Summary

  • Florida has many hidden gems and small towns that offer a getaway from the typical tourist spots.
  • Cocoa Beach, Sanibel Island, and Venice are some of the towns with under-the-radar appeal and unique attractions.
  • These towns provide opportunities for activities like canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring museums and parks.

Every state and country is famous for something. When someone mentions Florida, most people picture its breathtaking theme parks and beaches. Oh, and alligators! Even so, Florida isn’t limited to visiting the beaches and attractions in renowned cities only. There are lots of fascinating things that travelers didn’t know they could do in Florida, and this includes touring secluded towns. They offer a hassle-free getaway and are incredible places to discover galleries and boutiques with an old-world charm. Anyone tired of keeping up with large crowds in Orlando and Miami should check these towns with an under-the-radar appeal.

UPDATE: 2023/11/23 21:33 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

18 Small Towns In Florida That Break Away From Typical Tourist Spots

Florida is full of hidden gems. Tourists looking for an escape from the crowded places won't be disappointed. The state hubs numerous amazing places. Therefore, this list was updated to include additional small towns in Florida to break away from typical tourist spots.

18 Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Pier
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A pier at Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach is a great option if tourists are searching for a romantic beach and one of the best Florida towns that is not in Miami. This location is well-known for excellent and enjoyable activities for daring couples. This cute town in Florida has stunning sunsets. For a breathtaking view of the beach, the couples can stroll along the Cocoa Beach Pier as the sun sets. If they need some pampering, they can visit one of the town's many spas.

  • What to do: Canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing
  • What to see: Lori Wilson Park, Kennedy Space Center, Florida Surf Museum

17 Sanibel Island

The entrance to Sanibel beach on the west coast of Florida
Photo by Melissa Mullin on Unsplash
The entrance to Sanibel beach on the west coast of Florida

Another Floridian spot is Sanibel Island, which has a ton of little eateries where tourists can kick back, unwind, and have a few drinks in the sun with their significant other or some close friends. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Bowman's Beach are located in this charming Gulf Coast town, making it a haven for shell collectors. Like the rest of this tranquil coastal town, the beach is lovely and serene. Rent a bike and explore the island, which has plenty of space for sunbathing and biking paths.

  • What to do: Shopping at Sanibel Island Farmers Market, birdwatching at Tarpon Bay, sunbathing at Blind Pass Beach
  • What to see: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel Lighthouse, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Related: Sanibel Island: 12 Hidden Gems To See On Florida's Gulf Coast

16 Venice

Venice, Florida
Photo by Tommaso Teloni on Unsplash
An illuminated street in Venice, Florida at night

Renowned as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World," Venice is a Floridian paradise for those looking for natural splendor, lots of fun, and adventure. This small town in Florida boasts rich heritage, arts, and culture, enticing history buffs and woos adventure enthusiasts with its water sports, hiking, and world-class golfing. While Venice Beach is a worth visiting place to sunbathe and take in gorgeous seascapes, Caspersen Beach is well known for hunting fossils. Additionally, the downtown is a preferred choice for tourists for its abundance of stunning attractions and Italian architectural marvels.

  • What to do: Visit Historic Downtown, spend a day at Venice Beach, bike The Legacy Trail
  • What to see: Centennial Park, Venice Fishing Pier, Shamrock Park and Nature Center, The Venice Farmers Market

15 Captiva

Colorful beach bar on Captiva Island, Florida
Photo by Jenny Bess on Unsplash
Colorful beach bar on Captiva Island, Florida

Captiva Island is another one of the lovely small towns in Florida worth visiting for its pristine beaches and spectacular sunset views. It is known as the world's seashell capital, similar to its sister island Sanibel, and attracts nature lovers, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts for unparalleled experiences. Hunting seashells is the favorite pastime for visitors, as are biking, fishing, sailing, and water sports. Captiva Beach is popular for swimming and watching the sunset; NASCRAB is an ideal spot to go crabbing; and Cayo Costa State Park, just off the coast of Captiva Island, is a fantastic destination for camping, hiking, and swimming.

