12 Small Towns In Florida With Big Charm
Florida is one of the most beloved states in the country to visit, as reflected by the over 140 million tourists that visited the state in 2024, the most in the United States. Boasting over 1,350 miles of sleek coastline, tropical temperatures that persist throughout the year, and world-class cities like Miami and Orlando, Florida is a sought-after destination whichever season you visit. Its rich and diverse cultural landscape spans European, African American, and Native American influences, manifesting through architecture, cuisine, festivals, and attitudes.
Whether you want to experience the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches and their stunning emerald-green waters in Fernandina Beach or delve deep into the history of America's oldest town in St. Augustine, here are small towns in Florida with big charm.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach's charm lies in its unique blend of stunning white-sand beaches and interesting Victorian history. An unassuming stroll through the pedestrian-friendly downtown exposes ornate old-world architecture, with hundreds of old buildings listed on the National Register. The Amelia Island Museum of History is a great stop for anyone curious about the region's past, allowing you to walk through 4,000 years of island history, dating back to the Timucua Native American tribe. High-quality theatrical productions entertain audiences at the Amelia Community Theatre with their poignant humor. This year-round cultural hub provides a casual yet intimate setting for locals to enjoy a diverse range of entertainment, from comedies and musicals to mysteries.
The town's outdoor splendor is captured by the heavenly setting of Peters Point Beachfront Park. Spanning acres of sandy beach and wide-open skies, this uncrowded natural space invites tourists for moments of relaxation spent on swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, kite flying, fishing, and strolling.
Tarpon Springs
This Gulf Coast destination in central Florida endears itself to visitors with its Greek culture, picturesque waterfront, and laid-back Florida vibe. It provides the ideal atmosphere for vacationers to slow down at the sun-drenched Sunset Beach. Although it is smaller than Fred Howard Park, at 11 acres, it features a less crowded setting and is an awesome place to catch the golden sunset while swimming or picnicking. Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage is deeply ingrained in the food and traditions that are found throughout the town. Guests can visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to learn about the longstanding heritage of sponge diving, which was introduced by Greek immigrants in the early 20th century.
Besides shopping for fine sea sponges, you can pass by Mykonos to sample mouthwatering Greek fare, featuring meat platters and seafood in a traditional, down-home eatery. Elsewhere, those with an inclination towards the arts can have an inspiring experience at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, which boasts a robust collection of 20th-century pieces by celebrated creators, such as Abraham Rattner.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is another unmissable gem in central Florida, situated on the serene shores of Lake Dora and boasting a bustling downtown corridor with charming antique shops. Tourists often enjoy walking through the cobblestone streets in the historic town square, as well as the opportunity to fish for vintage treasures at the Village Antique Mall. More than 60 antique vendors sell their wares in this 12,000-square-foot building, featuring an assortment of old china, furniture, glassware, pottery, jewelry, and more. Mount Dora's stunning lakefront scenery compels vacationers to take a cruise with Premier Boat Tours. This 2-hour eco-tour explores the beautiful Dora Canal, a mile-long stretch of water with thriving flora and fauna, punctuated by sightings of turtles, anhingas, bald eagles, and alligators.
More of the town's natural allure awaits at Palm Island Park. This 8-acre preserve offers a quiet sanctuary where you can walk on a winding boardwalk through dense woods, enjoy a picnic, and fish while soaking up terrific vistas of Lake Dora.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island boasts an authentic Old Florida feel, characterised by a low-key atmosphere, breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views, and expansive, pristine beaches with emerald-green waters. Vacationers visit the island to let loose by sunbathing on the powdery sands of Bean Point Beach. This uncrowded escape boasts an expansive stretch of sand and stunning sunset views, which allow your mind to wander freely. You can take in the views while savoring sumptuous seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant. This beachside diner serves an eclectic selection of dishes, including grouper tacos, shrimp, and ahi tuna, accompanied by a glass of wine or cocktail.
Another great way to take advantage of Anna Maria's charm is to watch a thought-provoking theatrical presentation at the Island Players. Manatee County's oldest operating theater entertains tourists with immersive artistic experiences, featuring plays and dramas by talented regional performers.
Crystal River
Crystal River exudes authentic rural Florida charm with its blend of pristine natural gems, thriving native wildlife, and relaxing outdoor adventures. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge introduces guests to one of Florida's most gentle marine animals. Characterized by crystal-clear spring waters and lush vegetation, this 80-acre sanctuary teems with Florida Manatees, which you can get up close with during a paddling excursion. However, if you fancy a more intimate interaction with the gentle beasts, you can join them under the water courtesy of Swim with Manatees and explore the fascinating ecology they live in.
Away from nature, Crystal River promises to enchant your taste buds with mouthwatering seafood at Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe. From shrimp and grits to catfish, this welcoming spot cooks up some of the best Cajun-style dishes in Crystal River, freshly sourced from the region's waterways.
Winter Park
Winter Park feels worlds apart from its more famous neighbor, Orlando. Instead of the noisy urban bustle with endless crowds, tourists here enjoy quiet parks next to scenic lakes and a laid-back downtown atmosphere with elegant cafes and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can hang out at the 5-acre Kraft Azalea Garden, where century-old banyan trees and azaleas provide shady areas for a relaxed picnic while admiring lulling views of Lake Maitland. The Scenic Boat Tours offer a refreshing way of discovering this beautiful lake town. This narrated, hour-long trip explores three lakes and offers sightings of towering cypress trees, swaying palms, and large egrets and herons.
