10 of the Most Charming Towns in Florida
Although the title of the land of enchantment goes to the US state of New Mexico, the Sunshine State's small towns inspire a magical escape. Home to piers and lighthouses, discover research centers, rehabilitation facilities for recovering sea life, and even a dolphin theater in Islamorada. From the Gulf of Mexico to the rolling hills, the venerable Dade City features a safari, while Ponce Inlet is home to an immense archaeological site.
For seafood, head to Marathon, although it's hard to go wrong with Apalachicola, an old fishing village, second on the list. And you'll have to get pretty far down to find out which town is home to the state's tallest harbor light. Brimming with charming discoveries that melt the coldest hearts, from beautiful sights to Southern comfort food, you'll be greeted by pastel cottages, welcoming inns, and cute seaside cafes all the same. Atlantic Beach is a favorite base for surfing the perfect swells from your beachfront campsite.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria, a barrier island, inspires a mirage, snug between the Gulf of Mexico and mainland Florida. Offering easy access into the dainty paradise, it's all about bliss along the seven-mile pearly white sand stretch that feels like silk between your toes. In addition, the laid-back environment and strict rules of business and construction comprise an absolute haven for couples and peace lovers, with a complement of antique stores, art galleries, and some smack-lipping-good seafood eateries for everyone else. From explorative hikes to the ultimate Sunshine State beach experience by the crystal-clear waters along the peace-inducing Bean Point Beach, nature lovers go bonkers at the chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins near the shore, while the whole of the island is a bird sanctuary.
The active can also take up kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or a fishing charter, or simply relax with a rod and soak up vitamin D before strutting along the pier at sunset. Starting the morning at Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery or Cool Beans AMI over an exceptional breakfast, browse for seaside treasures at quaint locally owned boutiques and seafront cafes for craft gifts and the nature kind, served on your plate with flair. Every experience is elevated by the European feel downtown, alongside culinary excellence at the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits or international cuisines along Bridge Street. For a sea-centric ambiance at its finest, snatch a waterfront rental with comfort for every budget and a moment of ecstasy at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store.
Apalachicola
This historic fishing village on the cusp of the Gulf of Mexico charms as a "distinctive destination," with well-preserved buildings, including over 900 structures dating from the 1830s, like former ships’ chandleries, factories, and warehouses. Orman House Historic State Park features a 19th-century mansion with trails and guided tours, including the adjacent botanical garden with picnic tables, while the unique John Gorrie Museum State Park exhibits local history and the inventions of the native physician, an air-conditioning pioneer. Hands down, one of the nation's best seafood hubs, don't miss the mouthwatering delicacies at the riverside Up The Creek Raw Bar. Nestled in the embrace of the eponymous river with the whole Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area across the water, visitors can enjoy kayaking or take a fishing charter for a sure catch to cook by the beach.
Seamlessly weaving the old into the new, visitors can discover the antiquated exteriors housing trendy art galleries, bars, cafes, and waterfront restaurants serving seafood that make the city the “Oyster Capital of the World.” Overlooking two islands, St. Vincent and the long and skinny St. George, parallel to the shore, see if you can sight the historic St. George Island Lighthouse, with access from Eastpoint to this reconstructed two-story lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views, a history museum, and a gift shop. Connect to Eastpoint across the East Bay from Battery Park via the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge along the long scenic pier/boardwalk, aka Route 98. Whether you're in for history or the grub, Apalachicola National Forest is the real-deal great outdoors, with spring-fed lakes for swimming, canoeing, and hiking through some of the state's best coastal forests.
Atlantic Beach
This little town's name is straight to the point, sharing a slice of the Atlantic with neighboring Neptune Beach. Atlantic Beach is a popular destination away from the bustle of Jacksonville. Even the big-name Jacksonville Beach, dominating Northeast Florida, falls behind when it comes to a healthy dose of sand dunes and no crowds to enjoy all the same surfable waves. Whether you're renting a beach cruiser for the dunes or pedaling through Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Le Petit Paris Café is a great stop right after. With something for every group and interest, visitors can enjoy immediate access to one of the state's best coastal parks for surfing and swimming, as well as fishing and boating in a lake and hiking. The adjacent Hanna Park Campground is a top-rated option with waterfront RV sites and cabins, plus a kids' splash pad and a convenience store.
