In our opinion, Florida is one of the best states for road trips. There’s an endless array of scenic outdoor fun, incredible restaurants, quaint shops, and roadside attractions that anyone with a few days off and a sense of adventure can enjoy. We’ve previously brought you several possible routes, from The Ultimate Central Florida Road Trip to this terrifying trek through some of Florida’s most haunted places. The real heart of Florida, however, is in its charming small towns that invite us to explore nature and other cultures, all while bringing our state’s history alive. This road trip is certain to make your next vacation or free weekend unforgettable. Check out some of the best small towns in Florida all on one trip.

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1. Cedar Key
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon
Facebook/Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast
Cedar Key is an old-fashioned fishing village in Levy County that's famous for the best clams in the state (and possibly the world). Explore the local wildlife or spend hours strolling the historic streets lined with shops and restaurants. Tip: Stay in the Victorian-era Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast. It's so quaint, you'll feel like you're staying in a life-sized dollhouse.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: Cedar Key, FL
2. Crystal River
Flickr/Steven Martin
Facebook/Kings Bay Lodge
This town on the Nature Coast is well-known as the best place in Florida to see (or swim with) the manatees. This town also has plenty of historic buildings and peaceful parks for families to enjoy. Tip: Check out King's Bay Lodge for an affordable yet unforgettable stay. They'll help you plan every activity you might want to try.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: Crystal River, FL
3. Tarpon Springs
Flickr/Art

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Flickr/Richard Elzey
Next, we'll head south to a town that feels like another world. Tarpon Springs is a coastal Greek community in Pinellas County, famous for its sponge docks. Tarpon Springs was once a popular winter spot for the wealthy, so take a drive and see the Victorian houses in the town's historic district. Tip: Check out the Hellas Restaurant for a taste of the authentic Greek cuisine this town is famous for. Don't leave without stocking up on goodies from the bakery, too.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: Tarpon Springs, FL
4. Mount Dora
Flickr/Bengt
Flickr/Jared
The minute you step foot in this quaint Central Florida town, it will become one of your favorites. This town is famous for its shopping opportunities, especially antiques. You have to stay in the iconic Lakeside Inn at least once because at over 130 years old, this is the longest continuously running hotel in Florida. Tip: If you know someone who is obsessed with old-fashioned trains, book a ride on the Orange Blossom Cannonball. It takes passengers back in time on a wood-burning steam locomotive.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: Mount Dora, FL
5. DeLand
Flickr/Frank DiBona
Facebook/Stetson Mansion Tours
As we continue our path to the east, our next stop is this adorable little town in Volusia County. Stroll downtown DeLand for boutiques, antiques and delicious treats. Not to mention the beautiful murals and historic buildings that give the town its unique charm. If you love the outdoors, cool off with a swim at nearby De Leon Springs State Park. Tip: Tour the jaw-dropping Stetson Mansion, Florida's first luxury home.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: DeLand, FL
6. St. Augustine
Flickr/Nancy Nally
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Last, but certainly not least, we'll visit the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, walk the narrow old roads lined with all kinds of shops and restaurants, visit dozens of museums and historic sites, and explore the unspoiled beaches of Anastasia Island State Park. Tip: As the oldest city in the country, it makes sense that St. Augustine would also be one of the most haunted. Check out a haunted walking tour for a fun way to learn more about the city.
Click here for more information about this Florida small town.
Address: St. Augustine, FL

All good things must come to an end, including our epic road trip through the best small towns in Florida. If you’re looking for more charming small towns, check out our list of the 17 Most Picturesque Small Towns In Florida.

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In Florida

Marisa Roman | October 11, 2020

Where is the best place to live in Florida?

This small town road trip through Florida might have you questioning where the best place to live would be. Whether it’s small towns or the cities, Florida has some pretty wonderful places to live. While this question might cause some commotion among Florida residents, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that Cedar Key, Florida is the best place to live, not just because of the community spirit and waterfront access, but also because there are tons of restaurants and small-town charm.

What is the largest city in Florida?

Are you over the small towns in Florida? Looking to go bigger? If you want a quick getaway in Florida and prefer a large city, then we recommend going to Miami, which is considered the most populous city with 5.5 million residents. However, if you want to know the largest city in Florida in terms of size, then check out Navarre, Florida which is 84.83 square miles.

Which town in Florida has the best restaurants?

If you’re anything like us and you choose places to visit in Florida that revolve around food, then you’ll like this next answer. One of the best small towns with the best food options is Apalachicola, Florida. This authentic fishing village is famous for fresh oysters, but it’s really the easy seafood options that make this a great place to eat. So many delicious seafood options in one small village.

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Featured Addresses
St. Augustine, FL, USA
DeLand, FL, USA
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
Crystal River, FL, USA
Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA