8 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Florida
It goes without saying that Florida boasts a wide range of truly incredible cities with some of the most renowned sites and attractions in the country. And while many of Florida's charming small towns are on the rise, there are still so many phenomenal towns whose standout features remain overshadowed and undiscovered.
From cozy coastal villages to picture-perfect river towns, these underdog communities offer new and exciting sights and experiences to entice even the most seasoned Florida enthusiast. So, if you find yourself craving somewhere new in 2024, consider adding any of these 8 underappreciated Florida towns to your travel itinerary for the ultimate breath of fresh air.
Winter Park
Less than 20 minutes north of Orlando, Winter Park offers the perfect blend of big city attractions with a cozy small town feel. Downtown has a super welcoming atmosphere with unique local businesses like the Writer's Block Bookstore on Park Avenue, and over 140 additional locales line the cobblestone street. The main stretch is also home to Central Park, one of the town’s fabulous green spaces known for its rose gardens and annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.
For even more stunning natural scenes, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront strolls. But the best way to behold the 6 lakes and their connecting canals is on a 1-hour Scenic Boat Tour. Make sure to follow this with a trip to any of Winter Park’s dazzling museums, like the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens or the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Winter Garden
Also a short drive from bustling Orlando, the picturesque town of Winter Garden borders beautiful Lake Apopka. Spanning 30,909 acres, the public lake is the 4th largest in Florida, best viewed from scenic Newton Park. Visitors can enjoy sunsets from the boardwalk, let kids loose at the playground, and enjoy a peaceful lakeside lunch at one of the many picnic tables.
Just a few blocks from Newton Park, Winter Garden's vibrant downtown features a handsome range of restaurants and dessert parlors for those looking to eat out, including The Hangry Bison and Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream. The area's other attractions, including the SOBO Art Gallery, the renowned Garden Theatre, and the Winter Garden Farmers Market, provide the perfect follow-up. The market, held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, features over 100 vendors selling an array of goods, from artisan crafts to locally sourced produce, making it a lovely addition to any weekend plans.
Vero Beach
Over on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is an adorable coastal town sometimes overshadowed by the state’s more mainstream shores. But for those craving a tropical setting, this gorgeous “Gateway to the Tropics” should not be overlooked. Located right on the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon, Vero Beach promises endless relaxation, sunshine, and opportunities for adventure.
Whether booking a wilderness cruise with Airboat Wilderness Rides or taking an award-winning Eco Boat Tour, the waters and wildlife are breathtaking from every angle. Others may prefer viewing the lagoon from land, in which case, the Historic Jungle Trail offers the best path with lush tropical surroundings. As for beachgoers, the town by all means lives up to its name, with 26 miles of stunning shores. Highlights include Golden Sands Park, Round Island Park, and Treasure Shores Park to name a few.
Dunnellon
While Florida is often associated with its dazzling oceanfront, the state's charming river towns are equally deserving of attention. Dunnellon, for instance, sits at the meeting point of two magnificent rivers: the Withlacoochee River and the spring-fed Rainbow River. Visits to Dunnellon call for magnificent river scenes, and paddling is the best way to breathe in the views. There are several rental services in town for just that, including Rainbow River Kayak Adventures or Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak.
Dunnellon's riverside bars offer the perfect intermission from paddling but also provide a truly distinctive experience. Whether you choose to unwind at The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant on the Withlacoochee or Swampy's Bar & Grille on the Rainbow, the delectable food, refreshing drinks, and warm hospitality are unmatched. If you find yourself recharged, Rainbow Springs State Park beckons as the ideal next stop for more paddling or a dip in the spring's vivid blue waters.
Steinhatchee
Steinhatchee is another stunning river town with tons to see and do. Its namesake waterway, the Steinhatchee River, is a beloved paddling spot thanks to its moderately mellow waters. And with less than 1,000 locals, outdoor enthusiasts can appreciate the river’s splendor without the hassle of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. But with views this pretty and attractions this great, Steinhatchee may not remain a hidden gem for long.
The 6-mile Steinhatchee River Paddling Trail is a riveting adventure starting from Steinhatchee Falls, which also serves as a serene little picnic spot back on land. Other land-based attractions in this historic fishing village include seafood spots like Kathi’s Krab Shack and hiking trails at the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. And while annual events like February’s Fiddler Crab Festival have already passed, make sure to keep your eye out for the Sips & Sunsets Festival happening in November, 2024.
Mount Dora
Heading back to central Florida, Mount Dora’s flourishing arts scene and postcard waterfront are the perfect pair. Named after Lake Dora, the town celebrates its namesake water with attractions like Grantham Point Park, an outdoor oasis with one of Florida’s only freshwater lighthouses. The 35-foot-tall lighthouse is the perfect spot for a photo op to commemorate your visit. From there, a nearby path leads to Palm Island Park, whose shaded marshland boardwalks offer glorious opportunities for wildlife viewing.
As for Mount Dora’s arts scene, the Modernism Museum is an inspiring and worthwhile visit. But what truly sets Mount Dora apart, is its reputation as a “Festival City.” Hosting over 30 festivals throughout the year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora Viva La Frida Festival, and many more, there is always something to keep visitors busy.
Sanibel
Hugging the Gulf of Mexico, the breathtaking island community of Sanibel was one of the countless towns impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022. But despite its ongoing recovery, the island's sunsets and beaches remain a spectacle worth witnessing firsthand. Lighthouse Beach, situated on the southern tip of the island, is widely considered the town's premier shoreline. In addition to the thousands of colorful seashells scattered across the golden sand, its historic 1884 lighthouse stands as a proud symbol of the town's resilience. For a break from the sand and sun, Sanibel is also home to countless museums celebrating its splendor, including The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum.
Fernandina Beach
For a barrier island getaway on Florida’s Atlantic coast, the underrated town of Fernandina Beach is the ideal place for a more secluded beach escape. Just 13 miles long, Amelia Island is a treasure trove of sandy shores and Fernandina Beach features one of the best for families. In addition to its pristine white sand, Main Beach Park features picnic areas, a skate park, and an oceanfront mini-golf course.
Near the northernmost point of Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park is another Fernandina Beach staple. Along with views of the Amelia River, the 1,400-acre park is packed full of diverse landscapes. From tidal marshes to sand dunes, whether hiking, swimming, or hunting for fossilized shark teeth, visitors could by all means devote an entire day to exploring the park's wonders.
Final Thoughts
While Florida’s more mainstream towns and cities are popular for good reason, even they were underappreciated at one time. So in 2024, why not take the road less traveled? You may just find the next big thing—just make sure to enjoy the lack of crowds while you can. Whether heading to Winter Garden for a day on the lake and an evening at the Garden Theatre or spending a week in the sand at Sanibel, adventure awaits at every turn.
