11 Off The Beaten Path Towns in Florida
Boasting the longest coastline in the contiguous USA, Florida is best known as the quintessential beach destination. The Sunshine State is sandwiched between the Atlantic coast on one side — and the Gulf Coast on the other. No other state in America shares that privilege. Then again, Florida is dotted with numerous small towns, some of which have a history older than that of the United States. Think St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. While some of these towns are well-established vacation spots, and hence, often swarmed by tourists, Florida also boasts a collection of unique small towns that are just as pretty even if they are off the beaten path. The following are the 11 off-the-beaten-path Florida towns you will immediately fall in love with.
Cedar Key
Its population is less than 1,000. It is the second-oldest town in the state meaning fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage. The closest cities, Gainesville and Ocala — are more than an hour’s drive away. And then, it is perched on an island — not along Interstate 75 or some other busy highway. Here is the truth. If there is one off-the-beaten-path town in the Sunshine State, it will have to be Cedar Key. The town brims salt-crusted charm and is perfect for those seeking solitude or seclusion. Finally, while this historic town is dotted with numberless dining and lodging options, you may want to check out Island Hotel & Restaurant, a staple of the town from around 1860. It is a sweet spot to enjoy a meal while watching the golf carts go by.
Cape San Blas
Cape San Blas is hands-down among Florida’s best-kept secrets. This town of about 8,000 is secreted on a "forgotten" stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline about 12 miles from Port St. Joe. Known for its miles of white-sand beaches perfect for a romantic escape, Cape San Blas is a water lover’s paradise that will tickle the fancy of any beach bum. Whether you will want to paddleboard, ride a horse, kayak, or just lounge on the warm sand, the often uncrowded beaches at Cape San Blas have you covered. For even more outdoor fun and adventure, spots such as the 1,900-acre T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park will come in handy. Finally, for some kick-ass oysters, or any other seafood, Cone Heads 8020 will make other restaurants look average.
Apalachicola
While Apalachicola was once Florida's largest cotton port — and the third-largest cotton port on the Gulf of Mexico, it has undergone a remarkable change of character and is today best known for its tourism industry. Located about 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee on Apalachicola Bay, this Florida gem is known locally as “Apalach.” One of its claims to fame is the fact it is Florida's largest producer of oysters. Up to about 90% of oysters consumed in the Sunshine State are from Apalachicola Bay. Aside from being Florida’s oyster capital, Apalachicola boasts a gorgeous architectural landscape defined by stunning Greek Revival buildings of the early 19th century. Modeled after Philadelphia, Apalachicola features lush garden squares and wide streets that are often a joy to stroll through. Here is what to do: Book a room at the historic Gibson Inn and experience the charm of “Old Florida” for yourself.
Cocoa
Artsy. That is one way to describe Cocoa. Attractive murals decorate its streets. Beautiful brick buildings, many of which date back to the 1800s, arrest the eyes of first-time visitors. Bounded by the Indian River to the east and the St. John’s River to the west, Cocoa exhibits the distinctive allure of an Old Florida town complete with history, art, and of course — water. Less trafficked and less crowded, partly because it sits on the mainland — and off the highway that links Orlando to the second-largest ocean in the world —Cocoa is a peaceful breath of fresh air. Attractions within the town include the Antilles Trading Company Maritime Pirate Museum and Store — whose pirate artifacts are scarcely matched for their authenticity and variety. Then again, providing an intimate experience, Cocoa Village Playhouse, a feature of the town since 1924, is hands-down among the classiest little theaters in the state.
Cocoa Beach
About 11,200 residents call it home. However, more than 2 million people set foot on this Florida treasure every year. Yet, improbable as it will seem, Cocoa Beach is still largely under the radar. If you will want to avoid crowds, just keep your distance from the pier. Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier stretches more than 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offers an unparalleled view of the waters — and is a popular entertainment hub. Instead, if you want some fun on the water, and more elbow room, you may consider opting for the 338-acre Thousand Islands Conservation Area. Besides the opportunities for kayaking and getting wet, Thousand Islands plays host to an impressive variety of wildlife, including alligators.
