8 Best Small Towns In Florida To Visit In 2024
Welcoming an estimated 140.6 million visitors in 2023, Florida is among one of the top tourist states in the country. And while the state’s theme parks and big-city attractions often take center stage, there is a whole world of thrills waiting to be explored in Florida’s charming small towns.
Boasting gorgeous natural scenes, jaw-dropping historic landmarks, and exciting events throughout the year, these small towns promise all this and more, with Southern charm as the cherry on top. With that being said, if you are on the hunt for fun, festivals, and attractions to enjoy in Florida’s quaint communities in 2024, here are eight of the best towns to get you started.
Mount Dora
On the shores of Lake Dora, about a 35-minute drive from Orlando, Mount Dora is a tranquil escape from Florida’s busier commercial attractions. The town’s landmark 4,000-acre lake makes for a serene day on the water, best viewed from green spaces like Grantham Park, which is also home to the Mount Dora Lighthouse. Lake lovers will also enjoy paddling the scenic Dora Canal, whether booking the Dora Canal Tour or taking a solo excursion with rentals from Adventure Outdoor Paddle.
Mount Dora may be a quieter retreat compared to its Orlando counterpart, but it also comes alive with countless events and festivities throughout the year. Hosting more than 30 annual festivals, this “Festival City” still has tons to look forward to in 2024, including the 50th Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival from October 11 to 13th and Oktoberfest on the 12th. Later that month, the 39th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair is scheduled for the 26th and 27th, while November promises events like the 30th Annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair on the 2nd and 3rd.
St. Augustine
As the "Nation’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine is rightfully famous for its Old Florida charm. From historic landmarks like the 17th century Castillo de San Marcos to historic exhibitions like the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, even non-history buffs will find themselves fascinated by the town’s sites and attractions. Paired with over 1,600 acres of unspoiled shores, sand dunes, and tidal marshes at St. Augustine’s Anastasia State Park, there is plenty of fun to be had in this beautiful Florida town.
While St. Augustine’s iconic History Festival already passed in May, the rest of 2024 still has tons of other festivals in store. In September, the town’s annual Sing Out Loud event will feature over 100 artists over several weekends, including ticketed shows to Eric Church and Noah Kahan the 21st and 22nd. Music lovers will also enjoy St. Augustine’s Songwriters Festival the weekend after, while others may want to wait for October’s 26th Annual Greek Festival for authentic Greek cuisine, music, and performances.
Cedar Key
The island town of Cedar Key also has several exciting events in store for the end of 2024. Starting in October, from the 19th to the 20th, this quaint fishing village will host its famous Cedar Key Seafood Festival. Celebrating the first days of the stone crab season, festivities will also include live music, a parade, over 100 vendors, and some of the best seafood in the state. The celebration is also one of the rare times you can visit and tour Seahorse Key, an island in the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Festivalgoers can board a shuttle boat from downtown Cedar Key to enjoy the 3-mile journey to the island.
If you miss your chance to see Seahorse Key in 2024, the remaining 12 islands in the National Wildlife Refuge are equally worthwhile. Plus, they would make the perfect follow-up to Cedar Key’s other festivities, like the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion happening November 1st to 3rd. Celebrating the town’s treasured coastal heritage and pirate past, the family-friendly event will feature reenactors, vendors, a costume contest, the fan-favorite Golf Cart Parade, and much more.
Apalachicola
Over in Apalachicola, Florida’s “Oystertown,” the 61st Annual Florida Seafood Festival will bring the small port town to life on November 1st and 2nd. Hosted at the mouth of the Apalachicola River at Battery Park, the 2-day event welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year. In addition to loads of tasty seafood, the event promises an Oyster Shucking and Eating contest, Blue Crab Races, and a parade.
For those visiting Apalachicola outside the scheduled festivities, world-class seafood is a year-round staple of the town. Waterside restaurants like Half Shell Dockside serve classic seafood bites and places like Up The Creek Raw Bar are favored for the town’s famous oysters. While in town, make sure to check out other highlights like the Scipio Creek Boardwalk hiking area and the WaterCraft Brewing for an after-dinner drink.
