18 Best Things To Do In Cedar Key, Florida

1. Stroll along the Cemetery Point Boardwalk

Cemetery Point Boardwalk is a great place within Cedar Key to get outside and see the environment in its natural state. The 365.8-meter (1,200-foot) boardwalk within the park can help you do just that, with great views of the water and native wildlife around every corner.

The boardwalk is within Cemetery Point Park, which features a playground, a picnic pavilion, and a fitness trail. There is also a swimming area and an observation pier. You can easily spend several hours soaking up the sun here.

Cemetery Point Boardwalk

Address: 16050 E Point Rd, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Price: Free

2. Learn more about local history at Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum

In the past, the citizens of Cedar Key were keen on keeping the rich history of the city preserved, and Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum are what came of this drive. Founded in 1977, the society has many interesting exhibits that let you learn more about the rich history of the area, which dates back to the 19th century before Florida even became a state.

There are two buildings that make up the society’s museum, Lutterloh Building and Andrews House. From the two, you’ll learn about the area from prehistoric times to the modern-day. Lutterloh Building houses fascinating fossils and ceramics made by Native Americans in Florida. In Andrews House, you’ll find artifacts pertaining to Cedar Key’s more recent history, including its railroad and its medical history.

Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum

Address: 609 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum

Opening hours: Thu - Fri & Sun: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

3. Check out the exhibits and artifacts at Cedar Key Museum State Park

The grounds of Cedar Key Museum State Park have so much to offer its visitors, especially those who love the outdoors. You could easily spend the whole day here. Explore the 18 acres (7.3 hectares) of land in the park via walking trails, hiking, and paddling. Pets are also allowed in the park, provided they are leashed and not left unattended.

Birdwatchers will also enjoy a visit to the park as there are plenty of native species to be seen, especially during fall and winter. Look out for American avocets, roseate spoonbills, and white ibises. Other wildlife animals that can be spotted in the area include mockingbirds, blue jays, woodpeckers, squirrels, and green tree frogs.

Cedar Key Museum State Park

Address: 12231 SW 166th Ct, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Cedar Key Museum State Park

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 2 USD

4. Paddle your way through Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Located on 890 acres (360 hectares) of protected land, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is made up of 13 islands that you’ll love exploring by kayak. These islands are only reachable by boat, so you’ll want to bring or rent one to get the full experience. During your excursion, you’ll likely see plenty of native wildlife species, especially the birds that use the area as a rookery. After you’ve paddled through the refuge, you’re also encouraged to walk the beaches to further enjoy your visit.

Other visitor activities include fishing, providing environmental educational programs, and engaging in wildlife photography. Kids and educators are especially welcome here.

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 16450 - NW 31 Place Chiefland, FL 32626, United States

Website: Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

5. Get fresh clams for a homemade treat at Southern Cross Sea Farms

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you love fresh clams, you won’t find them any fresher than at Southern Cross Sea Farms. The folks on this island have the highest producing clam farms in the state of Florida. You can visit and leave with plenty of clams to eat your fill. Clams are sold in 100-count bags fresh from the farm; other seafood items are available for purchase as well, including scallops, Florida white shrimps, and soft-shell blue crabs.

Southern Cross Sea Farms

Address: 12170 SR 24, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Southern Cross Sea Farms

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat & Sun: 9am - 2pm

6. Bask in the Florida sun at Cedar Key Beach

Cedar Key, while not known as a beach destination in Florida, does have a small beach to offer visitors. You’ll find it near the marina, where you can watch as the boats come and go through the day or rent one for yourself. The beach isn’t very big, but you’ll enjoy it more for the quiet ambiance. It is perfect for those looking to bask in the sun and take in their surroundings.

Cedar Key Beach

Address: 12780 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625

7. Walk the historical Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail

Like many places in the city, Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail is a fascinating mixture of history and nature. The trail itself is relatively short at only about 1,700 feet (518 meters), but the history behind it makes it worth the visit.

You’ll be walking along the old rail line that ran from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key many years ago, from 1861 to 1932. The natural vegetation quickly reclaimed the track, leaving a beautiful intertwining of worlds. At the end of the trail, you’ll find what remains of a bridge that carried trains over the shallow bay.

Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail

Address: Grove St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Opening hours: 6:45am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Take the kids to play at Lil Shark Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lil Shark Park is right on the beach in Cedar Key and has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. The kids will enjoy the large playground, which features large slides that they won’t get tired of. A few steps away you’ll find the beach, which is usually free of crowds, making it a great place for a family trip. Let your kids to wade into the water and build sandcastles.

Lil Shark Park

Address: 192 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625

9. Discover the diverse activities within Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

You’ll be surprised how much there is to explore when visiting Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. There are 12 distinct environments within over 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of land. During your visit, you can access the reserve from one of two trailheads, and from there, you are free to hike, bike, or explore via horseback ride.

