Cedar Key is a charming beach town along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s truly a hidden gem that offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventure, small town island vibes, and natural beauty for a peaceful, quiet getaway. The houses are the most aesthetic shades of pastel and everyone is so friendly and kind. It really feels like you’ve stepped directly inside a Nicolas Sparks movie. Cedar Key is a destination that will surprise you in the best ways. If you’re looking to escape the more crowded, busy coastal towns in Florida, Cedar Key is truly the perfect hidden gem for your summer getaway! Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in Cedar Key, Florida.
Ultimate Guide to the perfect summer getaway in cedar key, florida
How to Get to Cedar Key:
The closest airport is Gainesville Regional Airport, which is about an hour drive to Cedar Key. Also, the Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airports are both about a two hour drive from Cedar Key.
To note: Part of what gives Cedar Key its charm and keeps it from being too crowded is that it’s about an hour away from your nearest “big town.” There’s only one small grocery store in town and most things close early. So if you’re getting in late or want to do a bigger grocery run before you get to your hotel, we recommend stopping in Gainesville, Chiefland or Crystal River (depending on what direction you’re coming from), on your way in.
How to Get Around:
You’ll definitely want to rent a car to get to Cedar Key and see some of the fun things in the surrounding area in Levy County, but once you’re there, be sure to rent a golf cart for a day or two. The town is so small and most people get around by golf cart that it’s a really fun way to experience the small town like a local. We rented golf carts through Cedar Key Golf Carts and Bikes and had a great experience. They offer 2-passenger, 4-passenger, and 6-passenger golf carts along with beach cruisers with rates from 4-hour rentals to a full week rental.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The beauty of Florida is that there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit.Whether you visit in the shoulder season (February and March) or busy summer (June-November), you really can’t go wrong.
THINGS TO DO:
Manatee Springs State Park:
Manatee Springs State Park is about a 40-minute drive from Cedar Key, but it is an absolute must during your visit. It is home to crystal-clear natural springs, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including manatees (in the cooler months). The cypress forests are truly breathtaking, there’s an 800-foot boardwalk that makes it very family-friendly, and a historic river. You can kayak along the spring, explore the nature trails, or take a swim in the refreshing spring waters. You can even glamp here!
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year
Fee: $6 per vehicle
Address: 11650 N.W. 115 St., Chiefland FL 32626
Bronson Blue Springs:
Cedar Lakes Woods and Garden:
After your visit to Bronson Blue Springs, be sure to stop nearby at Cedar Lakes Woods and Garden. It’s a 20-acre botanical garden with waterfalls, koi ponds, and hundreds of different types of plants and flowers. There is a well-marked trail that takes you around the entire garden. You can walk the different levels and go around and explore as you please. The craziest part is that it’s actually someone’s backyard! You can even walk across their back deck! The vegetation here is truly stunning and it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Black Prong Resort
Rent a Kayak:
One of the best ways to explore the waters around Cedar Key is by kayak or canoe. The waters of the Gulf are pretty calm which makes it ideal for kayaking. You can even find guided tour options if you want to go through some of the backwaters. Kayaking is such a fun way to explore this beautiful area, because you never know what nature is going to present to you. You might even see manatees, dolphins, or any number of beautiful birds.
Tidewater Tours:
Take a tour of the island from the water with Tidewater Tours. We always love being out on the water, and it’s such a fun and unique way to see the island. They offer Coastal Tours, Sunset Cruises, and Island Taxis!
Watch Sunset on the Beach:
Cedar Key has some really beautiful, more secluded beaches that are perfect for watching the sunset. We spent the day on a beach near G Street Beach and were practically the only ones there the entire day. The water in Florida is usually pretty warm and it was really calm, so it’s nice and refreshing for all of us to swim in, even with our one-year-old. We also heard from some locals that Airport Beach is a great spot to watch the sunset! Since Cedar Key is on the Gulf side of Florida, you can watch the sunset over the water and it’s such a beautiful way to end your day during your vacation.
where to eat:
The Prickly Palm:
If you’re anything like us, you can’t go to a beach destination without finding a delicious smoothie bowl. The Prickly Palm is the best in Cedar Key in our opinion. Their açai bowls were so fresh and delicious that we went every day we were there!
1842 Daily Grind and Mercantile:
Steamers:
where to stay:
Cedar Key offers so many different options depending on what you’re looking for for your getaway. Whether you want a charming bed and breakfast or a waterfront resort or even camping, you can find it all in Cedar Key.
We stayed at Studio 589 Pelican Vacation Home in Cedar Key and loved it! It’s an updated two-bedroom, one-bath rental home with a spacious living area, full kitchen, and washer/dryer. There’s also a beautiful deck that overlooks the main street in town. It’s right in the heart of town, which makes it easy to walk around and explore. It has very charming, beach home vibes and is easy to make yourself feel right at home while you’re there. There’s even an outside deck with a grill. We love staying at rental homes, especially when we’re traveling with family, because it makes it more flexible for you to be able to make your own meals, do some laundry, and spend more time relaxing.
Whether you want to swim in crystal-clear natural springs, kayak around wildlife, enjoy delicious fresh seafood, or simply relax on the beach, there’s really something for everyone in this charming, quiet coastal town. We absolutely loved visiting Cedar Key and getting to experience the charm that this hidden gem of Florida has to offer. We highly recommend it for a small beach town getaway for the whole family!
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