Key West
For a broader selection of breweries and pubs, the Florida Keys town of Key West is famous for its annual Brewfest. Hosted by the Southernmost Beach Resort, the 2024 festival will take place from August 29 to September 2 across the town’s restaurants, bars, and hotels. Featuring pool parties, live music, and countless pairing dinners at places like the Conch Republic Seafood Company, Joe’s Tap Room, and the Ocean’s Edge Resort, the festival is a great way to see more of the island and mingle with locals. As for the festival finale, the event promises its trademark tasting event with over 150 different beers to sample.
In late October, Key West’s 2024 Fantasy Fest is another exciting event to mark your calendar for. Described as a “10-day party in paradise for grown-ups,” the adults-only event is an extravaganza of dress-up, parties, and vibrant parades. The original 1979 celebration has since grown to attract thousands of free spirits every year, and this year's 90’s Neon Cosmic Carnival theme is sure to showcase an exciting array of nostalgia.
Fort Pierce
While Key West’s thrilling festivals are more adult-focused, the breathtaking east coast town of Fort Pierce is a great alternative for families. People of all ages can enjoy events like the 2024 Breaking News Blues, Burgers, and BBQ Festival happening September 7th and 8th. Hosted at the Causeway Cove Marina, the festival promises mouth-watering soul food and live blues music right on the water. The month after, October events like the Indian River Lagoon Science Festival are also fun for people of all ages, featuring exciting science shows, interactive activities, food trucks, and more.
To see more of Fort Pierce’s natural beauty, visitors can book an Indian River Lagoon Boat Tour. But a visit to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is an absolute must to get the most out of this coastal town’s gorgeous scenes. Located on North Hutchinson Island, the park’s half-mile shore is a slice of paradise, perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming.
Lantana
Down in South Florida, the Palm Beach County town of Lantana is another coastal community promising stunning natural scenes. Families with young kids can explore the Atlantic-facing Lantana Bicentennial Park, while nature enthusiasts of all ages can revel in peaceful hikes at the Lantana Nature Preserve. In October, the preserve will come alive with its annual Haunted Nature Preserve event, featuring guided trail tours, hayrides, carnival games, and a costume contest.
But the town’s top outdoor attraction is definitely its Lantana Park and Public Beach. With soft shores and shallow waters ideal for younger swimmers, the carefully maintained 750-foot shore guarantees a relaxing day in the sand. As a fun follow-up for adult travelers, in October 2024, the nearby Lake Worth will celebrate its 50th Oktoberfest, inviting everyone to join in the dances, live music, delicious food, and, of course, endless beer sampling.
Micanopy
Finally, we have charming Micanopy, “The Town That Time Forgot.” This historic community is a delightful retreat for those craving a slower pace, which city dwellers from nearby bustling Gainesville love to take advantage of. Offering cute coffee shops like the Old Florida Cafe, countless antique stores like Delectable Collectables, and whimsical art studios like the Shady Oak Gallery, this town may be quaint, but it does not know boredom.
As for Micanopy’s outdoor recreation, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the highlight attraction. The 23,000-acre park boasts 30 miles of trails, scenic Lake Wauburg which is popular for paddling, and a 50-foot-tall observation tower for wildlife spotting. With cooler weather, fall is a popular time to visit the park, and if you visit Micanopy from October 26 to 27, the town’s 49th annual Micanopy Fall Festival is the perfect way to spend your time in this Old Florida town.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s theme parks and cities certainly draw crowds for good reason, but if you find yourself craving a different side of the Sunshine State, consider these eight small towns for your next visit. Whether marking your calendar for the endless festivities in Florida’s “Festival City” or planning a more laid-back day trip to explore Micanopy’s Old Florida storefronts and galleries, there is something to inspire excitement in every traveler in 2024.
