11 Florida Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Famous destinations like Miami and Orlando automatically come to mind for anyone contemplating a trip to Florida. Their world-class amusement parks and electric nightlife draw in millions of tourists annually. However, these choking crowds can prove to be too much for the uninitiated, especially if you seek a quiet place to kick back and enjoy a relaxed retreat. This is why some people opt to travel to the hidden rural communities, where life dances to a much slower beat.
Unlike the city, residents are more receptive to strangers and make you feel like you belong. Furthermore, undisturbed natural surroundings provide boundless opportunities to commune with nature while long-held traditions allow vacationers to have an authentic experience. From the quiet streets of Miramar Beach to the isolated shores of Islamorada, these are Florida towns with a slower pace of life.
Freeport
Florida's Emerald Coast is a popular tourist spot, and Freeport invites you to enjoy the pristine sands and wonderful views at an easygoing pace. This Walton County village offers idyllic outdoor spaces like Choctaw Beach Park, where vacationers can spend quality moments amidst nature. The secluded beach welcomes families to make the most of its picnic tables, pavilion, and playground for kids. Meanwhile, a scenic boardwalk at Harry A. Laird Park lets you stretch your legs while soaking in unprecedented views of Four Mile Creek.
If you love animals, consider visiting Alaqua Animal Refuge to interact with rescued felines and canines in need of genuine TLC. Meanwhile, downtown Freeport houses several hangouts where you can relax and enjoy the slow pace of life. The Odd Pelican Beer Company lets you do this while enjoying a refreshing pint of craft beer with locals.
St. George Island
This hidden gem off the Florida Panhandle is characterized by wide open spaces, clear skies, and spectacular Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) views. Life is relatively quiet here, and vacationers take the time to explore the quiet grounds of Dr. Julian G. Bruce George Island State Park, perfect for unwinding and meditating. The park also offers opportunities for swimmers, campers, and sunbathers. Elsewhere, those who want to get out at sea can book a trip with Southern Salinity Guide Service for an unforgettable adventure to neighboring islands.
The downtown area has a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with down-to-earth locals. Art lovers can find a satisfying pursuit inside the Art of Glass, admiring intimate works ranging from glassware to jewelry by local creatives or taking a class to improve their technique.
Lake Placid
Nicknamed "Towns of Murals," Lake Placid is a tiny village in Highlands County with soothing lakefront scenery. It earned its moniker from the dozens of life-sized murals that decorate its downtown streets, culminating in an internationally recognized outdoor gallery depicting everything from birds to mailboxes. HL Bishop Park offers a nice spot for outdoor enthusiasts to relax. It has a beautiful promenade leading into the water, a fishing pier, boat ramps, and picnic tables.
Lake Placid is excellent for tourists with kids. You can take them to the American Clown Museum & School to check out interactive exhibits about the history of clowning. They may even have an opportunity to see a real clown with the Toby the Clown Foundation.
Miramar Beach
Beachside activities highlight a vacation in the picturesque Walton County village, known for its golden stretches of sand and swaying palm trees. Tourists come to swim, sunbathe, and build sand castles while reveling in the beauty of the Emerald Coast. A session with friends at Raven Golf Club provides the perfect way to spend time outdoors. The beachfront course is surrounded by marshes and pine forests, making for a great viewing experience. Thanks to Silver Sands Premium Outlets, shopaholics are in for a wonderful surprise in Miramar Beach.
The mall houses renowned shopping and dining outlets, including Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, and Michael Kors. Meanwhile, those with sweet cravings can relish generous scoops of hand-dipped ice cream at Axes & Ice Cream.
Gulf Breeze
Gulf Breeze presents a reprieve from the rowdy crowds in downtown Pensacola with its easy-going atmosphere and isolated shorelines. Guests have free rein over the community's vast natural areas, including Shoreline Park. This population recreation zone provides boat ramps, walking trails, and picnic pavilions, making it a go-to for tourists and locals alike. The Gulf Breeze Zoo entertains families with pleasant animal encounters. It houses exotic species like rhinos, tigers, and giraffes, allowing guests to feed the gentle giants.
Elsewhere, art connoisseurs will fancy examining the adorable collection of jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and photography art inside Marty Campbell Gallery. Lastly, you can test your skills at Tiger Point Golf, which provides 18 challenging holes for all player levels.
