9 Eclectic Small Towns In Florida

Florida is the third largest state by population, and with that, it houses a diverse mix of big cities and more laid back towns within its borders. Although spots like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are undeniably iconic attractions, those who want to experience a different, more unique side of the Sunshine State should look to some of its smaller communities.

From history-filled downtown cores to quiet beaches you simply cannot find in the denser metro areas, stray off the beaten path and explore these eclectic Florida destinations for your next getaway.

Islamorada

Islamorada, a village spanning six islands in the Florida Keys, is a premier destination for a tropical escape. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” it sometimes seems to attract as many anglers seeking sailfish, tarpon, and bonefish, as it does beach goers. Numerous charter boats operate from the area, offering deep-sea and backcountry fishing excursions.

It is also a hotspot for scuba diving, and the History of Diving Museum, which can be found here, highlights the underwater pastime, while the Theater of the Sea is a top spot for the whole family, as it provides interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and rays.

If snorkeling and diving is something you think you’d want to give a try, Islamorada offers access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Alligator Reef, home to vast and vibrant coral formations and seemingly endless species of colorful tropical fish. You can explore the area on land too at destinations like Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, which features trails through ancient coral rock formations. And if a nice beach is all you’re after, Anne’s Beach provides a shallow, calm shoreline that you can kick back on.

Various Hotels and restaurants along the Overseas Highway (the only auto route to the area) come with comfy accommodation with unbeatable oceanfront views, making Islamorada a top choice for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys this year.

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs stands out in a number of interesting ways, not least of which is its surprisingly prominent Greek influence and an almost equally iconic sponge-diving industry.

Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the town is home to the highest concentration of Greek-Americans in the U.S., a heritage that can be seen in its authentic eateries and festivals. There is even a historic Greektown by the waterfront where many of these locales can be found, including the incredibly popular Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. Other landmarks that shine light onto the town’s past, like the Safford House Museum, can be found a short walk away.

Moreover, each year, the Epiphany Celebration draws thousands to watch divers retrieve a cross from Spring Bayou in a traditional Greek Orthodox event.

The nearby Sponge Docks, another main draw, feature boat tours, sponge-diving demonstrations, and shops selling locally harvested sea sponges. If you love aquatic life and still need something else to help kill an afternoon, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium provides interactive exhibits showcasing native species.

Kayak along the Anclote River or visit Fred Howard Park, which offers a sandy beach and coastal wildlife viewing, are two excellent ways to spend some time outdoors.

Micanopy

If you’re in the mood for a quiet place off the beaten path, then this destination may just be for you. Micanopy, often called Florida’s oldest inland town, is known for its historic atmosphere, antique shops, and connection to surrounding natural preserves deep in the center of the state.

Located just south of Gainesville, the town features well curated historic landmarks like the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which will show you a thing or two about the community’s early settlement, with a focus on its role in the Seminole Wars. Micanopy also hosts the annual Micanopy Fall Festival, a fun way to experience the community in Florida’s underrated autumn season with live music and food vendors serving up local dishes.

Nature lovers can explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a short drive away, where wild bison and horses roam the vast grasslands. The park’s observation tower offers 360-degree views of the wildland, while a web of trails will lead you through diverse wetlands and woodlands, notably teeming with birdlife.

Florida City

So named just in case you forget you’re in a city in Florida (not really… I think), Florida City sits south of Miami and stands as a main gateway to Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys. With this in mind, it should be a prime stop for outdoor enthusiasts and road-trippers traveling through the Sunshine State.

Located at the southern end of the Florida mainland, this city provides easy access to the Everglades’ vast wetlands, where you can take airboat tours, spot alligators, and explore trails like the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center offers exhibits and trip-planning resources for the park. Biscayne National Park, known for its coral reefs and mangrove forests, is also within reach, offering opportunities for snorkeling, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Travelers heading to the Florida Keys pass through Florida City on the scenic Overseas Highway, making it a convenient base for exploring South Florida’s unique ecosystems and natural attractions.

Florida City is also renowned for its local produce, and fruit stands and farms line the area. The famous Robert Is Here fruit stand is the biggest draw, with crowds often gathering for its fresh tropical produce and delicious milkshakes.

Mount Dora

Mount Dora delivers a well-rounded travel experience for a variety of interests with its historic landmarks, picturesque lakefront, and budding arts scene. Located in Central Florida, this small town is known for being a great option for you if walkability is important, as its downtown area is somewhat compact and filled with lots of amenities and attractions.

