11 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Florida You Should Visit
Unique to any other state in America, Florida is where the radiant sun kisses the shores of pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife thrives in diverse landscapes. Beyond the bustling cities of Miami and Orlando lie hidden treasures of picturesque small towns, each with a unique allure. These Beautiful Small Towns In Florida offer a welcoming respite from the fast-paced city life and invite travelers to immerse themselves in a world of tranquility, history, and natural beauty.
Palm Beach
A famous vacation destination renowned for its breathtaking architecture, white sand beaches, and watersport activities. The town is separated from the state’s mainland by Lake Worth Lagoon, with a range of harbors and marines, giving the town an island atmosphere. Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, and beautiful private villas and resorts are among the many scenic sites that highlight your visit to Palm Beach. Enjoy an inclusive Mediterranean experience inspired by natural beauty and historical remnants whenever you are in town.
Anna Maria
The ultimate beach town experience in Florida, Anna Maria Island emphasizes the beach getaway experience with crystal clear waters, white sandy shores, and culinary excellence of international cuisines on bridge street. The sea-centric atmosphere is enhanced with quaint, locally-owned boutiques and sea-front cafes that conveniently add to your experience in Anna Maria. Treat yourself to a waterfront rental, and immerse yourself in a European experience from the comfort of The Sunshine State. Locally acclaimed cafes and restaurants include Ginny’s & Jane E’s, Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery, the downtown Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, and Cool Beans AMI, known for its exceptional breakfast experience.
Stuart
America’s happiest Seaside town was nicknamed for its upbeat atmosphere of lighthearted vibes, from live music and community events to fine dining and quaint small family-owned boutiques. The heartwarming and welcoming town of Stuart sits 37 miles from palm beach, boasting historic tales from its past on every corner of its palm-tree-decorated streets. Famous tourist attractions in the area include the small 1895 Church of Stuart, House of Refuge Museum, and Memorial Park on SE Ocen Blvd. Locals play a significant role in the town’s beauty as businesses like Coffee Bar Blue Door, Stuart Boathouse, and Broadway Bagels & Deli go above and beyond with offerings and decor to provide a memorable and personable experience.
Fernandina Beach
Located in Nassau County, Florida, Fernandina sits near the northern tip of Amelia Island, with some of the most scenic shorelines of perfectly balanced sand and greenery. Fernandina Beach is just a stone’s throw from Jacksonville, Florida, just a 36-mile drive for those looking to enjoy big-city and small-town experiences on their trip to the Sunshine State. Named after King Ferdinand VII of Spain, you’ll enjoy tales of colonial history illustrated through architecture and community events such as the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp and Tequila Fest. Centre St is the heartbeat of Fernandina Beach, showcasing local creativity and culture via a walkable shopping district of quirky small businesses. Enjoy memorable shopping and dining at iconic destinations like Lagniappe restaurant, Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop, The Spice and Tea Exchange, and the Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours.
Apalachicola
Nationally renowned for its seafood cuisine and fishing culture, Apalachicola is a boater’s paradise enhanced by local brewing culture. Savor the freshly-caught seafood, embrace history at Lafayette Park, and explore the many vintage and antique shops on Apalachicola’s main street. The distinctive and ecologically significant Apalachicola River and its floodplain form is a go-to destination for nature lovers, serving as a habitat for a vast range of animals, including birds, migrant birds, and black bears. Popular downtown businesses to visit during your stay include Oysterbones Gift Shop, The Grady Market, and Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry’s vintage shop.
Seaside
As vibrant as a beach town can be, Seaside is known for its pastel waterfront homes, architect-designed walkways, and perfectly picturesque beaches. The Nine Seaside Pavillions are nine distinctly artistic shoreline pavilions that attract visitors for their Instagrammable unique designs, one of the town’s main attractions. The lively Central Square and its adjacent Seaside’s Airstream Row are the main gathering and meetup spots for a fun time out, enhanced with colorful murals, quaint shops, unique eateries, and pedestrian-only walkways. Stroll the busy downtown, sample local vendors at the weekly farmers market, and take pictures in front of the Seaside post office, one of the most iconic buildings in town.
Islamorada
One of the most unique, if not the most, Florida Towns, Islamorada defies the typical small-town experience, compromising five islands into the ultimate fishing destination. Islamorada has nicknames such as the sportfishing Capital of the World, and The Village of Islands, translated from Spanish to the Purple Island. Memorable experiences in Islamorada include the bout tours, Island hopping, exploring Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and learning about the history of the Florida Keys. Shops a wide array of family-owned boutiques at Marathon Shopping District, savor the taste of freshly caught seafood at popular restaurants and diners. Whale Harbor Restaurant and Seafood Buffet, Chef Michael’s, and Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory are must-visit places for the best culinary island experience.
Winter Park
A historically significant town that played a major role in the economic development of The Sunshine State, Winter Park stands out from other towns on this list with its vintage picturesque atmosphere. A brick wall New England theme gives the city a traditional American small-town feel, while hints of European culture are depicted through architecture and Mediterranean-influenced southern cuisine. The nationally registered historic downtown district is the town’s most visited attraction, with tales of American history expressed through museums, community events, and artistic venues. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum Of American Art, Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens, and Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum are a few of the must-see artistically rich places in Winter Park.
Matlacha
Nationally renowned for its thriving art scene, vibrant community, and charming, colorful cottages, Matlacha is a small hidden gem island between Pine Island and Cape Coral. Everything from cafes and boutiques to light poles and beaches is painted in bright, cheerful colors of lime green, purple, pink, and more. The island town stands out with its hippie-themed streets that compare to those of Woodstock, New York, in their creativity, and boasts a generous range of art galleries despite its small size. Matlacha is a town for those seeking a memorable experience that escapes the norms of typical Florida small towns. Must-see destinations in Matlacha include Hooked Up Bait Co & Art Gallery, Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Garden, and Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve.
Naples
On the more luxurious side of things, Naples is known to be a golfing and high-end shopping destination. Sitting on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is one of Florida’s best destinations to kick back and relax. The beauty of the town lies in its secluded beaches, Old Town shopping area, and dolphin spotting tours. Naples is a golfer’s heaven, with over 90 different golf courses in its greater area and a modern shopping district with over 100 creative, locally-owned businesses. The Ten Thousand Islands boat tour, Rookie Bay Kayak tour, and the Naples Free walking tour are some of the best ways to stay entertained during your luxury stay in Naples. Enjoy romantic waterfront dining at T-Michaels and Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, and browse the palm-tree-lined shopping district of 5th Avenue whenever in town.
St. Augustine
Finally, no list of the most beautiful small towns in Florida is complete without including St. Augustine, a go-to weekend escape town for state locals. The town is known to be the first established town in Florida due to its strategic location on the northeastern coastline, appealing to early Spanish settlers. St. Augustine dates back to 1565 and plays a vital role in helping end the enslavement of immigrant African Americans. St. Augustine boasts some of the best-preserved Spanish Architecture and culture, from cobblestone streets to pastel mansions and palm tree-lined streets and fortresses. Popular tourist attractions include the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, the old jail museum, and the Colonial Quarter, accentuating Mediterranean Spanish cities' atmospheres.
From seafront fishing villages to isolated paradise beach escapes and vibrant art colonies, all of Florida's charming towns promise an unforgettable getaway. Whether you're looking to clear your mind and embrace the sunkissed nature or indulge in a historic educational journey, these 11 beautiful small towns in Florida will easily make you fall in love and return for more.
