10 Most Neighborly Towns In Florida
Florida is the home of many big cities and tourist hotspots, namely Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. It is among the most visited regions in the world for its idyllic weather, sandy beaches, and party scenes. After all, it is called the Sunshine State for very good reason.
Today will focus on the state's other ideal vacation communities, ones that come with a more neighborly feel and laid-back vibes. From historic districts and cultural landmarks to uncrowded beaches and natural beauty, these destinations will provide you with a slower pace of life without sacrificing the state’s signature attractions.
Whether you’re looking to kick back in a coastal community rich in oceanside history or discover an artsy town surrounded by lush woodlands, the 10 towns we will be highlighting are excellent places for both residents and visitors alike.
Vero Beach
Resting along Florida’s Treasure Coast, an expanse of oceanside landscapes north of Miami, Vero Beach is a friendly beach town and an ideal place to explore on foot.
Vero Beach is particularly known for its variety of clean beaches, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and even seasonal turtle watching. Moreover, the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the U.S., also offers a variety of ways for you to go kayaking, fishing, and boating, making the area and hotspot for those who love getting outdoors.
Culturally, Vero Beach boasts the Vero Beach Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and classical works, as well as a collection of pieces focused on the Indian River Lagoon’s natural environment. Furthermore, the town’s history is preserved and can be explored in the Heritage Center and the designated historic district surrounding it.
Fort Pierce
Also located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce mirrors Vero Beach with its museums, picturesque waterfront, and an emerging arts scene. One of this city's standout attractions is the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, which honors the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs.
The historic downtown area of Fort Pirce is home to a good mix of locally run shops, delicious seafood restaurants, and art galleries. Be sure to pay a visit to Fort Pierce's waterfront too, located along the Indian River Lagoon. This gathering point in the community is a clear highlight for both residents and visitors, with numerous spots for fishing, boating, and waterfront dining. The 2nd Street Bistro is an incredibly popular joint among locals througout the day, serving up Sunday brunch and featuring a famous happy hour.
The nearby Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is popular for its beaches, wildlife viewing, and nature trails, offering all who visit a convenient escape into nature.
With its beaches, food scene, and abundance of things to see and do, this town is a less crowded, more affordable, and much more community-oriented alternative to Miami.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora, a town of nearly 18,000 residents in Central Florida just north of Orlando, is lauded for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. Its historic downtown is a popular gathering place for locals, with an array of mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, and regularly held festivals that bring residents together.
Events like the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the annual Christmas Walk give residents and visitors alike a reason to connect, while organizations like the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment and the Rotary Club keep residents involved in bettering their town.
Lake Dora is also a scenic setting for outdoor activities, from boat tours to lakeside strolls. Numerous state parks nearby, like Wekiwa Springs State Park and Seminole State Forest, add to the variety of activities you can embark on while in and around this idyllic town.
St. Augustine
As the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States, the city of St. Augustine is a must-visit in Florida for history buffs. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the town is home to several renowned historic landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a very well-preserved 17th-century fortress, and the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, a spot that doubles as a great local accommodation too.
The bustling historic district is an essential area to explore while in the area, with ornate stone streets lined with colonial-era architecture, shops, restaurants, and other nice amenities. In addition to its historical offerings, St. Augustine is also known for its beautiful beaches. Anastasia State Park, for example, provides a wonderful natural escape with tons of scenic viewpoints, birdwatching spots, and places to kayak or go fishing.
Whether exploring the storied past of this town, relaxing by the beach, or enjoying the vibrant arts scene, St. Augustine stands out as a major historical destination with a tight-knit community dedicated to preserving its lengthy history.
Deland
Situated between Daytona Beach, and Orlando, DeLand is a busy town that is also home to the Stetson University campus, which contributes to its youthful atmosphere and many great cultural offerings, including art exhibits and performances at the DeLand Theatre.
DeLand is also rich in history that you should delve into if you have the time, with landmarks like the DeLand House Museum providing a look into the town's storied past. Another cool and educational locale is the Gillespie Museum. Run by the university, it is home to a huge collection of minerals and other interesting geological exhibits.