Some of the scenery you’ll come across ranges from tidal marshes to the rare Florida scrub. Within the marshes, feel free to bring a canoe or kayak to explore the watery area.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Address: 29.204539, -82.987923 Cedar Key FL 32625, United States

Website: Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Opening hours: 8am - sundown (daily)

Price: Free

10. Rent a boat at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a vast salt marsh that teems with wildlife, many of which are rare species of both plants and animals. The park encompasses 30,784 acres (12,458 hectares) of marshes that are only accessible by boat. As you make your way through the preserve, you may spot a sea turtle or a manatee in the seagrass bedding.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a fantastic place for fishing, so be sure to load up your rod and reel to do a little salt marsh fishing. There are also three primitive campsites that are accessible by boat, should you wish to stay longer.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Address: Waccasassa River Boat Ramp 29.214050, -82.763564 Gulf Hammock FL 34449, United States

Website: Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Opening hours: 8am - sundown (daily)

Price: Free

11. Explore the city waters with Kayak Cedar Keys

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want to explore the city waters but feel a bit overwhelmed with the number of places to kayak within Cedar Key, fret not! Head over to Kayak Cedar Keys where you can rent a kayak and take a map-guided tour of one of the many places in the area.

Most tours have an average duration of three to four hours. Though this feels too lengthy, one of the popular options is a 30-minute ride to Atsena Otie Key where you can explore a 19th-century cemetery and see raccoons.

Kayak Cedar Keys

Address: 6027 A St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Kayak Cedar Keys

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 35+ USD

12. Go on a boat tour with Tidewater Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Want to experience Cedar Key from the water but aren’t too keen on kayaking? You needn’t look any further. Tidewater Tours offers services that allow you the luxury of being a passenger rather than a director. There are three tours you can take, including a coastal tour, a sunset tour, and island drop-offs. All tours vary in length, so be sure to consult the website to see which would suit you best.

Tidewater Tours

Address: 302 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Tidewater Tours

Price: 20+ USD

13. Join in on the fun of the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Once a year, all the best pirates join together and attend the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion. The festival is a family-friendly event, and anyone can participate, including pirate crews, sponsors, vendors. The event is usually held at City Park, and the dates of the festival change annually, so be sure to check out the website to find out when the next festival will take place.

Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

Address: A St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

14. Enjoy a night under the stars at Shell Mound Campground

If you want to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars during your stay in the city, you’ll find no better place to do so than Shell Mound Campground. On site, you’ll find a bathhouse with showers and bathrooms for your convenience. There is a total of eight tent sites where you can camp for a maximum of seven nights. You can choose from primitive, water-only, and water and electric sites.

Shell Mound Campground

Address: 17650 SW 78 Pl, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States (map)

15. Eat a delicious meal at 29 North at 83 West

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For some delicious cooking with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico, be sure to check out the 29 North at 83 West Restaurant. The place is located on the second story of the building but it is fully accessible for those with mobility issues, meaning everyone can enjoy the view! Depending on the time of day you visit, you’ll get a separate lunch or dinner menu, as well as a seasonal raw bar and a full bar for wine and cocktails.

29 North at 83 West

Address: 83 West, 310 Dock Street, Cedar Key, FL, 32625, United States

Website: 29 North at 83 West

Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 11am - 9pm (closed Tue - Thu)

16. Stop by for a drink at Big Deck Raw Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For a fun place to grab a cold drink, be sure to check out Big Deck Raw Bar. Live music is typically available on weekend nights, making this is a great hangout spot during your Cedar Key trip. There is a full bar available, leaving you able to order up your favorite cocktail or beer. The raw bar is also a great place to grab a bite if you haven’t had dinner yet, with menu items that include shrimp po’ boy sandwiches, burgers, and fried oysters.

Big Deck Raw Bar

Address: 331 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Big Deck Raw Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 9pm; Fri & Sat: 11am - 12:30am

17. Check out the souvenirs at Cedar Key Canvas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Grab a unique and handmade souvenir that can only be found in the city. At Cedar Key Canvas, you can create your own totes, purses, backpacks and more, with many sizes and styles to choose from. Aside from canvas, other fabrics such as Sunbrella, tapestry, and cordura are also used. Items can be customized and monogrammed, just be sure to bring your best ideas!

Duffel bags and luggage bags are also available for purchase, allowing you to upgrade your current situation with something that will always remind you of your Cedar Key trip.

Cedar Key Canvas

Address: 4051 D St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Cedar Key Canvas

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

18. Pamper yourself at Mary Inskeep Licensed Massage and Spa Therapy

There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to the pampering experience of a spa treatment or two, but doing so while on vacation is ideal. For the best spa experience in Cedar Key, you’ll want to visit Mary Inskeep Licensed Massage and Spa Therapy. With over 30 years of experience, Mary will help you relax and soothe your tired muscles.

Enjoy massages, salt scrubs, or herbal wraps for detoxification, any of which will leave you invigorated for the rest of your getaway. You can also take home spa products and massage oils handmade with organic ingredients.

Mary Inskeep Licensed Massage and Spa Therapy

Address: 6510 109 Ct, Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States

Website: Mary Inskeep Licensed Massage and Spa Therapy

Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 10am - 6pm; Tue & Thu: 1pm - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 10+ USD

Splendid Cedar Key awaits your arrival

With so many unique places to see in and around Cedar Key, you’ll be hard-pressed to find reasons not to visit. There are many outdoor activities available to show you the beauty of this region of Florida, from rare plant and animal life to historical areas that have been taken back by nature. Visit this island city and add a few of these fun things to do to your itinerary.