From the oceanfront One Ocean Resort & Spa to the retro Hotel Palms Motor Court Hotel, there's an independent hotel for your taste, while Southern Grounds is a coffee lover's best friend in the morning. Speckled by dog-friendly town greens and the Intercoastal Waterway at the backdoor, visitors can explore the Dutton Island Preserve, take a dolphin tour, play tennis, or enjoy the Atlantic Beach Country Club, one of the region's best golf courses. A few minutes drive south to the Jacksonville Beach Pier before sunset affords the best views of the sizzling spectacle from the vast wooden deck, its authentic fish cleaning stations, concessions, and a bait shop. From the wind-swept sea oats to the admirable custom homes framed by wildflowers and a tidy downtown area, the hamlet of Atlantic Beach is a taste of small beach town life at its finest.
Dade City
The unassuming Dade City nestles along the rolling hills just 40 miles north of Tampa, under an hour from the Atlantic, lapping up Florida’s Sports Coast. Exuding Old Florida charm, escape the beach bodies into a culturally enriching one with sites like Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum. The rustic Pioneer Florida Museum and Village features an authentic atmosphere and cane syrup-making demonstrations at the 1860s Overstreet House, made of native Florida heart pine. Nearby, the paved Withlacoochee State Trail is a virtually uninterrupted 47-mile ride from experienced cyclists to wheelchair- and stroller-accessible paths, while the scenic Withlacoochee River Park offers camping, fishing, and 13 miles of hiking trails. Just to the east, the 560,000 protected acres of Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve abound in opportunities for birding, biking, horseback riding, and paddling, as well as more fishing and camping by the waters.
Visitors can take a self-guided Historic Dade City Walking Tour, including vendors and amusements, during the annual Dade City Kumquat Festival in January for kumquat (a citrus fruit), pantry staples, and even zesty beers. Among antique stores and independent eateries, don't miss the venerable Angel Tea Room & Heavenly Treasures Gift Shop and Joy-Lan Drive-in & Swap Shop, showing first-run movies, plus the weekend market with a snack bar. Families enjoy safari tours at the 47-acre Giraffe Ranch on a guided camel, or Segway ride with zebras, pygmy hippos, and ostriches, while TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park has flying-high educational excitement for all ages, like the “Little Lemur’s Course” designed for toddlers. Start the day at the award-winning Ford Motor Company-constructed building of Kafe Kokopelli from 1916, and dine among hard-die fan locals at the go-to Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant.
DeFuniak Springs
While some seek cultural enlightenment, others like to escape the beach bodies in the surrounds of Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek Water Management Area, a large floodplain forest just southeast with boat launches and fishing, as well as camping and hiking. Just 45 minutes from the coast, northeast of Destin in the Florida Panhandle, no summertime escape to DeFuniak is complete without waterfront recreation at Lake Stanley Park. Among many natural attractions, the Circle Drive Historic Center reveals the town's distinct Victorian heart, nestled between the beautiful Juniper Lake to the north and the pet-friendly Twin Lakes Camp Resort just south. Visitors can admire the historic district's almost 200 historic buildings by cruising around Circle Drive and Lake DeFuniak. Boating and birding opportunities abound right here at Chipley Park along one of only two perfectly round spring-fed lakes in the world, with paddling, a pier for fishing, and the historic Chautauqua Building.
Just 15 minutes away, the kid-friendly Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is perfect for a long weekend by the freshwater springs, with swimming, fishing, picnics, and nature trails. Nearby, Vortex Spring offers scuba and cave diving, water park activities, and camping. Among the downtown boutiques for gifts and antiques, the Farmers Market sells fresh baked goods on Saturday mornings, while Café Nola serves New Orleans-style cuisine. Relax over a craft cocktail and more at Bourbon Street Lounge, right by the renovated Hotel DeFuniak from 1920 within the historic district. There's no wrong time to visit, but Christmas Reflections, the Christmas Tour of Homes, and LakeFest make a pretty good excuse to escape. The family-friendly Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery is a must-visit, with attractions for all and views despite its central location, and Sapphire Island Camping & RV Park feels serene away from the bustle downtown.
