13 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Florida
Florida is one of the most diverse and eclectic states in North America. The topography, diversity, and natural beauty are stunning. Because of its diverse landscape, it is a tourist destination and a retirement haven. While the bigger cities like Miami and Tampa are well known, there are several unforgettable towns that are worth visiting.
Although Florida is known for it's aquatic activities and white sand beaches, it surprisingly also ranks in the top 12 of cattle producing states in the US. Florida. The state is a great mixture of country and coastal destinations, and the smaller towns offer less tourist traffic.
Apalachicola
Apalachicola is a port town in Florida's panhandle known for its friendly people and seafood. The town boomed in the 1800s with cotton being transported up and down the Apalachicola River via steamship. The commercial and residential buildings still stand, which lend this charming town with a historic feel interspersed with its colorful signage and fun, Florida atmosphere.
The town is located eighty miles from the capital city, Tallahassee. The best form of transportation is walking, where you can take in the historic downtown and the scenic bay with a combination of commercial fishing boats and small pleasure craft.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg (St. Pete) is a small island nestled on the Gulf of Mexico southwest of Tampa. The town encompasses the laid back southern Florida charm and atmosphere. Home to the Salvador Dali museum, the heart of St. Pete is downtown, with shopping, art deco hotels, and Tropicana Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
No trip to St. Petersburg is complete without visiting the 35 miles of sugar sand beaches. Reminiscent of the Caribbean with its crystal clear water, the beach is rated among the best in the world.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a sleepy old Florida town fifty miles southwest of Gainesville. Located three miles into the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by other small keys, it is a hub of adventure for tourists and locals alike. The major draw is that it is unspoiled land which offers the rustic landscape that originally drew people to Florida.
The small key attracts artists and writers for its tranquility and there is an annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April. 4th of July is also a big celebration, and then there is the Seafood Festival held every October which is a must see event. The seafood is some of the best around, and the sunsets are unbelievable when you're three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is a small beach community in the big city of Jacksonville. It is a friendly town with plenty of shopping, dining, and of course, coastline. There are eighteen parks to explore, and the Town Center, located on the beach, is a vast hub of dining and nightlife attractions. The unique aspect of Atlantic Beach is that it retains its original Florida feel, while being a short drive away from the bustling metropolis of Jacksonville.
Being a small beach community, the shops, beach, and restaurants are all within a short walk or drive from any hotel. The preferred transportation is bicycle or electric bikes, and there are plenty of rental vendors. This is a unique Florida town and one that has stayed loyal to its roots.
Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce, known as the Sunrise City, is on the east coast of Florida and is famous for its clean water and history. Founded in 1901, the town abounds with parks that are regularly maintained and are perfect for enjoying a sunny Florida afternoon. This small fishing village is at the heart of the Treasure Coast, and there are many historical attractions.
The National UDT Navy SEAL museum is here, an homage to the Frogmen who were started here. Indian Lagoon is a popular attraction, especially for fishing, and the riverfront is home to many shops, restaurants, and festivals. The Sunrise Theatre is a major draw for the performing arts.
Nokomis
Nokomis barely makes up a dot on the map, and that is how the locals prefer it. Located in Sarasota County right on US 41, this sleepy town offers breathtaking crystal clear water. Casey's Key Resort is a popular destination. The resort offers fine dining, hotel, and a swimming pool.
Both inshore and offshore fishing are major attractions and there are charter boats for rent along the shoreline. With a population of less than 6,000, this is a great little hideaway for the one wanting to experience Florida without the hustle and bustle of a major city.
Venice
Just south of Nokomis lies Venice, the shark tooth capital of the world. Named after the famed Italian city, the bulk of the architecture is Italian which lends a unique touch to this coastal town. The town has a long and storied history, with the Calusa Indians being the town's first inhabitants 12,000 years ago.
