The Most Charming River Towns In Florida
When thinking of Florida, beautiful year-round weather, iconic beaches, and theme parks come to mind. But the river towns are as integral as the glitzy Miami and Palm Beach in making Florida one of the top three visited states. Crystal River was declared Florida's most charming overall by HGTV, and seven others are just behind.
The intercoastal waterways, like the Indian River, provide barriers between states and wildlife while lacing the area in quaint charm. It is double the fun along the oceanfront river towns, while Florida's blissful temps mean you can be snorkeling at Christmas. Often overlooked, these eight embody the essence of the diverse landscape that the sunny state is known for.
Apalachicola
This historic fishing village in Florida sits at the mouth of the beautiful Apalachicola River. Both overlooked and known for its endless charms, just 90 minutes southwest of Tallahassee, the port town does not disappoint. Blending history with modern culture, "Oystertown" is soaked in maritime sites and ocean smells, with its scenic houses on stilts and some of the freshest seafood along all of Florida’s Northwest Coast. The first-time visit warrants a stroll along the docks.
Whether you're catching a charter or reeling from the pier till sunset, an authentic atmosphere follows like a shadow. Pack a picnic for a stroll along Scipio Creek Boardwalk or the charming Chapman Botanical Garden at its heart. The waterfront main street is dotted with galleries like the Pearl-Art for Everyone, while inviting patios offer a place to relax on a warm evening with a cocktail. Pick up an art piece and plan out a beach day at St. George Island, accessible through Eastpoint via the Big Bend Scenic Byway Coastal Trail.
Chattahoochee
Established in the 1820s as Mount Vernon, this modest ferry landing on the Apalachicola River quickly gained worldly appeal. From ancient mounds to a major battle during the First Seminole War, it was the site of one of only two Florida-built British forts during the War of 1812. The "City on a Hill" turned into a thriving riverboat port with paddlewheels and steamboats roaming to and fro. Today, the small borderline town with Georgia emits Southern charm at the "gateway" to the river and Blueways paddling trail, with scenic river views built into several parks.
The southern Lake Seminole shore is ideal to park at Three Rivers State Park, with cabins and a campground amidst hiking, boating, and bass fishing. Strolling past historic buildings along Washington Street—many predate the turn of the 20th century—you'll land at the Chattahoochee River Landing Park. In addition to its award-winning Greenway hiking trail, Jim Woodruff Dam, one of the state's largest, presides over the lake to ponder this little charmer's evolution. For history lovers, Apalachicola Arsenal Museum preserves local heritage.
Crystal River
Nestled aptly along Florida's picturesque Nature Coast, the town recently voted the state's most charming is just 80 miles south of Tampa. Crystal River is a recreational haven for families, anglers, and nature lovers, named after the river that enters the Gulf shortly west. When the Gulf temperatures drop, visitors flock to Three Sisters Springs to view the manatees from a boardwalk within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Kings Bay, one of the few places to snorkel with manatees, is great for kayaking and scenic sunsets from the pier.
The crystal-clear waters truly feel magical to cool off by swimming, snorkeling, or paddling. Shallow and deep fishing are popular with charters into the Gulf or from the pier at Fort Island Gulf Beach. Visit Hunter Springs Park, which was named for natural springs, woodsy appeal, and a beach with a kayak launch. Families enjoy the apt guides aboard eco-tours on a pontoon boat at Crystal River Preserve State Park. Back on land, the Shoppes of Heritage Village accentuate historic downtown, which is ringed by family-friendly restaurants serving fresh seafood.
DeBary
Often overlooked between Orlando and Daytona Beach, this outgoing riverfront city is accentuated by natural features and architectural sites on the northern shore of the sizable Lake Monroe. Across the St. John's River from the vast Seminole State Forest, Debary offers the charms of a small town just 26 miles north of Orlando. The sparkling river ignites sparkle in the eyes of kayakers, paddlers, and anglers. Keep an eye out for dolphin and manatee sightings in this unique river ecosystem.
