10 Best Small Towns in Florida for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Florida is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only are there some of the prettiest beaches in the world, but visitors can ride airboats through the swamps, kayak through beautiful marshes, and, of course, the saltwater and freshwater fishing brings anglers from all over the world because of the diversity of species and world records that have been set in Florida.
Florida has hundreds of thousands of acres of unspoiled pine forests and wetlands which makes it ideal for hiking or camping. And, since Florida is an aquifer, there are multiple springs found throughout the middle and northern parts of the state that attract scuba divers and snorkelers. If you are looking for outdoor adventure, look no further than the Sunshine State.
Islamorada
Islamorada is known as the "sport fishing capital of the world" and is also a top scuba diving destination. Visitors come from around the world for amazing fishing adventures and a large fishing fleet is available for offshore charters. The shipwrecks, coral reefs, and ledges are legendary here and are a popular draw for scuba divers and snorkelers as well.
Among the popular outdoor attractions is the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park, an old quarry made from fossilized coral reefs with eight-foot walls and five self-guided tours. The Theatre of the Sea is a lagoon and lush tropical forest and is a three-acre natural saltwater lagoon where guests can swim with dolphins, stingrays, and many other species.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a unique barrier island off of the northwest coast that attracts visitors due to its unspoiled beaches, walkable town, and miles of kayaking adventures through wetlands. For the nature lover, the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge is a group of islands offering walking trails and a seabird rookery that offers a slice of old Florida. Cemetary Point Park is interesting because it is 3.5 acres of marsh centered around the town cemetery and has a boardwalk that allows stunning views of the unspoiled land.
No trip to Cedar Key is complete without watching at least one sunset. The island lies three miles off of the mainland which offers a view of the sunset that is hard to beat. The best location to view the sunset is G Street Beach. There is an abundance of fishing charters and kayak tours here, and that is also a good way to enjoy the sunset after a day of catching redfish, cobia, or black drum.
Chipley
Chipley is a small town in Northwest Florida with an annual population of less than 4,000 but is brimming with outdoor adventures. The main attraction is the Falling Waters State Park where Sinkhole Trail leads the way to the state's tallest waterfall. There is also a 100-foot deep pit where a small stream drops 73 feet deep to the bottom but the end destination remains unknown.
The Seacrest Wolf Preserve is an immersive and educational experience where nature lovers can interact with wolves and learn about the species. For those who enjoy offroad toys, The Swamp Offroad Park is the place to go in Chipley. The Swamp offers trails and mud pits for all skill levels and 4x4s and side-by-sides are also welcome.
Steinhatchee
Speaking of waterfalls, Steinhatchee is home to Steinhatchee Falls which is the widest in Florida. The tannic waters cut through the limestone and the scenery is always different, depending on the amount of rainfall. This is an ideal location for riding a 4X4 and that's how most locals get around town. If you ride past the Falls, you'll come to the Steinhatchee Falls Loop. This half-mile trail runs through several points of interest including an 1800s pioneer migrant trail.
Steinhatchee is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. There are miles of unspoiled pine forests, dotted by small horse ranches and large saltwater marshes that are only available if traveling on a 4X4. Even though the town is mostly rural, the Steinhatchee River in the downtown area connects to the Gulf of Mexico just a few miles downriver. Steinhatchee is also known as the scallop capital of the world and visitors come from all over during the season which runs from June through September. The charter boats at the Sea Hag Marina take anglers to the best fishing and scalloping spots.
Sarasota
Sarasota is home to many beaches and its clear blue water and white sand beaches are perfect for fishing, snorkeling, and boating. Longboat Key is the northernmost beach and has a 12-mile coastline which is a popular spot for sunbathers and surf anglers. Siesta Key offers eight miles of pristine shoreline and is known for its gorgeous sunsets and night-time party atmosphere.
