Small Towns in Florida
If you're looking to soak up some sun, reconnect with nature, or simply immerse yourself in a friendly new atmosphere, these small towns in Florida are simply the best.

Florida’s small towns have a way of sneaking up on you in the best way. One minute you’re chasing seashells down a quiet shoreline, the next you’re sipping coffee beside a 100-year-old oak tree or wandering through streets lined with pastel cottages and local art. These places offer a slower pace. A chance to reset and really see the world around you.
Florida is one of my favorite states to explore, and while the big cities and famous beaches get most of the attention, I’ve found that the small towns are where some of the best experiences truly are. For me, these towns are so unique because they combine coastal beauty, history, and charm in a way that makes every visit feel special. Honestly, some of my favorite memories in Florida have come from its small towns.
My personal highlights:
For me, the best part is exploring the historic districts and waterfronts—they’re some of my favorite places to slow down and enjoy the local vibe. I also love stumbling across underrated towns that feel like hidden gems, where the charm and friendliness make the trip unforgettable.
So, which town should you visit first? To answer that, think about the kind of experience that’s the best fit for you.
We explored a mix of coastal charm and old-Florida soul in these towns, and each one left us with a little more sunshine in our hearts. If you’re looking for Florida beyond the theme parks, these towns are the perfect place to start.
Best Small Towns in Florida

Surf, Strolls, and Sunrise in Atlantic Beach
I found Atlantic Beach, Florida to be the perfect blend of laid-back coastal living and small-town charm. Just outside of Jacksonville, it felt worlds away, quiet, relaxed, and effortlessly beachy. From morning walks along wide sandy shores to evenings spent at cozy local restaurants, every day carried that easygoing, toes-in-the-sand vibe.
Located on Florida’s northeast coast, Atlantic Beach struck the right balance between simple seaside beauty and a lively community scene. I loved how uncrowded the beach felt, with plenty of space to stretch out, surf, or just watch the waves roll in. The town itself had a warm, local feel, bike-friendly streets, little shops, and a cluster of great restaurants around Beaches Town Center. It was the kind of place where you could slow down, relax, and still enjoy a splash of energy when you wanted it.
For lunch, we grabbed a table at North Beach Fish Camp, a laid-back spot with ocean views and serious seafood. I had the blackened mahi sandwich with slaw, and the kids split a plate of shrimp and fries. It felt like the kind of place where locals linger, and we lingered too.
We checked into One Ocean Resort & Spa, just steps from the beach. The rooms were airy and modern. I enjoyed being so close to the ocean.
Our highlights:
- Starting the day with sunrise yoga on the beach before grabbing coffee at a local café.
- Enjoying fresh seafood and live music at one of the laid-back restaurants in Beaches Town Center.
Over our stay, we mixed downtime with exploration: biking along the coast, trying out paddleboarding, wandering through boutique shops, and taking day trips into Jacksonville for a bit of city buzz. Evenings were especially relaxing, watching the sky turn pink over the water, then strolling barefoot back along the shoreline under the stars. Atlantic Beach felt like the perfect mix of relaxed beach town and hidden gem, with just enough activity to keep things interesting.
Plan your Atlantic Beach escape:
- Location: Northeast Florida, just 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
- Size: A small seaside town with wide beaches and a vibrant town center
- Good to know: Atlantic Beach is less crowded than nearby Jacksonville Beach or Neptune Beach, making it ideal if you’re after a quieter coastal retreat.

