisers that are equipped to handle the sand better than standard bikes.
Amelia Island is a beach destination
Amelia Island is also a beach destination on Florida’s northeast coast, just a short drive from Jacksonville that offers beautiful beaches, guided horseback tours along the shore, and the chance to spot dolphins and endangered right whales.
You can also enjoy fine dining, hiking trails, and fishing. Amelia Island has a unique combination of nature and culture.
The island is rich in history, and you can learn about it at the Amelia Island Museum of History.
Housed in an old jail, the museum provides a glimpse into the island’s past.
From pre-Columbian culture to the Spanish missions and the Civil War, you can explore Amelia Island’s colorful history.
The area is home to several popular restaurants.
If you prefer a less-crowded beach, try Fort Clinch State Park, where you can enjoy a day by the ocean without the hordes of tourists.
- Amelia Island’s golf courses include the Little Sandy Short Course, which features ten lakeside holes.
- Another golf option is Anastasia State Park, which offers 1,600 acres of breathtaking dunes and pristine beaches.
Beautiful Florida Hotels to Spend Your Labor Day Holiday
- JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
When planning a Labor Day getaway in Florida, consider staying at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of activities while you’re there.
This resort has plenty of family-friendly activities, including poolside cabanas and a world-class spa.
There are even packages available that save you money on room rates and parking.
- Saddlebrook Resort
Vacationing Labor Day weekend in Florida at Saddlebrook Resort is a great idea if you love the outdoors and the sunshine.
The resort is located about half an hour from downtown.
This hotel offers a variety of amenities. Guests can take advantage of three heated pools, two Arnold Palmer golf courses, 45 tennis courts, a five-acre ropes course, a European spa, and seven restaurants.
In addition, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle service and enjoy the many attractions in the area.
The resort is comprised of four buildings surrounded by park-like courtyards and offers an upscale blend of luxury, space, and convenience.
Over 75% of the accommodations are suites, providing a luxurious retreat with complete kitchens and living areas. The resort is a perfect choice for families or groups seeking a peaceful setting for an extended stay.
The resort is located near the Wesley Chapel International Airport. It is about 30 minutes from Tampa airport. For reservations, please contact the hotel by October 20.
The hotel is known for its tennis stars and features two Arnold Palmer golf courses.
Labor Day in Florida Vacation Packages
Labor Day in Florida vacation packages offer plenty of options for activities that the whole family can enjoy.
For example, the popular Orlando theme parks are less crowded in September.
Another option for Labor Day in Florida vacations is a trip to the Exotic Animal Experience Zoo.
The Orlando Resort has a Labor Day weekend getaway package that includes four days/3 nights in a luxury one-bedroom condo and two complimentary Seaworld tickets.
Water-sports enthusiasts will enjoy the resort’s water slides and other aquatic attractions. The resort also has several swimming pools and an atrium area where guests can relax.
Paddle boards and kayaks can be rented on-site.
Another option for a Labor Day getaway in Florida includes a trip to the Seven-mile Bridge. This historic bridge connects the Middle Keys and the Lower Keys.
Walking along the bridge offers a great scenic view. While you’re there, you can also explore the bridge by jogging or biking.
The Gulf Coast is another popular destination in Florida during Labor Day. Visitors can experience breathtaking Gulf beach views from the Gulf of Mexico.
This popular area also offers a variety of water activities and historical attractions. Visitors can attend the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, organized by the company Pepsi.
There are plenty of outdoor activities in Panama City, including sunset boat rides or wildlife viewing.
There are also many family-friendly activities to choose from, including Ray’s baseball games and music festivals.
In addition, you can experience the local labor day celebration in Oldsmar.
In addition, you can enjoy the fireworks at the Oldsmar Fireworks Festival. You can also enjoy the beach and brews at Cigar City Brewing.
Another option for a Labor Day in Florida vacation is to visit Winter Garden, a historical city with a vintage charm. There is a weekly farmer’s market here, which opens at 9 am.
Local artisans sell fresh produce, crafts, juices, and popsicles. This is also a dog-friendly town, and most of the restaurants have outdoor seating.
Wrapping Up
Labor Day is a day of celebration and is one of those days where you can do anything! It’s the last day of summer and it’s also the first day of fall.
The holiday is celebrated by many different people, but there are some places where you can celebrate Labor Day in Florida, where you can go for an amazing experience.
You can enjoy a relaxing vacation or spend time with your loved ones at home. There are many great things to do on this holiday.
You can also enjoy some great food and music while doing it!
