7 Towns in Florida With Unique Traditions
As a longtime medalist among the top three popular states to visit, Florida, the Sunshine State, sure knows how to entertain its visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, for instance, has been hosting mermaid shows since 1947. From the endless miles of Atlantic beaches to vibrant cities, state parks, and world-famous attractions, the small towns find ways to stand out around each sun-drenched corner.
Travel back in time to the nation's oldest continuous settlement, St. Augustine, for a rush of European vibes, plus an interactive aquarium with a stingray cove and snorkel adventures. During Sopchoppy's Worm Gruntin’ Festival in April, you can start camping out early under the state's clear nights at its riverfront park with tent and RV spaces, grills, and fish-abundant waters, next to a vibrant flora mix. Or, stop by Tarpon Springs for a sun-kissed Greek experience. Learn more about the best towns in Florida to explore the most unique traditions.
Cassadaga
Although hidden and underrated, Cassadaga's many spiritual emblems and ornament-covered scenic paths make it a real standout in the state. With a reputation for being haunted, this colorful town next to Lake Colby and Lake Macy is the "Psychic Capital of the World." Cassadaga translates from Seneca Indian as "water beneath the rocks," and if that doesn't tickle your sixth sense, express yourself and build a Mandala during the upcoming Breath of the Tribe, an event to reconnect with the ancestors at a drumcircle or the women's mooncircle.
The unique town full of psychics and mediums is home to Cassadaga Spiritual Camp with Friday and Saturday tours to learn about the continuity of life and the beginnings of this Victorian community. C. Green’s Haunted History Museum offers more insights into the area. The 124-acre Colby-Alderman Park features a playground, volleyball court, picnic pavilion, and trails, plus fishing and boating—a great place to digest information in the outdoors, while Sinatra's Ristorante serves delicious Italian fare in a dimly lit atmosphere. Drop by Gala Day in November, with a seminar and workshop at the camp, plus mini readings, a meditation zone, and vendors to browse jewelry, candles, food, and crafts.
Cortez
Situated on the shores of Sarasota Bay, Cortez epitomizes the state’s maritime traditions, bearing a picturesque story about a slice of Old Florida. In this quaint, authentic fishing village, you will uncover its symbiotic relationship with the serene nature on Anna Maria Island in a seamless connection between the coastal communities. Just a half hour from Sarasota or an hour south of Tampa, Cortez is a destination for real seafood connoisseurs. Stop by the standout Star Fish Company and Tide Tables for your shrimp and grits or grouper sandwich and gaze out into the busy waters for commercial fishing fleets, charters, and local fishermen, catching mullet, grouper, and stone crab.
Revolving around its seafood industry along fish-abundant waters, it gets really exciting under the Florida sun in February during the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, which attracts 20,000 people daily. From the weathered docks, soak up unspoiled charm and feast on the fruits of labor after a stop at the Florida Maritime Museum for the historic lowdown. And while you will get a tan on a stroll and a basket full of sea treasures around the docks, head for shopping or sunning at the beach across the bridge in Anna Maria. Spanning Sarasota Bay, the Cortez Bridge symbolizes the cultural and traditional bond via scenic access to the idyllic island's shores.
Key West
Key West—a key lime pie-scened heaven—is a nationally renowned town for some of the best beaches, Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach. Escape the crowds along its pristine sands and meet the Conch, a native or long-time resident, pronounced Konk, also a name for the sea snails. Despite being the furthest of the keys, the town pulls you in with a laidback feel and a touch of quirkiness. Indulge in calm beaches and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine in a carefree atmosphere, where no one will look twice at the local population of free-range chickens since they were raised for food before the bridge connection with the rest of Florida in 1912.
You will, however, get a side-glance by refusing a slice of the aforementioned zesty baked goodness, sold by slabs. Flaunting the literary endowment as a reprieve for Ernest Hemingway himself, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where he wrote several acclaimed works, and meet the six-toed cats, allegedly the great-grand kittens of his own. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum narrates history with treasure displays salvaged from shipwrecks, including artifacts from the 17th-century Nuestra Señora de Atocha, while Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory features thousands of colorful fluttering Papilionoidea. Join in the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square or the annual Fantasy Fest, upcoming in the last week of October.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora, truly a little sunray in the state, is a unique town thanks to its prevailing sense of community, which is celebrated every day and through various regular festivals. From 5Ks and bicycle festivals to wine walks and pet-friendly activities, the largest include the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts and the Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora. Hosting an ideal environment for the whole family on a getaway, come see what makes Mount Dora "Someplace Special." With year-round ideal weather, sift through its selection of shops, exemplary art, entertainment, and culinary offerings within an attractive downtown.
