24 small Florida towns you should be spending more time in

Ormond Beach

What’s so great about it: The compacted sand beaches in Ormond beach held some of the first automobile races from south Ormond to Daytona Beach. Today tourists are still able to drive their cars directly on the beach. If you’re looking to see more of Florida’s natural scenery make a day out of walking or driving along the Loop is a 30-plus mile trail or check out the fishing scene along the Halifax River.
Where to eat and drink: Hull’s Seafood does not pride itself on ocean views or a fancy atmosphere but instead on serving the freshest seafood available in the market and restaurant. For 30 years Captain Hull has stayed true to his passion and still operates his own blue crab and fishing vessels. Start off with the New England clam chowder and seafood platter prepared in multiple ways and pair it with a side of Hush puppies.
Photo via girl.i.am/Instagram

Punta Gorda

What’s so great about it: This waterfront destination is perfect for visitors looking to chill out unbothered by the busyness of cars and city drama. Royal palms surround tin-covered roofs of pastel houses next to lovely antique shops and a large marina sailors come into. There’s also a military heritage museum full of army memorabilia and historical records. The Peace River Wildlife Center is an outdoorsy area full of wild critters waiting for their photo ops.
Where to eat and drink: Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante has a romantic setting great to finish the night off with perfectly portioned pasta bowls, delicious bruschetta and wine selections. The Village Fish Market Restaurant and Lounge puts you right at sea and offers ocean delicacies such as fish and chips fried to a level of perfection.
Photo via gypsybyjulie/Instagram

Deland

What’s so great about it: Less than an hour outside Orlando sits DeLand, home to Stetson University, Florida’s oldest private college campus and the filming location of Adam Sandler’s Waterboy. Follow a quick browse through the downtown satellite galleries of the DeLand Museum of Art. If you’re really seeking some adrenaline it may surprise you to know that DeLand is known as the “skydiving capital of the world.” With its flat terrain this small town is perfect for those wishing to test the limits.
Where to eat and drink: Stop for dinner at the outstanding Cress Restaurant, we recommend the chef's tasting menu. If you’re not connecting with your inner evil kenevil you can stop by Airport Restaurant, chow down on some Jalapeno poppers and watch as skydivers descend from the sky.
Photo via flo_diggy Instagram

Destin

What’s so great about it: Widely known as the "world’s luckiest fishing village” you can guess what locals spend most of their time doing in this small beachy town. Snuggled against the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida, Destin is encompasses the true look of Florida, with its sugar-white sands and emerald-hued waters.
Where to eat and drink: There no denying you wont find some fantastic seafood grub at any of the restaurants but try the local catch of the day, Boshamps Oyster House. Grab a drink a glass of wine at McGuire's Irish Pub, claiming to have one of the world’s largest Wine cellars.
Photo via some_type_of_kay/Instagram

Flagler Beach

What’s so great about it: Flagler Beach is home to six miles of uncrowded beaches with many great fishing spots for visitors to enjoy including the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. Spend some time finding your inner tourist and check some gift shops, but if you’re feeling like taking a step on the wild side of Florida check out Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area or the 150 acre Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.
Where to eat and drink: Pick your poison, whether it’s a specialty coffee or a mimosa, The Java Joint has it all. So bring you furry friend at this dog-friendly location and enjoy the gentle breeze on the patio.
Photo via ihavethisthingwithflorida/Instagram

Captiva Island

What’s so great about it: Take in all the scenic views as you drive over bridges surrounded by serene blue waters to get to this gorgeous island. The island is perfect for shell picking with plenty covering the ocean’s shore. Sail a boat or take a tour on one over crystal waters which friendly dolphins often ride up to while they jump over the waves. Guided tours with a naturalist while on a canoe are a sure way to get in touch with the local nature.
Where to eat and drink: Keylime Bistro is delicious any time of the day but breakfast is a hit with their corn beef hash and eggs combo. RC Otters Island is the spot to grab some frozen margaritas, glazed ribs and delicious key lime pie.
Photo via Touchdown for Diabetes/Facebook

Apalachicola

What’s so great about it: Tourists seeking an experience of "Old Florida,” Apalachicola is it. Located in the northwest part of the state and at the mouth of the Apalachicola River. Stop by the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, created to preserve its rich maritime history. A variety of educational and recreational boat tours are offered including, eco-tours, kayak trips, sunset cruises, sailing programs, and excursions to pristine barrier islands. Take a stroll down Market Street in downtown Apalachicola and explore a variety of mom and pop gift shops like the Apalachicola Chocalate Company.
Where to eat and drink: The Owl Café sits in the heart of downtown Apalachicola and offers a wide variety of imported dishes to fresh locally-caught seafood. Try the duck confit fries and some oysters since 90 percent of Florida's oysters come from this quaint little town. Pair it with one of the 3,000 wines or beers provided on the menus.
Photo via Apalachicola Riverkeeper/Facebook

Boca Grande

What’s so great about it: This small residential community on Gasparilla Island is home to the best tarpon fishing holes in the world. Stop by the Boca Grande lighthouse, one of the oldest structures on the island. If you’re feeling like taking a beach day, Gasparilla Island, is the way to go with its sugary white sand along the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Where to eat and drink: Stop by for brunch at the Outlet at the Innlet Restaurant which attracts fisherman and families with it property sitting along a waterway. The Pink Elephant or “The Pink” as called by locals for over 60 years. Try the crab-bacon & eggs for lunch or the Thai shrimp for dinner.
Photo via Sunsets in Boca Grande/Facebook

Chipley

What’s so great about it: Chipley is situated along the panhandle just 20 minutes away from Georgia. Nature enthusiasts should check out Falling Waters State Park. The park lies atop a bed of limestone that has been eroded over creating sinkholes and caverns that are found throughout the park. It is also home to the a 73-foot waterfall, the highest in the state. Chipley also happens to have a pretty cool wolf preservation, Seacrest Wolf Preserve, dedicated to wolf and wildlife conservation. Tours of the preservation are available on Saturdays.
Where to eat and drink: After your long day of adventuring, stop by Cancun’s Mexican Grill, for a large variety of tacos and fajitas and wash it down with a margherita.
Photo via Voice of Wolves/Facebook

Niceville

What’s so great about it: Niceville’s Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a one of the few places in Florida where you can see the leaves change for fall. Stop by Turkey Creek Nature Trail for another nature experience or check out the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum, which is free for visitors. They can experience all things aviation from the early days of World War I right through to today’s high tech planes and bombs. If you happen to head over in October you can catch the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival is held annually in Niceville.
Where to eat and drink: Stop by the mom and pop restaurant, Fresh Greece, for some yummy authentic gyros. But, If you’re feeling italian, Tradewinds Imported Foods, offers some of the staple dishes as well as an extensive wine list.
Photo via fabrizioannunzi/Instagram

Stuart

What’s so great about it: This small town in South Florida is known as the “sailfish capital of the world.” It’s a coastal town packed with great beaches such as Bathtub reef and Stuart Beach great for swims and relaxation. There’s also plenty of museums and educational centers to venture through like Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center for under the sea knowledge and Stuart Heritage Museum. If trails and preserves are more your cup of tea, Halpatiokee Regional Park will be a blast providing gators, cranes and Florida foliage.
Where to eat and drink: King Neptune is a local and visitor favorite providing seafood delicacies like their fried conch and fried oysters which are so worth the price.
Photo via City of Stuart CRA/Facebook

Dade City

What's so great about it: Dade city in Pasco County is popular with tourists for its antique stores and restaurants. The city is also host to the annual Kumquat Festival in downtown. They are the largest producer of the tart citrus fruit that is commonly eaten whole. Its also home to the 16 acre Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, which takes an in-depth look at Florida history. Check out the Giraffe Ranch which is not a zoo or theme park but a hands-on game farm and wildlife preserve. You can feed a giraffe, pet a camel, and get right up to rhino and pygmy hippo. This family-owned and operated Ranch is open by reservation only.
Where to eat and drink: Stop where the locals eat at Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant for daily rotating southern dishes at this cafeteria style dining location. Try the oxtails, homemade meatloaf and collard greens that will have you saying “Goood Lawwd Honey Child!”
Photo via Swampy's Florida/Facebook

Fernandina

What’s so great about it: Nestled on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is home to 13 miles of pristine white beaches and clear calm waters. There are a charming collection of bed and breakfasts, historic sites and captivating festivals, such as the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival that features shrimp prepared every way imaginable.
Where to eat and drink: The downtown area offers boutique shopping and some great restaurants to dine that offer spectacular views to catch the sunset, like The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill or Brett’s Waterway Cafe.
Photo via Patriots Make America/Facebook

