Small Florida Towns Worth Visiting

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful, quiet towns that make for the perfect getaway. Whether you’re looking for a small beach community with white sand beaches or some southern charm and homemade cooking, Florida has it all. With bed and breakfasts on every corner and desolate beaches filled with natural beauty, it’s no wonder Florida is a top travel destination every year. Here are the top Florida towns you don’t want to miss out on.

Crystal River: Home of the Manatee  

If boating, diving, swimming, and fishing is your thing then you’ll love Crystal River. The city nicknamed “Home of the Manatee” even offers a variety of manatee ecotours where you can swim and safely play with these incredible mammals. More than 400 manatees swim to Kings Bay in the winter to escape the cool water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico in the winter. And don’t forget to make a pit stop at the 50-year-old, 232-acre eco-friendly resort, Plantation on Crystal River, which features tall, white buildings with true Southern charm, fine dining, and golfing.

Sebring: The City of Variety  

Tucked away in Central Florida, Sebring prides itself on their international raceway and historic downtown district. Sebring International Raceway, one of the oldest operating race tracks in the U.S., hosts an annual event called 12 Hours of Sebring where racecar drivers truly test their endurance. It’s also nicknamed “The City on the Circle” because of the shape of the downtown district where you can shop at galleries and boutiques, eat at upscale or casual restaurants, and discover parks and lakes. You can even rock out to live concerts with local celebrities the first of every Friday at Circle Theatre.

Mount Dora: A Trove of Antique Treasure  

Mount Dora is a lakefront city centered on its historic downtown area that is packed with local boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. Mount Dora is known for its beautiful antiques that you can find at their farmers market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the antiques, you will find fresh, local produce, eclectic food and handmade crafts. During the summer, you can attend the Mount Dora Seafood Festival where you will find two days of live music, fresh seafood and craft beer. If you’re in the mood for some outdoor activities, take a pontoon boat tour on Lake Dora to explore the Harris Chain of Lakes and beautiful scenery.

Amelia Island: The City of Southern Charm  

Amelia Island is the Florida beach with a Southern accent. Nestled on the east coast of Florida close to Jacksonville, Amelia is a timeless destination known for its pristine beaches and nature. This beautiful island offers world-class golf, spas, restaurants and a rich history. Located on the island is Fernandina Beach, a sea turtle sanctuary home to the leatherback, loggerhead and the green sea turtle. These turtles are a main attraction, but it is very important not to interfere with the nesting process. Fort Clinch State Park is also situated on Amelia Island, where you can explore the 19^th century military structure or take a hike on the park’s three-mile shoreline. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as swimming, fishing, sunbathing and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re interested in the beautiful beaches or hitting the golf course, Amelia Island is a perfect small town destination.

St. Augustine: America’s Oldest City 

Among Florida’s beautiful small towns is St. Augustine — America’s oldest city. St. Augustine lies on the northeast coast of Florida and was founded by the Spanish in 1565. The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as its beautiful beaches like St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach. Perhaps one of the most famous monuments located in the city is the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. Also located in St. Augustine is Anastasia State Park, which includes 1,600 acres of protected wildlife and beaches. The park is great for hiking, swimming, camping and bird watching. Whether you’re diving into the rich history or enjoying a beer on the beach, this old town has it all.

Surrounded by both sandy beaches and beautiful wetlands, Florida is home to some of the eco-friendliest small towns you must visit in your lifetime. Whether it’s taking a stroll through the local farmers market to buy some fresh produce or exploring the protected state parks home to an abundance of wildlife, Florida towns offer some of the best outdoor activities you can imagine.

Book your Florida vacation plans today and don’t forget to share these ecofriendly towns with your friends and family.