• Question: Where is Cedar Key located?
    Answer: Cedar Key is a lovely island city off Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast, located in Levy County within the Cedar Keys barrier island cluster.
  • Question: Why are the Cedar Keys named as such?
    Answer: The Cedar Keys are named for their former abundant populations of eastern red cedar trees.
  • Question: What is significant about Cedar Key’s archaeological importance?
    Answer: Cedar Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cedar Keys Historic and Archaeological District.
  • Question: What does the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge protect?
    Answer: The Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge protects important bird nesting habitats.
  • Question: What is the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts?
    Answer: The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts is a highly praised festival that takes place in the spring.
  • Question: Where can visitors find information about the Cedar Key Boat Ramp?
    Answer: Visitors can click here for fees and information about the Cedar Key Boat Ramp.

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1. The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum


Explore coastal history and enjoy an affordable, educational stop.

The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum

© The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum

  • What is the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum?
  • Where is the museum located?
    • The museum is located within the Cedar Keys Historic and Archaeological District.
  • When was the museum founded?
    • The museum was founded in 1979 through the vision of local artist Polly Pillsbury, who worked with citizen donors to preserve the region’s history.
  • How many buildings does the museum encompass?
    • The museum spans two preserved historic buildings:
      • The 1871 Lutterloh Building – Features exhibits on fossil findings, indigenous cultural artifacts, economic industries, and the region’s connection to naturalist John Muir.
      • The Andrews House annex – Originally constructed on Atsena Otie Key, this building houses exhibits on the area’s railroading history, manufacturing, and medical and dental history.

609 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5549

2. Cedar Key State Museum


Discover pioneer life and admire unusual artifacts on a quiet trip.

Cedar Key State Museum

© anwar/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Cedar Key State Museum?
    • Cedar Key State Museum is a popular Florida state park in Cedar Key, featuring the preserved home of Saint Clair Whitman.
  • What is the history of the Whitman House?
    • The house was originally constructed in the 1880s and acquired by Saint Clair Whitman around 1920. It has been restored to its historic early 20th-century appearance and décor.
  • What exhibits can visitors see inside the museum?
    • The house showcases exhibits including:
      • Collections of sea shells and indigenous artifacts originally displayed by Whitman.
      • Dioramas depicting life in Cedar Key throughout history.
  • What outdoor attractions are available at the museum?
    • A short nature trail offers opportunities to observe native wildlife and vegetation, including native and migratory birds.
  • Is there a historical marker on-site?
    • Yes, a marker commemorates the site's 1867 visit by famed naturalist John Muir during his walk from Kentucky to Florida.

12231 SW 166th Ct, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5350

3. Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge


Spot birds and explore peaceful sights on a spring adventure.

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

© Brian Lasenby/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?
  • When was the refuge established and why?
    • The refuge was originally established in 1929 to protect native bird populations from overkilling for fashion plumage.
  • What wildlife can be found in the refuge?
    • The refuge provides a safe habitat for more than 20,000 native birds, including white pelicans and bald eagles. Other wildlife includes manatees and dolphins.
  • How many islands are included in the refuge?
    • The refuge encompasses 13 barrier islands and is also home to the 379-acre Cedar Keys Wilderness Area, established in 1972.
  • What outdoor activities are available?
    • Popular activities include:
  • What historical attractions are within the refuge?
    • The Cedar Keys Light Station is open to the public for guided tours several times a year.

16450 NW 31 Place, Chiefland, FL 32626, Phone: 352-493-0238

4. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge


Walk boardwalks and admire wildlife during a relaxing fall outing.

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

© Anne Lindgren/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge?
  • When was the refuge established?
    • The refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped river delta ecosystems in the United States.
  • What areas does the refuge cover?
    • The refuge stretches for 20 miles along the Suwannee River estuary and an additional 20 miles along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
  • What wildlife can visitors see at the refuge?
    • Native wildlife includes:
      • Manatees
      • Deer
      • Sturgeon
      • Turkeys
      • Bald eagles
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Fishing
      • Paddling
      • Hunting
      • Nature photography
      • Wildlife watching
  • Are there any facilities for wildlife observation?
    • Yes, the refuge features several observation towers and boardwalks for visitor use.
  • What interpretive programs are available?
    • Visitors can participate in nature walks and a wildlife driving tour program.

