The 12 Most Charming Towns in South Florida
Surrounded by water on most sides, South Florida, the southernmost area of Florida as well as the continental United States, is home to many beautiful sights, resort towns, and activities. Specifically, there are famous tourist destinations such as Miami and the Everglades. With everything from beautiful beaches to delicious food, there is a lot more to discover in South Florida than just big cities. This region is flush with charming small towns with an abundance of amazing sights to see and things to do!
Palm Beach
Known as one of the best resort towns in South Florida, Palm Beach is a beautiful town filled with coastal joy. Home to 9,200 people, this quaint town is in Palm Beach County and filled with good vibes. The town sits on a beautiful barrier island surrounded by water. So, you can find people relaxing at one of the city’s public beaches; Midtown Beach, Pupps Ocean Park, and Kreusler Park. Each of these offers a unique set of attractions that can help you cool off in the hot sun. For example, visit Midtown Beach to take in some historic waterside sights and enjoy a clean and seaweed-free environment. On the other hand, check out waterside activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and more for an adrenaline-filled time.
After spending your day along the water, walk into town and experience Palm Beach’s unique culture and vibe. The town is one of the wealthiest in America, a testament to which you can find amazing shopping opportunities here. From luxury brands like Louis Vuitton to local arts and crafts, Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue has everything you can ask for from a shopping district. Hand in hand with the shopping experience is an amazing set of eateries spread throughout Worth Avenue. Whether it is a divine French meal at the Café Boulud or a wood-fired pizza at Pizza Al Fresco, there is something for everyone in Palm Beach!
Key Biscayne
Located just a few miles east of Miami, Key Biscayne is a lovely waterside retreat. Home to 14,400 people, this island town is the perfect place for nature lovers looking for a peaceful vacation. Key Biscayne offers a unique mix of beaches, nature preserves, and amazing tourist attractions. For example, a nearby and famous attraction is the Neptune Memorial Reef in Oakland Park. Accessible by boat, this man-made reef houses an artist’s interpretation of the Lost City of Atlantis underwater. It is the perfect place to scuba dive and take in the ocean’s beauty. Move back into town, and you can visit the stunning Bear Cut Nature Preserve. This site is in Crandon Park and includes waterside trails and wildlife. While these sights are amazing, Key Biscayne also has multiple beaches with everything from white sand to crystal-clear water for a relaxing vacation.
Once you have witnessed the town’s natural beauty, it is time to check out some of the local tourist amenities and attractions. To accommodate the influx of tourists, Key Biscayne is home to some lovely hotels with breathtaking properties. For example, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is home to amazing pools, luxury service, and more for an amazing stay. If you get hungry during your stay, be sure to check out the hotel’s restaurant, known for some of the best seafood in the state.
Fort Pierce
Known for its quaint charm as a fishing village from the 1900s, Fort Pierce holds a surprising amount of fun. The town is in St. Lucie County and is home to 47,300 people who are always ready to strike up a joyous conversation! When it comes to natural beauty, Fort Pierce should be at the top of your list thanks to its amazing natural and artificial reefs. These offer great diving spots and are often less crowded than other major cities. Along with this, the local beaches are perfect for relaxing as they are clean and often quite peaceful. For example, the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is home to a long beach where you can go swimming, surfing, or relax in the sun. If you want to grab a bite, local beaches also have diners that offer fresh fish right from the ocean!
While coastal beauty is bound to be present, Fort Pierce is also known for its interesting historical sites. One place to learn more about the town’s history is St. Lucie County Regional History Center. This center was established in 1968 and showcases everything from aquatic treasure to fishing equipment used in the 1838 Seminole War! For a more interactive experience, visit the Smithsonian Educational Aquarium, which offers touch tanks and exhibits that will teach you all about the local ecosystem. All in all, Fort Pierce is a quaint fishing town with a lot of amazing things to offer!
Anna Maria Island
While it technically consists of three towns, Anna Maria Island is an amazing barrier island filled with South Florida’s charm. Located on the coast of Manatee County, this island is home to a combined population of approximately 8,500. Despite its smaller size, the place is always full of tourists as it is famous for its broad beaches, amazing seafood, and great entertainment. When it comes to beaches, Anna Maria Island has multiple great options to choose from, such as Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach. These beach areas are large and include many amenities and eateries for a relaxing time in the sun. Most beaches also allow activities such as swimming, fishing, and boat tours for an interactive experience.
