11 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Florida in 2024
Florida is most visited for its bustling cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, which boast vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and a wealth of cultural attractions However, exploring Florida's beautiful small towns offers a deeper dive into the state's many marvels, from rich culture and history to personal interactions with locals. Elements of tight-knit communities, pristine nature, and historic tales from the state’s formative years amplify the appeal of these towns, offering more than just serene beaches and palm trees. From St. Augustine, nicknamed the oldest town in America, to prime dining communities like Apalachicola, read along to plan your 2024 visit to the Sunshine State.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora makes almost every list of the best small towns in Florida for its relaxing waterfront setting, the balance of historic attractions depicted through antique shops, and the well-preserved downtown area. Cultural enthusiasts have a blast in town with attractions ranging from charming Victorian homes to quirky artistic displays like the Mount Dora Modernism Museum. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can head out to the Hidden Waters Preserve for some fun along cascading waters.
Mount Dora is one of the busier small towns to visit in 2024 due to the town’s ongoing influx of tourists from all over. Events to look forward to in Mount Dora include the Mount Dora Arts Festival, which lines the city’s streets with local talent, and the Mount Dora Half Marathon in December.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the “oldest city in the US,” is one of the most charming towns to visit in Florida for its well-preserved attractions and memorable historic journey. From museums to landmarks and Spanish-influenced architecture, St. Augustine tailors to all tastes and preferences. For the historical side of town, one can visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the country’s oldest masonry fort built in the late 1600s. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the town surrounding nature is also a site to behold, like the calm, secluded beaches of Anastasia State Park or Fort Mose Historic State Park, where visitors can learn more about the area's early history.
Stuart
Nicknamed “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, Stuart is a balance of historic and natural attractions. The small town embraces a slower pace of living and is decorated with vibrantly colored wooden front shops that complement the town’s natural allure. Adorable small businesses to explore in town include Luna’s Italian Cuisine, established in 1991, The Gafford for upscale dining, and Gilbert’s Coffee Bar. A visit to Stuart is also enhanced by the variety of museums and displays with some of the most notable being the Stuart Heritage Museum, Elliott Museum, and the Road To Victory Military Museum. From learning about local military stories to artifacts from the town’s early days, these museums are a blast to the past.
Seaside
As its name suggests, Seaside is a seafront community known for its pastel-colored homes and white sand beaches. The small town of 18,500 residents enjoys a lively, eventful year-round scene with many popular tourist attractions. Some of the most popular sites are the Airstream Row, which adds a vintage take on fast-food dining, the central Amphitheater where gatherings are hosted, and artistic pieces like the vibrant Purple Vincent Scully Mural. Moreover, the supportive community of Seaside is also an incubator for small businesses with many unique retail concepts to explore, such as Sundog Books, Modica Market, and Ducky’s Shop Of Fun. Apart from the static attractions, visitors can look forward to events like the Seeing Red Wine Festival and the local Half Marathon, both a bundle of community fun.
Islamorada
Islamorada is the ideal secluded escape in Florida for its far-out location near the state’s most southern point. The area encompasses many of the Florida Keys and is a tropical paradise unspoiled by urbanization. Highlights of a visit to Islamorada include aquatic experiences like swimming with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea aquarium or learning about maritime at the History of Diving Museum. The area thrives on tourism and has a small local population of just 7,000 residents. Locals take pride in beautifying their town with endless creative art galleries to explore in the downtown Morada Way District, as well as locally acclaimed dessert spots like the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory.
Destin
Destin, Florida, often heralded as a gem among the state's small towns, offers a picturesque escape ideal for families and vacationers seeking leisure and adventure. Best recognized as a fishing community, its reputation is showcased at the Destin History & Fishing Museum, where visitors can delve into the town's rich maritime heritage. Meanwhile, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk acts as the pulsating heart of the town's tourist district. Visitors can choose from a range of restaurants, such as Margaritaville and Capriccio Cafe. The boardwalk also offers many activities that reflect Destin's coastal charm.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is the perfect small-town escape for city dwellers, located 65 miles from the central part of Tampa. This beautiful small town is the perfect youthful small-town escape for those prioritizing a well-rounded entertainment experience with its crystal clear waters, lively nightlife scene, and beautiful natural spots. Sunset Point is one of the town’s main tourist attractions and stands as the perfect destination to catch a cotton candy sunset. At the same time, Point Of Rocks allows for more challenging experiences like snorkeling at all levels. Local tour providers in Siesta Key are a great way to experience the town’s native perspective, with some of the most popular options, such as the Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour and Electric Bike Sunset Tour offering amazing experiences.
Venice
Venice ranks as one of Florida's most beautiful small towns for its contrast of historic and aquatic atmospheres. Visitors can experience the town’s historic allure through old-time entertainment like the Venice Performing Arts Center or informative and educational pursuits through the town’s museums and artistic displays. Must-visit historical places in town include the Venice Museum & Archives and the town’s Art Center. Located 75 mi from Tampa, this small town makes the perfect city getaway or part of a town hopping itinerary for its location near other charming small towns like Siesta Key and Sarasota. Additionally, the town hosts a number of community events on Main Street, such as the History of Venice Golf Cart Tour, enhancing visitors' experience with a sense of welcoming locals and involvement.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is one of the most scenic towns in Florida. Its lively local scenes, engaging community events, and friendly residents make it a popular destination. The town enjoys a historical element, evident in its 50-block district lined with Victorian architecture and 19th-century forts. Another historical hotpot is Fort Clinch State Park, boasting the 19th-century fortress, Fort Clinch.
The beautiful small town is the perfect year-round destination for its endless events, with some of the most prominent being the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and Wheels and Wings, which takes place every August. The small-town experience in Fernandina Beach is also complimented by endless seafood cuisine options, with some of the best-ranked being Salty Pelican and Timoti's Seafood Shak.
Apalachicola
Nicknamed Oystertown, Apalachicola is the ideal town in Florida to indulge in fine seafood dining. To this end, each visit should start in the town’s globally renowned restaurants, with some of the most popular being Hole in the Wall Seafood restaurant, Olde Time Soda Fountain, that’s been in business since the 1950s, and Apalachicola Seafood Grill. Like many of the best towns in Florida, Apalachicola enjoys a waterfront setting and has a rich history, with some of its historical significance being attributed to its primal role as one of the largest ports for cotton in the 1800s. Some of the town’s historically significant attractions include the Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola Center for History, and John Gorrie Museum State Park.
Lake Placid
Finally, Lake Placid is one of the best small towns in the Sunshine State, offering a diverse range of natural attractions beyond just seafront settings. Not to be confused with Lake Placid in New York, this small town is best recognized for its natural abundance palpable through sites like Lake Huntlet and H.L. Bishop Park. Here, one can spend hours walking along lush flora and tranquil waters. The town also boasts historic street murals and quirky attractions like the American Clown Museum & School. For history, one can delve into the beverage production industry from the infamous Sugar Cane Distillery, Henscratch Farms, and its vast acres of vines.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, 2024's most beautiful small towns in Florida offer a captivating array of tourist experiences beyond the state's renowned theme parks and bustling urban centers. Each town, with its unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, provides a refreshing perspective on what makes the Sunshine State truly special. From the charming historic streets of St. Augustine to the waterfront allure of Apalachicola and the vibrant cultural scene in Mount Dora, these towns promise unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Florida’s diverse offerings.
