7 Floridian Small Towns to Visit in 2023


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Often when people think of Florida, the destinations that come to mind are Orlando and Miami. While these big cities have much to offer, Florida has many other incredible locations worth visiting and experiencing. With a wide range of stunning towns throughout the state, there is an abundance of travel opportunities just waiting for you to explore. Here are our top 7 Floridian small towns to visit in 2023.

#1: Apalachicola

Apalachicola is known for having the best thing small towns can offer – kind people. This little port town is a land of friendly faces and warm hospitality combined with a hip, historic atmosphere. While here, we recommend checking out the local seafood restaurants; Apalachicola is the oyster capital of the world, after all!

#2: Cedar Key

Cedar Key is the place to go if you want a taste of old Florida. This little enclave features old-fashioned architecture, lush nature preserves, and a killer clam chowder. As Florida’s second oldest town, you would think it would have more than 1000 residents, but it has managed to stay small while preserving its small-town charm and grace throughout the years. While you are there, make sure to stop in at the local-favorite pub, Neptune’s Bar, for a drink!

#3: Fernandina Beach

On the coast of Northeast Florida sits Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The history of this area is both confusing and fascinating. Fun fact: it is the only location in the USA that has been under eight different flags, including Spain, France, England, the Confederate States of America, the English American Colonies, and, finally, the United States of America. Carefully preserved throughout the years, Fernandina Beach is an excellent place to slow down for the weekend!

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#4: Anna Maria Island

Speaking of small-town islands, Anna Maria Island must make it onto your Florida bucket list. Just 20 minutes from Bradenton, this seven-mile strip of white sand beaches is the perfect location for those who love sun, surf, and sand. From horseback riding to kayaking to eco-tours, there is something for everyone in this charming destination. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen.

#5: Mount Dora

Just an hour outside of Orlando lies the cute, laid-back town of Mount Dora. This little town attracts a wide variety of tourists to its stunning scenery, lovely downtown strip, and dining opportunities. In particular, Mount Dora draws quite a crowd of antique lovers and collectors. Once a year, you will also see the town flooded with martial artists attending the local Winterfest karate conference; you certainly won’t see any robberies that weekend!

#6: Everglades City

Let’s head to the tip of Florida where Everglades City is known as the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands due to its access to old Florida swamp life. Want to see a wild gator? This is the place to be. From hiking to fishing to eco-tours, you can get up close and personal with the mangroves of the Everglades. A particularly fun time to visit is during the Everglades Seafood Festival in February. We are talking craft vendors, carnival rides, live music, endless food, and a fireworks display; you will even hear tunes played on the banjo!

#7: Destin

Dubbed “the world’s luckiest fishing village,” Destin has transformed from a once-tiny fisherman’s haven to a full-fledged vacation destination. Here you will find white sand beaches and the unique boating spot known as Crab Island, luxury resorts, and wild festivals throughout the year, such as the seafood festival and fishing rodeo. If you love being in or on the water, you can’t miss this spot! The nearby towns of Fort Walton Beach and Niceville also offer a quieter reprieve with easy access to Destin.
Tips for Booking Small-Town Vacations

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#1: Book Accommodations Early

Small-town travel is rapidly gaining popularity as travelers realize that adventures await everywhere, not just in big cities. With this increase in travel, smaller towns often book up their accommodations quite quickly. We recommend booking early to ensure you have a beautiful, comfortable, and convenient place as your base. Plus, if you are traveling with a group, there are many cottages, villas, or condos you can choose other than hotels.

#2: Schedule a Shuttle Bus

If you are planning to travel to small towns with a large group, we highly recommend booking a VIP shuttle bus to transport you and yours. Not only does this mean that everyone gets to skip the tedious aspect of driving, but many of these towns have limited parking, where big groups would struggle with multiple cars. Groups also get the added perk of no one having to volunteer as the designated driver!

#3: Ask the Locals

While small-town travel is on the rise, there are often few resources guiding tourists on what to do and see in these towns. So, in addition to searching for bloggers who may be able to give you some insight, we also recommend asking the locals for their recommendations; as the insider secret is always the best!


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Praveen Saraswat
Praveen was born in India. He began writing in 2018, he lives in Agara. He has contributed lots of articles to Scoopearth and another website and the first time he published an article at Scoopearth