11 Quaintest Small Towns in Florida
Florida is a quirky and unique state that encompasses stunning natural and historical sites. While some of the bigger cities like Miami are popular tourist destinations, some of the best places to visit are the smaller, off-the-map towns. These towns are where you'll see the best Florida has to offer. These quaint small towns embrace the "old Florida" spirit with modern amenities and culture.
Micanopy
Micanopy is a small town in north central Florida named for the famed Seminole Indian (1780-1849) and is often considered "the town that time forgot." Once a bustling commerce center, Micanopy is dotted with 19th century architecture and small town charm.
MIcanopy was founded in 1821 and is considered the oldest inland town in Florida. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a popular attraction and includes a 50 foot observation deck where wild horses and bison can be viewed. The rustic nature of Micanopy is the reason why most people visit. Coupled with the vintage feel of Main Street America, makes this one of the quaintest towns in Florida.
Seaside
Founded in 1981, this small beach community in northwest Florida is home to artisans, unique shopping, and world-class dining. There is a seasonal events calendar so that there are festivals, concerts, and sports events year round. Seaside's claim to fame is that the Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey, was filmed here between 1996 and 1998. Seaside was chosen for the film's location because of its white picket fences and Norman Rockwell aesthetic.
The white sand beaches and turquoise water make this an idyllic vacation destination with limited crowds. A short walk through downtown reveals the antique shops, art boutiques, and fine dining. The beach includes a building that is a hybrid between a pyramid and a lighthouse and is a must see attraction, along with gorgeous sunsets.
Dunedin
Another hidden treasure is Dunedin, a small town on the Gulf Coast that has some of the world's prettiest beaches. Dunedin is home toHoneymoon Island, an unspoiled island that is ranked number one in state parks in Florida. For the more adventurous traveler, Caladesi Island has miles of biking trails on a remote beach, untouched by modern development.
Dunedin beaches are ranked as some of the best in the world because of their turquoise water and white sugar sand beaches. This quaint town offers some of the best nature trails to be found, and just a short drive away lies the beaches that are reminiscent of exotic Caribbean islands.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, just thirty miles north of Clearwater on the Gulf Coast, offers the best of Florida scenery with a heavy Greek cultural influence. Also known as the Sponge Capitol of the World, this town was founded in 1897 when the railroads opened access to New York. Greek sponge divers flocked to the town and started a booming trade.
The locals embrace their Grecian roots and, right off the pedestrian-friendly Dodacanese boulevard is the sponge docks where you can spend the day living like a sponge diver. Guide boats take travelers on a sponge-finding expedition. On a cool Florida evening, download the "Walk Tarpon Springs Audio Tour" app for a more in depth tour of this unique Gulf Coast town.
Sebring
Sebring is a small inland town that is home to Sebring International Raceway. The track boasts the annual twelve hours of Sebring, an international race that attracts racers and fans from around the world. Sebring is known as "The City on the Circle" because of the circuitous route around downtown that is full of boutique shops and restaurants.
The town is on the south end of Lake Wales and is also home to Highlands Hammock State Park, a beautifully preserved ecosystem surrounded by beautiful hammock trees. This is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, speed lovers, and those who just want to experience the inland culture of Florida in all its glory.
Naples
Naples, just south of Fort Myers, is a gorgeous community with beautiful sunsets, architecture, and year round outdoor activities due to its tropical climate. This is an upscale beachside community known for its shopping, high end restaurants, and sophisticated arts and culture. However, within an hour's drive are millions of acres of preserves and wildlife refuges.
The heart of Naples is Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, which is where the chic boutiques and higher-end restaurants are located. This is where the world class art galleries and shops are located, including the Village Shops on Venetian Bay. The Bay offers impeccable views of the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy while you shop.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach (FMB), just up I-75 from Naples, is a true southwest Florida gem. The beach is actually San Marco Island, and the small beach community atmosphere still reigns supreme. The best way to get around is to rent a moped in order to see all the beach attractions and restaurants. Margaritaville Restaurant and Resort is scheduled to open in the near future and promises a new scene at FMB.
At the north end of the beach is Times Square, a hub of pastel-colored shops surrounding the famous clock. The original clock was lost during Hurricane Ian, but in the true spirit of Florida, was quickly replaced. Just over the bridge are the commercial shrimp docks where visitors are welcomed to explore the docks and possibly even a shrimp boat or two. This is a thriving community that is a real throwback to the beating heart and ingenuity that make up a truly authentic Florida beach town.
Sanibel
Sanibel and Captiva are two small islands located off the Gulf Coast of Florida. The islands comprise world class resorts and are considered the shelling capital of the world due to the boomerang shape of the islands, which makes the beaches a catch-all for shells. The drive over the causeway to Sanibel is breathtaking and opens up to a two lane canopy road. You are transported back to a simpler time that locals call "island time."
The island is home to wonderful restaurants and shops, but no strip malls or chain restaurants will be found. there are regulations in place that limit the height of buildings to the tallest tree which is about three stories high to preserve the view. The scenic route around the island is intentionally kept simple, because that is the whole point of visiting this hidden treasure of an island.
St. Augustine
No list of quaint Florida towns is complete without mentioning St. Augustine. The oldest town in the US, St. Augustine is a true walk through time. The center of town is Historic Downtown, locally known as Old Town, and the pedestrian friendly roads are embraced by tourists and locals alike. The cobble stoned streets shaded by oak and willow trees make for a beautiful walk through one of the most historic towns in America.
Along with the Castillo de San Marco National Monument, the town boasts the oldest schoolhouse and jail and there are plenty of romantic Victorian inns in the heart of Old Town to fully embrace all the town has to offer. St. Augustine is a family friendly town and one of the most unique places to visit in Florida.
Venice
Venice, in southwest Florida, is a gorgeous town with Italian architecture styled after the famed city that it is named after. It is the shark tooth capital of the world and there is a thriving reef just offshore of Venice Beach. This town is a unique blend of exquisite shopping, offshore diving, and laid back vibes.
The fourteen miles of white sand beach stretch from Casey Key to Manasota Key where shark's teeth are often located. Inshore, the historic downtown is known as one of Florida's Main Street City, in large part to the Italian architecture that was part of the town's original architectural plans in 1925. This is an affordable place to visit and relax, with plenty of adventure right around the corner.
Matlacha
Matlacha (pronounced Mat-la-shay), is a funky old fishing village that has been over ran by artists, in the best way possible. Instead of beaches surrounding the coastline, there are seafood restaurants dotted along the estuaries, where shrimpers once plied their trade. Now, almost every square inch of the town has been skillfully painted with the brightest colors available as a true expression of its colorful character.
The northern side of the town is home to two eclectic art galleries and gardens that are the premier reason to visit Matlacha. Afterward, a cool drink and grouper sandwich at a patio restaurant is the best way to take in the scenery and talk about the one off creations seen at the art galleries. Matlacha is a remarkable town that is worth visiting, even if it is out of the way of your original destination.
Florida is home to gorgeous beaches, beautiful wetlands, and unique towns and cities. Not to detract from the bigger cities, but the soul of "real Florida" is found in the small communities that dot the map and the people who call these places home. Though there are plenty of well visited and off-the-beaten-path places to visit, these eleven towns are at the top of the list of the quaintest towns in Florida.
