Small Towns in Florida

Florida isn’t just about Miami nightlife or Orlando’s theme parks. After road-tripping across the state, I discovered charming towns that feel worlds away from the big-name tourist spots. Here are a few of my favorite hidden gems.

1. 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 effortless... 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.

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.

2. 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.

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.

3. 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.

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.

4. 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.

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.

5. 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.

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.

6. 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.

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.

7. DeLand

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.

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.

8. Mount Dora

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.

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.

Conclusion

What I love most about Florida’s small towns is how different they all feel. One day I can be discovering an underrated gem like Mount Dora with its lakeside beauty and artsy charm and the next I'm relaxing on the beach on Amelia Island. Each place feels like one of the best hidden treasures in the state.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other outlets. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX with my husband and son. Click for more.

 

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