You don’t have to be a hippie to appreciate a “hippie town.” You know, those delightful little towns full of friendly people and lots of art, music, and opportunities for laid-back fun? Outside of the Keys, this kind of town can be hard to find in Florida, but it’s definitely not impossible.
One of our favorite "hippie towns" in Florida is this small town on our state's west coast.
Gulfport is a small but vibrant city located next to St. Petersburg on Boca Ciega Bay. It has a population of around 12,500 people and a distinctively pleasant, small-town vibe.
Although it isn't technically a beach town, Gulfport has some of the hallmarks of Florida's cutest coastal towns. There are rows of tiny, brightly-colored cottages, some of which have been converted into local shops and restaurants.
A free trolley is available to transport locals and tourists around the shady brick roads. The busiest area is the downtown waterfront, where guests can peruse art galleries and antique shops or dine al fresco and enjoy the warm breezes from the bay.
The culture here is very laid-back and friendly, with frequent events and festivals. The Gulfport Art Walk, where businesses open their doors to celebrate local artisans and craftsmen, takes place year-round on the evenings of the first Friday and third Saturday of the month.
The annual GeckoFest is the city's largest festival that celebrates the end of summer. This year's event (which took place in September) was a celebration of hippie culture that encouraged visitors to break out their bell-bottoms and "get groovy."
The city has also received recognition for its emerging culinary scene, and the Gulfport Fresh Market takes over the historic waterfront district every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
