Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State for its warm climate, beautiful beaches and countless attractions, is a popular travel destination that attracts tourists from all over the country. Unfortunately, with popularity comes crowds, which can be a turnoff if travelers don’t like dealing with the masses despite more than 230 days of sunshine each year.
Fortunately, this shouldn’t stop travelers from visiting the Sunshine State, especially since there are lots of hidden treasures in Florida. All of these magnificent gems offer a blend of rich history, unique culture and natural beauty. So, for travelers looking to avoid the crowds and experience the Sunshine State, here are the ten most beautiful small towns in Florida that you should definitely visit.
UPDATED: 2024/06/28 7:47 PM EST BY COCO DOLLANANGER
10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Florida to Visit
With over 230 days of sunshine, hence its nickname, Florida’s Sunshine State checks all the boxes when it comes to thrills and experiences, unique local culture and stunning scenery. We’ve added populations, more vibrant photos, integrated maps, and more things to do and attractions in these Florida cities.
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ten Dunedin
Located on the west coast of Florida with a unique Scottish heritage
Dunedin, in Pinellas County, is the place to go if travelers like to enjoy Scottish heritage and natural beauty. That’s why it’s one of the most beautiful small towns in Florida. Dunedin is on the west coast of Florida and offers a variety of attractions, from beautiful beaches like Honeymoon Island State Park, which features pristine white sand beaches, to art centers, hiking trails, breweries and marinas.
Dunedin also has a historic downtown with a weekly farmers’ market and many events each year. If you are planning to explore South Florida, stop at one of the amazing breweries and have a pint for a fun experience.
9 Cocoa Village
Cocoa Beach, Florida USA: Cocoa Village historic sign.
Cocoa Village, in the heart of Cocoa, Brevard County, is a small historic downtown town listed as National Register of Historic Places. It has unique architecture, quaint boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and numerous restaurants. Like most beautiful small towns in Florida, Cocoa Village has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, and many of the original buildings still stand today.
Be sure to stop at Cocoa Village Playhouse, a historic theater that hosts plays, musicals and dance performances throughout the year. You can also check out the Village Marina for boat rentals, charters, and sunset cruises.
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Population: |
19,041 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Explore the city’s history, unique architecture, art galleries, Cocoa Village performance hall and boat, or take a sunset cruise |
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Where to stay: |
8 Fernandina Beach
A laid-back small town on Amelia Island with many historic sites
Fernandina Beach is a small town with a rich history on Amelia Island. It’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination in the Sunshine State for history buffs, thanks to the many historic sites on its soil, including the famous Amelia Island Lighthouse and Fort Clinch State Park. Besides historical sites, visitors should also explore local shops, restaurants and galleries.
For travelers who don’t like tourist areas, Fernandina Beach is a perfect small Florida town with fewer crowds. It has a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly community. Plus, the town’s wooden pier, which stretches out to the ocean, also offers stunning sunsets and sunrises!
7 Anna Maria Island
A secluded Florida island town with stunning white sand beaches and a stunning nature preserve
Want a secluded beach vacation? Pack your bags for Anna Maria Island, Florida’s little-known sunny paradise. Located just south of Tampa Bay, this island has several beautiful, pristine white sand beaches, including Coquina Beach, which hosts various festivals throughout the year in addition to its white sand beach, crystal clear waters and magnificent sunsets.
Besides sunbathing, Anna Maria Island is a great water sports destination and visitors can kayak, fish and boat in the surrounding waters. Another perfect place to visit in town is Leffis Key Preserve, a lush nature preserve featuring a stunning 1,500-foot boardwalk that passes through a beautiful mangrove forest.
