8 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Florida
Florida, home to some of the most beautiful places in America, is the ultimate vacation destination with splendid year-round temperatures. The underrated towns offer a respite from the crowds along the most pristine beaches of them all, attracting relentless followers year after year. The most trending destinations may be fun to party at, but a great beach experience in the Sunshine State is uncrowded with unique features. Visit Cedar Key for seafood or Gasparilla Island if you love lighthouses.
Cocoa Beach flaunts one of the best piers you have ever laid your eyes on, as well as the Wizard of Oz Museum and Van Gogh. Dunedin and Everglades enduce the "Old Florida" nostalgia from your childhood with family-friendly attractions like golf, art, and the white-sanded Caladesi Island State Park for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnics. Fernandina Beach is the northernmost Atlantic Florida city on the southernmost of the Sea Islands along the east coast, the "Isle of 8 Flags."
Cedar Key
Three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, 2.5 hours north of Tampa, and 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Cedar Key offers tranquility, rich nature, and seafood treasures. Highway 24, the only road in, beckons you along with spellbinding views like off the four small bridges after traveling through aquamarine salt marshes and channels. Welcome to the home of only 750 full-time residents, reflecting a simpler "Old Florida" downtown with no high-rises or other complexes. From the working waterfront to the old-fashioned architecture and aquaculture structures, this unspoiled environment inspires artists, writers, and families, who find a respite from the city and sometimes a new home. Cedar Key Museum State Park displays the port and railway history with a restored 1920s home and a nature trail, while the low-key Cedar Park Beach features the Lil Shark Park with courts and dolphins.
Plan for the upcoming Seafood Festival in October, Pirate Festival, or Stargazing Party in February. With something for every taste, Cedar Key draws thousands during the annual “Old Florida Celebration of the Arts.” Between the festivities, enjoy excellent fishing, bird watching, and hikes like the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail, while the great climate and a number of outfitters, gear shops, and guides make a compelling argument to try something new. Forming a chain of barrier islands, visitors can explore via a kayak or a coastal guided tour along the federally protected Cedar Keys that attract a vast range of migratory and shore birds, like the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill, and bald eagle. Drive, bike, or ride a golf cart around town and explore a variety of natural habitats, including the ancient Indian shell mounds, while small planes can land on an airstrip.
Cocoa Beach
Just south of the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach remains overlooked, scenically tangled within the marshland and mangroves of the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. The surrounding watery world houses manatees, dolphins, and other marine life, making it easy to sightsee the charming creatures in their natural habitat. Level up the casual kayaking, boating, and canoeing via a paddle through the lagoon's mangrove tunnels, while the landblabbers can take the RDH Dune Preserve all the way to the serene Float Beach. Cocoa Beach captures the essence of a romantic getaway along the stunning, sprawling beach to spread out, stroll, and enjoy swimming without crowding bodies. One of the state's, if not the nation's, most beautifully restored piers, circa 1962, defines this little town.
From restaurants to bars and unique boutiques, browse along Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier in the sea mist overlooking the beach and surfers, join the local fishing "club," or simply enjoy the best views from the 800-foot tip. After a day of jet skiing and other fun sports for an adventurous couple, George McLeod Memorial Park offers to relax against the endless sea lit pink under the soft glow of the sunset. The Wizard of Oz Museum & Van Gogh, an all-time favorite attraction to the north, delights cinephiles and culture fans with art and collectibles from the screen, plus memorabilia at the large gift shop. Attracting families, sightseers, and nature lovers alike, this underrated town can make you guilty of an Instagram "overfeed," so don't post yourself getting pampered at one of its many spas.
Dunedin
Captivating the senses with some of the East Coast's most stunning beaches and its Old Florida feel downtown, Dunedin is a nostalgic reminder of what vacations used to be. Found by two Scotsmen in 1899 as one of the state's oldest towns, Dunedin's charming heritage entices visitors of all ages during the annual Scottish celebrations. Taste the small town flavor through delicious restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops, steps from the exciting outdoors like trails and golf courses. Couples, families, and nature lovers alike enjoy exploring the beachfronts of Honeymoon Island State Park and the white-sanded Caladesi Island State Park with swimming, boating, fishing, and picnic facilities. Take a walking tour through the historic district, with its earliest buildings dating back to 1852.
