The only thing that can compare to Florida’s small towns is our state’s natural beauty. We’re not just talking about cute coastal communities, but the little-known rural towns that most tourists have never heard of. One of the best examples is the small town of Williston.
The town of Williston in North-Central Florida is really tiny (fewer than 3,000 people live there), yet its residents are especially lucky. Why? Because this itsy-bitsy town is surrounded by some of Florida's most beautiful hidden gems.
There may not be a lot of excitement in this small town (outside of a few shops and restaurants and an annual peanut festival), but there's a reason Williston is called the "Gateway To The Nature Coast."
First of all, there's the ethereal beauty of Devil's Den, an underground spring with a natural window that lets in the sunlight. It's only open to divers and snorkelers, but you lessons are available.
If you prefer your adventures to be on land, you can spend the day at Williston's Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, a unique and relaxing attraction with more than 100 species of plants built in an old quarry.
Nearby Gainesville is home to another gorgeous natural attraction, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. The upcoming spring festival (March 18th and 19th) is the perfect time to check out this local treasure.
This area is also home to one of North Florida's most beautiful parks, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy. Here, you can catch a glimpse of some of Florida's most fascinating wildlife, including birds, alligators, bison, and wild horses.
