The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Florida

Among the three most popular states to visit in the US, Florida is a longtime top contender as the beachiest. It has the whitest sands, sunniest locals, and flora covering an exotic range of palms, the "Grass River" of the Everglades, and some of the world's largest coral reefs.

The fluidity of landscapes and magnetic sunsets are enough to second-guess your sanity, but the small towns are the heart of the state. Soak up the beachy vibes and infectious culture on a beautiful escape from reality into a unique coastal lifestyle, hard to miss and impossible to forget.

Fernandina Beach

This historic seaside village on Amelia Island is everything you want from an acculturated beach escape without expensive travel. You'll meet the friendly locals of the northeasternmost town in the state. Main Beach Park is ideal for swimming and sunning with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, supplemented by picnics, kids' play, and courts. For spillover crowds, Seaside Park is primed for leisure with pavilions, a boardwalk, plus beach access and showers.

Learn about how Fernandina has flown eight flags—hence the Isle of 8 Flags—over its vivacious past. Just a quick ride north from downtown, Fort Clinch State Park feels like another place and time. Tipping the island, the site tells of the once bustling fort town, its intact 1800s fort, tours of the barracks, prison, and blacksmith’s shop, and monthly cannon firings. Plus, Pippi Longstocking was filmed in the house across the street from Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park.

Key West

This palm-laden town is a key lime pie-scented paradise with a unique aura at the southernmost point of the US. Known for its hippy vibes, nightlife, water sports, and historic sites, nature and history collide at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. In addition to nature trails and water sport rentals, visitors can explore the site, cool off at the dog-friendly beach, and relax at the cafe, backdropped by a stunning pre-Civil War fortress. Hemingway's hideaway is a longtime haunt for the creatives.

Check out the novelist's house, where the literary giant lived and worked, looking out into the Atlantic. Now a museum, the tour highlights his studio, garden, and six-toed felines, possibly the descendants of his cat, Snow White. The Truman Little White House reveals how the 33rd president spent his "winter working holidays" on the island, with guided tours of the beachy White House. Meanwhile, Duval Street surges energy between shops, bars, and cafes, like Ernie's favorite, Sloppy Joe’s bar.

Naples

Naples, the western gateway into the Everglades, inspires an elegant beach escape, with pristine white-sand beaches and world-class championship golf courses. The beach is off 5th Avenue, the other end of which merges into Tamiami Trail. Clam Pass Park is a serene beach to the north, with flora, local wildlife, and a popular boardwalk for romantic picnics and Gulf Coast sunsets. Drop by the Naples Historical Society for city tours, plus a drop-dead gorgeous Banyan fig tree up front.

Beyond its veil of luxury, the small city offers endless R&R opportunities and historic sites like the circa-1888 pier. The landmark Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an intimate display of exotic fauna and flora, plus departures for boat tours through islands of monkeys and lemurs. At the heart of the city’s cultural scene, Gulfshore Playhouse presents rehearsals and performances by a professional theater troupe, and the Third Street South Farmers Market is a weekend event not to miss.

Palm Beach

Across the Lake Worth Lagoon from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach maintains an almost mythological status. The marina, lined with white sailboats, and every house in between fit for a postage stamp of Florida. Dive to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum to tour this stately Gilded Age-era mansion built for the oil tycoon, adorned with artwork and antique furnishings. Founded in 1936, the free-entry gardens at The Society of the Four Arts invite quiet contemplation.

Soak up the glitzy atmosphere and architecture along Worth Avenue. Established in 1896 by Mr. Flagler, The Breakers remains in his family's ownership, adorned by luxurious gardens. The Worth Avenue Clock Tower looks retro but is part of the recent restoration effort. Beyond the shopper's paradise, with upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, the Atlantic caresses sandy strands, including the long Palm Beach Municipal Beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastles.

Sebring

This small town envelops Jackson Lake in Central Florida, southeast of Tampa. Nicknamed "The City on the Circle," Sebring's circular downtown layout adds distinct charm. Century-old buildings rub shoulders with modern shops and eateries around the historic Circle Park. After a walk around the block, head down to the spectacular Lake Jackson Fishing Pier for fishing and boating. Hammonds Highland State Park is a vast old-growth cypress swamp with full camping and wildlife trails.

Spoiled with lakes of all shapes and sizes, you won't miss the coast with lakefront recreation, from swimming at Lake Jackson's Hidden Beach Park to the Bonnet Lake Campgrounds by the pier. In addition to public golf, local galleries, and museums, the iconic Sebring International Raceway draws nationwide thrill seekers. Located southeast, next to another huge lake, the professional auto racing circa-1950 track is one of the oldest continuously operating in the US.

Tarpon Springs

Dubbed “Sponge Capital of the World,” Tarpon Springs reveals a unique side of Florida. Once settled by sponge divers from Greece, the Gulf town stays in touch with its deep Greek heritage through architecture, businesses, and the famous sponge docks. What looks like a show is a niche, celebrated proudly during festivals centered on this trade, with food, events, and competitions. Dive deeper through the Greektown Historic District, with ten stops on a self-guided audio walking tour.

From Dodecanese Boulevard to the sponge docks and the infamous sponge boats, there's no better place to savor authentic Greek food and score local crafts. In addition, Howard Park Beach beckons with its long white sand strand, ideal for swimming and kayaking, backed by palm trees. The paved 47-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is perfect for long walks, biking, or an entire marathon. Meanwhile, a ferry departs three miles off the coast to Anclote Key Preserve State Park, accessible by boat only.

Vero Beach

Boasting 26 miles of beautiful beaches, this Treasure Coast gem spills over the Indian River Lagoon onto a barrier island, inspiring a carefree being, at least for a while. Many enjoy boating and kayaking between the charming isles in the lagoon or cruising along. Whether you're after the soft, white sand and clear shallows or surfing the waves and sunsets, sidetrack to McKee Botanical Garden, an 18-acre patch of exotic and native flora lining the scenic pathways, with a library, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Vero is a stimulating town for romance and relaxation along an uncrowded Atlantic shoreline. It has a shop-tastic historic downtown and a sophisticated arts scene, from galleries to live performances at the opera, ballet, and theater. Check out the compelling American and international visual art collection at the Art Museum. In addition to scenic golf, water sports, and fishing, Lagoon Greenway is a beautiful place for a jungle junkie to hike or ride a bike along a wooden boardwalk.

The Sunshine State's most delightful towns have a distinctive character along the sun-drenched streets and unique elements that make these seven unmissable. From Key West to Vero Beach, each induces a feeling of nostalgia, capturing the essence of the southern state, even on a short getaway.

You'll discover hidden gems, thirstily soaking up every ounce along the coastal trails and lakes, surfing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Whichever town strums a chord in your heart, cool demeanor and laid-back atmospheres will leave as bright impressions as rich history and local nature.