10 Of The Most Underrated Towns In Florida

While Florida’s top-visited destinations are popular for good reason, there is something to be said about traveling off the beaten path. The Sunshine State’s lesser-known towns may lack a spotlight, but their landscapes and attractions are no less exciting. Oftentimes, it simply comes down to being overshadowed by larger cities or lacking popular tourist traps.

Whether planning a beach day, a romantic weekend away, or an afternoon of family fun, these overlooked towns offer Florida charms without the crowds. Not only do they boast the same ocean views, iconic landmarks, and palm-bordered downtowns, but they also offer more authenticity. Still, with beauty this great, the most underrated towns in Florida may not stay quiet for long. In which case, why not visit these incredible towns before the crowds kick in?

Lake Placid

25 miles south of Avon Park, Lake Placid is a "Town of Murals” and waterfronts, blending nature’s paintbrush with its own. Much like its neighbor, Lake Placid is a tranquil escape, best explored at a slower pace. Guests can hit up the Visitor's Center for a $4 guide to tour the town’s dozens of colorful murals. Amidst these works of art, Main Avenue is home to cafes and boutiques as cute as their names, from Owl & Otter Espresso Co. to The Blueberry Patch.

With 27 freshwater lakes, Lake Placid’s waterfronts are an essential addition to your itinerary. Lake June-in-Winter stands apart for its picturesque surroundings, including its namesake state park. A gorgeous preserve for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park has something for everyone. Otters can often be spotted on the Tomoka Run Trail, while the lake’s shoreline is frequently studded with ducks, alligators, and turtles. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail’s East Section, the park is also home to notable species like the Florida scrub-jay, the state’s only endemic bird.

Carrabelle

Tucked away on Florida's Forgotten Coast, Carrabelle is a treasure trove of unspoiled shores and coastal attractions without the crowds. While other tourist-packed seaboards can feel congested, this small Panhandle town remains laid-back and serene. Even so, its beaches are no less breathtaking. Gulf-facing shores like Carrabelle Beach boast soft white sands and placid waves, much like the busier beaches on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Starting from this main shore, Highway 98 will bring you across the Carrabelle River, joining the town’s charming commercial district. Fresh seafood is a must at The Fisherman's Wife, just steps away from the river. Afterward, keep following Avenue A N to Carrabell’s best gift shops and landmarks. After souvenir shopping at Marine Street Mercantile, don’t miss the town’s quirkiest stop: the World's Smallest Police Station, housed in a telephone booth.

Dunnellon

Situated in north-central Florida, Dunnellon wins hearts with access to the spring-fed Rainbow River. Bright blue and crystal-clear, the river is centered in Rainbow Springs State Park, a cool place to take in views and tube the racing waterway. At a constant 72°F, its headspring is equally enchanting, whether swimming, snorkeling, or strolling its border. In spring, the area around the spring blossoms with pastel azaleas, framed by custom-built waterfalls.

Dunnellon’s inland setting and small-town feel help it keep a low profile compared to other tourist towns. With that said, Dunnellon’s 2,400 residents are still thrilled to welcome visitors. Southern-style seafood and Withlacoochee River views go hand-in-hand at the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant. Elsewhere, Dunnellon’s Historic Village is a quaint place to hunt for treasure at businesses like Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop.

Fernandina Beach

Returning to the coast, Fernandina Beach is a barrier island town blending beach bliss and history. Differing from its Florida peers, Amelia Island is a nostalgic and restful destination, offering an authentic Old-Florida atmosphere. Embodying this vibe, Main Beach is well-liked but relaxed, lacking the elbow-to-elbow crowds found in beach hubs like Daytona. Whether taking a dip in the Atlantic, joining a game of beach volleyball, or lounging beneath a towering palm, this island shore is laid-back and low-key.

Right next door, Fort Clinch State Park fuses history and nature. After touring the Civil War site and its landmark cannons, the park’s jetty and shoreline are a tranquil follow-up. Like Main Beach, the park’s stretch of oceanfront is super easygoing, whether swimming, surfing, or hunting for shark teeth. Afterward, for a memorable finale, follow the Amelia River south for drinks at the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest surviving bar.

Avon Park

Set in the heart of Central Florida, Avon Park is a “City of Charm,” centered around relaxation and simple pleasures. Flying under the radar, Avon Park is the perfect place to unplug and recharge, whether planning a day trip with the family or flying solo for a weekend away. Boasting countless lakes within city limits, waterfront scenes are never far. Highlights include Lake Tulane and Verona, some of the oldest and deepest natural lakes in the state. The latter boasts a playground and swim beach at Donaldson Park, while Tulane is bordered by a walking path and white-sand shore.

Beyond its waterfronts, Avon Park is a paradise for relaxing pastimes like shopping, dining, and teeing off. Extending down Main Street from Lake Verona, the town’s mile-long mall is a downtown staple. Brightened with murals and a scenic median, the commercial district is lined with eclectic businesses like The Western Cut and Main Street Tap Room. As for golfing, Avon Park has countless places to tee off, including the top-rated River Greens Golf Course.

