9 Eclectic Small Towns In Florida
Florida ranks third in the country by population and houses a wide mix of cities and laid-back towns within its borders. While Miami and Tampa and Orlando draw most of the attention, travelers who want a different angle on Florida should look at some of the state's smaller communities. Historic downtowns sit alongside fishing villages plus gateway towns leading into the Everglades. The nine destinations ahead offer a less-traveled cut of the state. Each one rewards a weekend or a longer detour.
Islamorada
Islamorada, a village spanning six islands in the Florida Keys, is a premier destination for a tropical escape. Known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," it sometimes seems to attract as many anglers seeking sailfish, tarpon, and bonefish as it does beach-goers. Numerous charter boats operate from the area, offering deep-sea and backcountry fishing excursions.
It is also a hotspot for scuba diving, and the History of Diving Museum, which can be found here, highlights the underwater pastime. The Theater of the Sea is a top spot for the whole family, as it provides interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and rays.
If snorkeling and diving is something you think you would want to give a try, Islamorada offers access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Alligator Reef, home to extensive coral formations and seemingly endless species of colorful tropical fish. You can explore the area on land too at destinations like Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, which features trails through ancient coral rock formations. And if a nice beach is all you are after, Anne's Beach provides a shallow, calm shoreline you can kick back on.
Various hotels and restaurants along the Overseas Highway, the only auto route to the area, come with comfortable accommodations and unbeatable oceanfront views, making Islamorada a top choice for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys this year.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs stands out in a number of interesting ways, not least of which is its prominent Greek influence and an almost equally well-known sponge-diving industry.
Located along Florida's Gulf Coast, the town is home to the highest concentration of Greek-Americans in the US, a heritage that can be seen in its authentic eateries and festivals. There is even a historic Greektown by the waterfront where many of these locales can be found, including the popular Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. Other landmarks that shine light onto the town's past, like the Safford House Museum, can be found a short walk away.
Each year, the Epiphany Celebration draws thousands to watch divers retrieve a cross from Spring Bayou in a traditional Greek Orthodox event.
The nearby Sponge Docks, another main draw, feature boat tours, sponge-diving demonstrations, and shops selling locally harvested sea sponges. If you love aquatic life and still need something else to help kill an afternoon, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium provides interactive exhibits showcasing native species. Kayaking the Anclote River or visiting Fred Howard Park, which offers a sandy beach and coastal wildlife viewing, are two excellent ways to spend some time outdoors.
Micanopy
If you are in the mood for a quiet place off the beaten path, this destination may be for you. Micanopy, often called Florida's oldest inland town, is known for its historic atmosphere, antique shops, and connection to surrounding natural preserves in the center of the state.
Located just south of Gainesville, the town features well-curated historic landmarks like the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which will show you a thing or two about the community's early settlement, with a focus on its role in the Seminole Wars. Micanopy also hosts the annual Micanopy Fall Festival, a fun way to experience the community in Florida's underrated autumn season with live music and food vendors serving up local dishes.
Nature lovers can explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a short drive away, where wild bison and horses roam the vast grasslands. The park's observation tower offers 360-degree views of the wildland, while a web of trails will lead you through diverse wetlands and woodlands, notably teeming with birdlife.
Florida City
So named just in case you forget you are in a city in Florida, Florida City sits south of Miami and stands as a main gateway to Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys. With this in mind, it is a prime stop for outdoor enthusiasts and road-trippers traveling through the state.
Located at the southern end of the Florida mainland, this city provides easy access to the Everglades' vast wetlands, where you can take airboat tours, spot alligators, and explore trails like the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center offers exhibits and trip-planning resources for the park. Biscayne National Park, known for its coral reefs and mangrove forests, is also within reach, offering opportunities for snorkeling, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Travelers heading to the Florida Keys pass through Florida City on the scenic Overseas Highway, making it a convenient base for exploring South Florida's unique ecosystems and natural attractions.
Florida City is also renowned for its local produce, and fruit stands and farms line the area. The famous Robert Is Here fruit stand is the biggest draw, with crowds often gathering for its fresh tropical produce and milkshakes.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora delivers a well-rounded travel experience for a variety of interests, with historic landmarks, a lakefront setting, and a budding arts scene. Located in Central Florida, this town is a great option if walkability is important, as its downtown area is compact and filled with amenities and attractions.