Lake Worth Beach
Lake Worth Beach is in southeastern Florida’s Palm Beach County, which, as you may be aware, is known for sweet things. This is because Palm Beach County leads the United States in the production of both sugar and sweet corn. One of this town’s defining landmarks is the Lake Worth Playhouse, a historic community theater that serves as a popular venue for live performances and whose ambiance is enticingly cool and intimate. If you want to enjoy phenomenal crab crakes in an eatery that is directly on the pier and hence, gives beautiful views of the water, Benny’s on the Beach should be on your itinerary. Then again, consider that more than 1,000 historic cottages dot Lake Worth’s streets — and many of them are well-restored. For perspective, this is more than any town in South Florida.
Flagler Beach
About 10 years ago, Budget Travel Magazine ran a contest to identify America’s Coolest Small Towns. Americans from any corner of the country had nominated up to 924 towns. However, Budget Travel wanted a pick of the 15 coolest. Guess what? Flagler Beach made the cut. Then again, it was the only Florida entry. Sandwiched between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, Flagler Beach is still full of incredible beauty; still cool, laid-back, and pretty. Its streets are lined on either side with surf shops, pizzerias, inviting restaurants, and coffee houses. While this retro-style beach town is perfect for water lovers, the 144-acre Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers more than sand, water, or waves. Besides, High Tides At Snack Jack is an awesome beachfront restaurant offering delicious meals amid heart-melting ocean views.
Fernandina Beach
Spotting great restaurants and amazing bars, Fernandina Beach is best known for its Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival which descends on the town every spring. This town, together with two other communities, sits on Amelia Island on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The shrimp festival celebrates the area’s shrimping history and heritage — and is a popular event on the city's calendar. Historically, this island was occupied by up to eight European powers, hence the name “Isle of Eight Flags.” For some mindblowing lobster rolls, Timoti's Seafood Shak, a family-owned restaurant that serves seafood fast and fresh — is worth checking out. On the flip side, at the Amelia Island Museum of History, history enthusiasts will be regaled by details of the area’s conflict-ridden past, including how ownership of the island would continuously change.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a town of about 36,000 residents and is a vivacious stunner chockful of spellbinding attractions. While it plays host to several pretty beaches, including 9 miles of untouched beaches that make up the award-winning Caladesi Island State Park— Dunedin’s quaint downtown area still remains among its most defining features. Its downtown area hosts a walkable Main Street lined with casual restaurants interspersed with classy boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and other locally-owned shops. A beer lover’s paradise, Dunedin plays host to the oldest microbrewery in Florida — the Dunedin Brewery — and arguably more breweries per capita than any other city in the Sunshine State. Then again, since Dunedin serves as the gateway to the Honeymoon Island State Park, outdoor adventure options are many and meaningful.
Brooksville
While Tampa, Florida hogs all the fame, you may want to opt for Brooksville about 50 miles away, an off-the-beaten-path town of 9,500 residents known for its rolling topography, its Old World charm, and its rich history. You may want to jumpstart your day with an iced mocha or caramel latte at Mountaineer Coffee, an excellent private-owned coffee house that will leave you blown away. For an afternoon of fascinating history, 1885 Brooksville Train Depot, located just south of downtown Brooksville, has been a feature of the town for nearly 140 years. It shelters interesting train artifacts and unique displays depicting historical railroad events. Finally, if you enjoy wandering through the woods and inhaling the stillness of the environment, Withlacoochee State Forest, the third-largest state forest, is a convenient 6 miles away from downtown Brooksville.
Dunnellon
Another Florida charmer that is off the beaten path is Dunnellon, a town of about 2,000 secreted about 60 miles east of Daytona Beach. Located on the spring-fed Rainbow River and the much longer Withlacoochee River, Dunnellon styles itself as the Treasure of the Nature Coast. Because of its bucolic waterways, Dunnellon has been called a “Paddler’s Paradise.”But if you want to see and smell nature in all its heart-melting beauty and melody, a visit to Dunnellon should include a detour to the Rainbow Springs State Park. The water inside this park is blue and clean. The trail within it meanders for 2.3 miles through trees and blooming wildflowers — and boasts a waterfall finish. Besides, this park hosts several refreshing springs you will enjoy dipping your toes in.
The Take-home
Since Florida is still part of the United States, you will need a good reason to travel further to the Caribbean or other seaside destinations, especially for a beach experience. While high-rising condos and hotel chains have somewhat tempered the incredible beauty of its shoreline, the Sunshine State still packs a lot. Among its offerings are unspoilt barrier islands, white-sand beaches, and charming small towns. If you want to explore Florida towns that are off-the-beaten-path, check out Cedar Key, Cocoa Beach, Dunnellon, and Brooksville — among others.
