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In a 2023 survey by the University of Florida, participants who recently visited the Sunshine State shared their most memorable trip experiences, revealing that most were likely to list 鈥�Disney and fun鈥� as highlights. And while theme parks are undeniably among Florida鈥檚 top tourist attractions, roller coasters are certainly not the only way to have fun in this coastal state. In smaller Florida towns, you can find some of the prettiest beaches, the most exciting festivals, and the best state parks in the country. With adorable historic downtowns, exotic botanical gardens, and so much more, a visit to any of these cute Florida towns in 2024 promises an unforgettable experience.

Coral Gables

Less than 30 minutes from Miami, Coral Gables is a much smaller oasis with its own compelling charms. As one of the country鈥檚 first major planned communities, the town is truly picture-perfect, with a cohesive beauty and dazzling array of architecture. We owe these Instagram-worthy views to George Merrick, the real estate developer who orchestrated the planning and development of the town in the 1920s. His original vision for Coral Gables centered on a Spanish and Mediterranean vibe, visible in opulent landmarks like the Biltmore Hotel (built in the Mediterranean Revival style) and the town鈥檚 iconic Venetian Pool. The spring-fed swimming pool is known for its majestic grottos and waterfalls, as well as the Spanish-style buildings surrounding it. One might think that a pool this luxurious would be private, but luckily, it has transported the public to Spain since 1923.

Elsewhere in town, families can enjoy strolling the 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, another Coral Gables landmark that draws in big crowds. The garden features exhibits showcasing more than 3,000 species of plants and animals, including exotic butterflies at the Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit. Families with young children will also appreciate The Children鈥檚 Garden, an area for kids to play and explore. Coming up this summer, the garden will also host its annual Mango Festival on July 13th to 14th, 2024. In celebration of the mouth watering tropical fruit, guests can expect mango tastings, mango-inspired classes, live music, and much more.

Williston

Over on Florida鈥檚 Nature Coast, Williston is a breathtaking, alebeit more laid-back cousin to Coral Gables. And instead of mangoes, Williston celebrates a different refreshing fruit: the watermelon. This June 15th, 2024, the town will host its 1st annual Williston Watermelon Festival at Heritage Park. Entry is free, and attendees can enjoy the day鈥檚 festivities, with food trucks, local vendors, and complimentary watermelon tastings.

Similar to Coral Gables, Williston also boasts a gorgeous botanical garden. Set in an old lime rock quarry, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens has lush tropical greenery, cascading waterfalls, a cactus garden, and numerous nature trails and picnic spots to take in all the sights. Finally, in lieu of Coral Gables鈥� Venetian Pool, Williston has its own iconic waterhole. The Devil鈥檚 Den Spring is a prehistoric karst cavern with ancient boulder formations and fossil beds dating back to the Pleistocene Age. Visitors can book ahead to scuba dive or snorkel to see the magnificent views of this underground prehistoric spring.

Palatka

Gorgeous gardens and exciting festivals can also be appreciated in river towns like Palatka. Situated on a bend along the St. Johns River, like the previous towns on this list, Palatka has a lot going on in 2024. While their annual Blueberry Festival just recently passed on April 27th, there are tons of other events to look forward to, like the upcoming Palatka Blue Crab Festival on May 24th to 26th. Held in downtown Palatka along the waterfront, this family-friendly festival has free entry and will feature food trucks, vendors, carnival rides, a petting zoo, a seafood cook-off, and national headliners like Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Trick Daddy.

Even outside of festival season, Palatka offers plenty to explore, such as the enchanting Ravine Gardens State Park. This 59-acre park is named after its two colossal 120-foot-deep ravines, which can be traversed via the leisurely 2-mile Ravine Loop Trail, the 0.6-mile Springs Trail, or the more challenging 2.5-mile Azalea Trail. Although the Azalea Trail presents more demanding terrain with narrow paths and steep elevations, the reward is well worth the effort, as the suspension bridges provide unparalleled views of the ravines.

St. Augustine

For those who appreciate cute historic towns and live music in the summertime, historic St. Augustine offers the best of both. As the "Nation鈥檚 Oldest City,鈥� St. Augustine is renowned for its Old Florida charm, with highlights like historic St. George Street. With its cobblestone road effortlessly transporting visitors back in time, visitors can stroll this central stretch or learn more about the area from guides on The Old Town Trolley tour. The tour showcases some of the town鈥檚 oldest historic structures, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the nation's very first Catholic church, erected in 1797. This is also the venue for the St. Augustine Music Festival, a 6-series concert taking place on the weekends of June 21st and June 28th, 2024.

For those who like R&B, disco, folk, classic rock, or pop, St. Augustine鈥檚 Music and Art by the Sea is another enticing concert option. Starting May 22, 2024, and continuing every Wednesday until June 25th (and then from August 14th to September 25th), visitors can enjoy free live music at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Bring a picnic, set up your lawn chairs, and immerse yourself in an evening of free live performances, all while being serenaded by the soothing waves of the Atlantic.

Vero Beach

Much like St. Augustine, Vero Beach is a vibrant center of arts and culture. This July, 2024, the town will host the highly anticipated Vero Beach International Music Festival, featuring 3 folk and jazz concerts, with appearances by several Grammy-winning artists. While visiting, the Vero Beach Museum of Art is also a must-see, showcasing art exhibitions from across the country, including a captivating sculpture garden. In the evenings, the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach offers a delightful way to conclude your day with a captivating show.