For a more educational outing, the Modernism Museum and Mount Dora Center for the Arts highlight its history and creative side, while the historic Lakeside Inn, operating since 1883, will connect you to the region's past as well as being a nice nightly accommodation with great views from the shores of Lake Dora.
Lake Dora provides more than just great natural sights. Opportunities for boating and waterfront hiking are abundant here, with guided cruises offering views of wildlife and the historic Dora Canal. For more to do outdoors, nearby Palm Island Park boardwalk allows for pleasant nature walks through cypress trees and Spanish moss.
Mount Dora also hosts several major festivals, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the annual Christmas celebration, which transforms downtown with lights and decorations during the holiday season.
Davenport
Davenport, another underrated town in Central Florida, serves as a gateway to major attractions while maintaining a quieter, small-town feel between Lakeland and Orlando.
Positioned near Interstate 4, it provides convenient access to Orlando's theme parks, with Walt Disney World less than 30 minutes away. The town itself has grown in recent years, attracting visitors with a huge selection of golf courses, nature preserves, and an all-around relaxed atmosphere.
ChampionsGate, a premier golf resort community, features two Greg Norman-designed courses and upscale dining. For more to do outside, Lake Kissimmee State Park is home to numerous hiking trails, fishing holes, and spots to see native wildlife such as bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
See the area while on the road via the nearby Ridge Scenic Highway, which provides a pleasant drive through Florida's extensive citrus groves and a collection of historic communities, such as Hillcrest Heights, Frostproof, and Highland Park.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda rests along Charlotte Harbor, just north of Fort Myers, and is best known for its waterfront parks, a large historic district, and a famous boating culture, housing some of the biggest marinas in the area.
Be sure to explore the town's Harborwalk, which stretches for nearly three miles and connects to Fishermen's Village. The shopping and dining complex with marina access leads to numerous scenic parks and piers. Laishley Park, one of its best, offers unobstructed views of the Gasparilla Sound, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
The historic district contains restored 19th-century homes, longstanding businesses, and sites like the A.C. Freeman House. Here, the Military Heritage Museum houses exhibits on American military history, while the History Park of Punta Gorda hosts weekly artisan and farmers markets.
Boaters of all kinds flock here to explore the Peace River and its nearby estuaries, home to dolphins and manatees. For more nature inland, the Babcock Ranch Preserve offers guided eco-tours through Florida's pine flatwoods and wetlands.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island near the coastal border with Georgia, makes for an unforgettable escape to the sea. As the northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast, it is renowned for its fresh seafood restaurants and a historic downtown to match. For example, the Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar, reflects the town's heritage in its walls dating back to 1903, while the Amelia Island Museum of History provides insight into its past under eight different flags.
The town's waterfront is the place to go if you are on the lookout for a fishing charter, a sunset cruise, or a place to launch your boat through the surrounding marshlands. If you would prefer to stay on land, Fort Clinch State Park, another key attraction in the area, features a well-preserved 19th-century fort, hiking and biking trails, and a wide beach.
Now onto the seafood: the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrates the area's deep-rooted shrimping industry with parades, live music, and some of the freshest shrimp you will ever taste.
Winter Garden
On the western outskirts of Orlando is Winter Garden, a city that combines a historic downtown with outdoor recreation and a thriving arts scene. The brick-lined streets of Plant Street feature local boutiques, eateries, and the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, which highlights the town's strong association with Florida's famed citrus industry. Another notable cultural landmark is The Garden Theatre, a restored 1935 venue, which regularly hosts live performances, concerts, and film screenings.
For a taste of local produce, the Winter Garden Farmers Market, held every Saturday, offers fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music. For craft beer enthusiasts in need of a refreshment in the Florida heat, Crooked Can Brewing Company serves locally brewed selections within the Plant Street Market, a food hall with diverse dining options.
Explore the beauty of this region in a variety of ways on the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved path that runs through downtown, attracting cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Newton Park is another popular greenspace on Lake Apopka, providing fishing docks, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities along Florida's fourth-largest lake.
Experience All Florida Has to Offer Today
Try something new on your next Florida getaway. Give Islamorada a go instead of the busier Key West, or stay close to Miami while also being within walking distance to the Everglades at Florida City. The amount of alternative destinations within Florida that simply do not get enough attention is staggering, and with this knowledge in mind, you can put together a memorable trip with this eclectic mix of towns.
