8 of the Most Walkable Towns in Florida
The state of Florida is a sunny coastal state bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the states of Georgia and Alabama. Known as the boating and fishing capital of the world, as well as the place to experience famous amusement parks like Disneyworld and Universal, Florida is also home to dozens of adorable, walkable towns. These communities rest on both the beach and further inland and offer fantastic dining, accommodations, shopping, and activities all within a short trek.
Dunedin
The town of Dunedin is located on Florida's west coast and is within close proximity of Tampa. While the entire community is full of fun things to do, a majority of them are located downtown and on the iconic main street. Downtown is right near the waterfront, providing you with both trails along the ocean, and easy access to restaurants and shops.
The Dunedin Downtown Market is a fantastic place to shop locally and find yourself the perfect souvenir. Nearby is the Reboot Arcade and Bar, where you can challenge your friends or a stranger to some throwback games. Edgewater Park has a playground and a good amount of walking paths. You also have the chance to rent some bikes and explore the streets and parks that way. The Dunedin Pier allows you to set up your fishing gear and spend the afternoon casting a line, or you can take advantage of the Dunedin Marina and the public boat ramp. There are also plenty of fishing charters you can join if you want to hit the open water.
Hungry? Try some delicious seafood at restaurants like Hog Island Fish Camp or Lucky Lobster Co. Is seafood not your style? There are lots of other places to choose from, including Casa Tina Mexican Restaurant. If you're craving a light bite, pick up a small meal at Veskolini Cafe or a treat from an ice cream parlor. Afterward, grab some drinks at the Dunedin Brewery or have some fun at the Honu Tiki Bar.
Naples
Naples is on the west coast as well, and closer to the tip of Florida. Gulf Shore Blvd is your best bet for a walking haven, with an abundance of places to explore. And with over 40 beach access points throughout town, getting to the sand and saltwater couldn't be easier.
At the Naples Pier, enjoy some fishing, or plan to arrive for sunset. Nearby Lowermilk Park offers beach volleyball, a playground, and plenty of picnic areas. Naples Beach is close to downtown and is perfect for a day of tanning and swimming. You can also take part in activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, yacht tours, fishing charters, sailing excursions, and manatee sightseeing. Elsewhere in town, you can enjoy the botanical gardens, the zoo, and the Tin City Shopping Mall.
For dinner, dress your best for some fine dining at restaurants like Shula's Steakhouse, or Sea Salt, a beautifully planned out kitchen that crafts its dishes from local ingredients. There is also the Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar if you want to keep things more low-key. Afterward, sample something new at Naples Wine Bar.
When it's time to call it a night, check into a room at a beachfront resort. Some popular spots include the Edgewater Beach Hotel and the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
Mount Dora
The downtown area of Mount Dora is an art lover and eccentric person's dream and is only a 35-minute drive from the city of Orlando. From local pubs to galleries, art displays, and artisanal shops, Mount Dora's streets are a great way to get in touch with your creative side. The town also hosts more than 30 festivals a year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival.
When it comes to food, try the Frog and Monkey, or Pisces Rising, which serves up delicious seafood. There is also the Salted Fry, which caters to those who require their meals to be gluten-free. Wave Asian Bistro takes your taste buds to new places, and Claire's Creperie is perfect for a light bite. Want a pick me up? Stop in at Edge Coffee. For those who love craft beer, try the Eden Abbey Brewing Company, or Wolf Branch Brewing.
The streets are lined with boutiques and shops, selling anything from soaps, books, candles, teas, and handcrafted art pieces. There are also vintage boutiques, art galleries, wellness spas, salons, and nail studios.
Walking tours are available, and if walking becomes tiresome, hop on a trolley tour, or even a carriage tour.
Venice
With 14 miles of beach, including the popular Venice Beach, you're sure to find the perfect place to set up your chair or towel and get in some rays. Venice Beach also offers reef diving, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And since it's known as the shark tooth capital of the world, your odds of finding one of these fossilized or recently lost wonders is pretty good. They can also be purchased as a souvenir.
The Venice Fishing Pier provides you with a spot to hang your legs over the dock and cast a line. You can also take part in other beach activities like yoga, or walking the Venetian Waterway Park, a multi-use trail site.
Downtown is a close walk away, and here you can enjoy craft festivals, a farmers market, and the Venice Theater, offering live performances. Centennial Park has free concerts and a fountain great for splashing in.
