Flanked by the Gulf of Mexico on the west side and the Atlantic Ocean on the east side, the state of Florida is home to plenty of magical destinations worth exploring. It boasts a breathtaking coastline that is sprinkled with pristine sandy beaches as well as balmy weather all year round, hence the moniker “The Sunshine State.”

Fun attractions such as Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center make this state perfect for family vacations, as do the best places in Florida to visit in summer for a perfect getaway, whether visitors are solo travelers, a couple, or parents with little ones. In addition to giant cities such as Miami and Tampa, Florida's most charming towns that break away from typical tourist spots are also worthy of attention. For those looking to enjoy a fun and unique escapade, here’s a list of the most charming towns Florida has to offer that truly have it all.

10 Matlacha

Seafood market in Matlacha, Florida, USA
Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Seafood market in Matlacha, Florida, USA

A bustling holiday destination nestled on Pine Island, Matlacha is among the beautiful small towns Florida offers in terms of quaint charm. It's a fairy town that boasts endless options; there are plenty of stunning natural places here where tourists can spend their leisure time hanging out, such as Matlacha Community Park and Bat House Park. Art enthusiasts would be thrilled to spend some time at Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens admiring the painstaking works of the popular impressionist-expressionist painter Leoma Lovegrove. Those visiting town with their young ones can surprise them with candy treats from Cw Fudge Factory LLC.

9 Stuart

A street in Stuart, Florida, USA
felixmizioznikov / Shutterstock
A street in Stuart, Florida, USA

Sprawling on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Stuart is one of the best small towns in Florida. It's a picturesque town that is a must-visit place for beach aficionados and sun-seekers. It is home to a 19-foot-tall Sailfish statue that was installed in 2003, earning it the nickname the Sailfish Capital of the World. This is one of the underrated yet best summer destinations in Florida that adventurers didn’t even know existed. Featuring playgrounds and swimming pools as well as inner tube polo, the Sailfish Splash Waterpark is a nice spot for families to hang out.

8 Naples

A beautiful street in Naples, Florida, USA
alkane / Shutterstock
A beautiful street in Naples, Florida, USA

From spectacular beaches that are like slices of heaven on earth to high-end shopping outlets, the resort town of Naples in Florida has it all. It acts as a melting pot for world-class arts and intriguing cultures, as well as an eclectic dining scene. Tourists can indulge in family picnics, play volleyball, and bask at Lowdermilk Park. Water activities fanatics can feast their eyes on magical sunsets while fishing at Naples Pier. Kids would be delighted to feed gators or admire monkeys while on a boat ride at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.

RELATED: The Best Time To Visit Florida Depending On What You Want To Experience

7 Seaside

Seaside, FL
Kristi Blokhin photographer / Shutterstock
Oceanfront cottages in Seaside, Florida

Experience small-town charm while vacationing in Seaside. It’s one of the most charming small towns in Florida and definitely among the top-rated beach towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast. From its historic residential homes to quirky shops, this quant resort town boasts a unique prim charm that can make tourists want to stay forever. There’s a series of spectacular pavilions that act as the getaway to the town’s long sandy beach. Traveling families can indulge in a fun day out at Seaside Amphitheater. To help satiate hunger pangs, visitors can buy savory snacks at Meltdown On 30A or at Crêpes du Soleil Airstream.

6 Islamorada

The Big Betsy spiny lobster sculpture in Islamorada, Florida, USA
Shutterstock
The Big Betsy spiny lobster sculpture in Islamorada, Florida, USA

Water activities enthusiasts can enjoy an unforgettable fishing expedition in Islamorada, one of the most charming small towns Florida has in store for visitors. Colloquially known as the “Village of Island,” this beautiful town straddles six of the Florida Keys. It is famed for its stunning coral reefs and scenic bay, which offer great fishing spots, hence the alias Sport Fishing Capital of the World. In addition to its awe-inspiring beaches and romantic seafront resorts, there are other attractions in town that are a must-visit, such as Theater of the Sea and Robbies of Islamorada.

5 Tarpon Springs

Fishing village in Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA
Kristi Blokhin photographer / Shutterstock
Fishing village in Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA

Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs is one of the best places in Florida to visit in spring, summer, fall, or even winter (it's a lovely year-round destination, after all). It is home to the iconic Dodecanese Boulevard, which is lined with waterfront restaurants where foodies come to indulge in mouthwatering Greek delicacies. Overall, this spot is one of the hidden gems in Tampa Bay worth exploring. Tourists can also go for a leisure stroll at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks or at Fred Howard Park.

RELATED: This Florida Key Is The Prettiest, With The Best Views

4 Micanopy

A farm and store signpost in Micanopy, Florida, USA
H.J. Herrera photographer / Shutterstock
A farm and store signpost in Micanopy, Florida, USA

Tired of the hurly-burly of big cities? Take a break and enjoy a relaxing getaway at Micanopy, one of the most beautiful small towns in Florida full of charm. It’s a rural town in Florida’s Alachua County that beasts a peaceful and laid-back vibe. Nature lovers can make the most of their time exploring attractions such as Tuscawilla Preserve or Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Tourists who wish to find out more about the town’s precious past can travel back in time while touring the Micanopy Historical Society Museum.

3 Dunedin

Welcome sign in Dunedin, Florida, USA
Garrett Brown photographer / Shutterstock
Welcome sign in Dunedin, Florida, USA

Found on the west coast of the Sunshine State, Dunedin is a charming Florida town that acts as a playground for honeymooners as well as traveling couples. It is blessed with a vast array of pristine beaches and lush pine forests, making it a perfect hideout for lovebirds looking to enjoy a romantic escape without the commotion of big metropolises. Watersports enthusiasts also love the town, thanks to top sites such as Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park, where they can indulge in adventures such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

2 Apalachicola

Magical sunrise on a beach in Apalachicola, Florida, USA
jo Crebbin  / Shutterstock
Magical sunrise on a beach in Apalachicola, Florida, USA

Wake up to magical sunrises and witness splendid sunsets while vacationing in Apalachicola, one of the most beautiful towns Florida has to offer its retreat-seeking guests. Nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, this is a prime spot for sun-seekers looking to spend their holiday frolicking on sandy beaches. The town has gained a reputation for its mouthwatering seafood, which has earned it the moniker the “Oyster Capital of the World.” Apalach, as it is locally referred to, is home to some of Florida's best museums, such as John Gorrie Museum State Park and Raney House Museum.

RELATED: Florida Everglades And Beyond In A Day Trip: Beaches & Scenic Drives In Southern Florida

1 Mount Dora

A welcome sign in Mount Dora, Florida, United States
JillianCain /  Shutterstock
A welcome sign in Mount Dora, Florida, United States

Revelers and party-goers, as well as fun-seekers, are always flocking to the charming town of Mount Dora in Central Florida to partake in the thrilling annual festivals, such as the iconic Annual Christmas lighting festival. Its location on the shore of Lake Dora makes it a great destination for people looking to experience the soothing powers of mother nature. Lovebirds and honeymooners can enjoy romantic sunsets while exploring the lake waters on Premier Boat Tours. Tourists can learn tips on how to furnish their homes at the Modernism Museum.