11 Delightful Towns to Visit in Florida
As one of the busiest tourist destinations in the country, it is unsurprising that Florida also has some of the prettiest small towns in the United States. And while many out-of-towners seem to have their eyes stuck on the state’s famous theme parks, this Sunshine State offers so much beyond its roller coasters and water slides. From fascinating historic downtowns to breathtaking island state parks, Florida boasts a wealth of sights and experiences that will leave you with a completely different image of the state. With that being said, here are 11 delightful Florida towns that are sure to reinspire your love of travel this 2024.
St. Augustine
As the "Nation’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine has some of the most spectacular historic sites and attractions in the country. And while no structures remain from the town’s founding in 1565, there are tons of impressive buildings from the centuries that followed. Visitors can take the Old Town Trolley tour to see some of these historic highlights, like The Castillo de San Marcos, located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay. Constructed in 1695, the massive stone fortress is both the oldest structure in St. Augustine and the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
The trolley also carries visitors to St. George Street, once the heart of St. Augustine’s downtown. Today, the pedestrian-only lane is still an active hub, with endless landmarks like Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and Cathedral Basilica, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the country. Nearby, the attractions continue with museums like the Governor’s House, Shipwreck Museum, and the Pirate & Treasure Museum.
Dunedin
Split between Florida’s mainland and 2 gorgeous islands, the town of Dunedin is primarily famous for its 2 state parks. Honeymoon Island is home to the more famous of the pair, luring over 1.27 million visitors every year. Accessible by car via the Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island State Park offers 4 miles of pristine, unspoiled shoreline overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can conveniently rent beach chairs, kayaks, and bicycles from the park’s concession, and explore the 2.5-mile inland nature trail through one of the world’s only remaining virgin slash pine forests.
For a more mellow island experience, Caladesi Island features the second of the state parks, which is reachable from Honeymoon Island via a 20-minute ferry ride. Contrasting its sister, Caladesi Island State Park provides a quieter park day, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually. Like Honeymoon, Caladesi also features unspoiled beaches along with kayak and beach chair rentals. But Caladesi sets itself apart with a popular surfing beach on the north shore and wildlife spotting paths like the Hammock Loop and Beach Loop trails.
Islamorada
If you are intrigued by the island parks of Dunedin, you will find even more to explore in scenic Islamorada. Known as the “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World,” this village of islands is also famous for its truly one-of-a-kind state parks. This includes an 11-acre (formerly) deserted island that has since been designated Indian Key Historic State Park. Once home to ship salvagers in the early 1800’s, the island now showcases the ruins of the town of Indian Key. Alongside this history, visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking, with gear rentals available at places like Robbie’s Marina.
In the heart of Islamorada, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is another nature oasis with a fascinating history. This former quarry, once excavated by American industrialist Henry Flagler for the construction of his Overseas Railroad, now offers 5 scenic trails for exploring the island's natural beauty. Visitors can also walk along the 8-foot quarry walls to see ancient fossilized coral, revealed in the limestone by Flagler’s excavations.
Venice
Fossil enthusiasts may also appreciate the chance to collect their own prehistoric treasures while enjoying one of Florida’s prettiest beaches. Over in the charming town of Venice, Venice Beach is the area’s claim to fame. A certified Blue Wave Beach, people come from near and far to hunt for fossils here, specifically, fossilized shark teeth. The beach’s abundance of fossils has even earned Venice the title of “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”.
But Venice Beach is certainly not a one-trick pony. About a quarter-mile from shore, coral reef diving draws in its own share of tourists, with companies like Florida West Scuba happy to handle the gear and travel. Pair this with the beach’s other features, like views of the 700-foot Venice Fishing Pier or chances for dolphin sightings, and you can see why so many call Venice “a little slice of heaven”.
Captiva
Located on its namesake island, Captiva is proof that good things come in small packages. With less than 200 locals, this Southwest Coast town offers introverted travelers the bliss of a more secluded Florida getaway, void of the usual throng of beachgoers. Captiva Beach is the island’s star shore, known for its soft, white sands and bountiful seashells. For those who enjoy hunting for these delicate souvenirs, Captiva Cruises also offers their Out Island Beach and Shelling Cruise. The relaxing boat ride departs right from Captiva to a neighboring island for some of the best shelling in the world, along with swimming and snorkeling. Also departing right from Captiva, the Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise is even more popular, offering you the chance to see the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Sanibel
Less than half an hour from Captiva, the barrier island of Sanibel also features a namesake town with breathtaking beaches. And like the shores along Captiva, Sanibel’s beaches are a treat for those who enjoy hunting for seashells. Thanks to its rare east-west alignment, unlike the typical north-south orientation of most barrier islands, this position results in a fortune of seashells on Sanibel’s beaches. Popular shores for shelling include Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park, which is also home to a towering historic lighthouse that dates all the way back to 1884. For a different kind of outdoor adventure, Sanibel is also home to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a popular place to see migrating birds, dolphins, and manatees.
