Florida has a lot of history to cherish and proudly showcase. Whether you’re familiar with Florida’s history or not, one way to pay homage to it is to visit these 13 sleepy small towns. Not only do things never really seem to change, but the pace and feel of these small towns has already held a timeless reverie. See for yourself how these wonderfully historic small towns in Florida stack up.

1. Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon
Cedar Key is one of those timeless, old-fashioned towns that give off an easy-going energy and simple spirit. Wander through the downtown area and pop into the souvenir shops and art stores and get a feel for what this small town has to offer.
2. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA
Flickr/Aaron Frutman
What makes Anna Maria Island so timeless is the same thing that makes us all honor and respect it. The strict regulations that govern this barrier island do not allow buildings and businesses, which means it remains almost as an untouched part of the world for all to enjoy. The downtown area too, is worth exploring, especially when you hop on the free trolly or stroll City Pier, which dates back to the early 1900s.
3. DeFuniak Springs, Florida
DeFuniak Springs, Defuniak Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/JR P
DeFuniak Springs is the quintessential Old Florida Town. Not only is this sleepy small town filled with exciting railroad history dating back to the 1880s, but they have the oldest library in the state, which is still open and serving the public. If that doesn’t qualify as timeless, I don’t know what does.
4. Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin, FL, USA
City of Dunedin Florida - Government/Facebook
Dunedin is one of the oldest towns on the west coast of Florida, and perhaps one of the most charming. The town’s heritage and history are what make it so unique, especially when you see how Florida’s oldest primary seaport and trading spot functions. Visit during the annual Scottish festival for a most unique experience.
5. Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River, FL, USA
Facebook/Discover Crystal River Florida
This central Florida town is beloved by visitors from all over the world, especially those who are looking to have a special experience with nature. The eponymous springs are what make the town so darn cool, but also the timeless town pride that too, is worth celebrating. In case we didn't make it abundantly clear, we just love Crystal River!
6. Captiva Island, Florida
Captiva Island, Florida 33924, USA
TripAdvisor/The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel
The sister island of Sanibel, Captiva Island could possibly be one of the most stunning towns in Florida. Visitors come from all over to spend time on Captiva Island—capturing sunsets, walking the white, sandy beaches, and enjoying the timeless, tropical appeal.

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7. Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
Flickr/JR P
The "Oyster Capital of the World," Apalachicola is a charmingly small fishing town in the Florida panhandle that offers a timeless town feel for all who visit. Enjoy a bit of fishing history in Apalachicola, while also exploring the unspoiled, cherished parts of the Florida coast.
8. Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada, FL, USA
Flickr/John Baker
If you’ve ever driven down to The Keys then you've surely seen a sign for Islamorada. The next time through, make sure to stop. Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, this is a Florida island paradise that boasts gorgeous views and sensational sunsets at every turn.
9. Micanopy, Florida
Micanopy, FL, USA
Flickr/Allen Forrest
In the small town of Micanopy, everything has seemingly stood still. This sleepy little town is a history lesson for many visitors, as well as a special part of the Sunshine State. With dozens of antique vendors and unique places to check out, this timeless small town is worth a gander.
10. Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/Jill Bazeley
Just 45 minutes from beautiful St. Petersburg you’ll find the waterfront town of Tarpon Springs. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Tarpon Springs solidified its place in history by being the sponge capital of the world. History AND charm. What more could you ask for?
11. Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA
Flickr/Allen Forrest
On the northeastern border of Florida, you’ll find the quaint town of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Easily one of the most walkable downtown areas in Florida, Fernandina Beach is a charmingly timeless town boasting boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, and tons of pristine beach access.
12. Seaside, Florida
Seaside, FL 32459, USA
Flickr/Luca Sartoni
Seaside, Florida, is the kind of town where you can strap on your walking shoes or bring a bike and see everything at your own pace. With charming, quaint cafes and vendors decked out in Airstream trailers, one visit to Seaside and you’ll understand why this relaxed beach town is a popular spot for many visitors.
13. Matlacha, Florida
Matlacha, FL 33993, USA
Flickr/Terence Faircloth
Perhaps one of the more timeless places in the state, Matlacha is equal parts quirky, eccentric and time-honored. This small town is what happens when a fishing village attracts tons of artists to all live in Bohemian creative harmony.

Ready to keep this list going? Add your favorite sleepy small towns in Florida to the list in the comments section!

Or if you want to learn more about a particular timeless town, check out this coastal town that might be the most charming place in Florida.

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Small towns in Florida

Sarah M. | September 20, 2022

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We mentioned it briefly above, but Seaside is a small beach town in Florida that holds a special spot in our hearts. Seaside is a unique waterfront community in Florida that has quietly become one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the state. In addition to incredible boutiques, charming retailers (including an independent bookstore and record shop), and an adorable grocery, the town's Central Square is home to a world of cuisine, from fine dining restaurants to a lineup of food trucks on Airstream Row, and has been listed as one of the most beautiful spaces in the world. The location of the picture-perfect town of Seahaven in "The Truman Show," Seaside is one of the most idyllic coastal locales in the country; and unlike its fictional counterpart, Seaside is the real deal and as good as it gets.

What's the most historic of all the small towns in Florida?

St. Augustine often gets overshadowed by Florida's big names like Miami and Orlando, but this town really does deserve your attention. The epitome of Old Florida, St. Augustine is a place of fascinating history and culture. Dating back 450 years, St. Augustine is one of the country's oldest and most historic cities, and places like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument celebrate its legacy. But the town is more than just historical sites and museums; its downtown district along Aviles Street -- the oldest street in the country, in fact -- has amazing local shops, incredible restaurants, and top-rated distilleries, making for a wholly delightful experience.

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