The small-town atmosphere, Old-Florida vibe, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene make Cedar Key a charming town worth visiting. Add to its pristine waters, delicious seafood, and a laid-back, coastal feel, it’s the perfect place to unwind. So, whether seeking a break from the city life chaos or looking to escape to a less crowded, yet scenic destination, this charming Florida town on the Gulf of Mexico will not disappoint.
Explore Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail
Natural beauty meets rich history along the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail. The trail travels you through an old rail line, with native plants on all sides. It’s hard to believe that the route was an active train track that led to a trestle in the 1800s. The scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll enjoy plenty of photography opportunities.
Visit Cemetery Point Park
Visit Cemetery Point Park for its perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic charm. It’s home to the Central Point Cemetery, which dates back to 1868. The hidden gem boasts a beautiful wooden boardwalk and incredible amenities, including picnic tables, disc golf, and a fitness trail.
Explore Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
One of the lesser-known refuges on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for colonial nesting birds. The refuge is home to 13 islands of varying sizes, four of which (Seahorse, Snake, North, and Bird) are designated wildlife areas. You can enjoy numerous recreational opportunities there, including offshore boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Relax on Cedar Key Public Beach
Cedar Key might not be a beach town; it’s a fishing village, but you’ll enjoy spending time on its small, pristine sandy stretch, Lil Shark Park. It’s a portion of Cedar Key City Park, and while not the typical Florida beach you’re expecting, it makes a great place to sit, relax, and admire the water view. Swimming is not recommended, but you can kayak or boat around to nearby areas.
Go Hiking in Shell Mound Park
Shell Mound Park is a unique gem known for hosting a large prehistoric shell mound, the central Gulf Coast’s largest remaining shell mound. One of the best ways to experience the scenery and historic charm of the area is hiking. Dennis Creek Trail via Shell Mound Trail includes educational signage to give you insight into the place’s rich human and natural history. The main highlight of the trail is, of course, the indigenous history of the Shell Mound.
Camp at Shell Mound Campground
Camping is an excellent way to soak in the charm and natural beauty of Cedar Key. Shell Mound Campground offers some of the best camping experiences, thanks to its remote, peaceful location, breathtaking scenery, and convenient amenities. You’ll enjoy electricity, bathrooms, showers, a playground, grills, and free rings, to name a few – all for less than $30.
Explore Cedar Key Museum State Park
There is no better place to fully immerse yourself in Cedar Key’s rich history and culture than Cedar Key Museum State Park. The museum and its environs take you through the town’s past via an impressive collection of artifacts, including those from the Native American era, particularly the Timucuan people.
Visit Cedar Key Historical Museum
Additionally, you can get an insight into Cedar Key’s past at the Cedar Key Historical Museum. The facility, housed in two buildings, the Lutterloh House and the Andrews House, has various exhibits detailing the town’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. You’ll learn about the Native American Era, Florida’s Railroad history, the city’s role in the Civil War, and more.
Spend Time in Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Cedar Key protects Florida’s scrub, one of its rarest and unique habitats. The park’s scenery also comprises sandhill, salt marsh, and mangrove swamp. Various wildlife thrives within these natural habitats, including the Florida scrub-jay and the bald eagle. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are some of the recreational opportunities you can explore there.
Adventure Awaits at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park’s remoteness makes it a perfect spot for adventure seekers. Covering 19,000 acres, the park’s scenery is dominated by salt marshes, and can only be accessed by water. Its unique ecosystems support diverse wildlife, including the endangered Florida salt marsh vole. The park’s numerous tidal creeks and salt marshes offer incredible water adventures, including kayaking and fishing.
Don’t Miss Sunsets at the Pier
Cedar Key Fishing Pier is worth visiting for many reasons, including its sweeping views of the Gulf and the surrounding scenery. Thanks to the pier’s access to deeper waters, you can catch an incredible variety of fish, including black drum and redfish. The fishing pier never disappoints when it comes to breathtaking sunsets, thanks to its expansive view of over 180 degrees.
Explore Cedar Key’s Seafood Scene
One of the things you’ll love about Cedar Key is its thriving seafood scene. So, if you want to escape to a place with fresh seafood, add this charming town to your Florida bucket list. It’s one of America’s top farm-raised clams’ suppliers. It’s also a major oyster producer. Robbinson’s Seafood and Steamers Clam Bar & Grill are some of the top spots to enjoy fresh seafood in Cedar Key.
Stroll Through Cedar Key’s Art Galleries
Cedar Key’s funky charm is also reflected in its vibrant arts scene. The historic downtown is brimming with impressive art galleries, where you can explore art in various forms, from paintings to handcrafted items. Cedar Keyhole Art Gallery and Turtle Trail Art Gallery are some of the best in town. Besides, this seaside gem hosts the annual Cedar Key Arts Festival, one of America’s top Small-Town Art Fairs, where you can explore art from over 100 talented artists in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
A Day Trip to Manatee Springs State Park is a Must-Do!
Manatee Springs State Park can be an excellent addition to your Cedar Key vacation. Manatees, which are best seen in the cooler months, are the park’s main highlight. The 800-foot boardwalk allows you to enjoy a unique experience of the spring and the diverse ecosystem that thrives there. Beyond seeing the manatees, the park has plenty of outdoor activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and more.
Unwind in the Island Hotel
After a long day of exploring Cedar Key’s incredible offerings, there is no better place to unwind than the Island Hotel. It’s one of the Sunshine State’s most popular Bed and Breakfast Inns and never disappoints. The hotel’s unique rustic charm and modern comfort blend make it outstanding. You can relax and enjoy beautiful views from the hotel’s wrap-around balcony. It also features a cozy lounge bar, which features breathtaking mural paintings.
