11 Underrated Florida Towns That Deserve A Second Look
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Victoria W
Author
Florida is full of destinations that are well-known throughout the world, like our tourist-filled theme parks and beaches. But there’s so much more to Florida than most people ever see. To find the really unique parts of the Sunshine State you have to explore our charming small towns. Although there are plenty of great towns that have already been discovered by tourists, we think these lesser-known gems truly deserve your attention.
Grayton Beach is a little, free-spirited beach village in Northwest Florida. Its unofficial motto is "Nice dogs, strange people." Grayton Beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in America, and you won't regret a single day spent here. After you've seen the beach and explored the town, check out Grayton Beach State Park.
The slogan of this town near St. Petersburg is "Keep Gulfport Weird, " and it shows in the colorful buildings and public art that cover the town. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days.
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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.
This small town near Gainesville will delight anyone who loves antique and vintage finds. This town is rich in history and the home of one Florida's best state parks, Paynes Prairie Preserve.
San Antonio, also known as San Ann, located in Pasco County, was established as the center of a Catholic colony in 1881. Other nearby communities include St. Joseph and St. Leo. Visit during the annual rattlesnake festival in October when the town puts on quite a show.
Dade City is the perfect example of sleepy little Southern town. You'll love the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and this town's quirky obsession with the kumquat.
This town in Washington County may be small, but it's big on attractions. Don't miss Falling Waters State Park or Seacrest Wolf Preserve while you're in town.
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This city in Wakulla County started out as Lockchoppe, from the Muskogee words meaning acorn stem, somehow became Sopchoppy, and never looked back. In 2004, the population was 465, and it's home to the annual Worm Grunting Festival.
This town in Gadsden County was established in 1828, named for our sixth president, John Quincy Adams. In its early years Quincy became very prosperous due to a booming tobacco industry.
It's hard not to fall in love with this adorable little town in Alachua County. Here, you'll find stunning natural attractions, excellent restaurants, and lots of antiques to bring home.
White Springs is a town of around 800 in northeast Florida. This town on the Suwanee River has a great historic district and remains of a bath house that was Florida's first tourist attraction. There's also Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, which is especially popular in May during the Florida Folk Festival.
Have you visited any of these tiny towns? What are your favorite small towns in Florida?
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