Cedar Key
History meets seaside charm in this secluded fishing village in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America). Cedar Key is a break from the rigors of city life and invites vacationers to put down their hair as they revel in its relaxed setting. It harbors multiple 19th-century structures that hint at its enduring heritage, which you can get a feel for at the Cedar Key Museum State Park. The site is home to a 1920s dwelling with historical artifacts accumulated by Saint Clair Whitman. Spectacular natural surroundings beckon first-timers to embrace the outdoors in Cedar Key.
You can explore the 379 acres of Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge to experience beautiful species endemic to the area. But if you want to venture into the water, Tidewater Tours organizes fun snorkeling and fishing excursions that deliver a unique perspective of the town's allure.
Crystal River
Among the many rare experiences Crystal River offers is a chance to swim with gentle Florida manatees, which underscores its place among Florida towns with a slower pace of life. This heavenly sanctuary is characterized by clear, spring-fed pools and lush trees that make up the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The 80-acre refuge is a habitat for the West Indian Manatee, which guests can watch swimming under the surface. Numerous opportunities to be one with nature await at the 14-acre Fort Island Trail Park, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, and sightseeing.
Meanwhile, those who want the ultimate Crystal River experience can visit the Birds Underwater Manatee Dive Center for magnificent snorkeling and scuba diving tours to swim with the sea cows. Away from nature, consider visiting Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts for a change of scenery.
Captiva
Captiva is the perfect definition of quintessential rural Florida, spared from the chaos of urban life and teeming with picturesque natural treasures. This adorable island escape offers a mix of powdery sands and serene shores at Turner Beach. Here, you can find a handful of tourists swimming or fishing at their own pace. The surrounding waters fuel exciting boating excursions courtesy of Captiva Cruises. Vacationers enjoy rare sightings of local marine life, including dolphins, through the clear waters.
Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts can use the opportunity to sample the delicious island cuisine in Captiva. Green Flash Restaurant serves sumptuous seafood like oysters and shrimp in a romantic setting overlooking the water.
Islamorada
Islamorada promises families an exciting experience in the Florida Keys, featuring fun animal encounters and unforgettable excursions out at sea. Christened "Sportfishing Capital of the World," the town's colorful heritage is preserved at the History of Diving Museum. The venue exhibits a collection of diving gear, helmets, and other equipment, highlighting the evolution of the art. Theatre of the Sea presents the ultimate family show, with guests happy to watch dancing seals, singing parrots, and savvy dolphins performing tricks.
Those who want to play in the water can head to Founders Park for beach access in a scenic 45-acre playground with playgrounds and ball fields. The same is true for Anne's Beach, known for its peaceful shores.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is framed by the shiny waters of the Gulf Coast and undisturbed beaches with powdery sands, presenting the ideal atmosphere to let loose and unwind. This is precisely what you get at Bean Point Beach, whose wide sandy stretches, emerald-green waters, and magical sunsets make you feel at peace with nature. You can't leave Anna Maria Island without getting on the water. Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours provides an alternative view of the area's beauty and a chance to witness its fabulous sea life up close.
Meanwhile, theater lovers can watch compelling live performances at the Island Players. This historic venue is recognized as the oldest in Manatee County and offers an intimate 150-seat interior.
Marianna
Popularly known as the "City of Southern Charm," Marianna provides a unique look into old-world Florida through its notable heritage sites and rich natural areas. It is home to the Civil War Memorial Park, which pays tribute to the Confederate soldiers who fought in the Battle of Marianna. Also, the Florida Caverns State Park invites adventurers to indulge in a unique underground trek through a large cavern system with elaborate crystalline rock formations.
Additionally, they can find more outdoor opportunities at the Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area. This serene sanctuary is home to numerous species of native wildlife and provides several walking trails for birdwatchers and animal viewers. If you are not discovering the open spaces, try watching a family-friendly flick at Marianna Cinemas, featuring the latest Hollywood releases.
As tourists flock to the amusement parks of Florida and the beaches of Miami, the state's rural side remains relatively uncrowded while offering pleasant weather and tranquil coastal scenery. This makes it an enticing prospect for vacationers seeking a quiet escape without the unnecessary competition. Whether you want to swim with the manatees in the clear waters of Crystal River or bask on the secluded shoreline of the Florida Panhandle in Gulf Breeze, these Florida towns with a slower pace of life provide the ideal setting.
