Attention Folks! Cedar Key was severely damaged the Fall of 2024 by several hurricanes. Please consider doing what you can to help this small town recover! https://cedarkey.org/
And definitely add the town to your “Florida Experiences” list to help keep their tourism industry alive!
Cedar Key, is a short drive from Tampa, and perfect for a DAYTRIP to enjoy some laid-back, old town Florida charm!
Downtown Cedar Key is only 60 miles west of Gainesville and 136 miles from either downtown Tampa or downtown Orlando. It’s perfect for a daycation or a weekend getaway. If you’re game to walk through time and experience old town Florida charm, I give you Cedar Key!
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase using an affiliate link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The links I post are suggestions, please be sure to research the products yourself.
Fast Fact: Although known for its old town Florida charm, Cedar Key is also a leading producer of farm-raised clams.
Because it sets four miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, Cedar Key has excellent water quality and provides perfect conditions for farming clams and oysters. What does this mean for you? Great eating! Clam chowder anyone?
Four Worth Your Time and Dime Points of Interest:
1
Cedar Key has abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure including fishing, airboats, paddling, hiking, camping, and more. Check out Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce for a current listing of tours and charters and where on the Key and surrounding refuge you can go to have fun with each activity.
2
Stroll along Dock Street in Cedar Key for a refreshing taste of old town Florida charm. Pop in and out of the many eating and drinking establishments and be sure to stay for one of their famous sunsets!
If you want an easy way to sample Cedar Key’s culinary scene, click here for a tour that will walk you through the best of the
best, plus you’ll get the 411 on Cedar Key’s interesting history as well!.
3
It would be a crime to talk about Cedar Key and not mention Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is a collection of 13 islands that are home to an amazing collection of wildlife. The islands are only accessible by kayak, private or rented boat, or tour, which makes them great for some outdoor adventure as well. You can find links to all the information you will need on the Refuge
website. Don’t forget to bring your water, sunscreen and camera!
4
On State Route 24, about a mile from downtown Cedar Key, you’ll find a wonderfully funky cocktail bar/hotel (adults only) / RV park combo. It’s small, quaint, super friendly, and about as eclectic as you can get. You’ll definitely pass Tiki Bar Behind Low Key Hideaway, it’s on the only road in and out of
Cedar Key. And since you’ll be passing by, you may as well stop by for a drink and/or a sunset, or maybe even book a room and stay for a heavy dose of old town Florida!
FIVE Things to Know Before You Go:
- Tourism is a big deal in Cedar Key, so keep in mind that each establishment’s hours may vary quite a bit from season to season. Be sure to check the Chamber of Commerce website for current restaurant and bar hours.
- If you’re heading to Cedar Key to explore, I strongly recommend you take advantage of a golf cart or bike rental to explore the key. Take a fun ride and visit the local retail shops, a couple of museums, and some pretty cool historical cemeteries, and ride by and admire the beautiful Cedar Key homes.
- The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts has grown into one of the top-rated small-town Arts Festivals in the US. The festival limits the number of artists to 100, meaning you’re going to find only the most beautiful, quality art along with a great, festive atmosphere. Make sure to also use the website to plan your trip, as the festival anticipates 15,000 – 18,000 visitors each year.
- The nightlife in Cedar Key is sort of there, but I find Cedar Key to be more of a sunshine and sunset place. However, if late-night indulging with friends is what you are looking for, you may want to check out Big Deck Bar & Grill, they advertise a few evenings with late hours. And always remember: different seasons may bring different hours.
- Parking is easy in Cedar Key, and the truth of the matter is, once you park you probably won’t need to move your vehicle again until you are ready to leave. Cedar Key is small and very walkable, plus you won’t have a problem finding a golf cart or bike to rent if that’s more your speed.
More Photos From Cedar Key:
