15 Beautiful Small Towns In Florida - Updated 2024

1. Safety Harbor (from USD 179)

Safety Harbor is a city located east of Clearwater and on the west shore of Tampa Bay. It may not be as famous as other cities in the state but that’s actually one of its charms as you won’t find any crowded areas here even during holiday seasons. Aside from its tranquil small town appeal, Safety Harbor is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts as it features beautiful sceneries and a whole lot of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and more. Some of the top tourist draws here include a natural mineral spring called Espiritu Santo Springs, a nature lover’s haven called the Upper Tampa Bay Park, and the Waterfront Park.

There are plenty of dining and shopping options as well. As for accommodation, you’ll have lots of options to choose from including the Candlewood Suites.

2. Vero Beach (from USD 154)

Located on the central Atlantic coast of Florida, Vero Beach may be a small city but it’s large when it comes to tourism. Its direct access to the great Atlantic pretty much means the city is blessed with some of the best beaches in the state and even the country. It’s also a popular destination for professional anglers as fishing opportunities are everywhere—from straight-up off-the-beach and dock fishing to deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic.

For retail therapy and some great dining experience, you’ll find a whole lot of options everywhere in the city including two shopping malls in the downtown area. Comfortable accommodations are pretty easy to find as well, For one of the most relaxing stays in Vero Beach, check out Prestige Hotel.

3. Pompano Beach (from USD 235)

Located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Pompano Beach is another small city along the eastern coast of The Sunshine State. It’s really not surprising that most of the visitors here come for the picturesque white sandy beaches, some of the most amazing dive sites, and of course, the world-class fishing the city offers.

Aside from the top-notch water sports and stunning sceneries, Pompano beach also offers a wide range of excellent dining and shopping options and a myriad of entertainment. If ever you’re planning a vacation in this wonderful coastal city, ensure that you have a comfortable place to stay by booking a room at Residence Inn.

4. Jupiter (from USD 129)

Jupiter is a town in the northernmost part of Palm Beach, Florida. It’s known as one of Florida’s hidden gems as it’s not as crowded as other more popular beach destinations in the state but its natural beauty and attractions are at par with the best. Some attractions of note include the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, the Bowing Rock Preserve, and the Loxahatchee River.

Of course, for such a beautiful destination, one can rightfully assume that the town also offers various dining and shopping options. The same goes with accommodations as the town features a whole lot of beautiful vacation homes, hotels, and inns including Jupiter Waterfront Inn.

5. Winter Park (from USD 249)

Winter Park is a beautiful city in Orange County, Florida just north of Orlando. Known as a nature lover’s dream destination, the city is blessed with natural beauty all around—from the pristine chain of lakes to the well-maintained botanical gardens and picturesque parks dotted with trees.

This small town in Florida is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and quaint small-town charm, perfect for those who need respite from their stressful big city living. And if you ever want to ensure a memorable vacation in Winter Park, be sure to book a stay at Hilton Garden Inn.

6. Fernandina Beach (from USD 330)

Situated on the tranquil Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a cute town in Florida and an idyllic coastal community that affords visitors breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean and mesmerizing sunsets over the Amelia River. The landscape boasts 13 miles (20.9 km) of pristine beaches and is filled with majestic trees, abundant wildlife, eclectic restaurants, and boutique shops. The Amelia Island Museum of History is a great place to explore. Residing in a historic jail, this museum display 4,000 years of Florida’s intriguing history.

7. Crystal River (from USD 172)

You can’t help but fall in love with the western Florida town of Crystal River. Boasting warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lovely spring-fed rivers, top-notch fishing, and abundant lakes, Crystal River makes an alluring and peaceful getaway. The true highlight is the world-famous Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that shelters the gentle manatee. Don’t miss the chance to view these amazing marine mammals in natural spring waters. Just 90 miles (144.8 km) from Orlando, visitors can uncover a different level of enchantment at the Crystal River.

8. Cedar Key

Cedar Key is an island town off the northwest coast of Florida and on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Cedar Key oozes with small-town charms and pretty seaside beauty. You won’t find much bustling action in Cedar Key, in fact, police officers patrol the town in spruced-up golf carts. What you will find is lots of sandy beaches, verdant natural preserves, and loads of fishing opportunities. It’s easy to find a bowl of hot creamy clam chowder and a cold bottle of beer in serene and beautiful Cedar Key.

