1. Cedar Key Beach - 1 hour 15 minutes from Gainesville
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Location:
Cedar Key Beach, Cedar Key, FloridaRecommended For:
Couples, solo travelers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path beach destination with local charm and calm waters.What I Love: ♥
The intimate and peaceful vibe, scenic water views, and easy kayak access to nearby islands make Cedar Key Beach a quiet gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast.- Visit Cedar Key Beach, the only main beach in the historic Gulf Coast town of Cedar Key—offering serenity and natural beauty in a cozy setting.
- Relax by the shoreline, where the gentle splash of the waves creates the perfect background for a peaceful day of reflection or reading.
- Launch a kayak from the beach for a self-guided tour of the surrounding islands—ideal for spotting birds, dolphins, and other Gulf wildlife.
- Rent boats nearby if you're interested in exploring the area’s waters beyond the beach or fishing off the coast.
- Appreciate the uncrowded, calm atmosphere that makes this beach ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway or solo travelers seeking tranquility.
Cost:
Free public access. Parking and rentals are available nearby. Costs for boat or kayak rentals vary by provider.Best time to visit:
Fall through spring for mild temperatures and fewer bugs. Weekdays are especially quiet and ideal for a more private experience.Local tips:
Pack your own beach gear and refreshments, as amenities are minimal. Plan a kayak trip around the tides and consider pairing your visit with lunch at a local seafood restaurant in Cedar Key.Distance:
About 1 hour 15 minutes from Gainesville (approximately 59 miles via FL-24 W).How to Get to Cedar Key Beach:
From Gainesville, take FL-24 W all the way to Cedar Key. Once in town, follow signs to the beach area, located near the downtown marina with nearby parking and access to rental services.
2. Shired Island Beach - 1-hour drive from Cedar Key
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Location:
Shired Island Beach, Old Town, Florida — north of Cedar Key along the Gulf CoastRecommended For:
Nature lovers, campers, wildlife photographers, anglers, and anyone seeking a secluded, natural Florida beach experience.What I Love: ♥
The peaceful, palm-lined shoreline, easy access to camping, and abundance of native wildlife make Shired Island a hidden coastal gem for outdoor enthusiasts.- Visit Shired Island Beach, located in Old Town just a short drive north of Cedar Key, where a long stretch of sand and swaying palms await.
- Camp overnight at the popular campground—bring a tent or RV and enjoy an extended stay right by the Gulf in a serene natural setting.
- Explore the adjacent Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, rich in birdlife, marshes, and native vegetation that’s perfect for nature walks and photography.
- Fish along the shoreline, a favorite activity at this remote beach—just be sure to bring your own gear, as there are no local charters or bait shops nearby. Click here for fishing license info.
- Relax under the natural shade of palm trees scattered across the beach, offering a cool escape from the midday sun.
Cost:
Free beach access. Modest fees apply for camping—check local county listings for reservation details. No amenities or rentals available onsite.Best time to visit:
Fall through spring for cooler weather and active wildlife. Summer is also popular for fishing and camping, though more humid.Local tips:
Pack everything you’ll need, including water, food, fishing supplies, and bug spray. This is a remote beach with no nearby stores or concessions.Distance:
About 40 miles north of Cedar Key—roughly a 1-hour scenic drive via CR 349 and Shired Island Road.How to Get to Shired Island Beach:
From Cedar Key, take FL-24 to CR 345 N, then merge onto US-19 N toward Old Town. Turn left on CR 349 S and follow signs to Shired Island Road. The beach and campground are located at the end of the road with free parking available.Romantic Cedar Key Beaches:
3. Fort Island Gulf Beach - 1 hour and 15-minute scenic drive from Cedar Key
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Location:
Fort Island Gulf Beach, south of Cedar Key, Citrus County, FloridaRecommended For:
Families, anglers, sunset seekers, road trippers, and anyone looking for a peaceful beach with fishing access and full amenities on Florida’s Nature Coast.What I Love: ♥
The scenic pier, soft sands, and excellent amenities make this a go-to destination for relaxing beach days and productive fishing trips near Cedar Key.- Visit Fort Island Gulf Beach, a scenic and well-maintained coastal spot south of Cedar Key featuring soft sand, blue waters, and great Gulf views.
- Stroll the wooden boardwalk that connects the beach to the long fishing and sightseeing pier—perfect for sunset photography or dolphin spotting.
- Fish from the spacious, accessible pier, which offers plenty of room and seating at its far end—bring your own gear and cast a line in peaceful waters.
- Enjoy on-site amenities including restrooms, clean outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a boat ramp for easy access to the Gulf.
- Relax with family and friends on the beach, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, beach games, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.
Cost:
Free public beach and pier access. Parking is also free. No rental services onsite, so bring all gear and supplies needed for your visit.Best time to visit:
Year-round access, but spring and fall offer the best weather. Arrive in the evening for incredible Gulf sunsets from the pier.Local tips:
Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks—there are no food vendors at the beach. Wear water shoes for wading near the shoreline and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.Distance:
Approximately 50 miles southeast of Cedar Key — about a 1 hour and 15-minute scenic drive via FL-24 E and US-19 S.How to Get to Fort Island Gulf Beach:
From Cedar Key, take FL-24 E to US-19 S. Continue south to Crystal River, then follow Fort Island Trail (CR 44W) all the way to the beach and pier. Plenty of parking is available on site.4. Rainbow Springs State Park - 1 hour 45 minutes from Cedar Key
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Location:
Rainbow Springs State Park, inland from Cedar Key, FloridaRecommended For:
Nature lovers, swimmers, snorkelers, campers, kayakers, and families seeking a freshwater retreat with diverse recreational opportunities and scenic natural beauty.What I Love: ♥
The crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, wildlife encounters, and sandy riverbanks make Rainbow Springs a vibrant inland alternative to Florida’s coastal beaches.- Explore Rainbow Springs State Park, a sprawling 1,472-acre park centered around one of Florida’s largest natural springs and the sparkling Rainbow River.
- Watch a quick glimpse of the park’s beauty in this video guide, showcasing its lush trails, swimming areas, and wildlife-rich scenery.
- Swim or snorkel in the refreshingly cool spring-fed headwaters, renowned for their clarity and gentle current.
- Wander the riverside hiking trails or rent a kayak to paddle downstream along the Rainbow River, passing turtles, otters, fish, and vibrant birdlife.
- Relax on sandy riverbanks scattered throughout the park—ideal for lounging, picnicking, or sunbathing away from the salt and surf of the Gulf Coast.
- Camp overnight at the well-equipped campground, or enjoy day-use amenities such as restrooms, visitor center, food vendors, and rental facilities for tubes, canoes, and kayaks.
Cost:
$2 per person park admission. Additional fees for tubing, kayaking, and camping. Equipment rentals available on-site.Best time to visit:
Spring through early fall for warm water activities. Arrive early on weekends, as the park often reaches capacity during peak seasons.Local tips:
Bring water shoes, waterproof bags, and binoculars for spotting wildlife. Follow the trail along the Rainbow River for quieter beach-like sandbars ideal for resting or swimming breaks.Distance:
Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes east of Cedar Key (about 85 miles via FL-24 E and US-41 N).How to Get to Rainbow Springs State Park:
From Cedar Key, take FL-24 E to US-19 N, then merge onto US-41 N toward Dunnellon. Follow signs to Rainbow Springs State Park’s main entrance off SW 81st Place Road.Plan Your Trip