9 Secluded Towns in Florida
Florida is home to many small, secluded towns that are a quiet escape from the busy, urbanized areas of the state, like Miami and Orlando. These towns, each with populations under 10,000, are not just defined by their size but by their proximity to Florida's diverse natural landscapes. From coastal fishing villages to historic inland communities, these towns provide access to wetlands, forests, and wildlife refuges, offering opportunities to engage with Florida's rich natural environment.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a small town on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with a population of about 700 people. The town sits on a cluster of islands and has a long history tied to the region's fishing and timber industries. Cedar Key was once a major supplier of cedar wood for pencil manufacturing, but the decline of the industry in the 19th century led the town to transition into a quiet fishing village.
Those exploring Cedar Key can explore the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, where they can find walking trails and engage in birdwatching. Public boat tours are available to the surrounding islands. Another option is fishing, with the town’s waters being popular for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Kayaking through the nearby tidal flats and marshes is another way to explore the region's coastal ecosystem.
White Springs
White Springs, with a population of about 750 along the Suwannee River in northern Florida. The town was historically known for its natural springs, which drew people in the 19th century seeking the reputed health benefits of the waters. While the springs are no longer active, the town has preserved its connection to the Suwannee River and remains an access point for those looking to explore Florida’s natural landscapes.
Travelers to White Springs can explore the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park for hiking and biking trails, as well as access to the Suwannee River for paddling and fishing. The town is also near Osceola National Forest, where visitors can hike through pine forests and wetlands. Another activity is birdwatching along the Suwannee River, where a variety of Florida bird species can be observed in the area’s preserved natural habitats.
St. Marks
St. Marks is a small coastal town at the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, with a population of about 300 people. The town has a long history as a port, dating back to the Spanish colonial period in the 1600s when it served as a trading post. St. Marks became an important military and trading center over the years, though its activity slowed as nearby cities developed.
Anyone visiting St. Marks can hike or bike the trails within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which covers a vast area of marshes, forests, and coastal wetlands. Another option is exploring the St. Marks Lighthouse, established in 1831, which is one of the oldest still-standing lighthouses in Florida, within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities along the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, with several access points available in and around the town.
Carrabelle
Carrabelle is on Florida’s Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico and has a population of about 2,600. Historically, the town grew around the timber and fishing industries, with its natural harbor making it an ideal location for shipping and fishing. Carrabelle remains a small fishing community, is adjacent to Tate’s Hell State Forest and near the Apalachicola National Forest.
In Carrabelle, visitors can explore the beaches and waterways of the Gulf Coast, with options for swimming, fishing, and boating in the protected coastal areas. Hiking is available in Tate’s Hell State Forest, where trails lead through wetlands, pine forests, and rivers. Another activity is visiting the Crooked River Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse near the town. It has tours and a small museum focused on local maritime history.
Ochopee
Ochopee is a small, unincorporated community in southern Florida, with a population of about 150 people. It is best known for being home to the smallest operational post office in the United States. Ochopee is surrounded by Big Cypress National Preserve and is near the northern edge of Everglades National Park. Historically, the area was used for farming, but it transitioned into a quiet community after much of the land was incorporated into the preserve.
Travelers to Ochopee can explore Big Cypress National Preserve, where non-commercial activities such as hiking and birdwatching are available on designated trails. Another option is kayaking or canoeing through the Everglades' waterways, accessible from nearby launch points. The Loop Road Scenic Drive is a way to experience the natural beauty of the region, with opportunities to see local wildlife such as alligators and wading birds along the route.
Micanopy
Micanopy is a small town in Alachua County, with a population of approximately 650. It is one of the oldest towns in Florida, founded in the early 1800s, and it has maintained much of its historic character. Micanopy was historically a center for agriculture, particularly citrus farming, and became a trade hub for the surrounding region.
Visitors to Micanopy can explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where they can hike along the trails and observe native wildlife such as alligators, bison, and numerous bird species. Another option is walking through Micanopy’s historic district, where several buildings from the 19th century are preserved, providing insight into the town’s early development. For those interested in nature, the nearby Lake Wauberg is for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking in a quiet setting.
Highland Beach
Highland Beach is a small coastal town in Palm Beach County, with a population of about 4,000. While it is between the larger cities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Highland Beach itself is a peaceful community with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The town was established as a residential area in the 1940s and has since remained a quiet enclave for those seeking proximity to nature while avoiding the busier, more commercial parts of the region.
People visiting Highland Beach can enjoy the town’s uncrowded public beaches, where they can swim or walk along the shore without the noise of commercial beach activities. The Intracoastal Waterway offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and observing marine life in the protected waters. Additionally, Highland Beach is near nature reserves, such as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where those interested can learn about the region’s coastal ecosystems and engage in nature walks.
Gulf Breeze
Gulf Breeze is a small town in the western Florida Panhandle, with a population of about 6,000. It sits on a peninsula between Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by protected natural areas. The town was originally developed as a fishing community but has grown into a quiet residential area known for its access to the beaches and natural habitats of the Gulf Coast.
Visitors to Gulf Breeze can explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which has miles of undeveloped beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Another activity is paddling along Pensacola Bay, where kayaks and canoes can be rented to explore the calm waters. Additionally, the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, nearby, has hiking trails and educational exhibits focused on the coastal environment and its significance to the region.
Everglades City
Everglades City is a small town with a population of about 400, in Collier County along the southwestern edge of Florida. It was founded in the early 20th century as a hub for the local fishing industry and served as the original gateway to Everglades National Park. It is an important destination for those interested in exploring Florida’s unique wetland ecosystems.
In Everglades City, explorers can take boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands, a labyrinth of mangroves and waterways that offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities in the area, with rentals available for exploring the park's waterways at a slower pace. Another option is hiking the nature trails in Everglades National Park for a chance to experience the landscapes of the Everglades up close.
A Tranquil Side of Florida
Each of these secluded Florida towns provides a distinct experience. Whether it's exploring the wetlands of Big Cypress near Ochopee, hiking through wildlife preserves in Cedar Key, or paddling along the rivers and coastal waters in Carrabelle, these destinations allow people to experience the state's natural beauty and historical charm. By offering a variety of non-commercial outdoor activities, these towns are ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Florida's quieter, more natural side.
