There is a lot more to discover in Florida beyond its well-known theme parks, whether you are visiting the state for its year-round warmth or its world-class attractions. The Sunshine State is a haven for people looking for postcard-worthy vistas, with 825 miles of accessible beaches, 175 state parks, and a vibrant history that goes back centuries. However, the beauty of these storybook communities is only a small part of what attracts people to them. For example, if you explore Florida’s beach towns more thoroughly, you will find a lot of marine history and exciting recreational activities. Florida’s remote settlements and river towns, which are located further inland, showcase a more genuine aspect of the state, giving daring travelers the opportunity to see Florida’s untamed side. However, whichever of the path you take, your time spent in these storybook towns will be unforgettable, revealing a world that is different from Orlando.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a stylish town located on a barrier island that is five miles long and has some of the nicest beaches in Florida. It is only fifteen minutes away from Miami. Key Biscayne, like its sister city, offers a lot of high-end restaurants, like the Rusty Pelican and Costa Med Bistro & Wine, which are well-known in Florida’s food scene. On the other hand, Key Biscayne has a lot to offer travelers on a budget, particularly its amazing coastline parks.
Hobie Beach is one of the best beaches in Key Biscayne. It has excellent windsurfing conditions, a view of the Miami skyline, and free parking, which is a nice bonus. Another popular destination is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which has beautiful white beaches, calm waters, and a modest admission cost of about $8 USD per vehicle. Bill Baggs Cape is known for its famous lighthouse, but it also has a 1.25-mile beach that has won awards, a kayak launch, and a 1.5-mile cycling route. The Cape Florida Lighthouse, which was built in 1825, is one of the oldest buildings in Florida. It is a testament to the balance of ancient and new attractions that Key Biscayne has to offer.
Dunnellon
Although the shore of Florida is typically the main attraction, river communities such as Dunnellon are equally stunning. It is impossible to miss the beautiful views of the town, which is located right next to the Rainbow River, a 6-mile-long river. Dunnellon’s seaside restaurants are more relaxed than those in Key Biscayne, yet they are just as tasty. Dunnellon is known for its comfort and soul food, whether you are dining at a Cajun restaurant such as Swampy’s Bar & Grille or a seafood restaurant such as the Blue Gator Tiki Bar.
In addition to Dunnellon’s food scene, Rainbow Springs State Park, which is home to the Rainbow River, attracts visitors. Open 365 days a year, this river attraction has something for everyone. The most popular activity at the park is tubing, followed closely by kayaking and swimming. The headsprings have an average temperature of 72°F throughout the year, which makes it a popular spot for snorkeling. Rainbow Springs’ walking routes are just as appealing on land, thanks to the shade trees, artificial waterfalls, and native plants. Hikers can take the route behind these gardens for a more natural approach, which will lead them to oak trees and views of the river.
Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach is the ideal getaway for families, especially those with children, and it is located on Florida’s coast. Jensen Beach is mostly recognized for its location on the Treasure Coast, but it is also located next to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. As a result, the town is a terrific place for people who want to visit multiple beaches and check out different waterfront parks. Some of the best beaches include Walton Rocks Beach, which is dog-friendly, Sea Turtle Beach (also known as Jensen Beach), and Waveland Beach, among others.
Indian Riverside Park is a nice place for family to visit afterward. The 63-acre area features a half-mile shoreline, a mangrove boardwalk, a 780-foot fishing pier, and an interactive fountain that is a favorite with children. If you want to take a break from the sun, you can visit another family-friendly attraction located in the center of Indian Riverside Park. The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast offers families an interactive and engaging environment that encourages inquiry and creativity. One of its most popular displays is the Spanish Galleon, which features stories and hands-on experiences on a reconstructed ship from the 16th century.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach is another storybook destination on the Treasure Coast. It is located about an hour north of Jensen Beach. The city, which calls itself “Hibiscus City,” is filled with tropical flowers and even has a Hibiscus Festival every spring. However, the town’s most famous feature is its unspoiled beach. This Florida town has 26 miles of beachfront, making it one of the best spots in the country to experience a variety of coastal scenery all in one location.