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Population: |
1,092 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Sunbathe on the beaches, go boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming and explore the island |
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Where to stay: |
6 Sea side
Seaside, in Walton County, is a small Florida town popular for its Instagram-worthy pastel-colored homes and unique architecture. It’s a walkable town with shops, restaurants, beautiful beaches and other attractions within walking distance of each other. One of Florida’s most beautiful small towns worth visiting, Seaside features long sandy beaches, beautiful lodges, and charming shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
One of the most Underrated Florida Cities Worth a Visit, Seaside is located along Highway 30A, known as a scenic drive in the Sunshine State, offering the best views of the Gulf of Mexico. Grayton Beach State Park also offers beautiful nature trails and a beautiful coastal dune lake.
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Population: |
32,366 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Stroll on the beach, visit the farmers’ market, explore the art scene, bike, shop and eat |
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Where to stay: |
5 Cedar key
An underrated Florida Key with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities
For outdoor enthusiasts always looking for adventure, Cedar Key is the perfect small Florida town to add to the bucket list. Located along the Gulf of Mexico in Levy County, this quiet little town offers countless outdoor activities, from fishing and bird watching to hiking and kayaking.
The city also has a rich history that visitors can learn about at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum and the Cedar Key State Museum. For travelers with a passion for wildlife, the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit while in town. Cedar Key is a quaint small town and a beautiful and underrated Florida Key!
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Population: |
687 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Fishing, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, visiting museums, wildlife watching |
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Where to stay: |
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4 Sanibel Island
An idyllic small island town on Florida’s Gulf Coast with spectacular wildlife
Sanibel Island is a small barrier island city in the Gulf of Mexico. It has beautiful beaches, which is why it is known as an idyllic, low-key beach destination in the Sunshine State. With lots of wildlife to see, this is definitely one for the books!
The city is also home to the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as alligators, dolphins, manatees, and endless wildlife. The refuge also has stunning scenery, including mangrove forests, estuaries and seagrass beds, providing visitors with stunning views and photo opportunities. It’s one of the best hidden gems to see on Florida’s Gulf Coast!
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Population: |
6,828 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Observe wildlife at JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, explore and sunbathe on the beaches |
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Where to stay: |
3 Delray Beach
An intimate seaside town with a rich history, beautiful beaches and vibrant seaside life
Delray Beach is yet another fantastic small town in Florida that travelers should visit, especially history buffs. It has an entire street, Atlantic Avenue, where visitors can learn about the city’s history. In addition to being a historic street, Atlantic Avenue has many quaint shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes; With bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment, it’s also a popular place to stay at night.
Do you prefer to go to the beach? Delray has three miles of pristine beaches where you can swim, sunbathe or play beach volleyball, undoubtedly among the Best Things to Do in Delray Beach! Visit the Pineapple Grove Arts District if you love art, as well as the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens for some zen moments.
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Population: |
66,846 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Atlantic Avenue, beaches, Pineapple Grove Arts District, Morikami Museum |
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Where to stay: |
2 Apalachicola
Located on the shores of Apalachicola Bay and known for its delicious seafood dishes.
Travelers looking for the best cheap beach vacations in Florida will fall in love with Apalachicola, one of the The happiest small towns in America. For an area with such an evocative name, Apalachicola is a cute little town located on the shore of Apalachicola Bay, which is a beautiful inlet on the Gulf of Mexico. It has a rich history dating back to the 1800s and is known for the mouth-watering seafood dishes offered at its unique local restaurants. Stop by the Apalachicola History, Culture and Art Center to learn more about the city’s history!
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1 Mount Dora
Known for its lively festivals and charming city center
Nestled in Lake County, Mount Dora is a quaint town dotted with antique shops and art galleries. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Florida and is also known for hosting vibrant annual festivals. Stroll the charming streets of the city center and enjoy the Mediterranean Revival architecture of the buildings.
If your schedule allows, consider heading there in February to take part in the famous Mount Dora Art Festival. If you visit the Sunshine State in the spring, be sure to attend the many spring festivals and events in Florida.
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Population: |
16,341 |
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Things to do/attractions: |
Stroll the streets of downtown, discover antique shops, art galleries and festivals |
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Where to stay: |