Along with the beaches, Sarasota attracts nature lovers for its wide array of botanical gardens and aquariums including the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Mote Marine Laboratory. Other outdoor attractions include paddleboarding through mangrove tunnels, bicycling the Legacy Trail, and birding.
Okeechobee
Okeechobee is a small town in southwestern Florida and is centered around Lake Okeechobee, the "eye of Florida" that can be seen on any map because of its size. The lake is a bass fisherman's dream and is also considered the "speckled perch capital of the world" which brings in anglers to the many fishing tournaments held here every year. There are numerous primitive and RV campgrounds near the shoreline which provide convenient access to the hiking and nature trails surrounding the lake, including the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail which spans 110 miles.
While the lake is the biggest attraction, there are other historical sites and state parks to visit. The Okeechobee Battlefield State Park is the site of a famous battle during the Second Seminole War and period actors perform battle reenactments. The Kissimmee Prarie Preserve State Park, which is designated as a Dark Skies location due to the lack of light pollution, offers stargazers a stunning view of the night sky.
Crystal River
Crystal River is an aptly named coastal town on the Gulf Coast. Glass bottom boat tours are the main attraction, which allows visitors to see the bottom of the river from the bottom of the boat, but there is an abundance of other outdoor activities to experience as well. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Kings Bay is the only refuge that provides shelters to manatees year-round and offers a unique glimpse of these playful creatures. The refuge also preserves Three Sisters Springs which offers nature trails, a boardwalk, and swimming access in the crystal clear spring.
For the history buff, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a 61-acre pre-Columbian site with burial mounds that borders a coastal marsh that allows fishing. Hunter Springs Park is accessible by trail or boat and is a popular birding spot and also a picnic area for kayakers. Crystal River is also a popular airboat destination and is arguably the best way to experience the raw natural beauty of the coastland.
Dunedin
Dunedin, on the Gulf Coast, is home to beautiful beaches, pine forests, and the number one state park in Florida, Honeymoon Island. The park has four miles of shoreline and a three-mile trail through one of the last virgin slash pine forests in America. The Caledesi Island State Park is an unspoiled island accessible only by boat that with pristine beaches and mangrove forests that can be traversed with kayaks.
Hammock Park is inland and filled with centuries-old cypress trees, and wooded trails, and is a prime spot for bird watching. There is also a playground and picnic areas available. Dunedin is a designated trail city and there are numerous bike rental shops in town. There are also bicycle historic tours which is the best way to soak in the history and nature that make this town unique.
High Springs
High Springs in Alachua County, is surrounded by natural springs and state parks. One of the most popular springs is Ginnie Springs which attracts thousands of cave divers and snorkelers annually. Other springs include Poe, Gilchrist, and Blue Springs. The average temperature of the springs year-round is 72℉ and this is one of the main reasons people visit High Springs.
O'Leno State Park, overlooking the Santa Fe River, is one of the first State Parks in Florida. The suspension view allows hikers to view the natural preserve from a bird's eye view. The river goes underground for three miles and reemerges at the River Rise Preserve State Park. This is a beautiful part of Florida that has been preserved by the state so it remains unspoiled and is the highlight of any outdoor adventure.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is a historic village in the Panhandle region that has been designated as a Blue Wave Beach. The biggest draw for outdoor enthusiasts is Grayton Beach State Park. The 2,000-acre park features white sand beaches, a dune lake, and nature trails that wind through salt marshes and coastal woodlands.
The Underwater Museum of Art is one of the must-see sites in Grayton Beach. The museum is one mile offshore and features sculptural art from local artists that change each year. The artwork attracts sea life and growth to help preserve this pristine stretch of water. Back on shore, the Timpoochee Trail provides 19 miles of scenic views including the beach communities along Highway 30A.
Florida is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. History and nature share a symbiotic relationship in this unique environment and this can be experienced in any one of the numerous state parks or nature preserves throughout the state. Florida has a diverse topography which can be seen from the crystal clear waters off of Islamorada to exploring the unspoiled marshlands on Cedar Key.
