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 don’t just offer rest—they offer rhythm. A slower pace. A chance to reset and really see the world around 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
Atlantic Beach felt like stepping into the kind of beach town where the ocean breeze sets the pace. Mornings were made for long walks on the quiet shoreline, and we kicked things off with a sunrise that painted the water in gold and pink. I remember standing barefoot in the surf and thinking, "This is exactly the Florida I was hoping for."
The town itself is small but full of character. We wandered through Beaches Town Center, where surf shops, cafes, and local boutiques spilled out onto brick sidewalks. The kids hunted seashells and splashed at the edge of the water while I browsed handmade jewelry at a pop-up art market nearby.
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.
Where We Stayed: We checked into One Ocean Resort & Spa, just steps from the beach. The service was warm, the rooms were airy and modern, and the sound of waves lulled us to sleep at night.
Atlantic Beach At a Glance
- Location: Northeast Florida, near Jacksonville
- Vibe: Casual, coastal, welcoming
- Top Picks: Beaches Town Center, sunrise strolls, fresh seafood
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for sunny days and fewer crowds
- Tip: Bring bikes—the area is flat, scenic, and bike-friendly
Victorian Charm Around a Perfect Circle in DeFuniak Springs
DeFuniak Springs felt like a chapter from a southern storybook. We arrived just as the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the lake at the heart of town—Lake DeFuniak, one of only two nearly perfect round lakes in the world. I remember walking its quiet path and thinking, "This place is as peaceful as it is precise."
We strolled through the Historic District, where Victorian homes and charming churches lined the lakeside. Each one seemed to have a story. The kids were fascinated by the library's architecture, and I couldn’t resist snapping pictures of front porches shaded by ancient trees.
Lunch was at Bogey’s Bar & Restaurant, a friendly local spot where I had a fried green tomato BLT and sweet tea. The kids split chicken tenders and hush puppies while coloring at the table. It wasn’t fancy—but it was perfect.
Where We Stayed: 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.
DeFuniak Springs At a Glance
- Location: Florida Panhandle, off I-10
- Vibe: Historic, quiet, storybook-southern
- Top Picks: Lake DeFuniak, Historic District, Walton-DeFuniak Library
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or December (when the lake path is lit with Christmas lights)
- Tip: Stop by the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood for a peek into Florida’s past
Sunsets and Shorelines in St. Pete Beach
As soon as we hit the shore in St. Pete Beach, I knew we’d found the sweet spot between family fun and relaxed beach vibes. The sand was soft, the water warm, and the sunset? Absolutely unforgettable. I stood with my toes in the Gulf and whispered, "I could stay right here forever."
We spent most of our day on the beach—boogie boards, sandcastles, and breaks for ice cream at Paradise Sweets just off the main drag. Later, we took a quick drive to Pass-a-Grille, where colorful cottages and art galleries gave the area an extra pop of charm. We even caught a dolphin sighting near the pier.
Dinner was at Buona Ristorante, a cozy Italian spot tucked away from the main crowds. I had the seafood linguine, and the kids enjoyed spaghetti and garlic knots while the sky turned every shade of orange and pink behind them.
Where We Stayed: 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.
St. Pete Beach At a Glance
- Location: On Florida’s Gulf Coast, west of St. Petersburg
- Vibe: Breezy, colorful, family-forward
- Top Picks: Pass-a-Grille, beach time, sunset views, Paradise Sweets
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for perfect beach weather
- Tip: Bring goggles and nets—the shallow waters are perfect for spotting fish and shells
Oysters, Old Boats, and River Breezes in Apalachicola
Apalachicola had the kind of quiet confidence that comes from being timeless. Located where the river meets the Gulf, it felt like Florida before the high-rises. We walked along the historic waterfront and watched shrimp boats bob in the harbor. I leaned over the railing and thought, "This town still moves at the pace of the tide."
We explored the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where the kids learned about old fishing techniques and boat-building, and then wandered into shops filled with books, art, and antiques. The streets smelled like saltwater and magnolia, and the locals greeted us like neighbors.
Lunch was at The Owl Café, where I ordered a grilled grouper sandwich with fresh greens, and the kids split fried oysters and hush puppies (surprisingly, they loved them). The rooftop patio had a breeze that made us linger long after dessert.
Where We Stayed: 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.
Apalachicola At a Glance
- Location: Florida’s Forgotten Coast, in the Panhandle
- Vibe: Nautical, historic, unhurried
- Top Picks: Waterfront, Maritime Museum, oyster tastings
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or early spring, when the weather is pleasant and the seafood is freshest
- Tip: Don’t skip the local bookstores—there are some real gems hidden inside
Backroad Beauty and Island Calm in Cedar Key
The drive into Cedar Key set the tone—two-lane roads framed by palms, salt marshes, and the occasional egret. By the time we reached the old fishing village, I felt like we had stumbled into a Florida that time forgot. I stood on a weathered dock and thought, "This is the quiet we’ve been craving."
We wandered the tiny downtown, where pastel cottages and seafood shacks lined the waterfront. The Cedar Key Museum State Park gave the kids a crash course in the area’s history—from Native cultures to 19th-century cedar mills—and the shell-strewn beach nearby offered an hour of impromptu tide pooling.
We ate at 83 West, perched over the water. I had shrimp and grits with a hint of spice, and the kids split a basket of fried mullet and fries, which they ate with their feet dangling over the dock railing. Pelicans flew past like we weren’t even there.
Where We Stayed: We booked a room at the Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast, complete with rocking chairs on the wraparound porch and fresh-baked muffins in the morning.