Islamorada
Nestled between Key Largo and Marathon and between the Everglades National Park and Florida Strait, this village comprises the islands of five keys, including the Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, Indian Key, and Lignumvitae Key. Flaunting the title of “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada's crystal-clear seas teem with permit, tarpon, redfish, and bonefish—the largest fishable fleet per square mile on Earth! Attracting pro anglers and even beginners to pick up the skill with a friendly guide in town, charter services offer both offshore and backcountry excursions for all enthusiasts. Combine sightseeing with reeling in coveted species, and fry it up thereafter over an evening beachfire on a honed island. Bursting with family-friendly experiences in and out of waters, like feeding tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, the wide beachfront of Long Key State Park appeases close groups with access to swimming, kayaking, and camping.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers tours and hiking trails along unique sights, as well as kayaking access to Indian Key Historic State Park. The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center "dives" into the region's past, while the coveted Theater of the Sea presents dolphin performances. Stop for locally inspired art at the studios and galleries of the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, or how about a musical at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center? No one can resist simply soaking up the tropics with the shimmering turquoise waters under a swaying palm, like along the 45-acre Islamorada Founders Park with water sports rentals. After a sunny afternoon at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park of sunbathing, hiking, and swimming, stick around for an unreal sunset or head to the ICE Amphitheater for a waterfront concert. Can you see the aptly named iron-pile skeleton of the Alligator Reef Lighthouse, built in 1873 and christened after a US Navy schooner?
Marathon
The 10-mile-long Marathon nestles in the middle of the Florida Keys, an hour’s drive from the furthest Key West, to give you the scope and bearings of this island paradise. Comprising 13 islets like Grassy Key, Fat Deer Key, and Vaca Key, Marathon prevails in a family-friendly atmosphere and rich maritime history as a no-joke destination for boaters and sailors from around the globe. Attracting water sports fans to take on the calm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic waters, its boast-worthy marina features 1,200 wet slips and 1,200 dry slips. Home to the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, visitors can meander the scenic length for views and visit the neighboring communities via US Rte. 1 & Overseas Hwy. The Dolphin Research Center welcomes families to dolphin shows and to interact with dolphins and sea lions while learning about the center's work. Meet some of the friendly creatures in rehabilitation at the Turtle Hospital and feed the "permanent residents."
From snorkeling to scuba diving among the coral reefs, Sombrero Beach is a relaxation paradise, while the surfers enjoy the Lagoon on Grassy Key, where even the newbies like to practice board, wind, and paddlesports. Home to some of the best seafood of your life, the Island Fish Company, with a tiki bar, pairs classics with frozen drinks—think coconut shrimp. Don't miss the quirky, bustling Wooden Spoon for any meal of the day, while Keys Fisheries offers the chill atmosphere of an open-air fish house to savor conch fritters overlooking the bay. Just east of downtown, Curry Hammock State Park features a sprawling beachfront for campers, fishermen, and kayakers, with hiking trails through wetlands and seagrass beds. Crane Point Hammock comprises a natural history museum, marine touch tanks, a bird rescue center, and serene nature trails, while Sunset Park is all in its moniker to take in the tranquil ambiance of a fiery glow along a snug beach with picnic tables and benches.
Ponce Inlet
This charming town, unjustly overlooked south of bustling Daytona Beach, is unreplicable yet with all your favorite activities, in and out of the water, like some of the area's most surfable swells and a small downtown area drenched in history. From fishing to museum tours and unique archeological sites, the ancient Native American midden at Green Mound State Archaeological Site spans 41 acres from the Halifax River to the Atlantic, with trails and rest stops like playgrounds, fishing spots, and paddling options. The town's own award-winning beach is home to sea turtles and endangered wildlife, while Lighthouse Point Park welcomes dog owners for a swim with their pets. Featuring an 800-foot jetty deck, elevated boardwalks, and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the state's tallest lighthouse dates back to 1887, with a museum and gift shop. At 175 feet, this striking red beacon sure deserves a tail-wag as one of the nation's best-preserved historic light stations, recognized on the National Historic Landmark List, and quite photogenic.
