9 Coolest Towns in Florida for a Summer Vacation in 2024
With 175 state parks, 8,436 miles of coastline, and over 9,000 miles of nature trails, Florida continues to stand out as one of the country’s top states for a summer vacation. And while Florida’s famous theme parks may feel like the obvious choice for a getaway, families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find that the state’s small towns should not be overlooked. Whether sunbathing on white sand beaches with a good book or snorkeling above North America’s only living coral barrier reef, from land to sea, Florida’s beach towns and island retreats know how to draw a crowd. So for anyone in need of travel inspiration for the months ahead, consider a different side of Florida this summer. Here are 9 of the coolest small towns you will not want to ignore.
Anna Maria Island
Looking for a fabulous beach vacation without having to fight for a spot in the sand? In that case, Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast is your ticket to bliss. The 7-mile barrier island is known for its broad beaches and laid-back atmosphere, void of the hectic crowds you find on many Florida shores in the summertime. Manatee Public Beach is the island’s heart and most popular shore, ideal for families. The waters here are extremely calm, making it perfect for those with kids or less confident swimmers. Visitors can pack a beach picnic or grab a bite at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café.
For a quieter shore, the northern end of Santa Maria is where you will find the peaceful Palmetto Avenue Beach. Along with less foot traffic, the beach is ideal for those looking to rent with Anna Maria Beach Cottages, a quaint overnight option 2 minutes up the road. The area is also favored for its proximity to Anna Maria’s downtown, with adorable beach-themed shops like Q’s Boutique, businesses like Island Yoga Space, and beachfront eateries like Sandbar Seafood & Spirits.
Cedar Key
For a more sequestered summer getaway on Florida's Gulf Coast, Cedar Key is a vintage beach town whose quiet charms entice all who pass through. This island community of less-than-1,000 locals is around 3 miles from Florida’s mainland. But the excursion is well worth the effort, especially for those looking to enjoy a more tranquil beach town atmosphere. Cedar Key Beach is a pleasant stretch of sand, and nearby, Dock Street is known for its cute shops and restaurants hanging out over the water. Steamers (a delectable seafood restaurant) and Island Arts (a nautical art gallery) are just a few highlights. Just down shore, Cedar Key Boat Rentals & Island Tours grants visitors a gateway to the gorgeous Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Your adventure will feature everything from dolphin sightings to pristine island landscapes on paths like the Railroad Trestle Nature Trail.
Apalachicola
For a “Hip and Historical” getaway, Apalachicola offers a nice change of scene for foodies who love eclectic towns with cool attractions. Located on the banks of Apalachicola Bay (an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico), visitors come to Apalachicola in the summertime for its upscale dining, historic charms, and serene landscapes. Known as the largest producer of oysters in Florida, this coastal community is famous for its nationally acclaimed seafood restaurants. From oyster bars like Up The Creek Raw Bar to classic seafood joints like Owl Café, diners are guaranteed fresh bites and hospitality.
Elsewhere in town, visitors can step back in time to Old Florida. Whether spending the night in historic landmarks like the porch-wrapped Gibson Inn, or exploring Apalachicola’s darling Historic District, Apalachicola’s history is as rich as it is beautiful. With over 900 historic structures dating back as far as the 1830s, the self-guided walking tour offers an enchanting glance at the Victorian homes once owned by river pilots and sea captains. To savor views of the very sea these captains onced sailed, a short drive from Apalachicola leads to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. The barrier island has 9 miles of pristine shoreline and sugar-white sand dunes, so whether you decide to lounge or explore, the sights will not disappoint.
Sanibel Island
If you are seeking a truly unique Florida beach experience, look no further than Sanibel, the “Seashell Capital of the World.” While most of the world’s barrier islands have a north-south orientation, Sanibel’s curved shape and east-west alignment makes it a treasure trove of shells washed ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. Affectionately known for the "Sanibel Stoop,” beachcombers can expect an abundant range of over 400 species of shell at shores like the Sanibel Lighthouse Beach. During the day, shelling is in full swing here and visitors can also enjoy the fishing pier and mellow swimming waves. At night, the historic lighthouse illuminates the area, making it a popular photo op spot.
For a break from beachcombing, Sanibel’s J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers a different, albeit delightful, tropical adventure. As a part of the vastest undeveloped mangrove in the United States, the 6,000-acre jungle and wetlands are incredible for wildlife spotting. From tropical birds to manatees, the refuge can be explored by kayak, foot, or even by car, providing a fun experience for the entire family.
Fernandina Beach
On Amelia Island, the town of Fernandina Beach also welcomes summer crowds with its one-of-a-kind attractions. This includes landmarks like The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest surviving bar. Visitors can enjoy cocktails and learn more about the saloon’s colorful Prohibition history with the Amelia Island Museum of History pub crawl. Fellow history enthusiasts may also enjoy the museum’s Ghost Tour, which guides visitors through 14 of the Historic District’s 50 blocks. Guests will stroll cobblestone streets, pass Victorian buildings, and learn about the haunted homes and ghosts of this historic island town.