Victorian Charm Around a Perfect Circle in DeFuniak Springs
DeFuniak Springs, Florida was the kind of small town that surprises you with its vibe and history. Tucked into the Florida Panhandle, it felt peaceful and authentic, with a slower pace that invited us to linger. From strolling the perfectly round spring-fed lake to admiring the historic homes that surround it, every moment carried that sense of Southern hospitality and old-fashioned beauty.
Located about halfway between Pensacola and Tallahassee, DeFuniak Springs offered the perfect blend of nature and history. I loved exploring the Victorian-era architecture, browsing the little antique shops, and learning about the town’s roots as a resort community in the late 1800s. The centerpiece, Lake DeFuniak, was stunning, one of only two naturally round lakes in the world, and the heart of the community. It felt like a place where the past and present flow together seamlessly.
Our highlights:
- Walking the mile-long trail around Lake DeFuniak and taking in views of historic homes and gardens.
- Visiting during the holiday season, when the town lights up with one of the most festive Christmas displays in Florida.
We spent the night at the cozy Hotel DeFuniak, a beautifully restored inn with vintage charm and easy access to the lake path and town square.
Over our stay, we blended relaxation with exploration: visiting the Walton County Heritage Museum, poking through antique shops downtown, and taking day trips to nearby state parks and Gulf beaches. Evenings were simple and sweet, watching the sun set over the lake, dining at a local café, and enjoying the quiet that only a small town can give. DeFuniak Springs felt like a hidden gem, perfect for slowing down and savoring Florida’s softer side.
Plan your DeFuniak Springs getaway:
- Location: Florida Panhandle, about 30 miles north of Santa Rosa Beach
- Size: A small town centered around Lake DeFuniak with a historic downtown district
- Good to know: The town is especially magical during the holidays when the lakefront is lit with thousands of Christmas lights, drawing visitors from across the state.

Sunsets and Shorelines in St. Pete Beach
From long walks along the shoreline to nights filled with live music, every day in St. Pete Beach carried that easygoing coastal magic.
We checked into the Don CeSar, the iconic pink hotel known as the “Pink Palace.” It was elegant but kid-welcoming, with a beachfront pool and easy access to the sand.
Located just a short drive from downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach offered the best of both worlds, relaxed resort living on the sand and access to arts, culture, and nightlife nearby. I loved how wide and soft the beaches were, perfect for lounging with a book or jumping into water sports. The town itself had a fun, welcoming energy, with colorful beach bars, casual seafood joints, and that classic Gulf Coast charm.
Our highlights:
- Watching an unforgettable Gulf sunset, toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand.
- Kayaking through calm mangrove waterways and spotting dolphins along the way.
During our stay, we mixed lazy beach days with plenty of activity: renting jet skis, exploring local shops, savoring fresh grouper sandwiches, and taking a day trip into St. Pete to check out the Dali Museum. Evenings were especially fun, sunsets that painted the sky in pinks and oranges, live music spilling from beachfront patios, and that warm Gulf breeze keeping us outside long after dark. St. Pete Beach felt like a true slice of Florida paradise, equal parts laid-back and lively.
Plan your St. Pete Beach escape:
- Location: Gulf Coast of Florida, just west of downtown St. Petersburg
- Size: A vibrant beach town with miles of shoreline, resorts, and local hangouts
- Good to know: Sunsets here are legendary, make sure to carve out at least one evening to simply sit on the sand and watch the show.

Oysters, Old Boats, and River Breezes in Apalachicola
I thought Apalachicola, Florida was the kind of coastal town that charms you with its history, seafood, and slow pace. Set along the Apalachicola River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, it felt authentic and unpolished in the best way, quiet streets, friendly locals, and some of the freshest oysters I’ve ever had. From wandering the historic downtown to watching shrimp boats pull in, every moment carried that Old Florida character.
Located on the Forgotten Coast, Apalachicola made it easy to step away from the crowds and savor a simpler kind of getaway. I loved how the town balanced maritime history with a creative, artsy streak, restored brick buildings turned into boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. The riverfront was the heart of it all, with working docks, salty breezes, and sunsets that lit the sky on fire.
Our highlights:
- Sampling fresh oysters at a dockside restaurant with boats unloading just steps away.
- Exploring the historic district with its 19th-century homes, shaded streets, and quirky shops.
We stayed at the Gibson Inn, a restored 1907 hotel with creaky floors, big porches, and sweet tea waiting in the lobby. It felt like part of the story we came to experience.
Over our stay, we mixed relaxation with exploration: taking a boat tour through the estuary to spot dolphins and shorebirds, browsing local art, enjoying seafood feasts, and strolling the quiet streets at night. Evenings were peaceful, porch lights glowing on historic homes, the sound of the river drifting through town, and a sky full of stars overhead. Apalachicola felt like a rare gem, a place where the pace slows and the Gulf Coast shows its most authentic side.
Plan your Apalachicola getaway:
- Location: Florida’s Forgotten Coast, at the mouth of the Apalachicola River on the Gulf of Mexico
- Size: A small town with a population of just over 2,000, rich in maritime history
- Good to know: Don’t miss the local oysters, Apalachicola is famous for them. The town is also a perfect base for exploring St. George Island’s beaches just across the bay.