If getting into the water is not your vibe, do not worry because Anna Maria Island has a lot more to offer. For example, you can take a step back and enjoy some of the amazing food joints the island has. From seafood restaurants with stunning views, such as Rod & Reel Pier, to sweet shops with delicious donuts, like Donut Experiment, there is something for everyone! After grabbing a bite, visit Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to explore dozens of shops, boutiques, bars, and more. Plan your trip well, and you can attend one of the many events that take place on this street! So, when it comes to waterside beauty and South Floridian charm, few places are as perfect as Anna Maria Island.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a lovely village located south of Miami along six of the Florida Keys Islands. Home to just 7,100 people with an area of 6.7 square miles, the town seems quite unassuming at first glance. However, it is a treasure trove of charming activities that combine the region’s beauty with its history. One such sight is the Keys History and Discovery Center. This museum is home to dozens of exhibits showcasing everything from shipwrecks to pirates and more. Similarly, the nearby Indian Key Historic State Park rests on land that was once a lively town and now offers a tranquil setting within nature. So, you can learn about the past while spending the day performing fun activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, snorkeling, and much more. No matter where you go, there is sure to be a natural park, beach, refuge, or just a beautiful area to relax and enjoy here!
While the natural sights are endless in Islamorada, the town is also quite a happening place. With lively residents and interesting tourists, you can almost always find someone to speak to throughout the town. For a more enjoyable time, grab a beer at the local Florida Keys Brewing Co. This place has amazing brewed beer, games, and mosaic artwork. If you are not much of a beer person, visit the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, renowned for having Florida’s best key lime pie!
Sanibel
Just off the southwestern coast of Florida, Sanibel is both an island and city in Lee County. The city is famous for having some of the world’s best shelling beaches where you can find all sorts of shells. This is because many beaches here sit perpendicular to the coastline, which creates the perfect environment for shell-hunting. While shell hunting is the prime attraction here, Sanibel is also filled with natural reserves. In total, more than half of the island’s 33 square miles area consists of wildlife refuges. To this end, you can spend your day wildlife watching and taking in the local animal life and its beauty. One of the most popular sites is the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge which is home to hundreds of animals, such as alligators, herons, pelicans, bobcats, and more.
Moving back in time, Sanibel, settled in 1884, also has a rich history which is visible in the many historic sites on the island. It was in this year itself that the famous Sanibel Island Lighthouse was also constructed. This lighthouse is one of the first in Florida and towers a staggering 98 feet above sea level. Apart from this, you can also take in local charm by visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Home to more than ten aquarium exhibits, this museum has everything from living shells and mollusks to a giant octopus! Thus, if you are a fan of shelling and want a fun place to visit, Sanibel is the perfect destination.
Naples
When it comes to taking a break from the urban hustle and bustle, Naples is an amazing town to visit. Nestled along the southeastern coast of South Florida, this town is home to 19,000 and houses amazing golfing and beaches. In terms of golfing, the town has the most holes in any city in Florida, so you can find an amazing course no matter where you go. Walk out to the shore, and Naples has about 10 miles of pristine shoreline covered with white sandy beaches. One of the best is Naples Pier Beach which has a relaxing environment coupled with a crowded pier. This beach has many amazing shops, eateries, and activities which are fun for the whole family. For a more private experience, Seagate Beach is a popular sunset-watching spot where you can cool off with a loved one.
With an area of 16.5 square miles, there is a lot more to see than just beaches in Naples. Specifically, the town is home to many beautiful nature reserves, each with a unique set of sights and activities. Naples Botanical Garden is a lovely place to witness the local fauna and houses more than 1,000 tropical plant species. If you are more of an animal person, opt for Naples Zoo, which has a fun and enjoyable vibe. The zoo covers an area of more than 40 acres, and you can witness around 70 species of animals, such as alligators, monkeys, pythons, and more.
Sebring
Sebring is in south-central Florida, in Highlands County, but it still boasts some amazing waterside attractions and activities. Sebring sits on the shores of the stunning Lake Jackson, which is one of the region’s prime locations. Here, you can enjoy a range of fun activities, such as jet skiing, scuba diving, and air boating. For a more relaxing experience, visit the nearby Highlands Hammock State Park, which is home to Florida’s largest sampling of endemic species. So, you can walk through the trails and spot animals such as alligators, turtles, and more!
While natural sights are available throughout South Florida, what makes Sebring special is its diversity. Once you move further into the city, you will find the amazing Downtown Sebring Historic District, shaped in a circle that has given the town its nickname, "The City on the Circle." You can spend an entire day here shopping, eating, or walking around the enjoyable streets. Moreover, home to more than 10,000 people, there is always something lively happening in central Sebring! After all this, end your day by visiting the renowned Sebring International Raceway, which hosts a range of auto racing events throughout the year!
