The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Florida

Florida isn't exactly a hidden gem when it comes to vacation destinations, but these towns in particular punch well above their weight. Crystal River is a small town on the Nature Coast that provides visitors with the chance to see manatees up close in the winter like nowhere else. On the other side of the state, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited place by European settlers in America. Cedar Key lures anglers and those keen to escape the crowds of Florida's busier beach towns. Across the state, these sweet spots will draw you in and inspire return visits year after year.

Destin

Destin is a fishing village on a barrier island in the Florida Panhandle, not far from the border with Alabama. The star attraction here is Henderson Beach State Park. The beach is wide and white-sand, with a nearby boardwalk and playground for the kids when they need a break from the water. The Gulf of Mexico makes for the perfect backdrop for soaking up the sun and reading a great summer book.

Beyond the beach, there's still plenty to do in Destin. The Destin Commons is an open-air shopping mall with many favorite chains and brands. Do a little retail therapy in the evening and grab dinner at the mall to complete a perfect day. And be sure to come in the fall for the Destin Seafood Festival to enjoy fresh fare straight from the ocean as well as live music and local vendors.

Apalachicola

For a different taste of the Panhandle, plan a trip to Apalachicola. The town features a unique mix of historical attractions and beach life along the Gulf of Mexico, making it a vacation destination sure to appeal to everyone in the party. To learn more about the area's history, check out the Orman House Historic State Park. You can tour the grounds of the antebellum mansion and then take a walk through the botanical garden. For more history, head to the John Gorrie Museum State Park. There, you'll find exhibits that detail the history of Apalachicola and artifacts from the past. Of course, there's no sense visiting a seaside town without seeing the water. Book a trip with one of the local charters to get out on the bay and try your hand at catching trophy fish in the Gulf.

Naples

Down on the Gulf coast at the western edge of the Everglades sits Naples, a hot spot that pairs a walkable downtown with some of the best beaches in southwest Florida. The Naples Pier stretches out over the Gulf of Mexico and is a favorite spot for fishing, watching for dolphins, and catching the sunset. When you're ready to trade sand for shade, the Naples Botanical Garden covers acres of themed gardens and offers a peaceful place to spend a morning. For a family outing, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens combines a historic tropical garden with animal exhibits and a boat tour past islands of primates.

Back in the heart of town, Fifth Avenue South is the place to stroll, shop, and grab dinner at one of the many sidewalk restaurants. And for something with a bit more local character, head to Tin City, a waterfront marketplace built in old fishing sheds where you can browse shops and watch the boats come in.

Crystal River

Crystal River has earned the nickname "Manatee Haven" because many manatees migrate to the area during the winter months. For the best chance to see a gentle giant during your visit, come during the Florida Manatee Festival in January. The town comes together for live entertainment, manatee boat tours, and guided kayak tours that bring you right up to the animals. Outside of festival weekend, you'll still have ample opportunities to see manatees at Three Sisters Springs in the winter. Its boardwalk makes for the perfect viewing platform. No matter the season, there is plenty to do in town. For example, the Coastal Art Gallery showcases local artists with an impressive collection. They display everything from jewelry and pottery to paintings and glasswork.

Cedar Key

For a unique vacation in Florida, don't miss Cedar Key on the Nature Coast. The island town is a preferred destination for anglers due to its ample fishing opportunities. The Cedar Key Fishing Pier offers plenty of room to cast a line, and the bait shop will keep you well stocked. And if you'd rather enjoy the beach, City Park in town has you covered. The beaches are spacious, with grills for a perfect picnic.

If you need a break from all the outdoor adventuring, Cedar Key Museum State Park offers a look at the community's history and the reasons its port was historically important. Once you're done learning about Cedar Key's past, take a walk on the nature trail to see the Nature Coast's beauty on full display.

Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach sits on the barrier island of Amelia Island, on the border with neighboring Georgia. The town is known for its historic seaport atmosphere, friendly community, and deep local history. You can learn more about its past at Fort Clinch State Park. The fort has been well-maintained since its construction in the 19th century, and guided tours offer insight into its significance and history. After you're done exploring the fort, head out into the park to enjoy the scenery and beaches. There's also more history to see at the Amelia Island Museum of History, housed in the former jail. Finish your tour of the town with a trip to the Amelia Island Lighthouse. Built in 1838, it is the oldest existing lighthouse in the state, and the city offers limited guided tours of the grounds.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine's claim to fame is that it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. The Spanish founded the city in 1565, and it is a must for history buffs. Your first stop should be Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The fort dates back to the Spanish occupation in the 17th century. You can walk around the fort, explore its nooks and crannies, and speak with rangers about how the Spanish used the fort and why it is designed the way it is. The Lightner Museum is another historic building you don't want to miss. A former hotel, it now hosts Victorian-era artifacts, and the exhibits provide insight into the storied history of St. Augustine. And if you don't mind things a little morbid, finish your history tour at the Medieval Torture Museum. The museum has many replicas of torture devices that the Spanish and other Medieval kingdoms used in the past. It's a fascinating look at the darker side of human history.

Everglades City

The Everglades is one of the most complex ecosystems in the entire country and has captured the imagination of native Floridians and visitors alike. To get a taste of the area, take a trip to Everglades City. The town stands as a gateway to the wetlands for adventurous travelers. Captain Jack's Airboat Tours will take you out into the Everglades to explore the mangroves by airboat.

If you'd rather stay in town, there's still plenty to see in Everglades City. The Museum of the Everglades provides a look at the importance of the area for biodiversity and how people came to live there. And visit the town in February to enjoy the Everglades Seafood Festival. The weekend event has everything from live country music to carnival rides and all the seafood you can handle.

Plan Your Florida Trip

There's so much to see and do in Florida that there's always a town that suits your tastes. Whether you want to explore Spanish colonial history in St. Augustine, watch for manatees at Crystal River, or trade the beach for a botanical garden in Naples, one of these towns is sure to meet your expectations. Skip the interstate exits and theme parks on your next trip, and give these eight towns a closer look.