Winter Park's artistic personality reveals itself at the Rollins Museum of Art. This respectable venue boasts a vast collection of rotating and permanent exhibitions, featuring over 6,000 items that span centuries of artistic prowess in the permanent section.
St. Augustine
The new and the old seamlessly blend in this historic town on Florida's Atlantic Coast, renowned for its ornate Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning beach scenery. St. Augustine is awash with vintage treasures, spread out across its quaint historic district, including the Lightner Museum. This 19th-century building sports a Spanish Renaissance Revival architectural style and offers a unique portal to the period through its leaded glass windows, rustic furnishings, paintings, and blown glass. The Saint Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers a fascinating educational experience, transporting guests back in time over three centuries to the peak of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Apart from soaking in the history, guests can take a private charter to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean with Florida Water Tours. These curated cruises offer passengers a range of enticing options, including full moon tours, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and wine tasting cruises, providing a taste of St. Augustine's coastal charm.
Dunedin
Dunedin entices guests with an all-round tourist experience, touching on its rich history, scenic nature, and vibrant arts. This Gulf Coast community welcomes beach lovers to get their groove on at Honeymoon Island State Park. Covering more than 380 acres and featuring at least 4 miles of pristine beach, this popular outdoor escape invites various recreational activities, including picnicking, birdwatching, walking, and more. The Dunedin Fine Art Center offers tourists a taste of beachside art. It harbors four galleries, exhibiting works by local, regional, and national artists and allowing the community to connect through culture.
Elsewhere, the Dunedin History Museum tells the interesting story of Dunedin through the years using a vast artifact collection. Featuring over 2,500 photographs and at least 2,000 items, this is the perfect stop to explore the region's pioneers, railroad, citrus industry, and more.
Sebring
Sebring leverages its mix of untouched nature, lakeside relaxation, and a small-town vibe to draw tourists seeking a vacation in central Florida. Set on the shores of Lake Jackson, it provides them with fun activities on the water, including lazy angling sessions at the Lake Jackson Fishing Pier. Besides fishing, the site offers an unprecedented ambiance that allows guests to sink into a calm as they watch the stunning sunset over the 9,000-acre reservoir. Those who prefer to unwind in solitude can venture into the virgin wilderness of Highlands Hammock State Park. Covering more than 9,000 acres, this leafy refuge features quiet trails winding through ancient hammocks and oaks, which you can explore to discover delicate ecosystems and endangered species that call the area home.
Watching engaging drama at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre is another great way to distract your mind. This cultural center stages a variety of theatrical productions in a welcoming setting, where locals gather frequently to share a laugh while supporting local performers.
Key West
Key West is definitely one of those small towns in Florida with big charm, thanks to its secluded setting on the state's southernmost point and pristine white-sand beaches teeming with colorful coral reefs. Naturally, vacationers come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at Smathers Beach. This half-mile stretch of powdery sands is lined with swaying palm trees and overlooks the azure waters of the Atlantic. The peaceful setting lulls tourists into ease, while its calm, shallow waters are perfect for a dip. A 60-minute excursion, courtesy of Key West Tours, offers a convenient avenue to discovering the town. This fun trip loops through the Old Town, stopping at some of the most popular points of interest in the neighborhood, including Mallory Square and the Key West Aquarium.
Key West's rich maritime heritage comes into context at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. This interactive museum boasts two floors of shipwreck artifacts and shares films and authentic relics highlighting over four centuries of salvaging shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. It has a 65-foot observation tower that travelers can climb for exquisite views of the vast ocean.
DeLand
DeLand is a bustling college town in Volusia County, renowned for its developed arts and culture scene, beautiful architecture, and opportunities on the St. Johns River. The landmark Athens Theatre unites the youth and adults through the arts. This Italian Renaissance jewel in the heart of downtown presents a repertoire of engaging live productions, including concerts, musicals, films, and dramas to educate and entertain the community. Stetson Mansion is a spectacular and unmissable sight in the town. This Gilded Age mansion from the 1880s was once the grandest home ever built in the state and showcases an exquisite blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Tudor architectural styles in its design.
Nature enthusiasts are welcome to step into the great outdoors for fun recreation at Lake Beresford Park. This 210-acre nature center is home to miles of walking and biking trails, offering a break from the noise. It also hosts the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center and sits on the shores of Lake Beresford, which connects to the St. Johns River.
Islamorada
From beaches and history to food and beer, Islamorada has enough charm to last for the whole year. This stunning Florida Keys destination lures guests with its beachside activities, offering an opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and stroll at Founders Park. Spanning 45 acres, the site features an array of amenities, including playgrounds, a splash pad, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and convenient beach access. Islamorada's buzzing seafood scenery means tourists should buckle up for a riveting dining experience at Hungry Tarpon Restaurant. This waterfront diner treats guests to flavorful dishes like coconut shrimp and lobster bisque in a romantic setting overlooking the blue sea.
The History of Diving Museum preserves an intimate part of the community's heritage. A maze of exhibits, from old underwater diving gear to helmets and other relics, documents the evolution of methods used for underwater exploration for more than 4,000 years.
From enjoying luscious traditional Greek fare in Tarpon Springs to swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, these small towns in Florida with big charm highlight some of the hidden treasures the state has to offer. Whether you’re exploring quaint streets, relaxing on uncrowded beaches, or savoring local culture and cuisine, each destination promises unforgettable experiences. Embrace the slower pace, discover unexpected delights, and create lasting memories in Florida’s most enchanting small towns.
