The Sunshine State is much more than just home to busy Orlando and playful Miami. Florida is a beautiful retreat for just about anyone with its all-year-round pleasant weather and an abundance of natural beauty.
Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of humongous cities might wonder what the best small towns in Florida for those who love the outdoors are. And who knows? The tiny havens could even turn out to be the right spots for permanent settlement.
Best small towns in Florida for outdoor fun
Florida is not all about city life. Nature lovers will find solace in knowing that certain places offer what no big metropolis can. A chance to soak up the wonders of Mother Earth and participate in various outdoor activities such as:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
If fun and relaxation are what you are looking for, the following tiny towns of Florida could be for you. Some would even say these are the true gems of The Sunshine State.
DeFuniak Springs
The Victorian vibe of DeFuniak Springs is what makes it popular among history buffs. For a trip down memory lane, the visitors can take a walk through the town’s historic district adorned with houses from the Victorian period.
But the olden days aren’t the only thing DeFuniak Springs is known for. Lake DeFuniak, one of the world’s only two perfectly round lakes, is located precisely here!
The place also offers plenty of opportunities to go fishing, boating, and hiking, making it particularly appealing to travelers and settlers alike.
Venice
Ancient buildings, water canals, and gondolas guiding lovebirds through the streets. Ah, yes – Venice! But wait a second. What does the picturesque Italian city have to do with one of the best small towns in Florida for those who love the outdoors? Apart from the name and the architectural style, nothing.
Venice, FL is an entirely different town than that in Europe! Smaller, sure, but far from boring. The family-friendly Shark Tooth Capital boasts of four mesmerizing sandy beaches where you can go searching for fossils! Shark teeth findings are constantly being reported, especially on Caspersen Beach – hence the alter ego of the place.
However, it’s not only archeology enthusiasts that are bound to have a great time in the area. Those who want to relax can do so by sunbathing, while the wild spirits can participate in an array of water sports. As for those that prefer staying on dry land, golfing might be the right choice.
The heavenly vibe of the place contributes to Venice being a worthy spot to settle in – permanently. If you wish to relocate to this charming little town, you’ll need all the help you can get! People at bestmoversinflorida.com can match you with the top regional movers that can guarantee a pain-free transition.
Mount Dora
If you are in desperate need of tranquility, Mount Dora is the place for you! This tiny settlement built around Lake Dora is a true fisherman’s paradise! Some even refer to it as The Bass Capital of the World. While fishing is the prime activity in this town, there are still plenty of other things to do in Mount Dora.
For starters, you can visit the prominent lighthouse, which is the only lake lighthouse in the whole of Florida. The town is also home to several festivals, including a music one, one dedicated to seafood, and an arts festival. Mount Dora allows the fearless to experience a seaplane journey, as well as a hot air balloon ride.
At the same time, people that admire wildlife can partake in birdwatching in Palm Island Park. As far as traveling in and around the area goes, visitors can opt for Segways, kayaks, pontoon boats, and CatBoats.
Has Mount Dora sparked your interest yet? Are you thinking about swapping your current home for a local one? If so, you’ll surely want to move house with the best help that exists! Finding and hiring reliable movers in Florida may seem overwhelming at first, so using the right sources and databases is a must!
Cedar Key
Talking about the best small towns in Florida for those who love the outdoors without mentioning Cedar Key would be highly unfair to this quaint little haven. Considered by many as the place that resembles old Florida, the town of Cedar Key is host to two annual festivals:
- Cedar Key Fine Arts Festival
- Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Those looking to visit Cedar Key during the festive months will have to make reservations well in advance since the place is usually fully booked during this time. The rest of the year, however, is ideal for anyone looking for a getaway.
As far as recreational activities go, both visitors and residents can participate in lots of them! Fishing is the number one choice of many, with kayaking and birdwatching not far behind!
Cedar Key is easily accessible on foot, which means you can take a stroll to some of the town’s most significant landmarks: Cemetery Point Park and the Faber Pencil Mill ruins.
Destin
Destin is a tiny settlement located on the Emerald Coast. Thanks to its pure, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, the town is an excellent choice for those looking to recharge their batteries. Considering its reputation for being the luckiest fishing village in the worl, it’s no wonder why this hobby is so popular in this town!
Beaches and fishing are undoubtedly the biggest reasons behind Destin’s fame. Still, that’s not everything this town can offer! There are several golf courses, as well as opportunities for snorkeling and parasailing. Families with kids, for example, are particularly interested in dolphin cruises during which they can interact with these lovely creatures.
Even though Destin has become a place filled to the brim with resorts, it still remains one of the most affordable beach destinations in the entire Sunshine State.
…but that’s not all!
The list of best small towns in Florida for those who love the outdoors goes on and on. Places like Islamorada, Captiva, Dunedin, and Anna Maria Island all fit the bill, with each of them being equally exciting as the last. And while choosing the perfect town for you is undoubtedly challenging, knowing that there are no wrong choices should greatly simplify the decision-making process.