If you want a more traditional beach experience, South Beach Park, Vero Beach, and Sexton Plaza Beach are great places to spend a day in the sand. Round Island Beach Park and other coastal attractions offer the same basic beach feel, but with a twist. Round Island Riverside Park is located in its backyard and serves as a gateway to the Indian River Lagoon. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s canoe launch, picnic pavilions, walking pathways, and observation tower, all of which are located around the lagoon. The park’s 400-foot boardwalk is a popular spot for watching wild manatees, and it is also a great area to appreciate the views.
Captiva Island
Captiva Island, which is called after the barrier island it is located on, is well-known for its peaceful beach environment. This Gulf Coast village is a favorite with introverted visitors since it is secluded and requires some planning to reach. The Sanibel Causeway is the most common route for tourists to reach Sanibel Island. After that, you will be able to reach Captiva, where you may enjoy your private island getaway, by way of the Blind Pass Bridge.
Captiva Beach is the town’s most treasured shore. It is a beautiful stretch of sand that is not crowded and has water that is crystal clear. Captiva Island is a famous place for shelling because its perpendicular location causes ocean currents to bring a broad variety of seashells to its shores. This is the exact reason why dedicated beachcombers enjoy going back to the Blind Pass. After that, you may reach the other attractions on Sanibel Island, such as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, with a quick drive. The park offers an observation tower, kayaking paths, and three land trails to explore, all of which showcase a more natural side of Florida’s coastline.
Brooksville
Brooksville, like Sanibel Island, gives tourists the opportunity to experience the untamed side of Florida. For inhabitants of Tampa who live 50 miles south, the village is a peaceful getaway from the city. Tourists come here for similar reasons; they are looking for a refreshing change from Florida’s well-known beachfront scenery. Brooksville has something for any nature enthusiast, including charming rural sites like Sweetfields Farm and JG Ranch, as well as the beautiful Withlacoochee State Forest.
Withlacoochee is Florida’s third-largest state forest and is considered one of the “10 Coolest Places You Have Never Been in North America,” according to the World Wildlife Fund. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Hikers can choose from a number of well-known trails, such as the Florida Scenic Trail and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Families may also appreciate attractions such as the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area, which combines education with nature. The butterfly garden and hiking paths provide a magical and immersive experience in nature, in addition to participatory activities such as archery.
Micanopy
Micanopy is an example of a town that provides a more relaxed getaway to Old Florida, whereas Brooksville is a place that shows off the wild side of Florida. Believed to be the oldest inland town in the state, Micanopy shines as “The Town That Time Forgot.” Strolling through Micanopy is the greatest way to soak in its storybook scenery. The streets are lined with tall oak trees that, at first view, look more like willow trees. Their branches are draped in cascading strands of Spanish moss.
The Micanopy Historic District is best visited on foot so that you can fully experience its historic attractions, including buildings such as the Herlong Mansion, which was erected in 1845. Some historic landmarks even have attractions inside them, such as the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which is located in a warehouse that was built in the 1890s. Micanopy is also home to some of the top antique businesses in the state, including treasures like the Antique City Mall, Delectable Collectables, and the Micanopy Trading Outpost, which is in keeping with its love of the past.
Cortez
Cortez is a village on the Gulf Coast that has a lively nautical culture. It is located around three hours southwest of Micanopy. This is one of the last fishing villages on Florida’s Southwest Coast, and the seafood here is of the highest quality. Restaurants such as the Swordfish Grill, Cortez Clam Factory, and Cortez Kitchen are well-known for serving the freshest seafood in the area. Alternatively, you may catch your own meal by going on a charter with the Florida Fishing Fleet.
