海角社区

Nicknamed 鈥淭he Sunshine State,鈥� Florida is the perfect example of warmth and relaxation. With sunny skies, warm Gulf waters, and tropical resorts, it is no wonder visitors return year after year. While many travelers visit places like Miami or Orlando, Floridians know that some of the coziest destinations are the quieter towns, often home to just a few thousand residents. Whether you dream of swimming with manatees, sipping coffee on a wooden pier, or savoring a fresh plate of scallops, these cozy towns belong on your 2025 travel itinerary.

Crystal River

If swimming with manatees is on your 2025 bucket list, Crystal River鈥檚 warm waters offer the perfect opportunity. As the country鈥檚 only national wildlife refuge to protect the manatee, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for this manatee experience. Within the refuge, travelers can paddle, swim, or snorkel in Three Sisters Springs to see the manatee鈥檚 海角社区 underwater. Meanwhile, in the summer, travelers can go scalloping for the iconic bay scallops that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. If you prefer a guided experience, you can sign up for a charter with a local captain like Captain Katie Jo, who will guide you through the process of scalloping! For a cozy weekend away, a stay at a local inn is a must. Crystal River Lullaby Bed and Breakfast is a perfect choice, offering scenic views of the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and a complimentary breakfast each morning.

Cedar Key

Cedar Key is home to a small fishing village, offering a relaxing weekend of fishing and wildlife watching. For a guided fishing excursion, book a charter with a local outfitter like In The Slot Fishing Charters. With years of experience in the Big Bend area, Captain Jason and his wife, Amber, provide all the equipment and expertise needed for a great day on the water. If you enjoy birdwatching, the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge should be on your list as well. With around 20,000 birds on the reserve, visitors can keep their eye out for night herons, egrets, white ibis, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and reddish egrets, among other species. If you want to be conveniently located downtown, consider booking your stay in Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast, a historic home from the 1880s that serves guests a homestyle breakfast and other personal touches like homemade cookies and tea in the afternoon.

Islamorada

Islamorada is composed of six islands, each of which is brimming with family-friendly activities and attractions. For a weekend of kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, or camping, Long Key State Park is the place to be. Once a coconut plantation, it has since become a peaceful nature preserve filled with mangroves. At Robbie鈥檚 Marina, children and adults alike can hand-feed the area鈥檚 massive tarpons. Travelers will feel like they are at the beach all weekend long by staying in one of Islamorada鈥檚 oceanfront resorts. Breezy Palms Resort offers oceanfront apartments, beach cottages, and bungalows so that you are never far from the water.

Mount Dora

If you are dreaming of a lake getaway instead of a beach trip in 2025, Mount Dora is the perfect destination. Spanning roughly 4,500 acres, Lake Dora is the perfect lake for boating, birdwatching, or fishing. The town boasts a thriving arts scene, hosting annual events like the Mount Dora Arts Festival and featuring cultural spots like the Modernism Museum Mount Dora, which showcases rotating modern exhibits and live music performances. The town is home to many charming inns, including the award-winning Magnolia Inn Bed and Breakfast. This picturesque 1926 home has plenty of inviting common spaces, such as an outdoor patio and a lounge shaded by towering oak trees.

Santa Rosa Beach

Surrounded by emerald-green waters and white sandy beaches, Santa Rosa Beach is one of Florida鈥檚 most beautiful beach destinations. Travelers will find some of the most pristine beaches at Grayton Beach State Park, spanning nearly 2,000 acres and frequently ranking as one of the country鈥檚 best beach destinations. If you want to appreciate some of the region鈥檚 wildlife, spend an afternoon at Point Washington State Forest, which is home to endangered species like the American kestrel, flatwoods salamander, and gopher tortoise. For a nostalgic night away, travelers can stay in Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, a 1950s-style inn that has been family-owned since 1994 and offers a variety of accommodation options.

Anna Maria

Located south of Tampa, Anna Maria is one of Florida鈥檚 best-kept secrets. As part of the seven-mile-long Anna Maria Island, it offers plenty of sandy shores and emerald waters for the perfect beach day. Travelers can take a stroll along the historic Anna Maria Pier, a wooden landmark that has welcomed visitors for decades, offering scenic views of the surrounding waters. After visiting the pier, make sure to pop into Cool Beans A.M.I., a local coffee shop that overlooks the pier and serves organically farmed coffee. Those wanting to step back in time can visit the Historic Green Village, where a mix of historic cottages, houses, and shops, some over a century old, now host a bakery, art gallery, jewelry shop, and gift store. To lodge right in front of the beach, consider making your accommodation reservations at The Rod and Reel Resort, an all-inclusive resort that is also home to the town鈥檚 largest private pool and heated spa.

Naples

Naples is known countrywide for its sophisticated culinary and arts scene. The Naples Art Institute is a great place to view rotating art exhibits, attend a painting class, or attend one of its periodic outdoor art fairs. There are so many highly rated restaurants in town to choose from as well. Located in the heart of Naples, Sails Restaurant is a popular option, offering fine dishes like shark bay scallops, tuna tartare, and wild Australian tiger prawns. If you are interested in seeing some of the diverse habitats that surround Naples, you can plan a morning at the Naples Preserve, which features oak rosemary scrub and pine flatwoods. Lucky travelers may be able to spot a gopher tortoise as well! After a long day, travelers can unwind at the Cove Inn in their cozy bayside room, sipping wine from their private patio while looking out over the bay.

Final Thoughts

With spring break right around the corner, you may be searching for your next vacation destination. Luckily, there are several small and cozy towns throughout the state that offer a more laid-back escape. Whether you want to spend your vacation by the seashore, reading a book in a 19th century inn, or birdwatching on a nature reserve, these towns will make you leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed by the end of your vacation!