  • What to do: Explore the Ding Darling Nature Preserve, go on an eco-cruise, tour the Captiva Village
  • What to see: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Lighthouse Beach Park, Redfish Pass, NASCRAB, Cayo Costa State Park

14 Havana

Signs to different Floridian towns and cities at the beach
Image by Mark Hemmings from Pixabay
Signs on the beach, Florida

Arguably, Havana evokes images of the vibrant ‘Little Havana,’ a neighborhood in Miami. But there’s an underrated suburban gem of Tallahassee that deserves mention. Although the town is lightly populated, with less than 1,800 residents, it still warms the hearts of many with its beauty and laid-back vibe. The residents are super friendly, making it easy for tourists to wander the town and learn its history. The shops have unique home decor, antiques, and vintage collectibles that travelers can take home.

  • What to do: Enjoy international cuisine, browse antique shops, and hit the green at the Havana Golf Club
  • What to see: Visit the old Planters Exchange building, watch the animals at the North Florida Wildlife Center, explore the town's Cuban influence with its museums

Havana was directly named after the capital city of Cuba.

Related: 10 Safest Beaches In Florida To Visit This Summer

13 Vero Beach

Atlantic Ocean Beach at Vero Beach, located about 20 minutes from the small town of Indian River Shores, Florida
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Atlantic Ocean Beach at Vero Beach, located about 20 minutes from the small town of Indian River Shores, Florida

Vero Beach has its own claim to fame. And there’s more to it besides its pristine beaches and long stretches of sand.

McKee Botanical Garden is a subtropical garden that’s home to exotic and local plant species like water lilies, tall palm trees, bromeliads, and more. The experience here is one-of-a-kind, and there are numerous gorgeous backdrops where guests can take Insta-worthy photos.

Visiting McLarty Treasure Museum is another thing that makes a trip to Vero Beach unforgettable. Travelers can learn about sunken treasures like the Spanish Plate Fleet in 1715.

  • What to do: Enjoy the city's beautiful beaches, fish at the Sebastian Inlet State Park, tour Broadway shows at Riverside Theater
  • What to see: Walk through McKee Botanical Garden, visit the McLarty Treasure Museum

12 Punta Gorda

Orange sky of a sunset on a wooden pier at Lake Seminole
Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash
Sunset over Seminole Lake, Florida

Punta Gorda is a small town in Charlotte County, Florida, with a population of 20,320 as of 2023. It’s a perfect spot for adventures seeking thrilling outdoor activities. While it’s devoted to bicycling, tourists can go boating, standup paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.

Destinations like Peace River Botanical Garden, Peace River Wildlife Center, and Alligator Bay Distillers await to be explored, with each offering its unique charm.

Avid shoppers can carry empty bags, as they are sure to find shops selling one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

  • What to do: Go rum tasting (only for adults), tour a boat from Charlotte Harbor, go fossil hunting, shopping spree at Fisherman's Village
  • What to see: Bask in the views of Englewood beach, cruise across town on one of the many walking tours, visit the Peace River Park and the Peace River Wildlife Reserve

11 Islamorada

Lonely Tree at Annes Beach at the Florida Keys in Florida
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Lonely Tree at Annes Beach, Key Islamorada, in the Florida Keys Florida

It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Islamorada, also known as the Village of Islands. Visiting The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is a must when in this island town. It’s a spot where history buffs can dig deep into the history of shipwrecks, pirates, Indigenous people, and sunken treasures. The underwater life adventures are incredible, as there’s a massive population of gorgeous sea creatures. Avid beer lovers can tour Florida Keys Brewing and taste some of the limited releases and seasonal beers.

