Florida is a big and beautiful state that anyone can spend many weekends exploring and not even see a fraction of. While many visitors tend to stick to the bigger cities and more tourist-friendly areas, it’s the small towns too, that bring character to The Sunshine State. The next time you have a weekend free to do what you wish, check out some of the best small towns in Florida and immerse yourself in some of that local charm.

1. DeLand, Florida
DeLand, FL, USA
Flickr Frank DiBona
The charming city of DeLand, Florida in Volusia County was originally founded in 1876. The historic town is known for being filled with character, from the state’s oldest high educational institution - Stetson University to the various art museums and shops. Wander the main street for hours popping in and out of stores and restaurants.
2. Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada, FL, USA
Flickr R9 Studios FL
Whenever you make the trek down to Key West you’ll pass through the village of Islamorada. Encompassing six of the Florida Keys, and known for being a Mecca for fishing and coral reef exploration, this area is always brimming with things to do. Check out the History of Diving Museum or even the Indian Key Historic State Park, complete with ruins from the 1800s.
3. Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin, FL, USA
Flickr Albert Tejera
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida is the small town of Dunedin. What makes Dunedin so special is that it is filled with natural beauty in nearly every direction. From the beaches to the pine forests, the beauty of the Gulf in Honeymoon Island State Park, you can always find something to do outdoors in Dunedin.

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4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, USA
Flickr Rob Olivera
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a small town in Broward County with a population of around 7,000 people. What makes the town such a charming place to visit is its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, without being in the mix of a big city. Known as Florida’s Beach Diving Capital, this town has the first reef of a three-tiered natural coral reef system. Come spend the weekend snorkeling and diving.
5. Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River, FL, USA
Flickr FotoFloridian
Crystal River is a coastal city on the western side of Florida that is popular among locals, especially during the winter months. This small town shelters manatees in the warm spring waters, which is surely a sight to see. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from kayaking to canoeing, swimming, and snorkeling!
6. Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Flickr Steven Martin
Mount Dora, Florida is located in the central part of the state and is known for a wide variety of antique shops, annual events, and festivals. Spending a weekend in Mount Dora is easy and you’ll have a calendar packed with things to do. Come enjoy the Mount Dora History Museum, the Museum of Speed, and so much more.
7. Matlacha, Florida
Matlacha, FL 33993, USA
Flickr Terrence Faircloth
Matlacha, Florida, pronounced Mat-la-SHAY, is a tiny town of fewer than 1,000 people, but so charmingly unique it’s worth a visit. Off the coast of Ft. Myers, this small island community has welcoming energy as soon as you step foot. This colorful town is like a picture postcard and offers shrimping, clamming, crabbing, and more.

How many of the best small towns in Florida have you visited before? Did we leave off any that you think we need to write about? If you love Florida so much that you want to make it home, you should take a look at our list of the best places to live in Florida.

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More to Explore

Explore Florida's Small Towns

Sara Dager | September 15, 2022

What are the most underrated towns in Florida? 

There are a lot of underrated towns in Florida just waiting to be discovered! The great thing about an underrated town is while it may be low on tourists, that doesn't mean it's low on fun and the citizens love seeing a fresh face. We recommend spending some time in the utterly charming Gulfport, Florida This is the kind of town that welcomes everyone and will feel hard to leave when the time comes. The sprawling beaches and waterfront views beg you to set up a chair on the sand and just chill. But there is also great shopping, dining, and some fun nightlife to provide your time there with some variety!

Does Florida have any haunted towns? 

If you are interested in hauntings in Florida, you'll be excited to learn that the psychic capital of the world is located in a Florida ghost town. The charming but creepy town of Cassadaga is home to a multitude of spiritualists, psychics, and other practitioners of the mystic arts. Many claim to have had direct encounters with spirits in this little town, and even if you do not see any apparitions, you will still love your time here. If you want to see a ton of creepy spots in one trip, you can hop in the car for our haunted Florida road trip!

What small towns are the most family-friendly in Florida? 

Florida is possibly the best state to raise a family with all of our stunning beaches, exciting amusement parks, and seemingly endless activities! Pack up those parkas and bring out the swimsuits before you make a move to one of the many family-friendly towns in Florida. With a dynamite name and an A+ rating from Niche, the town of Fishhawk Ranch may be the perfect town for your family. The schools are great, there are gorgeous parks, and the community is friendly and diverse. Another excellent choice for all members of the family would be the charming Nocatee. Nocatee is a planned community that features its own water park but still provides a comfortable suburban feel.

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