With Old Tampa Bay at the backdoor, Josiah Cephas Weaver Park features a cool playground, while Hammock Park is a tranquil nature preserve, home to century-old trees and a butterfly garden with 225 plant species. Don't miss the historic 18-hole golf course open since 1927 and the next-door Fine Art Center with art galleries, a variety of classes, a gift shop, and a cafe. Flaunting it all and more under an hour from Tampa, escape the summer crowds, city prices, or the cold back home to lose yourself in the forgotten nature of its parks. Resurface for the craft brewery scene after Osprey Trailhead jets you into a verdant world with unique trees. Visit this September or in April without stumbling between the hot bodies or enduring the midday heat along its four-mile beach.
Everglades City
Another forgotten Old Florida gem through no fault of its own, Everglade City is simply lost amid the eponymous natural wonder, the Everglades National Park. Talk to someone about a "moving river" and you might get a blank stare, as few are aware of the composition hidden beneath this unique landscape. Its unreplicable tranquility feels unreal to city minds, and the laiback feel downtown-foreign, but all as on succumb to the small town charms. Enjoy life at the slow pace of the Everglades and capture the scenery in the palm of your hand with views from the Ernest Hamilton Observation. The city's well-preserved downtown features historic buildings and other exciting attractions like the Old Collier County Courthouse and Bank of Everglades Building, as well as the nearby Everglades Florida Adventures.
Perfect to visit for history and nature lovers alike when it's "cold" back home with favorable Sunshine State temperatures, many enjoy the warm atmosphere at Island Cafe over an American diner-style and island-inspired menu items, unique digs, and a family-friendly space. As the number of visitors lowers from December to April, so do the water levels, but your curiosity should be through the roof about the perfect opportunity to explore. The old-fashioned, walkable town without traffic is best to sift through on foot, via car, or a pedal, while the friendly locals are some real characters. Take the opportunity to meet a new friend during the popular Captain Jack's Airboat Tours, which offers airboats, buggies, and more ways to unveil the secrets behind mangroves, including unforgettable wildlfe encounters like alligators, snakes, otters, wintering birds, and more.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach would not be overlooked were it not a remote Amelia Island destination. But, steeped in quaint charm and history, this northernmost Atlantic Florida city offers a perfect respite from the Greater Jacksonville bustle. The thirteen-mile-long Amelia Island is the southernmost of the Sea Islands chain along the east coast. Part of Nassau County today and having flown eight different flags since 1562, it is the "Isle of 8 Flags." Priorly inhabited by the Timucuan Indian tribe, cultural influences remain, including those from France, Spain, Great Britain, and even the Patriots of Amelia Island. Four miles wide at its widest point, Amelia Island flaunts 13 miles of pristine beaches and perfect weather conditions. Come for the vibrant celebration of May's Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival or visit any season to indulge in scrumptious sea delicacies, perhaps after a round of top-notch golf.
Fernandina offers prime access to Amelia's top attractions, including the circa-1838 Amelia Island Lighthouse. Book a monthly tour in advance! From upscale resorts to adorable bed and breakfasts, the choice is pleniful, together with a walkable downtown. You won't have to push elbows through attractions or wait in line for its popular restaurants and shops—but the decades-old Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge is worth it every time. Between the downtown and the dog-friendly Main Beach Park, Egan's Creek Greenway Trail is a spectacular open biking and hiking area with wildlife like alligators, great blue herons, wild passion flowers, and morning glories. Minutes north, the beachfront Fort Clinch State Park flaunts wildlife trails, camping, and a circa-1864 intact fort along the northeastern edge with guided tours of barracks, prisons, blacksmith’s shops, and monthly cannon firings.
Gasparilla Island
While the island puts up a fierce front, named after an infamous pirate, José Gaspar, Gasparilla Island craves attention as an underrated destination bursting with charms. Away from the mainland, with easy access from the airport, you will discover Boca Grande's historic district with charming shops and vintage architecture. Accessible even in the winter from the Boca Grande Causeway, the state park beckons visitors in after sighting the intact historical lighthouse, the island's namesake. Gasparilla Island State Park features trails, beaches, and campsites; imagine yourself a rugged explorer all the way down with bird-watching opportunities to the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Built in 1890, it crowns the southernmost tip of the island, with a museum backing its commitment to guide ships into the safety of the harbor.
