Florida boasts many quaint little towns that travel below the radar for most travelers. The following are 11 quaint little towns in Florida that most travelers miss entirely:
1. Cedar Key
Location: Gulf Coast
Features: Famous for its relaxed ambiance, breathtaking sunsets, and old town. It’s an artists’ paradise and a seafood heaven.
Must-Visit: The Cedar Key Island Hotel and nearby clam farms.
2. Brooksville
Location: North of Tampa
Features: Combines rural atmosphere, historic sites such as Chinsegut Hill, and proximity to natural wonders such as the Withlacoochee River.
Must-Visit: Withlacoochee State Trail for cycling and adjacent Weeki Wachee Springs.
3. Everglades City
Location: Southwest Florida
Features: Cozy fishing town with proximity to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands. Renowned for stone crab parties.
Must-Visit: Smallwoods Store on Chokoloskee Island to see the past.
4. Micanopy
Location: North of Gainesville
Features: Famous for its antique stores and old-world charm, Micanopy is a treasure trove with a vibrant arts community.
Must-Visit: The Micanopy Historic District for antique browsing.
5. Fernandina Beach
Location: Northeast Florida
Features: Combines historic buildings, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreation such as kayaking.
Must-Visit: The Kingsley Plantation and Fort Clinch State Park.
6. Sanford
Location: Central Florida
Features: A vibrant river town with a quaint downtown area that boasts breweries and old homes.
Must-See: The Sanford Riverwalk and adjacent Wekiva Springs State Park.
7. Mount Dora
Location: Central Florida
Features: Vibrant arts community, historic downtown, and lake views of Lake Dora.
Must-See: The Mount Dora Lighthouse and festivals.
8. Crystal River
Location: Nature Coast
Features: Renowned natural springs and manatee spotting. Recently ranked on of the most charming small towns by HGTV.
Must-See: Three Sisters Springs for manatee spotting.
9. Dade City
Location: Central Florida
Features: Provides a mix of rural beauty, antique stores, and proximity to surrounding natural preserves.
Must-Visit: The Dade City Historic District and the surrounding Withlacoochee River.
10. Lake Wales
Location: Central Florida
Features: Famous for its views of beautiful lakes, historic buildings, and the legendary Bok Tower Gardens.
Must-Visit: The Bok Tower Gardens for its breathtaking gardens and carillon concerts.
11. Winter Garden
Location: Central Florida
Features: Provides a quaint downtown with boutiques and eateries, as well as proximity to the West Orange Trail for cycling.
Must-Visit: The Winter Garden Heritage Museum and the neighboring Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
Each of these towns offers an individual mix of nature’s beauty, cultural diversity, and small-town character that usually escapes tourists.