Micanopy

What’s so great about it: This stunning old, southern town is full of charm from its people to the ancient buildings. Surrounded with oaks and spanish moss roads all over the town, walking there will make you feel as if you’re in the gorgeous scenes of an old timey southern film. Micanopy held parts of the Seminole war as both a place for refuge and then conquest. To learn more about the town’s history, make a stop at the Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve.
Where to eat and drink: Old Florida cafe has delicious soups, rice and bean dishes, as well as cuban sandwiches sure to fuel you up for all the walking you’ll be doing around town.
Photo via Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Sebring

What’s so great about it: Daytona is not the only racing city in Florida. Introducing Sebring, FL, home to the Sebring International Raceway, America’s oldest road racing track established back in 1952. If racing isn’t really your thing you can try one of the various outdoors adventures, such as Lake Istokpoga, Lost Mines of Atlantis, or the Highlands Hammock State Park with nine separate nature trails, including the popular catwalk through a cypress swamp.
Where to eat and drink: Make sure to check out Sebring’s Downtown Historic District, home to a number of boutique stores, galleries, entertainment venues and cafes, like the Garden Cafe At McLane’s Country Garden.
Photo via City of Sebring Information/Facebook

Venice

What’s so great about it: Venice Beach, is widely known for being the "Shark's Tooth Capital of the World” and host the annual Shark's Tooth Festival. It was voted to be one of the top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns by Coastal Living in 2015 and the population largely consists of snowbirds. Make sure to check out, the dog-friendly Brohard Paw Park, if you’re planning on bringing one of man’s best friends.
Where to eat and drink: Make a stop at Darrell’s Restaurant and split the Hungry Heffer, that has ribs, pulled pork, brisket, bbq chicken, cornbread and two sides. Try Caffe Panini, where the food is prepared fresh, ongoing, throughout the day like the mozzarella cheese and focaccia bread. You will also find a diverse selection of wines, and a unique series of beers that are a perfect pairing with a warm pizza.
Photo via Coastal Living/Facebook

Cedar Key

What’s so great about it: Just an hour from Gainesville, this cozy town predominantly lies above stilts on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s full of lovely shops and seafood restaurants for visitors to explore. Preserves, beaches and a pier full of fisherman inside of Cedar Key are great for scenic walks. Head to the Cedar key historical museum to learn of the town’s development before and after the civil war.
Where to eat and drink: Tony’s seafood restaurant offers New England seafood specialities and has a scrumptious Clam Chowder to rave about. For people looking to have some day-drinking fun, the Big Deck Raw Bar is well stocked with cold beer and craft cocktails to get you in the beachy mood.
Photo via bobeeeing/ Instagram

Delray Beach

What’s so great about it: Part of Miami’s metropolitan area, Delray Beach was rated best small town in America in USA Today’s 2012 Best of the Road competition. The city has 2 miles of public beach accessible from A1A and an art walk and free concert every Friday of the month. Check out Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a center for Japanese arts and culture. Atlantic Avenue in Downtown is always a good place to check out at night.
Where to eat and drink: Try Bamboo Fire Café or Granger’s Grill is a tasty burger and sandwich eatery you can swing by just so you know, parking at the municipal beach is $1.50 an hour.
Photo via downtowndelray/ Instagram

Dunedin

What’s so great about it: Dunedin is city in Pinellas County and home to some of the top rated beaches in the world. So if you’re looking for that perfect beach escape head out to the Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island. Or, Caladesi Island State Park. Or check out the 39-mile-long, Pinellas Trail, for bicycle and pedestrian trails. Dunedin is a sister city to Stirling, Scotland and has maintained and embraced its Scottish roots holding the Dunedin Highland Games.
Where to eat and drink: Stop by Kelly’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner and take in the sites of Downtown as you sit outside on the patio. Or, take a tour of the Dunedin Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in the state. Finish off the night with a stop at Strachan’s Ice Cream and Desserts for some homemade ice cream and waffle cones.
Photo via camityndall94/ Instagram

Islamorada

What’s so great about it: On your way to the keys, you’ve probably noticed there’s some small neighboring cities you’ve never bothered to stop by and trust us, huge mistake. This town is surrounded by crystal waters that sport fisherman just love relaxing at until they feel a strong tug. If you want to learn some fun facts about diving, head to the history of diving museum. For all you dolphin lovers out there, swim with them at Theater of the Sea after you finish getting a drink at the Tiki Bar at Holiday Isle.
Where to eat and drink: Get your craft brew game on at the Florida Keys Brewing Company where you can get your flights and pints while enjoying the great breeze as you play tipsy Monopoly. Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar is great for breakfast offering quick service and delicious entrees like their chicken wraps. While in the keys, you must have key lime pie and theirs is a fan-favorite.
Photo via ifestyle_miami/ Instagram