Gemini Springs Park presides over a 210-acre lakeshore with two natural springs, fishing, and campsites, while Lake Monroe Park is favored for boat ramps, trails, and pavilions. After a beachy day, the area’s wide range of restaurants caters to everyone's palate, like Goodfella's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant or the rollicking Swamp House Riverfront Grill, worth the scenic drive alone. While in town, check out the DeBary Hall Historic Site. It is a preserved 19th-century hunting estate and a former winter retreat for the wine merchant Frederick DeBary—and it is allegedly haunted.
Dunnellon
This charming town reflects its twinning identity at the confluence of two beautiful rivers, Withlacoochee and Rainbow. In addition to a one-of-a-kind paddler’s paradise, easy-on-the-eyes views make Dunnellon one of the most relaxing destinations in Florida. Exploring the local flora and fauna, it is easy to feel just as uninhibited. The contrasting rivers present an array of pursuits, from the open Blue Run of Dunnellon Park to guided kayaking or tubing on the calm river waters and rentals at Rainbow Springs State Park.
The adventurous enjoy the moderate trek from the Florida Trail Pruitt Trailhead, a 6-mile hike through the backcountry that sees little traffic. Back in town, between browsing antique stores and boutiques, many enjoy a rest at Chaplin A. Dinkins III Memorial Park, with clear shallows perfect for swimming in. Cool off with your feet dangling from the fishing dock or shoreline picnic tables under the treeline shade. For seafood and drinks, Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant offers riverfront entertainment.
New Smyrna Beach
This town on Florida’s central Atlantic coast is prime for watersports, with some of the state's best surfing. Brimming with galleries, boutiques, and educational venues like the Marine Discovery Center, it is also where laid-back seaside vacations are made without the crowds, some 20 minutes north at Daytona Beach. Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park is an ideal place to start your adventures. Running from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, which is part of the Indian River Lagoon, visitors love its direct beach access and vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
New Smyra Beach boasts 17 miles of white sandy beaches to explore with your dog and kids. Meanwhile, 27th Avenue Beachfront Park offers a playground, swimming, picnic areas, and courts. Forego the beach bodies at Riverside Park, a quaint fishing spot next to Old Fort Park, an ancient coastal site with origins shrouded in mystery. Just inland, the Cruger-dePeyster Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins will pique the interest of history fans and photographers, while racing fans know of the up-close thrills at the New Smyrna Speedway.
Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet feels like a real respite in the Daytona area. The laid-back town, steeped in history, offers both river fishing and some of the best ocean swells for surfing. The historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a destination in itself. This 1880s red brick-and-granite beacon offers inlet views, while Lighthouse Point Park features a dog-friendly swimming beach, an 800-foot jetty deck, and elevated boardwalks, with views of Florida's tallest lighthouse casting shadows at sunset over the green lawn. You'll likely spend days at the park's award-winning beach. Wildlife, including endangered species and sea turtles, feel uninhibited in the area.
Grab a frozen treat from Lighthouse Ice Cream on the way to the pirate ship-themed playground at Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park. While couples enjoy scenic catamaran cruises, fishing charters know the best spots to reel in red snapper, mahi-mahi, and tuna. The town's largest park, Ponce Preserve, is home to the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Indian midden spanning from the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean.
Westville
Partially within the floodplain of the Choctawhatchee River, Westville drowns in scenery. It is an excellent alternative to the state's touristy spots. In addition to the notable Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, the Choctawhatchee River Blueway is a Florida Designated Paddling Trail to explore from a boat ramp. Paddling along cypresses and other North Florida flora and fauna, the springs, serene camping spots, and picnic facilities offer rest. Alligators and sturgeons who frequent the river during spawning will keep you company.
Though often overlooked as a vacation destination, Westville is also filled with historical endeavors. It was briefly home to Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the "Little House" series of books, who undoubtedly soaked up the charms that year in 1891. Her daughter documented her childhood memories in a fiction story about the time spent in Florida, called “Innocence.”
Florida’s Hidden River Gems
Despite the common misconception that it varies from hot to slightly less hot, the Sunshine State is as diverse as any other. These eight do not fit a frame of just "river towns." Framed by the palm-laden landscape, the captivating beaches, architecture, and adventures present a relaxed riverside retreat.
From the Gulf Coast to the Nature Coast and North Florida, each puts a refreshing spin on discovering Florida. More than just alternatives to the popular locales, the hidden gems offer a cleansing getaway or a fresh start with history and culture in the exotic outdoors.