9. Dunedin (from USD 197)

Brimming with unspoiled beauty, Dunedin is comprised of 4 miles (6.43 km) of picture-perfect waterfront, as well as a forested and subtropical terrain. A feast for the eyes, Dunedin is one of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida and proudly displays its Scottish roots with annual festivals and celebrations. A main draw to the area is the ospreys of Honeymoon Island State Park. If you want to enjoy some water recreation, the mangroves of Caladesi Island, State Park is the perfect place for kayakers.

10. Stuart (from USD 89)

Lovely Stuart is found on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. This delightful town’s been called the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, offering plenty of chances for inshore as well as offshore fishing. Visitors should also check out ‘The House of Refuge’ at Gilbert’s Bar, a renovated home once used as a shelter for shipwrecked sailors in the early 20th century. Nature fans will enjoy the array of birds at Seabranch Preserve State Park which offers lots of scenic trails and a wonderful butterfly garden. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is also a must, showcasing a nesting area for sea turtles!

11. Williston (from USD 40)

If you want to drink in Florida’s unique and historic architecture, ride an elephant, stroll lush botanical gardens, or swim in sparkling fresh water then Williston is the place to be. Known as “The Gateway to the Nature Coast”, Williston offers miles (km) of beautiful scenic roads, many pastoral farms, and lots of exciting recreational activities. Top attractions include Two Tails Ranch, an elephant refuge, and Devil’s Den Spring, offering scuba diving in a pre-historic spring!

12. Apalachicola (from USD 186)

Awash in maritime history, Apalachicola is one of the best small towns to visit in Florida. It is a tiny coastal town filled with fresh seafood from a variety of world-class eateries, a platoon of weather-worn shrimp boats along the wharf, and several stately historical structures. The pace of Apalachicola is leisurely and the locals are friendly.

Apalachicola offers a pleasant mix of hip culture and fun outdoor diversions. Explore fine art galleries, extraordinary restaurants, and dazzling music venues, or experience Mother Nature first hand by taking advantage of Apalachicola’s network of scenic nature trails.

13. DeFuniak Springs (from USD 114)

Picturesque DeFuniak Springs is nestled in the heart of northwest Florida. DeFuniak Springs offers a rich history filled with a Victorian-era ambiance. History buffs can explore a charming collection of fantastic structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy snorkeling at the sparkling Holmes Creek enhanced by age-old cypress and gum trees along the shore. Relax and relish the beauty of Lake DeFuniak, one of the two nearly perfectly round circular spring-fed lakes in the world! For wine lovers, a visit to the Chautauqua Winery should be on your must-do list.

14. Tarpon Springs (from USD 77)

Located in central Florida along the shores of the Gulf Coast of Mexico, Tarpon Springs is one of the most charming Florida towns that boasts a plethora of fish in its shimmering waters and a great legacy of the Greek sponge divers settling in the town in the early 1900s. Evidence of the heavy Mediterranean influence is in Tarpon Springs’ many Greek restaurants lining the inviting waterfront. Check out tourist hot spots like Tarpon Springs Aquarium where visitors are able to view up close a fine display of Gulf Coast marine life. You can pet a python or turtle and witness exciting alligator and shark feedings!

15. Captiva (from USD 319)

Captiva is just a sliver of an island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but it’s a magical destination filled with plenty of outdoor splendor: hiking, biking, bird watching, sailing, and every other water recreation. Blissful Captiva is only an hour’s drive from Fort Myers but it seems a world away with its secluded feel, tranquil vibe, and drop-dead gorgeous atmosphere. If you’re searching for a far-flung respite with plenty of jaw-dropping views, Captiva is definitely the right direction to head out to.

Florida's small-town beauty

Florida is a top travel spot for many reasons. Now that you know there’s much more to Florida than big-city theme parks and glitzy nightlife, check out the gentler side of The Sunshine State and discover that Florida’s small towns can offer not just arresting beauty but big, pleasing rewards.