16450 NW 31 Pl, Chiefland, FL 32626, Phone: 352-493-0238

5. The Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail


Hike to historic ruins and enjoy a quick, scenic escape.

The Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail

© khlongwangchao/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail?
  • What is the history of the trail?
    • The trail follows the route of a former railroad line that connected Cedar Key to Fernandina Beach, which operated between 1861 and 1932.
  • What kind of environment surrounds the trail?
    • The trail is surrounded by lush native vegetation and is home to a variety of native migratory and shorebird species.
  • What can visitors see at the end of the trail?
    • At the end of the trail, a shallow bay contains a number of preserved trestle posts that once supported a bridge carrying trains across the water to Cedar Key.
  • Are bicycles allowed on the trail?
    • No, bicycles are not permitted due to the trail’s sandy, uneven terrain.

Grove St, Cedar Key, FL 32625

6. Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve


Explore scrubland trails and enjoy a quiet, off-the-beaten-path trip.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

© neosiam/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve?
  • What types of habitats are preserved in the reserve?
    • The park protects 12 distinct natural habitat areas, including a rare Florida scrub habitat.
  • What wildlife species can be found in the reserve?
    • The reserve is home to species such as:
      • Florida scrub jay
      • Southern bald eagle
      • Gopher tortoise
  • How can visitors access the reserve?
    • There are two trailheads, accessible via:
      • State Road 24
      • Levy County Road 347
  • How many miles of trails are in the reserve?
    • The reserve features more than 13 miles of multi-use trails, open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
  • What recreational activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Popular activities include:
      • Paddling
      • Fishing
      • Birding
      • Geocaching
      • Wildlife watching
  • Are there facilities available for visitors?
    • Yes, the SR24 trailhead offers day-use picnic areas and public restrooms.

FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5567

7. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park


Paddle remote waters and discover exciting coastal wilderness sights.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

© Earl Robbins/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park?
  • How can visitors access the park?
    • The preserve is only accessible by boat from Cedar Key and Yankeetown.
  • What type of habitats are preserved in the park?
    • The park spans 20 miles of shoreline tidal marsh habitats along Waccasassa Bay.
    • It also preserves some of the last remains of the Gulf Hammock, Florida’s largest hydric hammock, which once covered more than 100,000 acres.
  • What endangered species can be found in the park?
    • The preserve provides habitat for:
      • The endangered salt marsh vole
      • The West Indian manatee
      • A variety of saltwater sporting fish species
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Saltwater and freshwater fishing (with a valid Florida fishing license)
      • Boating
      • Paddling
      • Birding
      • Wildlife watching
  • Are camping opportunities available?
    • Yes, the park offers primitive campsites, available on a first come, first served basis.

8312 SW 125th Ave, Inglis, FL 34449, Phone: 352-543-5567


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast – A charming and cozy historic stay. Visit Cedar Key Museum State Park – Learn about the island’s rich history.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities. Island Hotel & Restaurant – A historic hotel with an old Florida feel. Kayak through Cedar Key’s coastal waterways – Explore mangroves and wildlife.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather and local festivals. Seahorse Landing – A waterfront condo-style stay with great views. Attend the Cedar Key Seafood Festival – Enjoy fresh seafood and local crafts.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures and peaceful atmosphere. Harbor Master Suites – A boutique waterfront stay. Birdwatch at Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge – Spot rare coastal birds.


Cedar Key is a 2 hour 20 min day trip from Orlando.


If you stay for the weekend, book a room at Cedar Key Harbour Master Suites or the Island Hotel and Restaurant.

Plan Your Trip


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