These Small Towns in Florida Have the Best Historic Districts
As one of the last US states to see serious settlement from non-native peoples, Florida isn’t always top of mind when we think of small towns with interesting historic districts. Yet wander just a little off the beaten path while travelling the Sunshine State and you’ll find no end of interesting older districts just waiting to be explored.
These usually well-preserved areas also exude plenty of that Southern charm Florida is so well known for. From Victorian-era homes to ancient archaeological sites, those with an interest in history will have no end of fun exploring the historic districts in these small towns in Florida.
Micanopy
Tiny Micanopy (population just 700 souls), despite being just minutes away from the always busy I-75 highway near Gainesville, has for years flown under the radar of most travellers. Dubbed "The Town that Time Forgot", Micanopy exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Its historic district, dotted with antique shops housed in vintage buildings that remain largely unaltered since they were built, although small, is a treasure trove for history buffs.
Shady roads lined with moss-draped oaks further enhance Micanopy’s timeless appeal, and each year, the town celebrates its unique heritage with the Micanopy Fall Festival. If you can, book a stay at the majestic Herlong Mansion. Now a luxurious bed and breakfast, this old manor house was built in 1845 by the first settlers and offers a taste of that charming southern hospitality.
Cedar Key
A tranquil Gulf Coast town situated on its own small island between the Florida Panhandle and Tampa, Cedar Key simply oozes charm. Once a hub for the pencil industry in the 1860s due to its abundance of cedar trees, the town’s past is chronicled in landmarks like the Cedar Key Museum. Now a state park, the museum is housed in a well-preserved former home and contains exhibits relating to the original Native Americans who lived here, as well as the first settlers.
You’ll also see the St. Clair Whitman House with its displays of relics from old sea-based industries. Beyond history, Cedar Key also boasts many pristine beaches, birdwatching opportunities, and fresh seafood, particularly clams. Try to time your visit for the annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival which celebrates this bounty.
Apalachicola
Located 75 miles southwest of the state capital of Tallahassee, Apalachicola’s undeniably pretty riverfront setting makes it a contender for one of the prettiest small towns in Florida. Set on a point of land where the Apalachicola River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the town’s rich maritime heritage and importance as a trading port is very evident here, especially in its historic district. Here you’ll find two of the town’s surviving cotton warehouses, built from granite and brick in Greek Revival style.
Other attractions include Raney House Museum with its exhibits of artifacts from Apalachicola’s prosperous past; and the John Gorrie State Museum which pays homage to the inventor of refrigeration. Seafood, especially oysters, is a staple here and is celebrated annually with the Apalachicola Seafood Festival.
Fernandina Beach
Located on beautiful Amelia Island on northeast Florida’s Atlantic coastline, Fernandina Beach’s old-world charm is evident throughout its 50-block Historic District. Here you’ll see a number of grand Victorian-era homes dotting its leafy side streets, while the main drag, Centre Street, is home to a number of boutiques shops and galleries set in charming old red brick buildings.
Be sure to visit Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park to the north of the town for its pleasant water views, as well as the famous Amelia Island Lighthouse. Florida's oldest lighthouse, it was built in 1839 and is open for tours twice a month. The community’s annual Shrimp Festival celebrates the town's deep ties to the sea and makes for another good excuse for a visit.
Mount Dora
Set on the shores of Lake Dora and just a 30-minute drive north of Orlando, Mount Dora offers a relaxing diversion from those busy Florida theme parks. Stroll the downtown area and you’ll find yourself window shopping among the town’s many antique shops. Keep an eye open for the iconic Donnelly House, a stunningly preserved Steamboat Gothic Victorian-era home. Constructed in 1893, it’s open to the public for tours, including special after-hours ghost tours.
Other notable historic landmarks include Lakeside Inn, built in 1883 and Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel; and the Mount Dora Lighthouse, an inland navigational aid. Consider yourself an art lover? Visit the Mount Dora Center for the Arts for a cultural fix.
Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor is situated on the west coast of Florida and is a blend of ancient history and spa luxury. A must-visit is the Safety Harbor Site, an archaeological treasure with a burial mound that provides a glimpse of the lives of the native peoples who once lived here.
Afterwards, wander the historic downtown area with its well-preserved period architecture. If you can make a weekend of it, book a stay at the renowned Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, popular for its rejuvenating mineral springs. The town's proximity to Tampa Bay also offers plenty of opportunities for water-based activities, from sea fishing to sailing and jet skiing.
Madison
Drive an hour due east of Tallahassee and you’ll find yourself in Madison, a town that’s bursting with Southern charm. Highlights of a visit for history buffs are checking out Madison’s many surviving antebellum homes, some of them now serving as inns or B&Bs.
Other notable landmarks include buildings like the Treasures of Madison County, a first-rate local museum housed in the historic W. T. Davis Building; and in the town center, the Four Freedoms Monument commemorating President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech of the 1940s. A number of structures in Madison, including Wardlaw–Smith House and St. Mary's Episcopal Church, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
High Springs
Well-known for its freshwater springs, High Springs near Gainesville in North Florida is a must-visit for those who enjoy exploring quieter travel destinations. The town center boasts a charming ambiance and is dotted with antique stores and historic landmarks such as the High Springs Museum, which details the community’s importance as a railroad and agricultural hub.
Natural springs like Ginnie Springs and Poe Springs offer plenty of recreational opportunities, from swimming to diving or simply kicking back and relaxing. You’ll also want to check out the Santa Fe River, which flows past the northern edges of the town. This gently flowing river is ideal for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
The Final Word
Florida is home to numerous small towns with rich histories and well-preserved historic districts. Fun to visit and explore, these charming communities offer a unique blend of old-world charm, well-preserved architecture, and historical significance you don’t normally find in much larger urban areas. For ideas and inspiration, be sure to bookmark this list of small towns in Florida known for their lovely historic districts.