Grab a treat for all at the Lighthouse Ice Cream & Snacks and the pet-friendly Ho Daddy O’s Surf Cream Shop before hopping next door to the Marine Science Center with a touch tank, presentations, and even educational programs for toddlers. Part ways to the pirate ship-themed playground at Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park, Ponce Inlet Veterans Memorial, or experience the time-honored tradition of driving on the beach just south of town. To the north, Timucuan Oaks Garden offers scenic trails with access to fishing, a kayak and canoe launch, and an elevated boardwalk to get a view of the whole scene. From catamaran rides to parasailing, avid fishermen can reel in catch from an inshore or offshore fishing charter departing to some of the area’s best spots teeming with red snapper, mahi mahi, and tuna. When it's time for seafood and entertainment, Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill and Down the Hatch Seafood Company offer live music, while Jerry’s Pizzeria Tiki Bar & Grill hosts live events.
Venice
One of the state's—no, hold it—the nation's most adored beach towns, Venice Beach flaunts 14 miles of pristine beaches just south of the bustling Sarasota on Florida’s Southwest Coast. Home to some 30,000 people, it's hard to believe this small town stays under the radar, with incredible shopping opportunities and one of the most popular stretches of coastline. With something for every saltwater adventurer, including families with kids, Venice Beach is a certified Blue Wave Beach, just a stroll from downtown. Exuding Old Florida vibes, Venice is effortlessly elegant, from the lounge-worthy soft white sands, perfect for sunbathing, picnics, or splashing in the clear turquoise surf of the Gulf, to the 700-foot Venice Fishing Pier, which attracts anglers, photographers, and couples at sunset for a stroll or just to relax with your feet dangling over the abyss.
Featuring fossils and a reef dive a quarter-mile from shore, welcome to the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, where treasure hunters can find fossilized prehistoric shark teeth. From the Intracoastal Waterway to the trails wrapping around it, don't miss the Venetian Waterway Park Trail for a bike ride in the breeze, while Oscar Scherer Park offers kayaking, canoeing, and 15 miles of hiking trails. Historic Downtown Venice is full of old European-style buildings intermingled with mossy oaks dating back to the 1920s, in an atmosphere that transports you straight overseas into the namesake city. At the heart of downtown, the authenticity of Centennial Park with its free summertime concerts, as well as the town's beloved Farmer's Market for fresh produce and seafood on Saturday mornings, add to the whole homegrown vibe.
Williston
Just 22 miles away from the touristy town of Gainesville, Williston flaunts significant landmarks, both historic and natural. Most known for its prehistoric springs, the Blue Grotto Springs and Devil's Den Springs, this pretty town attracts cave divers with limestone formations underlying the area around. From sightseeing to epic diving sites and the relaxing bubbling waters, families enjoy spotting exotic animals in a refuge at the nearby Two Tails Ranch. You won't even miss the coast, with three lakes some 15 minutes northeast in the embrace of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a preserve with various wildlife habitats and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In lieu of regular Halloween, celebrate your love for peanut butter at the annual Peanut Festival in October.
If you were to experience just one thing in Williston, make it to the natural serenity of Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, a pet-friendly botanical garden with shimmering waters down some limestone walls just northwest of downtown. For a longer getaway, the top-choice Blue Grotto Dive Resort replicates the atmosphere you've just experienced in the outdoors—think draping flora and watery surroundings inspiring a mermaid vibe. Just a quick drive to the Kirby Family Farm offers a narrow gauge railroad, the Great America Railway, at three feet wide, claiming itself to be the state's largest private railroad. Before waving "til next time," hit Homestead Park, a marketplace for a pantry staple, a freshly baked good, other snacks for the road, or a bouquet for a loved one back home.
Away from the big, bustling cities like Orlando and the glitzy metropolis of Miami, the natural landscape ranges from tropics-infused islands and archipelagos like the Florida Keys, with two charming towns above, to windswept sea oats, sand dunes, and coastal forests. Discover a wine region around DeFuniak Springs, also home to prehistoric springs.
Are you in Spain? France? Soak up the distinct European charm in Anna Maria or the Italian vibes of Venice. Walking along the brick-paved streets, visitors are treated to treasures through historic downtowns and surprises around each corner until the overwhelming seascape enters the sphere of vision.