The dynamic city recognizes that special occasions make for a sustainable tourism industry, hosting over 30 events throughout the year for tens of thousands of visitors. Decking itself out in holiday decorations, Snow in the Park is perfect to introduce your kids to a snowy holiday season, for many, the first, with activities like sledding in Donnelly Park at the heart. The Freedom on the Waterfront lights up the night sky with an incredible fireworks display over Lake Dora, which often makes for the most vivid memory of a midsummer night. The Back to School Rally and African American History Festival brings the community closer through all-inclusive activities.
Sopchoppy
The newsman Charles Kuralt put Sopchoppy, a town south of Tallahassee, on the map in 1972 when he documented the townspeople using wooden stakes and iron bars to shake the ground and drive the annoyed worms from beneath the surface. “Worm grunting" caught the nation off-guard, attracting many to witness the "fine art" themselves, while the town began celebrating its unique practice during the Worm Gruntin’ Festival in April, part of the fun "Wild About Wakulla!" week. Sopchoppy is packed with more surprises for a well-rounded escape from the city, like a riverfront park. For a breath of fresh air under Florida's sunny skies and warm nights, take advantage of Myron B. Hodge City Park & Campground, a top-rated stay for tent or RV campers with showers.
Promising a quiet place to fish, grill, or play with the kids by the refreshing Sopchoppy River, many enjoy easy access from the boat ramp into the slow-flowing river amid pine and palm southern jungle mix—a one-of-a-kind ecosystem perfect to explore on a paddleboard or a kayak. For more memorable moments, George Griffin Pottery boasts a rustic, deep in the woods feel, with intriguing works bordering on whimsy from the artist's soul. Enjoy the creative process of organic and "earthy" pieces for sale to complement your own style, and hit Civic Brewing Co. after for its great beer selection and vibes.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, proudly the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the contiguous United States, was established in 1565. Settled by the Spanish explorers, this northeast Florida town is home to the imposing late 17th-century military architecture, Castillo de San Marcos, a real vision towering over Matanzas Bay. Strolling the lively streets of this popular seaside city, stop by the Lightner Museum for the extravagance of the Gilded Age in the former grand Alcazar Hotel, with an impressive collection of Victorian antiques, Tiffany glass, and other exhibits. The Bridge of Lions spans the Matanzas River, meaning “massacre” in Spanish, but first—a selfie with giant lion statues.
Some 45 minutes south of Jacksonville, the Historic District feels like Europe—centuries ago—while the busy, pedestrian-friendly St. George Street in the commercial district boasts stores and restaurants. Many enjoy Old Town trolley tours for a lowdown on St. Augustine’s history and a side of beachy fun along the sundrenched St. Augustine Beach or the Vilano Beach. Watch the sunrise from St. Augustine Pier, stop by the cool St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, and meet the sunset behind the haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Tarpon Springs
Established by Greek sponge divers in the early 20th century, Tarpon Springs is the "Sponge Capital of the World." The little town, like no other in the US, epitomizes Greek heritage, transporting you overseas along architecture like St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, an iconic cultural landmark amid Byzantine-inspired architecture. Among authentic attractions, including cuisine, events, and craft shops, the photogenic Sponge Docks at the heart showcases sponge divers still engaging in the activity that the town largely capitalizes on. Explore the "Sponge Exchange" and hop on a sponge-diving cruise aboard the historic "St. Nicholas" for an inside look at the traditional methods.
Strolling along Dodecanese Boulevard, the ethnic food scents will beckon you into one of the family-owned bakeries and tavernas. Yianni's Seafood & Greek Cuisine unites the two favorite cuisines into Greek-style seafood creations. Mykonos offers an upscale, authentic Greek dining experience, while Hellas Restaurant and Dimitri’s are on the water. This charming European-inspired city invites you to taste Mediterranean culture without leaving the Sunshine State, which wouldn't be the same without its own Sunset Beach. For a full experience, from Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, explore the Greek marketplace and tour the Anclote River, then hop over to Howard Park for another beach scene on a small island.
It is no wonder that many of Florida's festivals and events center around sea culture. From underwater spectacles to psychics, worms in Sopchoppy, and chickens crossing the street, to nods at European settlements. St. Augustine exudes a warm glow of historic ambiance, while Tarpon Springs inspires a lively Greek town around its Byzantine architecture through authentic attractions, cuisine, and events.
Come for the holidays to Mount Dora, where the kids can experience a real white Christmas while sledding right in the heart of town. After snow play, make your way to the classic white Florida sands. Key West, a modest island town at the southernmost tip of the state with a bohemian spirit and "Conch Culture," is a haven for artists and writers.
