Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Florida or planning your first visit, these quaint small towns in Florida should be on the top of your list of things to see. Each one has its own rich history, unique charm, and lots of natural beauty. Pick any one (or several) of these and make your travel plans today.

1. Mt. Dora
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
One of the better-known small towns in Florida, Mount Dora offers a glimpse of Old Florida, even though it's only an hour outside of Orlando. Bed and breakfasts, antique shops, unique restaurants, and gorgeous historic homes are some of its biggest attractions.
2. Apalachicola
Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
Flickr/JR P
One of our favorite charming small towns to visit in Florida, this friendly little fishing town in the Panhandle produces some of the best seafood in the state (and 90% of our oysters). As if that weren't enough, nearby St. George Island is a true hidden gem.
3. Dunedin
Dunedin, FL, USA
Flickr/Tracy Solomon
Dunedin in Pinellas County has a lot to offer packed into a small city. It has fascinating Scottish roots and traditions, as well as a popular Mardi Gras celebration. If you visit, check out the historic Jazz Age hot spot, the Fenway Hotel, and Florida's oldest microbrewery, Dunedin Brewery. Also, don't forget to spend a day at one of the best beaches in Florida at Caladesi Island State Park.
4. St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Flickr/Scott Smith
Though its surrounding areas have become quite popular, America's oldest city has maintained its small size and a lot of its historic authenticity. Highlights include many museums, restaurants, and spectacular examples of architecture, as well as the oldest fort in the country and an alligator farm.
5. Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/Walter
One of the charming small towns to visit in Florida, visitors can't help but fall in love with the old-world charm of this Greek sponging town located about 45 minutes from Tampa. Historic buildings, antique stores, and a scenic waterfront make this a perfect vacation spot.
6. Winter Park
Winter Park, FL, USA
Flickr/Glen Lubbert
This small city in Central Florida has some of the coolest museums, parks, gardens, shopping, historic sites, and festivals in the area.
7. Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA
Flickr/Steven Martin
Those of us in North Florida already know and love this town, located on Amelia Island. Of course, there is a lovely beach, but the quaint historic downtown, with upscale shopping and dining, really earns it a place on our list of quaint small towns in Florida.
8. DeLand
DeLand, FL, USA
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
This city in Volusia County has tons of lovely historic buildings, like the Athens Theatre seen here, which was built in 1921. Its nickname is "The Athens of Florida," and it's home to the Museum of Art - DeLand and Stetson University.

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9. Seaside
Seaside, FL 32459, USA
Flickr/JR P
Though technically not a "town," this planned community in Walton County with its cookie-cutter beach houses was the setting for the 1998 film The Truman Show. Seaside doesn't look like most of the other towns on this list, with their historic homes and shops, but it does have its own prim charm.
10. Stuart
Stuart, FL, USA
Flickr/Mitch Kloorfain
Stuart, located north of Palm Beach on Florida's Treasure Coast, calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World. Fishing isn't the only thing to do here, however. Visitors will swoon for the historic downtown, neat museums, and every kind of water activity imaginable.
11. Lake Placid
Lake Placid, FL 33852, USA
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Lake Placid is famous for a few things (which is a lot for such a small town). This town in Highlands County is known as the Town of Murals, as well as the Caladium Capital of the World. If you don't know what a Caladium is, just look them up. If you're from Florida, you'll definitely recognize them. Oddly enough, there's also a clown college here. There's really something for everyone in this unique Florida town.
12. Niceville
Niceville, FL, USA
Facebook/Niceville Fla
This small town in Florida is just, well, nice. If you're thinking of moving to the state, consider this town in the Panhandle. It's home to interesting wildlife, friendly folks, and the famous Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival.
13. Cedar Key
Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
Lara Cerri via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Cedar Key is a beloved and historic city about an hour southwest of Gainesville. This tiny city with charming shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts is a wonderful place to experience Old Florida.
14. Chipley
Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Flickr/Olin Gilbert
Not only is this town in the Panhandle cute as a button, but it also has historic or natural beauty everywhere you turn. Don't miss Florida's tallest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park or the majestic creatures at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve.
15. Matlacha
Matlacha, FL 33993, USA
Flickr/Don Johnson 395
This brightly colored town (technically a census-designated place) is one of the five communities of greater Pine Island. This charming Old Florida town of fewer than 700 people has unique boutiques, seafood restaurants, and art galleries to delight visitors of all ages.
16. Micanopy
Micanopy, FL 32667, USA
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
This small town near Gainesville will delight anyone who loves antique and vintage finds. Micanopy is rich in history and the home of one of Florida's best state parks, Paynes Prairie Preserve.
17. DeFuniak Springs
DeFuniak Springs, Defuniak Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/JR P
This charming Florida town is located between Pensacola and Tallahassee and is full of small-town charm. It features many beautiful Victorian homes and the state's oldest library that is still in operation.

Have you been to any of these towns? What are your favorite small towns in Florida? Please share your comments with us below! If these charming Florida towns inspired you to get outside and do a little exploring, gas up the car and take this road trip to some of the most scenic towns in Florida.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Florida

Jackie Ann | September 21, 2022

What is the most naturally beautiful town in Florida?

With over 8,000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in America, you can rest assured that there are plenty of naturally beautiful towns in Florida to explore. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but Boca Grande might just be the most naturally beautiful town in Florida.  Located on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida, this beach town still maintains that Old Florida charm so many of us have come to appreciate. Famous for its beautiful banyan trees, this historic district is a delightfully charming spot to spend a day strolling around, admiring the architecture and the historic homes. Nature lovers will also want to visit Gasparilla Island State Park for even more natural scenery, just remember this state park closes for one month every year in August. 

Which town in Florida has the best restaurants?

Some of the best meals you’ll ever have are found in small towns and that’s certainly the case in Florida. Charming little towns like Mount Dora, Gulfport, and Fernandina Beach are all home to locally owned restaurants where you can feast on everything from juicy burgers to fried seafood platters. One town, in particular, is a must-stop for food lovers, and that’s Dade City. This charming town has a lot of history behind it, but it’s the restaurant scene that’s the best-kept secret here. The main drag of town is dotted with all sorts of restaurants and each one offers something totally unique that you won’t find anywhere else. 

What is the oldest town in Florida?

Founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine is the oldest town in Florida, but it’s also the oldest continuously inhabited city in the entire country. Honorable mentions include Pensacola (1821), Fernandina Beach (1825), and Marianna (1828). These are some of the oldest towns in Florida, and each one boasts a charming historic district, fascinating museums, unique shopping opportunities, and tons of family-friendly activities that the younger folks will enjoy. 

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