These Florida Towns Have The Best Views In The State
Beauty stretches through every corner of the Sunshine State, entrancing out-of-towners and Floridians alike. Short of mountain peaks or fjords, Florida's best views draw the eyes elsewhere, beneath clear kayaks, far out to sea, and everywhere in between. Shining apart from their neighbors, these Florida towns have the best views in the state. Whether watching the sun set over the Gulf, peering into a cerulean spring, or paddling through a mangrove tunnel, their jaw-dropping scenes will make your Florida getaway more magical than you ever imagined.
Key West
As the southernmost point of the continental US, Key West’s sunsets are nothing short of spellbinding. The Florida Keys town spans a sand-coral island, about 100 miles from the mainland. In the past, its beauty drew famous names like author Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman, but today, anyone can enjoy this slice of paradise. Tropical vegetation, coastal architecture, white sands, and clear waters mold its charming beach town aesthetic, embodying the sense of walking through a postcard. But the true cherry on top is when the sun sets over the island town.
Each evening, the once-high sun carves through Key West's pink-orange sky, spilling into the Gulf of Mexico. The fiery colors and unobstructed views are so beloved that the Mallory Square plaza hosts a Nightly Key West Sunset Celebration. Pairing sunset views with live music, vendors, and street performers, the daily tradition attests to Key West’s jaw-dropping skies. As for quieter sightseeing, the spectacle can also be enjoyed at shores like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park or even out on the water. Sunset Watersports offers a Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise as well as a Sunset Sip & Sail.
Crystal River
Manatees are not the only ones drawn to Crystal River, a Florida town famous for its freshwater springs. The Nature Coast town and “Manatee Capital of the World” is centered around Kings Bay, a spring-fed Manatee Protection Area. Its Three Sisters Springs is one of the town’s greatest sites, both as a winter habitat for manatees and as a sightseeing oasis. Crystal-clear and strikingly blue, its extraordinary waters are fit for a fairytale.
The Three Sisters Springs boardwalk enables guests to enjoy these scenic views year-round from land. Alternatively, guests can paddle into the refuge from spots like King's Bay Park outside of manatee season, which lasts from November 15 to March 31. Paddles Outdoor Rentals And Tours also offers a top-rated Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour, spotlighting a unique perspective of the Sisters Springs ecosystem.
Everglades City
A tiny town with a colossal backyard, Everglades City is a gateway to the wonders of Everglades National Park. Home to just a few hundred residents, the Southwest Florida town attracts well beyond its population, serving as the park’s western entrance. Many use Everglades City to access its Ten Thousand Islands, a breathtaking maze of islands, salt marshes, and mangrove islets. Visitors can paddle or tour the majestic wilderness by boat, entering into a surreal ecosystem of twisted tree trunks, sawgrass prairies, and winding waterways.
Local businesses like Everglades National Park Adventures offer all you need to explore this dynamic ecosystem. Their pontoon tours lead to exclusive National Park islands, pairing gorgeous scenery with local wildlife, from alligators and birds to dolphins and manatees. For solo exploring, their kayak and canoe rentals are best used wandering the Wilderness Waterway. Recommended for experienced paddlers, this 100-mile water trail spans wide open bays, curved creeks, and mangrove tunnels, sought for their otherworldly intertwined trees.
St. Augustine
Ending on Florida’s northeastern Atlantic Coast, St. Augustine fuses history with stunning natural scenes. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine prides itself as the "Nation’s Oldest City," preserving some of the country’s greatest landmarks. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a shining example, towering tall over the western Matanzas Bay. Completed in 1695, the exquisite coquina structure is the oldest surviving masonry fort in the continental United States. Visitors can explore the fortress, observe live reenactments, and gaze out onto the breathtaking waterway it borders.
History and nature extend to St. Augustine’s iconic Bridge of Lions. The grand statue-guarded bridge connects downtown to Anastasia Island, crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. Marked with beautiful beaches and maritime landmarks, the barrier island is brimming with views. Anastasia State Park boasts over 1,600 acres of pristine beachfront, punctuated with sand dunes and maritime hammocks. Elsewhere, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is another must-see. Built in 1874, the striped 165-foot beacon is a powerful addition to the north end of Anastasia Island.
Discover Florida’s Best Views
Florida’s flat terrain would have some think epic views are reserved for US mountain states like Colorado. But despite its lack of high elevations, the Sunshine State has more beauty than we can describe. Sweeping shorelines, towering monuments, sparkling springs, and noble wildlife are just some of the incredible views showcased in these Florida towns. Whether sitting back to admire their splendor from afar or immersing yourself in an adventurous excursion, these Florida scenes will leave you breathless.