Along with its exquisite beaches and coastal nature, Venice is also a Florida Main Street City, noted for its original architecture when the city was planned in 1927. The historic downtown is like walking through a corridor in time, especially in the cooler months of Autumn.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is an old Florida town an hour's drive from Orlando. The town has kept its laid back atmosphere throughout the years and is a destination for antique collectors. The small downtown is full of cafes, shops, and country inns. The town includes a vintage train depot that recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary.
Another must see in Mount Dora is the red and white striped lighthouse at Grantham Point Park. This is the only registered freshwater lighthouse in Florida and guides boaters on Lake Dor., The 140 year old and historic Lakeside Inn is a romantic way to stay in the heart of Mount Dora that allows you to experience everything this quaint town has to offer.
Key West
For those who know even a little bit about Florida, Key West hardly needs an introduction. It is still one of best small towns in Florida, and one of the most visited. Also known as the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is a tropical paradise with plenty of adventure, history, and booming nightlife.
The sunsets at Mallory Square are world famous and local haunts like Sloppy Joes are tavern staples that dot Duval Street. Along with the Caribbean colored saltwater, there is plenty of back country to explore by kayak. Ernest Hemingway was one of the island's most famous residents, and his home stands as a museum preserved in the manner that he kept it in the 1930s. This is a fun and adventurous town to explore by foot.
Islamorada
Just north of Key West and 90 miles south of Miami, lies the tiny village of Islamorada. The island's name translates to "purple island" because when the first Spanish explorers discovered it, the sunset looked purple.
Islamorada is a chain of four islands and is a world class destination for scuba diving and sport fishing. In fact, the small village is known as the sport fishing capital of the world and boasts the largest fishing fleet per square feet than anywhere in the world. On shore, there are shops, unique eateries, and tours to enjoy every aspect of this tiny village known around the world.
St. Augustine
Of all the unique towns to visit in Florida, perhaps none is as unique as St. Augustine. The oldest town in the US, founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez, is a time portal back in time. Walking through the cobblestone streets introduces you to the rich history that permeates this town.
The heart is St. George Street, a pedestrian only stroll through shops, inns, and restaurants. The main historical attraction is the Castillo de San Marco, the fort that once protected this precious piece of land. St. Augustine Lighthouse is a beautiful black and white striped piece of history where daily tours are held. This is a family friendly historical town that marks it among the most unforgettable town in Florida.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is a hidden gem among small towns in Florida. Located an hour north of Jacksonville, it is called the "Keys of North Florida." This historic and charming shrimping village boasts rich history, beautiful marshes and beaches, and a quaint downtown with eclectic restaurants, theaters, and shops. A fun time to visit is in winter, when the town hosts its annual Dickens on Centre, when the entire downtown area transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island, which is at the top of the list of places to see in northeast Florida. Between the events, beach, and storied history, it should not be missed. Fernandina Beach has its own tone and feel that should be experienced first hand to appreciate.
Steinhatchee
Steinhatchee is a little-known "real Florida" outpost, among the last of its kind. This town, with a population of under 600, is what locals call "coastal country". The bulk of the population is made up of small farms and horse pastures only a few miles from marinas and tiki bars, where the fishing is always superb.
This town is known as the scallop capital of the world, and the season runs from late June through September. This is a unique place where within a four mile range you can be on a horse farm or a boat, headed to the Gulf of Mexico for a catch of snook, redfish, or trout. The local eateries encompass the fresh catch of the day, but there are also restaurants that embrace southern cuisine. There are miles upon miles of riding trails where the locals go daily to see authentic, unspoiled Florida.
In the diverse tapestry that is Florida, these 13 towns stand the test of time and speak to the spirit of the state's cultural and historical flare. Fort Pierce's coastal charm and Apalachicola's historic oyster industry offer tangible glimpses into their distinctive identities. With its ancient Spanish fort and cobblestone streets, St. Augustine exudes historical charm. And just like that, the amalgamation of these little oases invites visitors from all walks of life to step back and take in what Florida has to offer.