For a more educational outing, the Modernism Museum and Mount Dora Center for the Arts highlight its history and creative side, while the historic Lakeside Inn, operating since 1883, will connect you to the region’s past as well as being a nice nightly accommodation with great views from the shores of Lake Dora.

Lake Dora provides more than just great natural sights. Opportunities for boating and waterfront hiking are abundant here, with guided cruises offering views of wildlife and the historic Dora Canal. For more to do outdoors, Nearby, the Palm Island Park boardwalk allows for pleasant nature walks through cypress trees and Spanish moss.

Mount Dora also hosts several major festivals, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the annual Christmas celebration, which transforms downtown with lights and decorations during the holiday season.

Davenport

Davenport, another underrated town located in Central Florida, serves as a gateway to major attractions while maintaining a quieter, small-town feel between Lakeland and Orlando.

Positioned near Interstate 4, it provides convenient access to Orlando’s theme parks, with Walt Disney World less than 30 minutes away. The town itself has grown in recent years, attracting visitors with its draw, like a huge selection of world-class golf courses, nature preserves, and an all-around relaxed atmosphere.

ChampionsGate, a premier golf resort community, features two Greg Norman-designed courses and upscale dining. For more to do outside, Lake Kissimmee State Park is home to numerous hiking trails, fishing holes, and spots to see native wildlife such as bald eagles and sandhill cranes.

See the area while on the road via the nearby Ridge Scenic Highway, which provides a pleasant drive through Florida’s extensive citrus groves and a collection of historic communities, such as Hillcrest Heights, Frostproof, Highland Park, and more.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda rests along Charlotte Harbor, just north of Fort Myers, and is best known for its waterfront parks, a large historic district, and a famous boating culture, housing some of the biggest marinas in the area.

Be sure to explore the town’s Harborwalk, which stretches for nearly three miles and connects to Fishermen’s Village—a shopping and dining complex with convenient marina access—to numerous scenic parks and piers. Laishley Park, one of its best, offers unobstructed views of the Gasparilla Sound, picnic areas, and an idyllic fishing pier.

The historic district contains restored 19th-century homes, longstanding businesses, and sites like the A.C. Freeman House. Here, the Military Heritage Museum houses exhibits on American military history, while the History Park of Punta Gorda hosts weekly artisan and farmers markets.

Moreover, boaters of all kinds flock here to explore the Peace River and its nearby estuaries, home to dolphins and manatees. For more nature inland, the Babcock Ranch Preserve offers guided eco-tours through Florida’s pine flatwoods and wetlands.

Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach, located on the beautiful Amelia Island near the coastal border with Georgia, makes for an unforgettable escape to the sea. As the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast, it is renowned for its fresh seafood restaurants and having quite a historic downtown to match. For example, the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar, reflects the town’s heritage in its walls dating back to 1903, while the Amelia Island Museum of History provides insight into its past under eight different flags.

The town’s waterfront is the place to go if you’re on the lookout for a fishing charter, a sunset cruise, or a place to launch your boat through the surrounding marshlands. If you’d prefer to stay on land, Fort Clinch State Park, another key attraction in the area, features a well-preserved 19th-century fort, hiking and biking trails, and a pristine beach.

Now onto the seafood, the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrates the area’s deep-rooted shrimping industry with parades, live music, and of course, some of the freshest shrimp you will ever taste.

Winter Garden

On the western outskirts of Orlando is Winter Park, a city that combines a historic downtown with outdoor recreation and a thriving arts scene. The brick-lined streets of Plant Street feature local boutiques, eateries, and the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, which highlights the town’s strong association with Florida’s famed citrus industry. Another notable cultural landmark is The Garden Theatre, a restored 1935 venue, which regularly hosts live performances, concerts, and film screenings.

For a taste of local produce, the Winter Garden Farmers Market, held every Saturday, offers fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music. For craft beer enthusiasts in need of a refreshment in the Florida heat, Crooked Can Brewing Company serves locally brewed selections within the Plant Street Market, a food hall with diverse dining options.

Explore the beauty of this region in a variety of ways on the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved path that runs through downtown, attracting cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Newton Park is another popular greenspace on Lake Apopka, providing fishing docks, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities along Florida’s fourth-largest lake.

Experience All Florida Has to Offer Today

Try something new on for your next Florida getaway! Give Islamorada a go instead of the busier Key West, or stay close to Miami while also being within walking distance to the Everglades at Florida City. The amount of alternative destinations within the Sunshine State that simply don’t get enough attention is staggering, but with this knowledge in mind, you can truly make a memorable trip for yourself with this eclectic mix of towns.