Siesta Key
If you are taken with the charm of these Florida's island towns, Siesta Key is a must-add to your travel itinerary. This 8-mile barrier island, home to just under 4,500 locals, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This includes Siesta Beach, which was recognized as the #2 Beach in the US and the #9 Best Beach in the World in 2024 by TripAdvisor. The beach is renowned for its gentle waves, but what truly sets it apart, is its sand. Siesta's shore is famous for its sugar-white grains, composed almost entirely of quartz, giving it its distinctive pearly white appearance.
Beyond the beach, Siesta Key is easily explored using one of the island’s complimentary trolleys. These trolleys transport visitors to attractions like the Siesta Key Farmers Market and Siesta Key Village, a fabulous hub for shopping and dining. Indulge in a meal at the Village Cafe, treat yourself to dessert at Abel’s Ice Cream, and make sure to pick up a souvenir at Sea Shanty.
Punta Gorda
Returning to the mainland, on Florida’s Southwest Coast, picturesque Punta Gorda offers a delightful escape for those seeking waterfront vistas without the hassle of tracking sand home. Located where the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor merge, Punta Gorda may lack beaches, but it boasts a stunning waterfront. The 2.5-mile Harborwalk provides an ideal way to explore the waterfront and town, offering captivating views of the harbor and river as it extends from Trabue Park to Fisherman’s Village. Despite its name, the village is actually a picturesque entertainment hub, featuring a marina, waterfront mall, and resort.
Also along the Harborwalk, families will love Laishley Park, a 17-acre scenic area complete with a 400-foot fishing pier, marina, interactive fountain, and concert area. This year, on June 1st, 2024, the park is set to host the Island Vibe Music Festival. Promising a tiki bar and a full day of reggae performances, headlining the show is none other than the Grammy award-winning musical group, Toots and the Maytals.
Micanopy
Historic Micanopy, believed to be the oldest inland town in the state, is a darling little community known for its Old Florida charm. Natural and historic beauty runs deep through the town, from the Spanish moss draped oaks lining main street, to the intricate Victorian structures throughout the Micanopy Historic District. Many of the homes here were built in the Queen Anne Victorian-style, including the Simonton House, Fontaine House, and the Herlong Mansion. Built in 1845, this gorgeous estate now operates as a bed & breakfast, preserving much of its antique elegance.
Other must-see historic landmarks in Micanopy include the Micanopy Historic Cemetery and the Micanopy Historical Society Museum. Alternatively, visitors can spend a day browsing for timeless treasures at the Antique City Mall or Wren Wood Antiques. For nature enthusiasts, the north end of town is also home to the awe-inspiring Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, offering visitors the chance to reconnect with nature and spot bison and wild horses.
Tarpon Springs
Dubbed the "Sponge Capital of the World," Tarpon Springs is another town with a rich history that promises a delightful visit. The town's thriving natural sponge industry was established by Greek immigrants in the early 1900’s. Today, it boasts the highest percentage of Greek-Americans of any American town, with over 1 in 10 locals proudly claiming Greek descent. To learn more about this prominent heritage and history, a visit to the historic sponge docks is a must. Here, you can witness the iconic sponge boats leisurely bobbing in the water, or even embark on a live sponge harvest experience aboard the St. Nicholas Sponge Diving Boat Tour. Back on land, the Greektown Historic District is also right near the docks, in addition to authentic Greek restaurants like The Limani. And if you visit the sponge docks from April through September, you can attend events like the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival held every Saturday, or the Hippie Festival happening August 17th, 2024.
Osprey
Finally, we come to the underrated town of Osprey, located on Florida's Paradise Coast. Despite being underrated, its parks are amongst the grandest in the state. In 2024, The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point was ranked in the top 3 “Best Botanical Gardens” in the United States by USA Today. Granting “A Window to the Past,” the 30-acre outdoor museum seamlessly blends archaeology, history, and landscaping, showcasing a chapel constructed in 1894, a boardwalk extending into Little Sarasota Bay, gorgeous nature trails, and immaculate butterfly gardens. Elsewhere in town, nature can also be relished at Oscar Scherer State Park. With 15 miles of hiking trails, Lake Osprey for swimming, and South Creek for angling and kayaking, the park is a lively summer sanctuary, perfect for a day trip or a night under the stars at one of the park’s campgrounds.
Final Thoughts
Although many see Florida as merely a theme park destination, this perception only scratches the surface of what the state has to offer. Whether you are an introverted traveler seeking a secluded beach retreat, a shelling enthusiast looking to expand your collection, or someone eager to experience the charm of “Old Florida,” this Sunshine State has a delightful small town in store for you, waiting to be discovered.