  • What to do: Tour the waters on a jet ski, sample beer at the Florida Keys Brewing Co (adults only)
  • What to see: Take the private sunset cruise, kayak to the Indian Key Historic State Park, climb the Alligator Reef Lighthouse

Related: Florida's Beach Haven: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Jacksonville & Things To Do

10 Miramar Beach

Condos on Miramar Beach
Via Shutterstock
Colorful condos along the shoreline of Miramar Beach.

This beach town is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Unlike most small towns, which attract lesser crowds, this destination receives frequent guests. But it’s not overcrowded like some coastlines on the Florida Panhandle.

Strolling along scenic beach roads and beachfront homes is ideal for guests who want laid-back activities. Others who are more adventurous can kayak and swim on the sugar-white sand beaches.

In addition to the beaches, vacationers can explore museums and boutiques in the downtown area.

  • What to do: Take a tour down Crab Island, hunt for souvenirs at The Zoo Gallery, browse through the local farmer's market
  • What to see: Gaze upon Mandovi River, admire artwork at The Foster Gallery

9 DeFuniak Springs

Aerial view of Lake Defuniak Springs, Florida
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Aerial view of Lake Defuniak Springs, Florida

Those planning a weekend getaway to a town with an old Florida charm will love DeFuniak Springs. Lake DeFuniak is one of the town’s visually stunning features, a haven where outdoor lovers can swim or create a perfect picnic setting.

Though small, the Walton County Heritage Museum gives tourists a peek into the past through historical artifacts like ancient turpentine pottery shards and arrowheads. Guests take a self-guided tour as they read historical information and exciting facts in the brochures.

To date, the town has the old Victorian glamour it held back in the days.

  • What to do: Relax at Twin Lakes Camp Resort, dive into the waters of Vortex Spring, take the Holmes Creek paddling trail
  • What to see: Walk along the town's historic district, visit the Walton County Heritage Museum

8 St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos, Saint Augustine, Florida
Photo by Sahi S on Unsplash
Castillo de San Marcos, Saint Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States of America

There’s so much in a small and underrated town like St. Augustine. It can give partygoers, art lovers, history buffs, and beach bums a vacation of a lifetime. This community has a European vibe and a haunted past in Old Town. The expert guides take travelers through historic buildings and cemeteries as they share eerie tales about the town. Adventurers can hop on a seafaring vessel to watch the dazzling colors of the sunset and catch a different view of St. Augustine Lighthouse.

  • What to do: Take one of the many haunted ghost tours, paddleboard among dolphins, and enjoy the many available beaches
  • What to see: Explore the ruins of old forts, visit the World Golf Hall of Fame, watch (from a safe distance) the alligators at the Alligator Farm Zoo

Related: Florida's Sunny City: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Fort Myers & Things To Do There

7 Micanopy

Clearing at the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy
Photo by Danaisa Rodriguez on Unsplash
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy, Florida

Known as home to antique and gift shops, Micanopy is one of the best small towns in Florida worth visiting. The Micanopy Historical Society Museum has several Native American artifacts from 500 to 5,000 years ago. Guests also find drawings and sketches from early explorers, which transport them back to the early 1800s. As mentioned, the town has several stores with an impressive collection of unique home decor items and collectibles.

  • What to do: Visit natural North Florida, bike through Hawthorne trail
  • What to see: Learn from the Micanopy Historical Society Museum and the Historic District

6 Mount Dora

A view of Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora, Florida
Photo 111565580 Jillian Cain | Dreamstime.com
A view of Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora, Florida

The well-preserved historic buildings in Mount Dora are popular attractions with a lot in store for history buffs. But Lake Dora ensures outdoor lovers never run out of thrilling activities. They can explore the lake on catamarans, kayaks, and wakeboarding. Or go on a picnic along the shoreline.

However, though small, the town gets touristy during some festivals that attract hundreds of artists, crafters, and antique lovers. Lack of parking and dealing with the crowd can be annoying, so consider traveling when the town is festival-free.