Beyond its historical charms, as its name implies, Fernandina Beach offers a ton of classic beach attractions. With over 40 public beach access points, visitors could easily spend their entire vacation soaking up sun on Fernandina’s pristine shores. Main Beach Park is a favorite among families, featuring picnic shelters, a skate park, and the Putt-Putt Fun Center, an oceanfront mini-golf course. Nearby, beachside accommodations like Seaside Amelia Inn and Elizabeth Pointe Lodge are a delightful gateway to the park and other adjacent attractions like Riptide Watersports Rentals and Tours.
Clearwater Beach
Voted the Number 1 Beach in the South by USA Today, Clearwater Beach is another idyllic choice for those planning a summer vacation in 2024. Although technically considered a part of the mainland city of Clearwater, many consider the barrier island to be its own resort town. With 35 miles of sugar-sand shore and emerald waters, visitors can revel in the postcard views that make this beach one of the best in the country.
Along the beach, Pier 60 adds to the shore’s allure, offering a bait house, souvenir shop, and a 1,080-foot fishing pier. The pier is also famous for its year-round sunset celebrations, featuring street performers, artisans, and fiery sunsets. To finish the evening off, seafood restaurants like the Clear Sky Cafe and Crabby's Bar & Grill are just steps away. Alternatively, sunset and dinner can be combined aboard a dinner cruise with Yacht StarShip Cruises.
Siesta Key
Just off the coast of Sarasota, a short bridge will bring you to the picture-perfect barrier island of Siesta Key. Like Clearwater Beach, this island town is home to gorgeous, award-winning shores. Dubbed the Number 2 Best US Beach by TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards, the beauty of these shores continues to attract thousands in 2024.
For a more secluded beach experience, visitors can head to Crescent Beach or Turtle Beach, while those seeking the island’s main stretch of coast can join the crowds at Siesta Beach. With the island’s free trolley service, beach hopping and island exploring are a breeze. In addition to the beaches, visitors can ride to places like the Siesta Key Village for hours of shopping, dining, and strolling. The tree-lined streets are as pretty as they are practical, shading visitors from the Florida sun. And for those who would prefer to get their steps in this summer, adorable accommodations like BeachPoint Cottages are right within walking distance of Siesta Beach and the Village, with restaurant highlights like the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and Daiquiri Deck.
Key West
As the home of North America's only living coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys town of Key West is famous for its snorkeling. With vibrant corals and over 500 species of fish, your time underwater in Key West is by all means bucket list worthy. Agencies like Fury Key West Snorkeling and Key West Snorkeling Tours are just a few of the businesses ready to make your time under the sea nothing short of extraordinary.
Back on land, the community itself is equally colorful and captivating, with pastel conch-style homes and striking Victorian estates scattered across town. Key West’s main strip, Duval Street, is an additional must-see for those seeking the town’s best attractions and a spirited atmosphere. From landmark restaurants like the iconic Sloppy Joe’s Bar to the very first Margaritaville, Duval Street’s eateries are not your typical run-of-the-mill restaurants. The stretch is also where you will find some of the town’s other unique attractions, like the Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden, the Key West Gallery, and Key West’s Oldest House Museum & Gardens.
Grayton Beach
On Florida’s Northwest Coast, the charming village of Grayton Beach boasts some of the most stunning natural attractions in the state. With the award-winning Grayton Beach State Park as its centerpiece, visitors are in for a treat during the summer months. Whether lounging and swimming at the expansive 1-mile beach or exploring the rare 100-acre coastal dune lake by kayak, this nearly 2,000-acre nature haven has something for everyone.
Similar to Key West, Grayton Beach is a popular destination for underwater exploration. Snorkelers can revel in the crystal-clear waters of Sea Turtle Reef, an assemblage of 58 artificial reefs arranged in the shape of a turtle. This captivating site is conveniently located just a ways off from Grayton Beach State Park, and is a mere 800 feet from shore. Within the park itself, scuba divers can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring Underwater Museum of Art. And for those who prefer to stay on solid ground or close to shore, the parkland is brimming with its own treasures. Whether traversing the 4.5-mile forest trail or the 1-mile dune trail, visitors can experience some of Florida’s finest natural splendor.
Final Thoughts
While we may associate a Florida getaway with theme parks and big city attractions, the towns on this list prove that bigger does not always mean better. As we plan our 2024 summer adventures, why not add Florida’s small towns to our travel agendas? From Apalachicola’s lively historic district to the award-winning shores of Clearwater Beach, these cool towns have something exciting for every traveler to help make memories that last a lifetime.