MainStreet is another big draw in Deland, a community located in the heart of downtown that anchors the community with regularly hosted public events and many of the town's oldest businesses. This neighborhood has since been awarded with the “Great American Main Street Award” in 1997.
For nature lovers, the nearby Blue Spring State Park is a hotspot for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, especially manatees during the winter months.
Apalachicola
Nestled along the Gulf Coast, the town of Apalachicola is a vibrant and historic fishing town that has retained its old-world charm into the modern day. It is known as a hub for fresh seafood, particularly oysters, which are harvested from the surrounding waters and served in local restaurants like the famous Up The Creek Raw Bar.
Apalachicola's small historic district, with buildings dating back to the 19th century, now houses many of its amenities, including hotels, eateries, and stores. The Gibson Inn in particular is an idyllic accommodation within steps of the scenic waterfront.
Apalachicola is also a gateway to much of the area's natural attractions, with nearby areas like the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin and the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge offering opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking.
Whether you’re enjoying the town’s locally sourced ingredients, soaking in its history, or venturing into the surrounding natural beauty, Apalachicola is a standout destination in Florida’s Panhandle that comes with friendly vibes all around.
Venice
Also located on Florida’s sun-soaked Gulf Coast, Venice is known for its relaxed atmosphere that makes for a perfect beach escape. Its historic downtown core area contains an interesting mix of Mediterranean Revival architecture and attractions like the Venice Museum. Right around the corner from the museum sits the Monty Andrews Arboretum, a wonderful city park that you can freely explore.
As you can imagine, Venice is also renowned for its beaches, with Venice Beach offering access to stunning Gulf views and the chance to search for prehistoric shark teeth along the shore, earning the town its nickname, "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Beyond the beach, the Venetian Waterway Park provides a peaceful place for walking, cycling, and enjoying views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Venice also has a strong cultural presence in western Florida, with the Venice Theatre being one of the largest community theaters in the entire country, offering a range of live performances throughout the year.
Fernandina Beach
Resting on the beautiful Amelia Island in the very far northeast corner of Florida, Fernandina Beach is home to world-class attractions like the Fernandina Beach Marina, a central point for the community. Here is where visitors and residents can watch boats come and go, enjoy fresh seafood restaurants, or explore the nearby marina. Make sure to stop by the highly rated Salty Pelican Bar & Grill, just across the street from the harbor, for some of the best food and live music in the region.
The area is also known for its selection of beaches, including Main Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming in the summer months, and Fort Clinch State Park, where you can explore up close a former military fort, hike its network of trails, or fish from the pier.
Key West
At the southernmost tip of the United States sits Key West, an iconic town that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty into one of the best vacation destinations in the country. With a well-established laid-back atmosphere and a visually striking downtown, the neighborly community here only adds to its appeal.
Popular landmarks such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offer a look into the life of the famed author who once called Key West home, while the Key West Lighthouse is the place to go for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The town is also renowned for its sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, where visitors can watch street performers and enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Gulf of Mexico.
many come simply to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches, where opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing abound. The waters surrounding Key West are notably part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, offering a protected environment for marine life.
Winter Park
Sitting just north of Orlando, Winter Park is an incredibly community-oriented town with a focus on upkeeping nature and its robust arts scene. Destinations like Kraft Azalea Garden, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor events, relax by Lake Maitland, or simply enjoy its collection of gardens and outdoor monuments.
Winter Park also houses institutions like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to an extensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and the Winter Park Playhouse, a regional theater offering a range of performances. For those interested in diving deeper into the artistic history of this Orland suburb, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum provides an excellent mix of art exhibitions and other community displays.
Embrace these Friendly Communities in Florida on Your Next Vacation
This selection of Florida’s most neighborly small towns showcases the state’s diversity beyond its major cities and theme parks. Whether driving along the coast, strolling around a historic district, or exploring a park, each community above offers a distinct experience that highlights Florida’s cultural and geographic variety. From waterfront escapes to artistic enclaves, these destinations provide a quieter, more personal way to explore the state.