  • What to do: Practice fun water sports, shop at the antique mall, attend the Historic State Theater
  • What to see: Tour Lake Dora by water, wonder at the Modernism Museum, rest at Sunset Park

5 Crystal River

Swimming with Manatees, Crystal River, Florida
Photo: Thierry Eidenweil | Shutterstock
Swimming with Manatees, Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River, the coastal town in western Florida, has the slightly touristy and laid-back vibe most travelers love. It’s a haven for nature lovers, and there’s more than enough to keep adventurers busy. Swimming with a manatee is one intriguing in-water experience that makes Crystal River a must-visit destination. The crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot the gentle sea cows. It’s a magical experience vacationers can’t afford to miss!

Other non-manatee things include kayaking on the striking Chassahowitzka River, buying precious items at the Heritage Village, and visiting Homosassa Springs.

  • What to do: Swim with the manatees, shop at the Heritage Village, go fishing on the nature coast
  • What to see: Tour the different rivers, take a scenic cruise along Kings Bay

4 Cedar Key

A view of the sun setting over the ocean in Cedar Key, Florida
Photo by Valeriia Neganova on Unsplash
A view of the sun setting over the ocean in Cedar Key, Florida

When it comes down to size, it doesn't get much smaller than Cedar Key. Nonetheless, despite only having a population of around 900 people, Cedar Key has enough activities and charm to make it one of the best towns in Florida. From stilt houses and buildings suspended over the Gulf of Mexico to one of the tastiest clam chowders out there. This is a place where the people are as warm as the climate and where the best activity is learning about the town's rich history. If visiting during the fall, make sure to attend the annual rubber duck race.

  • What to do: Get to know people from all over at the RV park, experience Low-Key Hideaway
  • What to see: Tour the swampy region aboard a fan boat, marvel at the beautiful sunsets, walk along the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Related: Beat The Heat: Dive Into Florida's Top 10 Water Parks This Season

3 Anna Maria Island

A beautiful sunset from a beach at Anna Maria Island, Florida.
Nathan Andress on Unsplash
A beautiful sunset from a beach at Anna Maria Island, Florida.

One of the lesser-known gems in the state, Anna Maria is a barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast. Its elongated shape makes it home to beautifully long beaches that almost cover it from one point to the other in white-sanded shores and calm, turquoise waters.

That said, the main attractions on Anna Maria Island have to do with water activities and the preservation of its amazing ecosystem.

  • What to do: Ride horses on the island's long shores, visit the nearby keys and small cities in Florida, have a romantic dinner by the beach
  • What to see: Walk along the waterline in between piers, take the afternoon to cruise around the island on a bike

2 Apalachicola

Apalachicola, Florida's Panhandle
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Apalachicola, Florida's Panhandle

As a welcome shift in scenery from the tropical locations, Apalachicola is a wonderful little fishing city that can be found in Franklin County, just between Tallahassee and Panama City. The bay and coast serve as a great relaxation point, while anglers can test their luck in the River Blueway. As the main attraction, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest national forest in all of Florida.

  • What to do: Fish at Apalachicola River Blueway, hike in Apalachicola National Forest
  • What to see: Walk along the historic main street, pick a show at Dixie Theater, cool off in the museum that commemorates the man who perfected air conditioning

1 Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach, Florida
via Shutterstock
Distant view of vacationers at Rosemary Beach, Florida

When compared to other towns in Florida, Rosemary Beach definitely stands out above the rest, thanks to its European vibes and beautiful architecture. It's as if someone took a small Dutch village and dropped it right next to the ocean. The many cottages, hotels, and restaurants that litter the town are remarkable landmarks to visit while cruising down the Scenic Highway 30A. Don't be fooled by the aesthetic, though, as Rosemary Beach is a rather young settlement, being founded in 1995.

  • What to do: Shop at the 30A Farmers Market, enjoy the many international restaurants, enjoy the exclusivity of the town's delightful spas
  • What to see: Visit Wesley House at Eden Gardens, tour in a kayak along the Topsail State Park