The Best Small Towns In Florida To Chill Out

Whether traveling as a local or visiting from out of state, Florida is the ultimate place to unplug and unwind. However, your choice of destination can also make or break your level of relaxation. Hence, we have curated a list of seven small towns that are just perfect for the purpose. In Carrabelle, you can enjoy delectable seafood dishes at seaside restaurants while watching the sparkling blue ocean waters. Cedar Key is known for its plentiful fishing opportunities and memorable sunset cruises. St. George Island boasts a wide range of beaches that are ideal for relaxing or playing in the warm ocean waters. Pairing thinner crowds with soft sands, Caribbean-blue waters, and storybook main streets, these Florida towns allow you to chill out, recharge, and leave your worries behind.

Carrabelle

A Florida Panhandle town and “Gateway to the Gulf,” Carrabelle is the perfect place for a chill day of sunshine, sand, and seafood. Carrabelle Beach is favored for its soft white sands and mellow waves, shielded by offshore barrier islands. West from there, the historic Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper's House Museum are a must-see next stop. Dating back to 1895, the 103-foot beacon is the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast, offering jaw-dropping views when climbed. Afterward, if you head back across the Carrabelle River, the town’s seafood restaurants are a delicious finale. The Fisherman's Wife and Fathoms Restaurant are just steps away from the waterfront, for a blend of coastal flavors, scents, and scenes.

Sebastian

Perched where the St. Sebastian River and Indian River Lagoon merge, Sebastian is a laid-back surf town with tons of sand to go around. Sandwiched between Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach, Sebastian is the least crowded of the 3. In turn, whether strolling Riverview Park or trying bacon-wrapped scallops at River Deck at Squid Lips, the vibe is more relaxed. As for fun in the sand, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a beachgoer’s paradise and equally easygoing. Its 3-mile Atlantic-facing shore is a popular spot to surf, swim, fish, and build a sandcastle or 2.

Cedar Key

Offshore and off-the-beaten path, Cedar Key is an introvert’s dream, boasting some of the state’s quietest beaches. The Nature Coast town spans several islands, about 4 miles off the mainland. Not easy to stumble upon, Cedar Key’s attractions are unspoiled and uncrowded, including Cedar Key Public Beach and Lil Shark Park, 2 serene spots to kayak, swim, and savor ocean views. Nearby, the Cedar Key Fishing Pier is another local staple, while Tidewater Tours is a trusted choice of charter. If angling is not your thing, they also offer a Sunset Cruise, Coastal Tour, and Island Taxi, which transports passengers to the treasured Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

Micanopy

For leisure outside Florida’s beaches, Micanopy is a chill town where history and nature take center stage. The oldest inland town in the state, Micanopy, is centered around Cholokka Boulevard, its charming time capsule main street. The stretch offers a unique glimpse at Old Florida, clustered with historic structures like the 1845 Herlong Mansion and an eclectic scale of antique shops. After treasure hunting at stores like Delectable Collectables and Lost Ark Cats and Antiques, the Old Florida Cafe is a cozy place to recharge with comfort food. From there, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a short drive away. Like Cholokka, the park feels frozen in time, featuring rugged hiking routes like the Bolen Bluff Trail, where wild horses and bison roam freely.

Mount Dora

South toward Orlando, Mount Dora is another charming choice for bliss beyond Florida’s beaches. Hugging Lake Dora, Grantham Point Park is a serene starting point, whether walking the waterfront, picnicking with a view, or posing for a photo with the Mount Dora Lighthouse. From here, downtown is a breezy stroll away, dense with cute cafes like the Village Coffee Pot and cultural attractions like the Modernism Museum. Downtown Mount Dora also parades an incredible range of locally owned stores, such as Barrel of Books and Games. Alternatively, a short drive is worth the trip to Renninger's Flea Market & Antique Center, which showcases over 200 antique shops and 700 Vendors.

Sanibel

Back on the coast, Sanibel is an easygoing island town renowned for its sunsets and shell-strewn shores. Pushed ashore by Gulf currents, Sanibel’s beaches collect an extraordinary volume of seashells due to the island’s east-west location. Lighthouse Beach is a popular spot to collect whelks and cockles with the “Sanibel Stoop,” while west-facing sands like Blind Pass Beach pair beachcombing with watercolor sunsets. Heading north, the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a gorgeous follow-up, whether driving all 4 miles of Wildlife Drive or hiking to climb the Observation Tower for panoramic views.

St. George Island

St. George Island and its namesake town are equally breathtaking, boasting some of the state’s best beaches. Unlike some Florida coastal towns, St. George remains unspoiled and unobstructed, prioritizing nature over development. You won’t find high-rise hotels or boardwalk tourist traps blocking shores like Gulf (of Mexico) Beach Park or sites like the Sawyer Street Kayak Launch. Better yet, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park features a blissful blend of waterfronts, from its wild Apalachicola Bay side to its scenic Gulf edge. Fishing, birding, and paddling are popular activities along the bay, while the ocean side is preferred for its picnic shelters and 9-mile beach.

Explore Florida’s Chill Side

These laid-back Florida towns are all about chilling out and winding down, yet they also boast the same exciting beaches, downtowns, and coastal excursions found in the state’s top tourist towns. Whether seashell hunting in Sanibel, sipping cocktails on the water in Carrabelle, or booking a Sunset Cruise in Cedar Key, relaxation and stimulation go hand in hand in these chill Florida towns.