The Florida Maritime Museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the state’s legacy through cultural items and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Pirate Adventures of Cortez is a more child-centered journey that includes a treasure search and ocean views for a more participatory experience that the kids will enjoy. Cortez is also a gateway to unspoiled island coasts when you are back on land. Cross the Cortez Bridge to Anna Maria Island, and you will find the stunning Cortez Beach, which is 140 feet long.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is a vibrant resort town with award-winning beaches, making it a great place to go for an island break. Long Key is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is famed for its green waters and sugar sands, and it is where the town is located. TripAdvisor has rated Pass-a-Grille Beach as the best beach in the area, giving it the title of “#1 of 20 things to do in St. Pete Beach.” In addition to the beach, the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood is also worth checking out. It has great gift shops like Dody Beach Boutique and lovely rooftop eating options like Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.
There are hidden treasures waiting for those who know where to look at other local beaches, such as Upham Beach. Beachgoers can take a respite from the throng at Upham Beach by walking to the Secret Garden, which is a covered patch of sand that has benches, picnic spaces, and rich tropical landscaping. Although you can locate this charming “secret” on Google Maps, there is no street access to this part of Upham Beach. This means that the garden is still a lovely little getaway for those who know how to get there.
Lake Worth Beach
Lake Worth Beach, located on Florida’s Southeast Coast, is home to a variety of beautiful waterfronts. The shore that it is named after has a view of the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by its soft sand and ideal surfing waves. However, the park’s main draw is its ocean pier, which is 1,000 feet long. The wooden walkway extends far into the Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the sunset.
Lake Worth Beach is also home to a portion of the Lake Worth Lagoon, which is the largest estuary in Palm Beach County. The lagoon, which is 20 miles long, is well-known for its wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and 250 different kinds of fish. Because of this, animal lovers and fishermen flock to the area. John Prince Park is another waterfront treasure located on the shores of adjacent Lake Osborne. It features 4.5 miles of bike trails, places to have a picnic, and opportunities for freshwater fishing.
Steinhatchee
Steinhatchee is frequently referred to as “The Best-Kept Secret in Florida” because it offers stunning waterfronts without the presence of large numbers of tourists. Steinhatchee is home to less than 1,000 people, and its location in Florida’s Big Bend region gives it a more secluded atmosphere. This ancient fishing community offers a variety of relaxing activities, including fishing, recreation, and stunning scenery, all of which are easily accessible due to its location along the Gulf of Mexico and the Steinhatchee River.
Even though the town is small, it has a wide variety of fishing charters to select from, including Crystal Sea Charters, Fin Action Charters, and Y Not Fish, among others. The Steinhatchee River Paddling Trail is a must for anyone who enjoys paddling and wants to have fun on the water. Starting at Steinhatchee Falls and ending at the Jena Boat Ramp, the 6-mile excursion provides a tranquil view of the Big Bend environment and the Steinhatchee River. Be sure to take in the sights of Steinhatchee Falls, the widest waterfall in Florida, before you begin your trek.
Ponce de León
Ponce De Leon is another hamlet in Florida with a population of fewer than 1,000 people, but its outdoor attractions are anything but modest. The Florida Panhandle hamlet is named after Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer considered as the first European to dock in Florida in 1513. In keeping with this adventurous character, the town is primarily renowned as a gateway to the wonders of Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Juan Ponce de León is said to have been to this area in quest of the “Fountain of Youth,” which has led to the park being known as Florida’s own fabled oasis.
The springs in the park are breathtaking, even though they do not provide perpetual youth. Every day, the main spring generates around 14 million gallons of emerald water and maintains a constant temperature of 68°F throughout the year. The park provides 50-minute Fountain of Youth Boat Tours for exploring Spring Garden Run, and the swimming area gives a way for tourists to get away from the heat of Florida. The swimming spring is a warm 72°F and is a favorite spot for snorkelers. Once back on land, hikers can take in the sights of wildlife along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail or along the half-mile nature trail that is accessible to wheelchairs and leads through an old cypress forest.
Concluding Remarks
Florida will always be known as the best place in the country for amusement parks and resorts, but its charming communities reveal the true character of the Sunshine State. If you want to take a vacation from the roller coasters, you might want to check out these Florida communities to get a more genuine feel for the state. You can find more treasures the more you explore, whether you are reserving a vacation on an island near St. Pete Beach or visiting Steinhatchee to escape the throng.