Cedar Key

Sequestered and serene, Cedar Key is the ultimate place to experience Florida’s Nature Coast. While the island town is on the quieter side, it is not for lack of appeal. Its out-of-the-way setting and lack of tourist traps keep tourist crowds at bay, allowing guests to enjoy attractions without long wait times. Getting here is also an adventure in itself. Dedicated nature lovers can drive down State Route 24, following a series of marsh-bordered bridges. Once you’ve arrived, the island’s rugged charms await.

Hungry travelers can recharge on Dockstreet at the Tipsy Cow Bar & Grill, a funky burger joint with an ocean-facing deck. The restaurant is next to Cedar Key Public Beach and countless excursion operators, including the top-rated Tidewater Tours. Their Sunset Cruise is relaxing and scenic, while their Coastal Tour is longer, exploring islands in the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, Tidewater’s Island Taxi does drop-offs and pick-ups at Atsena Otie Key, a section of the refuge known for its unspoiled, private-beach feel.

St. George Island

Back on the Forgotten Coast, St. George Island is home to some of Florida’s prettiest natural shores. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico (America), the barrier island and Census-designated place is peaceful thanks to its minimal development. Building codes are strictly enforced to preserve the island’s serenity and nature, meaning high-rise resorts are nowhere in sight. Instead, unobstructed ocean views can be enjoyed at sites like St. George Island State Park.

The park’s Gulf side boasts 9 miles of unspoiled, white-sand beachfront, while the Apalachicola Bay side is preferred by paddlers. After a day of shell hunting or kayaking, sunset views are phenomenal over the Gulf. If you wait until nightfall, the park’s observation platform is equally enchanting, with some of the best stargazing in the country. Alternatively, panoramic views can be enjoyed during the day at the heart of the barrier island. The St. George Island Lighthouse, now a museum, can be climbed for sweeping gulf scenes.

Sebastian

Tucked between the cities of Melbourne and Vero Beach, Sebastian is a quiet middle child, with waterfronts galore. Split between the mainland and a narrow barrier island, the Florida town is spread out and scenic. With the Indian River Lagoon as its main waterway, the Sebastian Riverfront offers a mix of coastal attractions, including seafood restaurants like Squid Lips and shipwreck museums like Mel Fisher's Treasures. As for outdoor attractions, Riverview Park is a picturesque spot to breathe in views beneath oak-shaded walkways.

Outdoor fun extends to Sebastian Inlet State Park, a paradise for beachgoers, surfers, kayakers, and divers. The barrier island park overlooks the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic, joined by the namesake Sebastian Inlet. Its 3 miles of ocean-facing beachfront are loved by surfers and loungers alike, while the lagoon side is favored by paddlers. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also permitted within flagged areas, showcasing a vibrant stretch of reef.

Milton

Milton, a Blackwater River town and "Canoe Capital of Florida," is the perfect place for a day of family-friendly fun. Although nearby Navarre Beach often eclipses Milton, this works in the river town’s favor, preserving its unhurried pace. In place of seagull-dotted boardwalks and towel-lined beaches, the Blackwater River sets the stage with its own activities and tableaus. Whether strolling the Riverwalk, tubing at Blackwater River State Park, or adventuring through the Blackwater River State Canoe Trail, Milton’s slow pace is a breath of fresh air.

Families can also take in river views at Carpenter's Park while youngsters enjoy its playground and splashpad. Afterward, the West Florida Railroad Museum is a fun and fascinating stop for all ages, and its Kiddie Train Rides are a stand-out feature. Just down the road, travelers young and old will also appreciate the Friends of Panhandle Butterfly House, a gorgeous place to see colorful, paper-winged butterflies up close.

Micanopy, Florida

Believed to be Florida’s oldest inland town and antique capital, Micanopy is the type of place you visit to forget your worries for a while. Like Milton, the storybook town is overshadowed by a neighboring city, keeping Gainesville’s urban bustle in its place. Instead, Micanopy is more quaint and cozy, inviting guests to embrace its leisurely pace. Cholokka Boulevard is its pleasant main street, embodying the best of Old Florida. Studded with 19th-century storefronts, the walkable stretch is charmingly weathered and shaded by massive old oaks.

Cholokka is also where you’ll find Micanopy’s cutest cafes and antique shops. After grabbing a bite at the Old Florida Cafe, let the treasure hunting begin. Right next door, the Micanopy Trading Outpost is a great starting point, with over half a dozen other antique shops within walking distance. After recharging with a drink at Coffee n' Cream, let Cholokka carry you north to attractions like the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, whose artifacts go back up to 5,000 years.

Like any state with heavy tourism, Florida has towns and cities that steal the spotlight. However, these popular sites often overshadow smaller towns with equally incredible charms. By exploring these 10 underrated Florida towns, you can experience the Sunshine State with fewer chances of long lines, unbearable traffic, or price-gouged tourist traps. In their place, you’ll find relaxing beaches, slow-paced main streets, and similar exciting excursions without the unfair hidden fees.