Florida is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. While many tourists flock to magnets such as Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or Key West (pictured above), those seeking a quieter vacation will be pleased. Many small towns in Florida offer exciting and unique experiences. Here are the 10 best small towns in Florida.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a small town with natural and cultural attractions. Among Florida’s myriad beaches, Honeymoon Island State Park is rated one of the best in America. The Dunedin Highland Games is an annual festival celebrating the town’s Scottish heritage with piping, dancing, and athletic competitions. Baseball fans flock to Dunedin in spring to watch the Toronto Blue Jays train.
Cocoa Village
On the Atlantic side, off the Indian River, Cocoa Village mixes historic charm and modern amenities. The town has several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Porcher House, Derby Street Chapel, and the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. The village boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Cocoa Riverfront Park features a playground, amphitheater, and a “splash and sprinkle.”
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is known as the “Isle of 8 Flags,” referencing its colonial history under the rule of 8 different nations. Its historic district features an incredible 50-block stretch of over 400 historic structures, including Victorian homes, churches, and commercial buildings. Amelia Island State Park, Big Talbot and Little Talbot State Parks allow nature lovers to explore the island’s natural beauty.
Anna Maria Island
About fifty miles south of Tampa, Anna Maria Island provides a quiet, small-town atmosphere for those looking to escape the city. The island is known for its quaint cottages, historic piers, unpaved paths, and pristine beaches. Located on the Gulf of Mexico side, Anna Maria Island’s sugar-white beaches and emerald green and blue waters provide stunning views. They’re also perfect for spotting dolphins and manatees.
Seaside
This panhandle village is the perfect town. Designed with principles of New Urbanism, Seaside (yes, that’s the town’s name) features a unique city design that fosters community. Paved open walkways connect pastel-colored cottages, and the picturesque village frequently serves as a model for urban planning. If Seaside looks familiar, it was featured in The Truman Show with Jim Carrey.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is an island off the northwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Dock Street offers diverse shops and restaurants, all set against a stunning waterfront view. Cedar Key Museum State Park showcases the area’s natural beauty through hiking trails and its rich history, featuring a preserved 1920s home furnished with era-specific artifacts. John Muir, the renowned naturalist, stopped in Cedar Key during his travels, and a historic marker was placed on the museum grounds in 1983.
Sanibel
Sanibel, also known as Sanibel Island, is a barrier island formed with the accumulation of sand by wind and tidal waves. The island’s unique geography and position in the Gulf of Mexico cause an abundance of shells. Some tourists come to Sanibel specifically to collect shells and visit the Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum. Others come to see wildlife such as sea turtles at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Delray Beach
More than fifty miles north of Miami, Delray Beach offers a small-town vibe with big city amenities. It is often called the “most fun small town in America” for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and diversity of activities and events. Tourists can explore the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Morikami Museum, Japanese Gardens, or Delray Beach Green Market. Enjoy the entertainment at the Arts Garage and Old School Square.
Apalachicola
On the panhandle, Apalachicola is a charming seaport with a rich history. Its National Historic District has over 900 homes listed in the national registry. The town is sometimes called “Oystertown” for its significant role in Florida’s oyster industry. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy fishing and wildlife viewing on Apalachicola Bay or the Apalachicola River. The St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge and Apalachicola State Forest also provide ample opportunities to explore nature.
Mount Dora
The downtown area of Mount Dora attracts tourists with its historic buildings and its abundance of festivals. Its vast selection of antique stores brings scores of collectors hoping to find treasures. The Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora Blueberry Festival, and other events give the town its nickname “Festival City.” The Mount Dora Lighthouse on Lake Dora offers a unique slice of history as one of three freshwater lighthouses in Florida.
