9 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Florida
Also known as the “Sunshine State,” Florida is rightfully celebrated for its hot weather, splendid beaches, vibrant culture, and, of course, fun for the whole family theme parks. Though major urban centers like Miami and Orlando continue to dominate much attention, Florida is also full of smaller yet equally alluring towns that will make any trip to the State that much richer. Filled with all the beauty and charm that is typical of the “Sunshine State,” these smaller breathtaking towns are great ways to see another side of Florida while in a less congested atmosphere. So come see these awesome towns and appreciate the beauty of Florida through a different lens!
Tarpon Springs
A part of the greater Tampa Bay area, the town of Tarpon Springs boasts a modest population of just over 25,000, 10% of which are of Greek ancestry. This makes it the town with the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the country, and visitors can experience plenty of Greek culture across town. Add in the hot Florida sun, and one could even feel as if they had traveled to Greece. Enjoy a nice assortment of fine dining restaurants (many, of course, which specialize in Greek cuisine), and browse an eclectic range of shops, galleries, and even churches that can be found all around the town’s center. In addition, several historic buildings can be found here, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Safford House (1883) and the Old City Hall (1915) amongst others. And, of course, one should not forget about the Greektown Historic District, for a historic celebration of the impact of Greek immigration. Finally, visiting the famed Sponge Docks cannot be missed, where a fascinating look into the process of sponge diving is amongst one of the most unique excursions the whole family can enjoy.
Cedar Key
With a very humble population of just under 700 residents, the scenic town of Cedar Key is beautifully located in the Gulf of Mexico in Levy County. Featuring some of Florida’s most stunning beaches, Cedar Key has long been a popular destination for activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, and even some birdwatching. Formally established in the 1850s, several parts of Cedar Key are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and visitors can continue to explore several 19th-century landmarks like the Island Hotel (1861). Meanwhile, an afternoon spent at the Cedar Key Museum State Park is a great way to get acquainted with the area’s 1800s past and the role of indigenous people in developing the land. Indeed whether it is exploring some history or simply enjoying the outdoor splendor, Cedar Key is a place that all ages can appreciate.
Fort Pierce
The seat of St. Lucie County, the town of Fort Pierce was founded as a fishing village in the 1830s and today it has grown to a sizeable community of just over 47,000 residents. Known for its beautifully stunning natural and artificial reefs, this town on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is a perennially favorite destination for diving. Add in plenty of hot sun, warm coastal breezes, and an attractive boardwalk area, and there is indeed never a shortage of natural beauty to be enjoyed in Fort Pierce. Meanwhile an inviting historic district and several unique buildings can be explored here including the Boston House (1909) and the Sunrise Theatre (1923), while an afternoon at the Backus Museum & Gallery, the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, or the Old Fort Pierce Park are great ways to learn about Florida’s cultural and natural history.
Captiva
Just over 300 permanent residents call the community of Captiva their home, but for what this Lee County town may lack in size it compensates for with loads of Florida charm and sun. A part of the Fort Myers metropolitan area, Captiva is indeed a most welcoming and breathtaking destination where activities like swimming, sailing, and sun bathing under the hot Florida sun are always popular. A perfect place to relax away from the big city sights and sounds, the quaint ambience of this town make it an ideal getaway. Though recent years have seen damage the annual hurricane seasons, Captiva’s resilience continues, and it remains a most alluring quiet spot to enjoy some of Florida’s best natural environment.
St. Augustine
Founded in the year 1565 by Spanish colonists, St. Augustine stands as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the North American continent. As one of the United States’ most historically important places, visitors to this time capsule like community of just over 14,000 inhabitants can expect to find loads of fascinating direct links to the past. Seat of St. Johns County, the town is full of Spanish colonial era architecture from the 16th to 19th centuries, and opportunities to explore significant landmarks are always on hand. Visit the Forts Matanzas (1740) and Castillo de San Marcos (1672), the St. Franics Barracks, the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, the former Ponce de Leon Hotel (1885), and many other historic sites and welcoming green spaces. And with typically hot summers and warm winters, visiting St. Augustine and taking in the beauty of the Atlantic Coast is always a delight no matter what the season.
Apalachicola
A part of the Florida panhandle, the scenic town of Apalachicola is beautifully situated on the shores of Apalachicola Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. Seat of Franklin County and home to a modest population of just over 2,000 residents, the town is also lovingly known as one of the world’s “Oyster Capitals”, and indeed there is an abundance of oysters and other great seafood to be had when visiting. Never short on great restaurant destinations, in addition to the many fine eateries visitors will not want to miss out on the annual Florida Seafood Festival. Here thousands of guests descend on Apalachicola for some of the very best in marine cuisine. Meanwhile a visit to the town’s historic district is also a delight, and a number of fascinating landmarks are even included on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Dixie Theatre (1912) and the Trinity Episcopal Church (1839), amongst several others.
Williston
Forming part of Florida’s Nature Coast region, the town of Williston is a charming place of just under 3,000 inhabitants. A relaxing destination to enjoy some unique natural wonders, visitors can explore the prehistoric natural springs the Devil’s Den and the Blue Grotto respectively, for a truly breathtaking and photogenic experience. Back on dry land, why not spend an afternoon at the Two Tails Ranch, where exotic wildlife like elephants make this a wonderful outing for the entire family. From there take a ride on the Florida Northern Railway for a most scenic journey, while cultural events like the Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival delight all ages in the Fall. Indeed as a quiet, small town Williston is big on natural beauty and warm hospitality and should definitely be considered for a stopover for anyone in this part of Florida.
Venice
Incorporated in the 1880s, the town of Venice was named for the famed Italian city and is beautifully situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known as the “Shark Took Capital of the World”, a population of just under 25,500 calls Venice home which is celebrated for its inviting beach areas. Among the shorelines of note include Caspersen and Venice Beach, where in addition to golden sand and sparkling waters, one can explore stunning coral reefs and the chance to discover fossilized shark teeth that have been buried in the sand. Meanwhile a number of historic landmarks can be found in town, many of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Triangle Inn (1927), the Venezia Park Historic District, the Venice Theatre (1950), and the Eagle Point Historic District amongst others. Add in very hot summers and warm winters typical of Florida, palm tree lined streets, and Italian style architecture, and Venice is indeed a most welcoming place where something special to discover is never far away.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a most fascinating and picturesque village that is spread across five of the Florida Keys islands. From the Spanish for “Purple Island”, this most charming locale with a population of just over 7,000 inhabitants is indeed the perfect place to be immersed in the hot sun, Atlantic Ocean waters, and stunning beaches associated with the “Sunshine State”. Enjoy swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and fishing in this American tropical paradise. Indeed for the ardent sports fisher, opportunities for sail or bone fishing are always popular here and a number of fishing tournaments are held year round. Meanwhile why not take the whole family for a fun day at the Theatre of the Sea where dolphin shows and chances to swim with the creatures makes for quite the special memories. From there visit the History of Diving Museum or the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park, where history, geology, and entertainment all come together.
Florida, or the “Sunshine State”, has never been short on wonder and with a combination of its tropical climate and unique cultural and historic allure have a made it a favorite for tourists from across the world. Yet while many tourists may still flock to the major urban centres, Florida also has plenty of beautiful and welcoming smaller towns that are just as special as cities like Miami. From the unique island village ambience of Islamorada to the historic centre of St. Augustine, these and other extraordinary Florida towns are not only visually breathtaking but culturally spectacular. So come visit Florida and include in your itinerary these awesome towns, and another side of the “Sunshine State” will be ready to reveal itself to all!
