9 Best Downtowns In Florida
Everyone loves Florida for its abundant palm trees, warm temperatures, and miles of coastline. Beyond the beach, though, Florida offers a diverse mix of attractions. Explore a Gilded Age mansion or a centuries-old masonry fort, spot manatees in the water, or watch the Scottish Highland Games. There is plenty to do across the entire state. Best of all, many of Florida’s towns feature interconnected downtown areas you can easily explore on foot. You can stroll from sandy shores to candy shops selling saltwater taffy and finish your day at a museum. And with its legendary sunny weather, that kind of leisurely outdoor stroll is probably just what you need.
Dunedin
Renowned festivals, a vibrant history, relaxing beaches, and tranquil trails: Dunedin is a west coast Florida town offering a little something for everyone. Settled by Scottish immigrants, it has a lot of communit events reflecting its proud heritage. Each year since the 1960s, the town has hosted the Dunedin Highland Games just north of Main Street, celebrating Scottish culture through food, athletics, music, and dancing.
You can learn more about Dunedin’s history along Main Street at the Dunedin History Museum, housed in a former train depot. Florida’s beaches are never far away, and some of the best lie just northwest of downtown on Honeymoon Island State Park. The island is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, shelling, and biking. Another scenic feature of Dunedin is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, a multi-use path that runs directly through downtown. It's a peaceful place to walk, jog, or stroll with a baby carriage.
Crystal River
One of Florida's beloved wildlife species is the manatee, a gentle marine herbivore sometimes called the "sea cow." Crystal River is a great place to spot them. In the downtown area, visitors may spot manatees in Kings Bay, sometimes visible from the docks near Kings Bay Park. Located on Northwest Third Street, the park is also a pleasant place for fishing and picnicking.
Another prime spot for manatee sightings is the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which protects Three Sisters Springs and surrounding spring habitats within Kings Bay. To commemorate your visit, you can stop by Coastal Art Gallery on North Citrus Avenue, which features artwork inspired by manatees, coastal wildlife, and Florida landscapes.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a walkable town with European roots and a history stretching back more than 450 years. The historic downtown, with its brick streets and Spanish-influenced architecture, is well-suited for exploring on foot.
One of the city’s most important landmarks is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century masonry fort built of coquina stone on Castillo Drive. Visitors can explore the fort’s interior and often watch historical reenactments, including cannon demonstrations. Nearby is the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which displays an extensive collection of pirate-related artifacts and exhibits designed for both kids and adults. Just south of the museum, the Colonial Quarter offers an interactive look at life in St. Augustine from the 16th through the 18th centuries.
After sightseeing, visitors can relax at the Tini Martini Bar on Avenida Menendez Street, located inside the historic Casablanca Inn and overlooking Matanzas Bay.
Tarpon Springs
On the northwest coast of Florida is the Sponge Capital of the World, Tarpon Springs. With deep Greek heritage and a history of sponge diving. The town’s main waterfront area, Dodecanese Boulevard, is home to the Sponge Docks, where visitors can see sponge boats, browse shops, and enjoy Greek cuisine.
One popular dining spot is Hellas Restaurant and Bakery, which has served traditional Greek dishes and pastries for decades. Nearby, the Replay Amusement Museum on East Tarpon Avenue combines an arcade and museum experience, featuring a large collection of vintage arcade and pinball machines.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is an elegant destination situated on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon. The town’s palm-lined streets and ocean views make it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Worth Avenue serves as the heart of downtown and is known for luxury shopping, art galleries, and Mediterranean-style courtyards. A short walk away is The Colony Hotel, a distinctive pink hotel from the 1940s offering dining options such as Swifty’s, a poolside restaurant. Less than 1.5 miles away on Whitehall Way is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a grand Gilded Age mansion that showcases ornate interiors and architectural details from the late 19th century.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a relaxed coastal town on Florida’s Space Coast, known for its surfing culture and laid-back atmosphere. The main beach near downtown stretches for roughly six miles and is accessible from dozens of public beach access points, including those at the east ends of Third Street North and Second Street North.
Surfing has long been part of Cocoa Beach’s identity. Visitors can learn more at the Florida Surf Museum, located inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop on North Atlantic Avenue. To end the day on a sweet note, Beachside Candy on North Orlando Avenue offers fudge, saltwater taffy, and other treats.
Arcadia
Arcadia is a destination for lovers of history and antiques. Its historic downtown spans streets including Imogene, Cypress, Pine, Magnolia, Lee Avenue, and Mills Avenue and contains roughly 293 historic buildings. Oak Street is lined with oak trees and historic structures such as the Old Opera House, built in 1906 and now used for events.
Nearby is the former Arcadia Train Depot, which no longer serves rail traffic but remains a popular photo stop. A short walk away, the Florida Farmhouse Coffee Shop operates inside the historic Rosin Arcade building. Downtown Arcadia is also known for its antiques scene, with the Antique Association of Arcadia hosting a large antique fair every fourth Saturday of the month.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora features a lively downtown and a reputation as a frequent host of festivals and community events. Often called “Festival City,” Mount Dora hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival and seasonal celebrations.
Grantham Point Park on South Tremain Street offers scenic views of Lake Dora and features a decorative lighthouse structure built from reclaimed materials. Along the lakefront sits the historic Lakeside Inn, a Victorian-era property offering activities such as nature walks and birdwatching. For a glimpse into local history, visitors can tour the John P. Donnelly House, an 1893 Queen Anne-style home on North Donnelly Street.
DeLand
DeLand offers a mix of architecture, public art, and history. Downtown streets feature colorful murals as part of the DeLand Mural Walk, including works in Painters Pond Park and along Woodland Boulevard. The town’s history dates to the late 1800s and is reflected in buildings like the Historic Volusia County Courthouse on West New York Avenue.
Stetson University lies nearby, where Elizabeth Hall stands out with its red brick exterior and white cupola. Another local landmark is the DeLand House Museum on West Michigan Avenue, a restored Victorian home displaying artifacts from West Volusia County.
Exploring Florida’s Beauty, History, and Character
Florida offers a wide range of experiences, like historic towns and architectural landmarks, beaches, waterways, and distinctive wildlife. Visitors can explore the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, enjoy surf culture along the Atlantic Coast, or encounter manatees in crystal-clear springs. Whether your interests lean toward history, nature, or relaxed downtown strolls, Florida provides countless opportunities to explore at your own pace.
