9 Hidden Historical Towns In Florida
Florida’s most famous destinations, like Miami and Orlando, often steal the spotlight, but a wealth of rich history and untold stories reside in the state’s smaller towns. These towns often boast centuries-old buildings, streets steeped in local lore, and charming atmospheres that transport visitors across time to an age of pirates and conquistadors intent on finding gold. If you seek a historical adventure away from the bustling crowds, these nine hidden gems are waiting to share their stories.
Apalachicola
In the Florida Panhandle, where the Apalachicola River meets the Gulf of Mexico, lies the town of Apalachicola. Once a thriving port city, the third largest on the Gulf, during the 19th century, it played a critical role in shipping and the oyster trade, with its maritime history etched into every building. The John Gorrie Museum State Park pays homage to Dr. John Gorrie, whose invention of mechanical refrigeration in the 1840s revolutionized the preservation of food and the medical field. Visitors can tour his former home and learn about his pivotal role in history (and our pantries).
Not far from the museum, the Apalachicola Historic District offers a glimpse of the town's 19th-century architecture. The brick, tin-roofed warehouse buildings here, some dating back to the 1830s, still house art galleries and boutiques like Grady Market. For those who enjoy a scenic walk, Orman House Historic State Park, a preserved antebellum mansion overlooking the river, serves as an ideal stop. The lush grounds and original furnishings offer a step back into Florida’s past.
Micanopy
South of Gainesville, the tiny town of Micanopy may be small in size, but it’s rich in history. Known for its preservation of "old Florida," Micanopy is a favorite among history buffs and film lovers alike. It served as the backdrop for the 1991 film Doc Hollywood and continues to attract visitors drawn to its Victorian architecture and quiet streets lined with weeping Spanish moss.
Micanopy’s Historic District is lined with charming structures from the 19th century, many of which are still in use today, like the Herlong Mansion, now a hotel. The Micanopy Museum and Historical Society provides an in-depth look at the town’s early days, including its origins as a Native American settlement and its later role as a trading post for early pioneers. For nature lovers, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is nearby and furnishes visitors with a unique glimpse into the region's native flora and fauna, alongside its historical significance as a battleground during the Seminole Wars.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida, is known as the oldest city in the United States (continuously occupied by Europeans). Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine’s cobbled streets, Spanish-style plazas, and historic buildings tell the story of its centuries of existence.
Key landmarks in St. Augustine include the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort that offers sweeping views of the bay and serves as one of the best-preserved military structures from the Spanish colonial era. Just a short walk away, the Lightner Museum, housed in a former 19th-century hotel, displays an impressive collection of art and artifacts. To step back further in time, visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can explore the site where Ponce de León is said to have landed in 1513. While no fountains of youth have been found, enjoy a refreshment or a cigar at Isabela's Bar Cuba near downtown.
Mount Dora
Just north of Orlando, Mount Dora is known for its antique shops and its captivating history. This small town on the shores of Lake Dora is colloquially known as "The New England of the South" a moniker inspired by its charming lakefront tranquility and Victorian-style architecture. Donnelly Street, with its quaint boutiques, cafes, and galleries, is a pleasant place to stroll while soaking in the town’s historical atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee and the view at One Flight Up Cafe, whose balcony overlooks the historic thoroughfare.
Mount Dora’s Historic Train Depot is a must-visit for rail enthusiasts as well as the current house for the town's chamber of commerce. Built in the early 1900s, it stands as a testament to the town’s role as a key stop for the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Those looking to take home their own piece of history should look no further than Renninger's Flea Market & Antique Center.
Green Cove Springs
Located along the St. Johns River, the small city of Green Cove Springs shows visitors a peek into centuries of Florida’s rich past. The town’s most famous landmark, Spring Park, features the natural spring that made the area a popular resort town in the 19th century. The park’s stunning river views and historic bathhouse, still standing since its opening in 1924, transport visitors back to the golden age of Florida tourism.
