10 Easygoing Small Towns in Florida
Florida saw a record number of visitors in 2024, welcoming a whopping 143 million people. With numbers this high, it’s hard to imagine the tourist mecca has anywhere to truly relax and unwind. That being said, if you know where to look and where to avoid, the Sunshine State boasts a great range of quiet and underrated towns. Whether you want a beachy paradise without the Miami throngs or a laid-back main street without the long lines, the state has more hidden gems than you may realize. All in all, these 10 easygoing small towns in Florida may not be on everyone’s radar, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth exploring. If anything, it means your time there will be even better spent.
Mount Dora
A Lake County town in Central Florida, Mount Dora is an easygoing detour from Orlando’s theme park crowds. Located 33 miles northwest of O-Town, half of Mount Dora’s charm comes from its slower pace. The other half is tied to its attractions, from scenic lakefront parks to its eclectic downtown. On the eastern shore of Lake Dora, Grantham Pointe is a quaint place to stroll the water’s edge and snap a photo with the Pointe Lighthouse. Afterward, downtown beckons with a fabulous range of bistros, museums, and locally owned shops, like The Goblin Market Restaurant, the Modernism Museum, and ReVibe Vintage & Vinyl.
Carrabelle
Carrabelle may be on the Forgotten Coast, but its coastal charms will help you make lifelong memories. Perched on the Florida Panhandle, the quiet beach town borders the Carrabelle River and the Gulf of Mexico (America). Carrabelle Beach is its prized main shore, standing apart for its lack of crowds and white sands curved around Carrabelle Cove. From there, the Crooked River Lighthouse is just a short walk away. Built in 1895, the 103-foot beacon is a remarkable slice of Florida history. Afterward, following Hwy 98 back toward downtown Carrabelle, river views are right across from cool seafood joints like The Fisherman's Wife.
St. George Island
St. George Island is another picturesque panhandle town known for its serene shores and maritime charms. Situated on a 22-mile barrier island of the same name, St. George is breathtaking from every angle. However, nothing quite beats climbing all 92 stairs of the St. George Island Lighthouse for sweeping views of the ocean and town. As for eye-level island views, its Appalachian Bay side is lined with recreation sites like the Sawyer Street Kayak Launch. The island’s Gulf edge also offers a wide range of public beach points, including Gulf (of Mexico) Beach Park. Alternatively, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park offers the best of both worlds, from bayside fishing and paddling to miles of Gulf Coast sands.
Micanopy
For fun beyond the sand, Micanopy is an easygoing and enchanting “Town that Time Forgot." Founded in 1821, the timeless town is Florida’s oldest inland community, with over 2 centuries of stories to tell. Visitors can learn more about its fascinating past at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, then trace the rest of Cholokka Boulevard, Micanopy’s time capsule main street. The old-timey stretch strikes harmony between old and new, from its aged oaks and historic storefronts to the cozy businesses tucked inside. Art galleries and cafes like Gallery Under the Oaks and Coffee n' Cream add contemporary flair, while Micanopy’s antique shops whisper stories of days gone by. Cholokka alone boasts over half a dozen stores selling Old Florida treasures, from Delectable Collectables to Wren Wood Antiques.
Tarpon Springs
Back on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs is another laid-back town with a captivating main street. The Greek-founded “Sponge Capital of the World” is centered around Dodecanese Boulevard, its river-facing commercial strip. Bordering the Anclote River, visitors can admire the historic sponge docks and shop for maritime souvenirs at gift stores like The Sponge Exchange. Authentic Greek cuisine is also dotted along the strip, including top-rated spots like Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. From there, heading east down the Dodecanese, Spongeorama Cruise Lines offers several exciting excursions, including their coveted Dolphin Cruise.
Crystal River
Wildlife excursions are equally enchanting in Crystal River, the "Manatee Capital of the World." Located along its namesake river, the Kings Bay and Gulf-adjacent town draws hundreds of manatees each year with its warm surrounding waters. Clear Kayaking Tours are a hallmark attraction, showcasing the area’s azure springs and marine life, from turtles and dolphins to its iconic manatees. As for wildlife viewing on land, the Three Sisters Springs Center boasts a boardwalk encircling its one-acre spring. Otherwise, consider Hunter Springs Park for its mix of water and land-based activities. Visitors can swim, kayak, lounge on its beach, or watch for manatees from shore.
Sebastian
Situated where the St. Sebastian and Indian Rivers converge, Sebastian’s bliss is tied to its waterfronts. The Atlantic Coast community is more than your average beach town, divided between the mainland and a barrier island. As a result, its attractions are more spread out, relaxed, and varied, from beach days at Sebastian Inlet State Park to leisurely strolls at Riverview Park. There are also plenty of unique coastal attractions in Sebastian, like the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum. After working up an appetite exploring its shipwreck treasures, head next door to Mo Bay Grill for tasty Jamaican food, cocktails, and views of the Indian River Lagoon.
Port St. Joe
Returning to the Florida Panhandle, Port St. Joe is a town as calm as its waters. Sheltered by the St. Joseph Peninsula, Saint Joseph Bay is shallow and serene. In turn, St. Joe Beach is one of Florida’s most mellow shores, boasting calm waters and thin crowds. Nearby, the Shipwreck Raw Bar serves fresh oysters and seafood classics, or you can head to George Core Park for fishing and views of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. Nearby, Frank Pate Park is another tranquil bay-facing hangout, featuring a fishing pier, picnic tables, and unobstructed views.
Islamorada
Spanning 6 of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is the embodiment of easygoing, inviting its guests to embrace island time. The “village of islands” is known for its water sports and fishing, centered at attractions like Robbie's of Islamorada. The marina is a one-stop recreation haven, offering snorkeling excursions, tarpon feeding, guided “snuba” diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and fishing charters galore. As for non-guided fun, Founders Park features ocean access and a tropical atmosphere, complete with tiki picnic huts and palm-bordered waters. Alternatively, ocean air and salty flavors pair at eateries like the Lazy Days Restaurant, a casual seafood spot with beach, patio, and porch dining.
Sanibel
Located on its namesake barrier island, Sanibel wins hearts with its sunsets and shells. With powerful Gulf currents pushing seashells to its perpendicular shores, the island town is famous among beachcombers and shell collectors. Bowman's Beach and Lighthouse Beach are popular spots for the search, which locals call the “Sanibel Stoop." On the other hand, nature lovers prefer Sanibel for its access to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a mangrove ecosystem with migratory birds, dolphins, and manatees. After that, the scenic Sanibel Causeway may beckon you home, or you can continue your island journey to neighboring Captiva.
Discover Florida’s Easygoing Towns
Time after time, many of us continue to plan our Florida itineraries around its top cities and attractions. Still, while Miami and Orlando reign supreme for a reason, the Sunshine State has so much else to offer beyond its mainstream travel spots. While many of these 10 small towns fly under the radar, their charms are no less inviting or exciting. Better yet, their mellow atmospheres allow guests to savor the moment more, without the pressure of crowds or a fast pace. Whether antique hunting in Micanopy, seashell collecting in Sanibel, or manatee spotting in Crystal River, it’s easy to make memories in these 10 easygoing Florida towns.