Backroad Beauty and Island Calm in Cedar Key
Perched on the Gulf Coast and surrounded by water, Cedar Key felt quiet, quirky, and wonderfully laid-back. From watching pelicans swoop over the docks to sipping cocktails with a waterfront sunset, every moment carried that off-the-beaten-path magic.
Located about an hour southwest of Gainesville, Cedar Key felt more like a fishing village than a tourist town, and that was the beauty of it. I loved how unhurried it all was: pastel cottages, art-filled shops, and little seafood shacks serving clams fresh from the local waters. The island was small and walkable, with a pace that made it easy to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Our highlights:
- Kayaking through the quiet backwaters and spotting dolphins and ospreys along the way.
- Enjoying fresh clam chowder on a dockside deck as the sun slipped into the Gulf.
During our stay, we leaned into the simplicity of island life: exploring the historic state park, browsing quirky galleries, biking around the island, and just sitting on the pier watching the tides roll in. Evenings were especially memorable, fiery Gulf sunsets, seafood dinners with live music, and the peaceful sense of being far removed from the rush of everyday life. Cedar Key felt like one of those rare places that hasn’t changed much in decades, and that’s exactly what made it so special.
Plan your Cedar Key escape:
- Location: Gulf Coast of Florida, about 60 miles southwest of Gainesville
- Size: A small island town with just a few streets, restaurants, and galleries , perfect for exploring on foot or bike
- Good to know: Cedar Key is famous for its farm-raised clams, don’t leave without trying them in chowder, fritters, or steamed fresh from the dock.

History and Ice Cream on Amelia Island
With miles of pristine beaches, a historic downtown, and a slower pace than many Florida spots, Amelia Island was both elegant and relaxed. From morning walks along the dunes to evenings exploring Victorian-era streets in Fernandina Beach, every day carried that sense of timeless seaside magic.
Located in Florida’s northeast corner, just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Amelia Island made it easy to balance beach time with history and culture. I loved how the island felt unspoiled, lined with moss-draped oaks, quiet beaches, and a rich heritage that comes alive in its architecture and museums. The mix of natural beauty and old-world charm gave it a character that felt uniquely different from other Florida beach towns.
Our highlights:
- Exploring Fernandina Beach’s historic district, with its brick-lined streets, boutiques, and cozy cafés.
- Horseback riding along the wide sandy beach at sunset.
Over our stay, we blended relaxation with discovery: lounging on quiet stretches of shoreline, kayaking through marshes, touring Fort Clinch State Park, and indulging in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. Evenings were especially enchanting, gas lamps glowing downtown, live music drifting from pubs, and the ocean breeze reminding us we were never far from the shore. Amelia Island felt like a destination where history, nature, and coastal charm all flow together seamlessly.
Plan your Amelia Island getaway:
- Location: Northeast Florida, about 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport
- Size: 13 miles of beaches, anchored by the historic town of Fernandina Beach
- Good to know: Amelia Island is known for its quiet, upscale vibe, perfect if you want something more refined and less crowded than other Florida beach destinations.

