These 17 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Florida Are Delightful

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

9. Seaside

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, 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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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.