Transit enthusiasts should check out the Clay County Historical and Railroad Museum, which features both historic architecture and the second oldest jail on the east coast. Other museums in the town include the North Florida Railway Museum, a collection of old train cars in a rail yard, as well as the Military Museum of North Florida, which houses a variety of large guns and boats similar to those used in the D-Day invasion of WWII.
Fernandina Beach
The city of Fernandina Beach, located in north Florida, is steeped in history with a mix of old-world architecture and coastal appeal. The Amelia Island Historic District is an excellent starting point. Stroll down Centre Street, where a variety of late 19th- and early 20th-century storefronts house unique shops and cafes, all in lovely pastels that evoke the easy feelings of 'island time.'
One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Amelia Island Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Florida. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the lighthouse’s role in guiding ships through dangerous waters. For history buffs, the Fernandina Beach City Cemetery offers insight into the area’s past, with graves dating back to the 1800s, marking the graves of many notable figures, including former soldiers and early settlers. On the other side of the island, be sure to check out the Amelia Island Museum of History, an old jail that now showcases local history from the Indigenous Timucuan.
Cedar Key
An island city on the Gulf of Mexico, the small town of Cedar Key is a floating historical artifact. Once a bustling port during the 19th century, it has since settled into a quiet coastal town that retains much of its historic charm. The Cedar Key Historic District features wooden buildings and Tudor-style architecture that harken back to the town’s industrial heyday. The Cedar Key Museum State Park houses exhibits on the town’s once-booming clam industry, which fueled its economy for much of the 20th century; it also features a restored 1920s home and a nature trail.
The Cedar Key Pier is a popular spot to watch the sunset or fish off the coast, and it provides the perfect backdrop for the small town’s laid-back atmosphere. Contemplate the ravages of time whilst strolling the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail, where you can see the remnants of the rail line that used to serve the island.
Be aware Cedar Key was hit with two hurricanes during the fall 2024 season, causing extensive damage to certain businesses. Please do not let this discourage you from exploring this community and assisting in its economic recovery from the tragedies of the harsh 2024 hurricane season. This resilient community is currently open for business.
Boca Grande
On Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande is a quiet, upscale town known for its history and preservation efforts. The Boca Grande Historic District includes homes and landmarks from across the last several centuries, such as the beachfront Gasparilla Inn, which has been welcoming guests since 1913. This stately inn captures the elegance of the early 20th century with its luxurious furnishings and classic Southern architecture.
Boca Grande’s Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is another prime example of the town’s maritime heritage. Standing tall since 1890, it served as a vital navigation tool for boats entering Charlotte Harbor. The lighthouse has since been restored and is open to the public. For nature lovers, Boca Grande Beach offers pristine views of the Gulf, providing the perfect place to end a historic tour with a relaxing walk along the shore.
Key West
Key West is a historic island that blends rich culture with natural beauty and stands as the southernmost point of the Continental United States. One of the town's most famous historic sites is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the legendary author lived from 1931 to 1939. This beautifully preserved house offers a fascinating glimpse into Hemingway’s life and work, complete with guided tours of the lush gardens and the famous 6-toed cats that run free over the property.
Nearby, the Oldest House Museum & Gardens provides insight into the island's earliest days, offering artifacts from the 19th century (it was built in 1829) and a glimpse of the architectural style of Key West's early settlers. Another must-see is the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where visitors can explore the well-preserved Civil War-era fort and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding waters, making it a perfect blend of history and nature.
From the bustling streets of St. Augustine to the peaceful shores of St. George Island, Florida’s small historical towns paint a fascinating picture of the past. Each town—whether it is the colonial splendor of St. Augustine, the coastal history of Cedar Key, or the preserved architecture of Micanopy—holds stories that deserve to be explored. These towns may not boast large populations, but they are filled with historical landmarks that provide deep insights into Florida’s diverse history, from railroads to jail cells. Explore these hidden gems and take in the stories that shaped the state’s unique past.