Cedar Key At a Glance
- Location: Gulf Coast of Florida, west of Gainesville
- Vibe: Islandy, artsy, no-rush
- Top Picks: Waterfront boardwalk, Cedar Key Museum, local art shops
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer mosquitoes
- Tip: Rent kayaks and paddle through the nearby wildlife refuges—calm water and lots of birds
History and Ice Cream on Amelia Island
Fernandina Beach brought together everything we love—coastal charm, walkable streets, and just enough history to make it feel like a treasure hunt. We started at Fort Clinch State Park, where the kids ran across the drawbridge and through red-brick tunnels while we admired views of the Atlantic. I watched them climb a cannon platform and thought, "They’ll be talking about this place for weeks."
Downtown, we found shops selling books, handmade toys, and saltwater taffy. Horse-drawn carriages clicked past as we wandered from one side street to the next. We stopped for scoops at Fantastic Fudge, where the caramel swirl was a hit for all of us, and then watched boats drift in and out of the marina as the sun began to set.
Dinner was at Timoti’s Seafood Shak, where I had the blackened shrimp bowl and the kids ate grilled fish tacos under a canopy of twinkle lights. Everything about the evening felt soft and perfect.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, a fun boutique hotel with a playful edge—think vintage lockers, cozy rooms, and a location right near the action.
Fernandina Beach At a Glance
- Location: On Amelia Island, northeast Florida
- Vibe: Storybook-seaside, historic, breezy
- Top Picks: Fort Clinch, Downtown Fernandina, Fantastic Fudge
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or late fall for cool evenings and quiet streets
- Tip: Take a pirate-themed cruise from the marina—it’s kid-approved and full of laughs
DeLand: Spanish Moss and Sidewalk Surprises
“This town knows who it is,” I thought as I walked along Woodland Boulevard under a canopy of oaks. DeLand felt lived-in and well-loved—historic buildings with iron balconies, hand-painted shop signs, and the sound of a saxophone drifting from a café patio. There was an easy rhythm here, like a town that didn’t need to reinvent itself to stay interesting.
I started my day wandering the brick-lined streets downtown, stepping in and out of antique shops and bookstores. Chess Park offered a quiet moment—a shady nook with benches and a tiled chessboard, just steps from the buzz of Main Street. Later, I visited Stetson University, where red brick halls and manicured lawns added a collegiate calm. The scent of magnolia blossoms and old paper drifted out from the library’s open doors.
In the afternoon, I drove a few minutes out to Hontoon Island State Park, where a short ferry ride delivered me into wild Florida—palmettos, soft trails, and the occasional splash of a turtle slipping off a log. I walked along the water’s edge, feeling far from town in the best way.
What I Loved Most: The contrast—browsing indie art galleries one hour, wandering a riverside hammock the next. DeLand lets both worlds breathe.
My highlights? Brunch at Boston Coffeehouse, right downtown. I ordered the quiche of the day—spinach and feta—warm and just firm enough, with a buttery crust that flaked at the edges. It came with roasted potatoes that smelled of rosemary and olive oil. The café was busy, full of locals chatting over mugs of dark roast, and it felt like the kind of place that holds the heartbeat of a small town.
Plan your DeLand day trip:
- Drive Time from Orlando: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Historic, artsy, small-town Florida
- Highlights: Downtown shops, Stetson University, Hontoon Island State Park, Athens Theatre
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring for festivals, mild weather, and market days
- Cost: Downtown and parks are free to explore; ferry to Hontoon is free; brunch ~$10–$15
- Hours: Downtown shops 10am–5pm; Hontoon Island 8am–sunset; café 7am–3pm
Mount Dora: Lantern Light and Lake Breezes
“It feels like a postcard someone actually mailed,” I thought, walking along the quiet streets near the water. Mount Dora had charm you couldn’t fake—Victorian porches, handmade signs, and lamp posts wrapped in vines. Even the breeze off Lake Dora felt curated, like it knew how to arrive gently, without a fuss.
My morning began at the Mount Dora Village Market, where vendors sold small-batch honey and wildflowers in mason jars. The scent of kettle corn and fresh citrus filled the air as I wandered through stalls and talked with local artisans. From there, I wandered along the lakeside path at Gilbert Park, pausing at the docks where fishermen cast slow, practiced lines into the glassy water.
Later, I stepped into the Modernism Museum—small, but full of color and surprise. Each exhibit felt like someone had built a room out of imagination. A few blocks away, the Donnelly House stood like a gingerbread castle from another century, its spires and trim weathered just enough to seem lived-in rather than preserved.
What I Loved Most: The soft elegance of it all—rocking chairs on porches, birdsong in the trees, shopkeepers who looked up and smiled when you entered.
My highlights? Lunch at One Flight Up, a cozy café with a second-story balcony overlooking downtown. I had the turkey, brie, and cranberry panini—warm, sweet, and melty, with just a whisper of rosemary in the bread. The café smelled like brewed tea and toasted walnuts, and I lingered with my sandwich and a lake breeze threading through the screen door.
Plan your Mount Dora day trip:
- Drive Time from Orlando: ~45 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Quaint, artsy, lakeside escape
- Highlights: Downtown shops, Mount Dora Village Market, Modernism Museum, Gilbert Park, Donnelly House
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for festivals and cool-weather strolls
- Cost: Market and parks are free; museum ~$8; lunch ~$10–$15
- Hours: Shops 10am–5pm; market Sundays 9am–2pm; café 10am–4pm
Conclusion
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.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Surf, Strolls, and Sunrise in Atlantic Beach
- • Victorian Charm Around a Perfect Circle in DeFuniak Springs
- • Sunsets and Shorelines in St. Pete Beach
- • Oysters, Old Boats, and River Breezes in Apalachicola
- • Backroad Beauty and Island Calm in Cedar Key
- • History and Ice Cream on Amelia Island
- • DeLand: Spanish Moss and Sidewalk Surprises
- • Mount Dora: Lantern Light and Lake Breezes