7 Coziest Small Towns in Florida

Florida's small towns hold warmer corners than the theme parks suggest. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and still has the oldest masonry fort in the country. Micanopy is the state's oldest inland town with a Main Street of oak trees and antique shops. Cedar Key sits on the Gulf Coast with about 700 residents and a working sponge-and-fishing past. Tarpon Springs runs on its Greek immigrant sponge-diving heritage. These seven towns deliver the warmth most travelers come south looking for.

St. Augustine

As the oldest permanent town in the USA, St. Augustine carries that easygoing feel. Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 nearly 40 years before the Pilgrims settled in Jamestown and the Plymouth Colony, St. Augustine is rich in history and features a unique blend of old streets and interesting landmarks to explore.

Highlights of a visit include attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States, which boasts wide views over the Matanzas River and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Augustine Lighthouse, another popular site, also boasts wide ocean views. The most romantic part of this old town, though, is its well-preserved Historic District. Here you'll find preserved buildings like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.

Micanopy

Known as "the town that time forgot," tiny Micanopy, population of just 647 souls, is rapidly becoming one of the coolest places to visit for those wanting an authentic Old-Florida experience. Located in North Florida just a short distance from the city of Gainesville (itself well worth visiting), Micanopy has the distinction of being the state's oldest inland town and carries old-town character.

The town's allure stems from the once-abandoned old commercial buildings that have found new use as antique and boutique shops, particularly along Cholokka Boulevard, the town's main street. Lined with massive oak trees and old redbrick heritage buildings, it's a delight to explore, especially during the Micanopy Fall Festival which attracts numerous arts and craft vendors. Explore nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park with its wild horses and bison while you're here. Better still, make a warm weekend getaway of it with a stay at the historic Herlong Mansion B&B.

Cedar Key

For sun-seekers, it doesn't get much warmer than the Gulf Coast town of Cedar Key. As popular for the warmth and hospitality of its 700 residents as it is for its small-town character and Gulf Coast setting, Cedar Key is a quintessential representation of "Old Florida" that offers a quiet escape from big cities like Tampa, a two-hour drive to the south. Start your adventure in downtown Cedar Key with a stroll along its pretty waterfront area.

Here you'll also find the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town's history, while the Cedar Key Arts Center is a must-visit for those interested in art. You'll also want to include Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge on your travel itinerary. Popular with bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, this refuge comprises a cluster of islands known for their abundant birdlife and natural landscapes. It's also an ideal setting for kayaking and photography.

Palm Beach Shores

A personal favorite, Palm Beach Shores is home to the easternmost tip of Florida and is a less-traveled spot. Set on the south end of Singer Island and a short drive from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores is a largely residential area of low-rise seaside homes and tropical gardens. It overlooks Palm Beach Inlet, a navigable waterway where you'll see fishing charters, cruise ships, and other boats sail in and out of Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic.

A common pastime here is wandering the pleasant parks and pathways that crisscross the community, ending up at the restaurants and bars of Sailfish Marina to watch the world (and the fish!) go by. Book a stay at Marriott's Ocean Pointe Resorts and you're only steps away from the beach and the trails of Palm Beach Shores.

DeFuniak Springs

A two-hour drive west of the state capital of Tallahassee on the Florida Panhandle and you'll come to DeFuniak Springs. Established in the 1880s and named after the perfectly circular spring-fed Lake DeFuniak, one of only two such lakes in the world, this small town features plenty of preserved Victorian-era homes along its wide tree-lined streets of its historic district. Have your camera ready for a photo of its wood-clad library, the oldest still operating library in Florida.

Another highlight is the Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery. This popular tourist attraction was established in 1898 and offers wine tours and tastings.

Seaside

With a name like Seaside, this town earns its reputation as one of the warmer stops on the coast. Set between Panama City Beach and Destin on the Florida Panhandle, Seaside is celebrated for being one of the first master-planned communities in the United States, designed to promote environmentally friendly living with a consistent architectural style across the community.

Seaside's unique layout also enhances the warm atmosphere. Here, you can leave the car behind and stroll (or bike) along traffic-free streets while leisurely admiring the pastel cottages and colorful homes. Another major attraction is Seaside's Gulf-side beaches. Soak them up by day, then make your way to the town's outdoor amphitheater for live music and movies after sunset.

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs, situated in the Tampa Bay area, has established a reputation in the sponging industry, which has greatly shaped its heritage and community. Begin your adventure by exploring the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, where you can view a variety of natural sponges on display, learn about the history of sponge diving, and even observe sponge harvesting demonstrations.

Longstanding in Greece, the town's sponge industry welcomed a significant number of Greek immigrants. Consequently, there's an abundance of warm restaurants, bakeries, and shops offering an authentic taste of Greek culture and cuisine for you to experience and savor.

Florida's Warmest Small Towns

Florida excels at the easygoing feel just as much as any other destination in the USA. Each of these destinations presents a unique slice of paradise that distinguishes it from the theme parks and fast-paced energy of the state's larger cities. Check out our list of the seven warmest small towns in Florida for ideas and inspiration to help plan your next trip down South.