Look forward to dinner with restaurants like PRIME Serious Steak, Trattoria Da Mino which serves delicious Italian cuisine, and Crows Nest Restaurant and Tavern. For the coffee lovers, try Venice Island Coffee or Upper Crust Cafe and Bakery. Sweet treats can be found at Kilwins Ice Cream and Venice Avenue Creamery.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is steeped in Spanish history, originally founded in 1565. Experience the town's past with stops at places like the Shipwreck Museum, Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth, and Colonial Quarter, where you can take part in interactive history displays. There are also old town trolley tours, carriage tours, ghost tours, and the historic sea wall.
After you've experienced St. Augustine's historical side, try out an outdoor adventure like an airboat tour, scenic cruise, dolphin adventure tour, or sunset cruise. There are also pub tours and the Black Raven Pirate Ship, which offers interactive sailings.
Try some freshly caught seafood at Harry's Seafood Bar and Grill, or grab some comfort food at Meehan's Irish Pub. Pizzalleys Chianti Room serves authentic Italian, and Columbia Restaurant is another yummy option. Finish up the night at River and Fort's Rooftop Lounge, or City Gate Spirits Distillery.
Call it a night with a stay at a waterfront hotel like the Bayfront Inn, and indulge in something delicious at Sweetwater Coffee Bar in the morning.
DeLand
DeLand is a hub for locally owned businesses all within walking distance of each other. Spend the afternoon shopping at stores selling things like records, new and used books, musical instruments, and vintage clothing. Enjoy the many art galleries, murals, and museums such as the Museum of Art Downtown and the African American Museum of the Arts. Fairways Indoor Golf is a good place to spend a cloudy day, and the nearby DeLand Hotel is the perfect spot to drop off your luggage or rest up for more exploring.
Cafes and breweries dot downtown, including Marchettis Coffee Bar, Buttercup Bakery, Spellbound Cafe, Trilogy Coffee Roasting Company, and NY Bagel and Deli. Alcoholic beverages can be found at The Elusive Grape Wine Bar, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company, and various cocktail lounges. When it's time for a meal, try out restaurants like El Taco Rico Mexican Kitchen, Mr. Bills Donuts and Sandwiches, and Urban Brick Pizza. There are also plenty of dessert places serving items like frozen custard.
Key West
Key West has no shortage of amazing activities and experiences, with pockets of things to do centered around different beaches, marinas, and resorts. Near the Galleon Resort, take part in adventures like fishing charters, boat tours, bike tours, parasailing, scooter rentals, and sunset cruises. There is also Waterfront Playhouse Theater featuring live performances at the Key West Aquarium.
Shop for some fishing gear and hit a pier or rent a boat. You can also make the journey to either Fort Meyers or Fort Jefferson by ferry. If the Galleon Resort isn't your style, try out Ocean Key Resort or Pier House Resort.
Dinner can be found at delicious restaurants like Conch Republic Seafood Company, Two Friends Patio, Half Shell Raw Bar, and Bistro 245, with waterfront views. Afterward, keep the night alive with a visit to The Waterfront Brewery, Hogs Breath Saloon, Chart Room Cocktail Lounge, Sunset Tiki Bar, or the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. If you want something else to try out instead of a bar, Kermits Key Lime Pie has yummy desserts, and Cuban Coffee Queen serves the perfect pick-me-up.
Tarpon Springs
Steeped in Greek history, this town has endless charm. The main hub of Tarpon Springs is around Tarpon Ave, where you can find everything you'll need within walking distance from eateries to boutiques and hotels.
Relaxing accommodations can be found at places like the Tarpon Inn and the 1910 Inn. Explore the Tarpon Springs Bayou Park, or Craig Park, which offers a boat launch. History can be found at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, and amusement is sure to be had at the Replay Museum, offering vintage arcade games.
Grab some coffee at Urban Grounds, Toulas Trailside Cafe, or the Bayou Cafe. Unique and scrumptious dishes are served at H'ours Creole Smokehouse, and Orange Cycle Creamery is the perfect dessert stop.
Now something Tarpon Springs isn't lacking in is places to try a fun, interesting, or internationally-inspired adult beverage. From bars like Tarpon Tavern and cocktail lounges like Twisted Orange to wineries such as Tarpon Springs Castle Winery and Wine Society. Try some craft beer and local ales at Unrefined Brewing, Brighter Days Brewing Company, Two Frogs Brewing Company, and 5 Branches Brewing.
So whether you're looking to chill on the beach and soak up the sun, or explore the Everglades, lakes, and hillsides, you'll find the perfect town to make your weekend getaway or summer vacation special. And with there being no need to worry about a vehicle, or other mode of transportation such as bus, taxi, or train, you can spend more time relaxing and less time commuting.