Key West
When it comes to southern Florida, you can’t get much further south than Key West, an island city on the Florida Keys archipelago and the southernmost city in the contiguous (48 adjoining states) United States. Thanks to its location, the city is home to some of the most amazing natural sights that you can witness across the globe. For example, take a boat tour on the Key West Tours and the nearby Florida Key Reef. For a more hands-on experience, book a snorkeling tour of North America’s only living coral barrier reef! If that is not enough, you can also check out Smathers Beach, which is great for relaxing, swimming, and basking in the Floridian sun!
However, while coastal beauty is bound to be present, Key West is also famous for its land activities. With an area of just 4.2 square miles, the limitless options available on the island may surprise you. One of the most popular spots is Duval Street, a famous road lined with bars, art galleries, shops, eateries, and more. Spend your entire day here, and you will still be coming back to experience more. If you do visit Duval Street, be sure to grab a bite at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe for an amazing dessert. If you are more of a history buff, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is the spot for you. The building belonged to literary icon Ernest Hemingway, and the museum showcases some of his most famous work from the 1900s!
Matlacha
While being quite small, with an area of under 1 square mile, Matlacha is a great place to visit in southeastern Florida. Home to just 600 people, the town is an ideal destination to get away from people and take a break. The town boasts an old fishing village vibe and unique attractions that can keep you busy for many days! Most prominently, Matlacha is vibrant, whether it is the pastel-colored houses along the streets or the many art galleries. For example, check out Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, which is home to stunning works by the world-famous artist.
Along with art galleries and stores, Matlacha is also riddled with amazing restaurants and eateries. These places serve fresh seafood and offer some of the best dishes on the southern coast. Miceli’s Restaurant is one of the best in town and serves both American and Italian cuisine. This restaurant has an informal vibe, and you can try out anything from the delicious oyster to the yummy prime rib. After this, end your day with a stroll along Bat House Park, where you can walk, fish, and enjoy the scenery.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach is in Indian River County, about two hours south of Orlando. With a population of around 16,000 and located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, this town is full of lively activities and amazing views. If you are a nature lover, there are a bunch of options to choose from in Vero Beach. One of the best places is Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge has an area of over 5,000 acres and is home to an abundance of pelicans. Moreover, the park hosts loads of animal visitors, such as dolphins, manatees, alligators, and more, making it an ideal location for wildlife watching. For a more relaxed experience, spend the day at McKee Botanical Garden, which has a wide range of amazing plants on display. If all else fails, check out one of the town’s stunning beaches for seaside relaxation.
Once you have had your fair share of the water, walk into town to witness some of the region’s lively culture. You can do this by visiting the Vero Beach Museum of Art, a large museum filled with art galleries, studios, and more. The museum also has a cafe and gift shop, making it a great place to spend the evening. If you are lucky, book a show at the Riverside Theatre, known for musicals and comedies. So, no matter what you are into, Vero Beach is an all-inclusive charmer of a town!
Venice
Named after one of the most beautiful places in the world, Venice is a scenic city in Sarasota County, Florida. The town is often known as the "Happiest Seaside Town in America," a testament to which you can find an abundance of seaside attractions and places to visit. Namely, you can spend your day at Caspersen Beach, which offers a stunning shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Caspersen Beach is also famous for being the "Shark Toth Capital of the World." This is because all kinds of shark teeth float onto the beach and are commonly found in and around the sand. So, you can enjoy time in the sun while also grabbing rare shark teeth!
Home to more than 25,000 people with an area of around 18 square miles, there is a lot more than just beaches and shark teeth in Venice. For example, the city houses beautiful protected areas, such as Venice Audobon Rookery Park. This park is full of forested land and is a perfect location for wildlife watching as you can witness many migrating birds. Apart from this, the city center is flush with everything from stores to cafes and everything you can think of. Just stroll down Venice Main Street, and you can visit historic sites, grab a bite, or shop for new clothes!
So, when it comes to waterside beauty, there are few places that can match South Florida. With everything from boat tours and snorkeling to beautiful beaches for relaxing, there is a waterside activity everyone can enjoy. Moreover, many charming cities also house a range of unique attractions, whether this is historic sites or natural preserves. So, if you are looking for a seaside vacation with some added charm, South Florida is the place to be.