In addition to its thriving arts scene, this Treasure Coast town is home to 26 miles of tranquil shoreline. From South Beach Park to Golden Sands Beach Park, the shores are super spacious and pleasantly uncrowded, offering the perfect Florida beach experience without the hassle of battling for a spot to soak up the sun. The McKee Botanical Garden is also a stunning Vero Beach attraction, seamlessly blending nature and art. With its award-winning exhibitions and enchanting Children鈥檚 Garden, this 18-acre botanical paradise is a whimsical tribute to Florida鈥檚 tropical landscapes.

Cedar Key

Over on Florida鈥檚 Nature Coast, Cedar Key is one of the best spots in the state to slow down and reconnect with the great outdoors. The island town is known for the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, whose 13 offshore islands are famous for their scenic trails and rare birding opportunities. Nature enthusiasts can rent gear from Kayak Cedar Keys before paddling out to explore the islands in all their glory. But if you would prefer to enjoy a more mellow trip through the refuge, Cedar Key Boat Rentals offers some great island tours that allow you to sit back, relax, and take in the sights.

If you plan to visit this charming cluster of islands in early June, make sure to mark your calendar for the Road to Cedar Key Festival, a 2-day live music event on June 9th and 10th. Later in the year, the Cedar Key Seafood Festival will also take place in late October, just in time for the stone crab season. In addition to sampling some of the freshest seafood you can get your hands on, the festival offers guests the reward of a visit to historic Seahorse Key. Normally closed from the public due to bird nesting, festival attendees can take a shuttle boat from downtown to tour the island and its historic 1854 lighthouse.

Everglades City

Everglades City is another town ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature and appreciate a slower pace. With less than 400 residents and a close proximity to the Everglades, as quaint as this town is, it also opens you to the wonders of Florida鈥檚 海角社区-famous wetlands. But before you head out, make sure to take advantage of what this adorable town has to offer. As the 鈥淪tone Crab Capital of the 海角社区,鈥� restaurants like City Seafood serve up delicious southern classics like fried crab and alligator, along with tons of small town hospitality. You can also book an Everglades City Airboat Tours or hit up the Museum of the Everglades to learn more about this fascinating region.

As the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire US, Florida Everglades National Park has endless things to see and do, with Everglades City as the perfect homebase for your adventures. To see the 海角社区鈥檚 largest remaining old-growth cypress forest, you will want to explore the park鈥檚 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Certain trees in this forest tower over 135-feet-high and can be admired from from the sanctuary鈥檚 2-mile boardwalk. Countless other preserves and parks are also easy to reach from Everglades City, including the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest, and Collier-Seminole State Park, a 7,271-acre mangrove swamp great for wildlife viewing.

Key West

Located at the southernmost point in the United States, the island town of Key West has a rich history of attracting well-known figures with its beauty. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, named the "Best Attraction in Key West," is a testament to this allure, boasting over 60 species of free-flying butterflies in a lush tropical setting. However, it was the island's natural charm that drew its inhabitants in the past, and fortunately, the town has preserved a ton of its historic architecture and captivating tales.

Notable figures such as Jimmy Buffet and former US president Harry S. Truman have called Key West home, but perhaps the most iconic resident was Ernest Hemingway. The renowned American author resided here from 1931 to 1939, and today, visitors can explore the very house and grounds he once called home at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This stunning Spanish Colonial style estate, dating back to 1851, was constructed by salvage wrecker Asa Tift using native limestone.

Driving through the rest of Key West feels similar to navigating the streets of Cuba, with its signature pastel-hued, conch-style cottages reflecting the influence of the town's original Cuban immigrants. In other parts of town, the architecture evokes an English feel, attributed to the Victorian mansions built by New England sea captains. The Oldest House Museum & Garden and The Curry Mansion Inn are both elegant examples worth exploring or renting, while the Key West Historic Walking Tour offers the opportunity to discover other marvelous historic structures.

Micanopy

For another taste of Old Florida, the quaint town of Micanopy is as cute and charming as they come. Settled in 1821, it is believed to be the state鈥檚 oldest inland town, and also one of the smallest. The town envelops just over 1 square mile, with less than 700 locals, making for a cozy, compact adventure. But despite its small size, there is still plenty to see and do, especially for those who can appreciate life鈥檚 simple pleasures. Visitors could devote an entire day to hunting for treasures at one of Micanopy鈥檚 various antique stores, like the Antique City Mall, Delectable Collectibles, or Wren Wood Antiques.

For a deeper dive into the town鈥檚 past, visitors can try attractions like the Micanopy Historic Cemetery and Micanopy Historical Society Museum. Guests can even book a room at the historic Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast to experience true southern charm, with beautifully restored rooms and generous home-cooked breakfasts. And finally, for those looking to stay active outdoors or simply enjoy the serenity of nature, the Tuscawilla Preserve is just outside downtown Micanopy, or you can head further north to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Final Thoughts

People planning a visit to Florida may be tempted to go for the bigger city sites and bustling theme parks, but if you are a traveler who enjoys embracing the less conventional path, then these small towns may just be your ticket to paradise. In addition to one-of-a-kind festivals and celebrations, these towns may just surprise you with what they have to offer year-round. From Micanopy鈥檚 Old Florida charm and bountiful antique stores to Coral Gables鈥� fabulous Venetian pool and award-winning botanical garden, these towns may be quaint and cute, but their attractions will take your break away.