Both Sandspurs or the Boca Grande Lighthouse offer shaded pavilions by the parking lot with scenic ocean views. After a picnic, find yet another slice of sand on the island's southern end to lounge on without crowds. From kayaking and boat tours to swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, the low-key barrier island halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers is the perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or friend trip. Home to under 2,000 people, a visit from November to mid-February has favorable weather conditions and virtually no traffic at other top attractions like Cayo Costa State Park and Boca Grande Beach, so get hopping around via walking, a car, or a pedal. Lastly, bring a memory from your shelling ventures as a pretty gift or memorabilia and reminisce about your best winter getaway along the gulf.
Micanopy
At over two centuries old, Micanopy is the oldest inland town in Florida, relinquishing its history at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum. Surrounded by a scenic landscape, this picturesque and viciously underrated town ranges in pursuits from gator watching to antiquing. Its historic downtown buildings are tangled within magnificent live oaks and draping Spanish moss. Micanopy bursts with charisma through boutiques and cafes, filling up historic architecture with shopping, art viewing, and delicious dining. Cholokka Boulevard is like an anthill on weekends, alive with locals and visitors mingling along historic storefronts like vintage shops and eateries, including sweet treats and delicious delis. The circa-1845 Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast is also here. Directly north, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers the chance to spot free-roaming bison and wild horses.
Many enjoy the "literal" offerings at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek. Its gardens and citrus groves honor the author, while her revamped house features live reenactments of the 1930s and stories, as well as the nearby Yearling Restaurant. From Antique City Mall to Delectable Collectibles and Dakota Mercantile, Micanopy Outpost offers sought-after Florida Highwaymen paintings, with more treasures, art, and gifts at JEMsOriginals. Shop for vintage and modern home decor and art at the Shop in Micanopy, while Coffee N’ Cream, Old Florida Cafe, and Bake House are all popular choices for a bite. Home to under 1,000 residents, Micanopy is just 10 miles south of Gainesville, the entertainment hub, if you've never been. Don't miss a quaint stroll through Micanopy Historic Cemetery, and stop at one of the country stores for goodies to bring home.
Navarre
Ah, Navarre—with the name sounding waves of tranquility along its dozen blissful Gulf Coast beaches, sightseeing starts along the coastal Highway 98. Cross the Santa Rosa Sound to Santa Rosa Island's four-mile Navarre Beach. Flaunting the Gulf Islands National Seashore, three of its colorful artificial reefs are accessible for scuba diving and snorkeling to see magnificent marine life up close. From Navarre Main Beach to Navarre East Beach and Opal Beach, the undulating view takes your breath away. Explore the coast on foot or via kayak, canoe, or small boat, or choose from a score of nature trails and bike paths. Forty minutes north, the Blackwater River State Forest features tranquil sand-bottom rivers.
Navarre, a destination for weddings, newlyweds, and families, enjoying a quiet stroll along its sugar-white sand beaches never gets crowded. Emerald-green waters caress the shore, while Navarre Beach Park is home to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Among its many allures, this stunning town evokes a sense of vacation from your own childhood. Visit in early April through May for the best beach experience to relax and take in Florida’s seaside charm solely with your loved ones. The quiet inlet on the sound, "Mom's Beach," calls parents to relax while the kids have fun splashing, castle building, and running within sight. At the foot of the Navarre toll bridge, the five-acre Navarre Park features a playground and a splash pad.
Home to some of the nation's most popular cities, beach towns, and attractions, many head to the southeasterly state to party, trace the coast in a vehicle, and enjoy some beach-bumming in between, while others like to explore the waters and the islands around them. These smaller towns offer all the beauty of the Sunshine State at a fraction of the cost, crowds, and time spent getting around.
So relish the slower pace in the sea breeze, indulge in seafood, and soak up the unspoiled natural beauty like at Navarre Beach. This "underrated" small town along the emerald-green waters lapping up the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers gorgeous miles of undeveloped sugar-fine beaches, access to three colorful reefs, and the Turtle Conservation Center.
