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What are the most well-known cities in Florida?
- Florida often brings to mind the bustling cities of Miami and Orlando, but the state also features many other amazing destinations.
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Does Florida have smaller towns worth visiting?
- Florida is home to a number of small, welcoming towns that are perfect for anyone looking to kick back, relax, and escape the fast pace of everyday life.
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What can visitors find in Florida's small towns?
- Many of these towns have interesting histories, superb shopping opportunities, and are not far from a beach.
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What types of experiences do Florida’s small towns offer?
- If you're looking to soak up some sun, reconnect with nature, or immerse yourself in a friendly new atmosphere, these small towns in Florida are well worth exploring.
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1. Atlantic Beach
Located on the northeast coast, Atlantic Beach is one of the Jacksonville Beaches communities. This tranquil little town boasts two miles of pure white sand which can be accessed from 18 different points throughout the city. The area is rich in history; many experts believe that this was the location of the first year-round Native American settlement.
Atlantic Beach is also home to 65 acres of parkland, including the well-known Dutton Island Preserve. A busy event calendar includes meditation classes, movies in the park, and live music concerts, while popular activities in the area include golfing, surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking.
2. DeFuniak Springs, Florida
The city of DeFuniak Springs has a decidedly Victorian feel to it, and many visitors find that the best part of their visit is simply admiring the beautiful old Victorian homes while strolling around the downtown historic district. The town is built around the stunning Lake DeFuniak, which is known for being almost perfectly circular.
In fact, it is one of only two such lakes in the entire world. Visitors can also take advantage of the excellent fishing lakes in the surrounding area, and there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and boating.
3. St. Pete Beach
With its white sandy beaches and world-class art museums, St. Pete Beach is the perfect blend of relaxation and culture. With one of the longest stretches of public beach in the area, there's plenty of room for activities like sunbathing, beach combing, swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Adrenaline seekers can rent a jet ski or learn to kite board, while history buffs can visit the 21-acre Heritage Village. Located at the center of the town, the Corey Avenue district offers an eclectic variety of art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants.
4. Apalachicola
Located on Apalachicola Bay in the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola is an ideal destination for those looking to experience "Old Florida". Known as the oyster capital of the world, Apalachicola is one of the best places in America to enjoy a freshly caught seafood dinner. In fact, the town hosts the popular Florida Seafood Festival every year.
Anyone interested in history will enjoy strolling around the Apalachicola Historic District, which is home to more than 900 buildings that date as far back as the 1830s. There are also two nearby forests that make excellent day trips: Apalachicola National Forest and Tate's Hell State Forest.
5. Cedar Key
Cedar Key gives visitors a taste of what Florida was like before Disneyland. In addition to being a prime destination for kayaking, swimming on the beaches and birdwatching, Cedar Key is known for its plentiful fishing opportunities and vibrant art culture. Accordingly, the town hosts two festivals each year: the Cedar Key Fine Arts Festival in April and the Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival in October.
These festivals are extremely popular, so visitors intending to go will need to book well in advance. During the rest of the year, the town is an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
6. Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island and is the northernmost city on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Wildlife sightings are not uncommon in the area, and the island offers 13 miles of beautiful beaches. Every May, Fernandina Beach hosts the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
Visitors also come for the excellent golf, the Artrageous Artwalk that takes place every second Saturday, and to visit Fort Clinch State Park. The city's downtown core offers a wide range of unique attractions, shops and restaurants, and accommodation in the area ranges from world-class resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts.
7. Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is home to the award-winning "Blue Waves" beach, which offers a more peaceful experience than many other beaches in South Florida. One of the most popular attractions at this beach is the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier.
The pier is 976 feet long, and visitors can rent or buy fishing equipment, take fishing lessons, and participate in one of the regular Environmental Workshops held at the pier. The city's quiet water park offers camping facilities, fishing opportunities, a skate park, and a 2,700-foot oval track for "cable skiing", which is a cross between skiing, surfing and waterboarding.
8. Anna Maria Island
Located between the Gulf of Mexico and mainland Florida, Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile-long barrier island lined with beautiful white sandy beaches. Fishing is a popular pastime on the island, and the seafood here is excellent.
Visitors can also enjoy other water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and whale watching. The entire island is a bird sanctuary, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Sea turtles nest on the beaches between the months of May and October, and it's also not uncommon for visitors to spot bottlenose dolphins and manatees.
9. Tarpon Springs
In addition to 51 miles of beautiful waterfront, Tarpon Springs boasts a downtown core that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also has a strong Greek influence, which can be seen in everything from its restaurants to its architecture.
The brick streets of the historic district are lined with buildings that date back to the late 1800s and which are now home to a wide variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and antique shops. The area also holds a large number of natural sponge beds, and the Sponge Docks are one of the town's most popular tourist attractions.
10. Stuart
Located on Florida's stunning Treasure Coast, Stuart is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. The fishing and seafood dining options in Stuart are excellent, and the town is renowned for both its beautiful beaches and its pedestrian-friendly downtown core.
Water-lovers will enjoy the wide range of water sports on offer in the area, while history buffs can check out the Stuart Heritage Museum or the Road to Victory Military Museum. The city hosts a green market and live music event just outside the city hall on certain Sundays.
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