DeLand: Spanish Moss and Sidewalk Surprises
Located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, DeLand was close to bigger destinations, yet with its own laid-back personality. I loved wandering through the historic district, with its murals, boutique shops, and locally owned cafés, then slipping over to Blue Spring State Park to spot manatees in the crystal-clear water. The town’s mix of culture, history, and nature made it feel both authentic and vibrant.
Our highlights:
- Kayaking at Blue Spring State Park and watching manatees glide through the water.
- Exploring Stetson University’s beautiful campus and historic architecture right in town.
Over our stay, we balanced downtown charm with outdoor adventure: catching live music in a local brewery, browsing antique shops, hiking in nearby parks, and sampling craft food in cozy restaurants. Evenings felt especially sweet, twinkle lights strung across downtown, friendly locals everywhere you turned, and the relaxed energy of a true Florida hidden gem. DeLand felt like a place where history, community, and nature all meet in the most welcoming way.
Plan your DeLand getaway:
- Location: Central Florida, about 30 minutes west of Daytona Beach and 40 minutes north of Orlando
- Size: A mid-sized town anchored by Stetson University, with a walkable historic downtown
- Good to know: Visit in winter to see manatees at Blue Spring, or in spring/fall for downtown festivals that bring the whole community together.

Mount Dora: Lantern Light and Lake Breezes
Mount Dora, Florida was the perfect blend of small-town charm and lakeside beauty. Known as the “Festival City,” it felt like a place where every street carried a sense of history, creativity, and warmth. From wandering through antique shops to sipping wine by the lake at sunset, every day had that easygoing, storybook feel.
Located about 30 miles northwest of Orlando, Mount Dora made it easy to step away from the bustle and settle into a slower rhythm. I loved strolling along the historic downtown, with its quaint boutiques, art galleries, and tree-shaded streets, then heading down to the waterfront to watch boats drift across Lake Dora. The mix of lake views, small-town energy, and year-round festivals gave it a vibe that was both relaxing and lively.
Our highlights:
- Browsing the antique shops and art galleries that make the town a haven for collectors and creatives.
- Watching the sunset over Lake Dora from the historic lighthouse at the edge of town.
Over our stay, we enjoyed a little of everything: joining a boat tour through the Dora Canal, sampling local flavors at charming cafés, exploring the annual art festival, and soaking in the historic character of the inns and B&Bs. Evenings were especially sweet, fairy lights strung across downtown, live music drifting from a nearby patio, and the soft glow of the lake at night. Mount Dora felt like a timeless Florida treasure, full of character and charm.
Plan your Mount Dora getaway:
- Location: Central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of Orlando
- Size: A small town on Lake Dora with a historic downtown and year-round festivals
- Good to know: Mount Dora is famous for its festivals, the Fall Craft Fair, Art Festival, and Christmas lights are especially worth planning around.
Conclusion
What I love most about Florida’s small towns is how different they all feel. One day I can be wandering through the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, the next I’m enjoying the laid-back vibes of Apalachicola, and then I’m discovering an underrated gem like Mount Dora with its lakeside beauty and artsy charm. Each place feels like one of the best hidden treasures in the state.
Whether I’m strolling along a historic waterfront, relaxing on a quiet beach, or browsing local shops and markets that instantly become some of my favorites, I always feel like Florida’s small towns give me the best mix of relaxation and discovery. They’re underrated compared to the theme parks and big cities, but for me, that’s exactly what makes them so unique and worth visiting.
These small Florida towns reminded us that some of the best family moments happen away from the crowds. Each place offered something different, historic strolls, fresh seafood, colorful sunsets, and that unmistakable warmth of Southern hospitality. And no matter where we went, there was always room to slow down, stretch out, and enjoy the view.
Whether you’re craving a beach breeze, a backroad escape, or a sleepy porch swing under Spanish moss, these towns are proof that Florida still holds plenty of hidden gems for weekend wanderers of all ages.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.