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- There Are More Gorgeous Downtown Areas To Explore While In The Sunshine State!
Summary
- Florida's picturesque towns offer the perfect getaway with white sandy beaches, charming downtowns, and a relaxed atmosphere for a laid-back vacation.
- These small towns in Florida have cultural hubs with pastel-hued buildings, upscale shops, and charming cafes, providing a unique and under-the-radar appeal.
- Cities like Sarasota, Boca Grande, and DeLand are among the best downtowns in Florida, offering historic buildings, restaurants, and plenty of activities, making them ideal destinations for tourists.
Florida is a Sunshine State that is known as much for its bustling big cities as its unique and pretty towns. The picturesque towns pack in the perfect getaway where one can relax, indulge in fun activities, dine at local restaurants, visit local boutiques and museums, and shop till one drops - all a few steps away from white powdery beaches and brilliant blue waters. In fact, they are the perfect examples of quaint Florida towns for a laid-back vacation.
The downtowns of these amazing Florida cities are their cultural hubs and infuse New England and European charm. The eye-catching pastel-hued buildings gel perfectly well with upscale shops, bars, restaurants, and charming cafés flanking cobbled streets, strategic in their placement for people-watching. While these beautiful small towns in Florida may have to compete with big cities like Orlando and Miami, tourists also root for these tiny and expansive towns that break away from these typical tourist spots for their under-the-radar appeal. Here are some of the best downtowns Florida has to offer, serving as the beating heart of these charming towns in the Sunshine State.
UPDATE: 2023/09/01 16:22 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are More Gorgeous Downtown Areas To Explore While In The Sunshine State!
Let's show some love to Southwest Florida! This article has been updated with two new downtown locations to check out in FL, as well as things to do and where to stay. As summer ends and we go into fall, now is THE perfect time to take a stroll through one of these many charming downtown areas.
12 Sarasota
One of Florida's more charming downtown areas goes to Sarasota, located in the Southwest region of the state. Here, tourists will find historic buildings, restaurants, luxury hotels, and a short drive to one of the state's largest malls. Sarasota, Florida, is known for its long history with the Ringling Brothers Circus, which has heavily impacted the architecture and culture of the city. Downtown is walkable, boasting many sidewalks and pedestrian right-of-ways.
Sarasota also borders miles of white sand beaches, making it a perfect year-round destination for those needing some vitamin D.
- Things To Do: Mote Marine Laboratory, Ringling Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Garden, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Ca' d'Zan, St. Armands Circle
- Where To Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
11 Boca Grande
The next downtown area to check out in Florida is Boca Grande, a small island on the Southwestern coast. Boca Grande is a small residential community on Gasparilla Island, boasting mansions, small businesses, hotels, history, and plenty of beaches. The island's downtown spans many blocks, filled with stores, food, art, scenery, and people. Although under 1,000 people live here, it's charming enough to make up for it.
The golf cart path also leads directly through downtown, giving guests the choice to cruise rather than walk all day. The summers here can be unforgiving, so keep that in mind when outdoors!
- What To Do: Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum, Boca Grande Historical Society, Pink Elephant, Whidden's Marina
- Where To Stay: Gasparilla Inn & Club
10 Deland
With a state that boasts of several cities with happening downtowns, the common question that most tourists ask is which city has the best downtown in Florida. Well, the answer is easy: DeLand! Well, at least it is one of the cities with the most walkable downtowns. The historic city, with its antique shops and restaurants with pretty exteriors, is also one of the most affordable towns in Florida. Known as the 'Athens of Florida,' it's how its founder, business person A. DeLand envisioned it to be in 1876 - an embodiment of education, culture, and beauty.
This town with New England charm has eye-catching red-brick buildings and historic hotspots, including one of Florida’s oldest colleges, Stetson University. Reminiscent of old-world charm, it has antique stores, record stores, and independent breweries prettily adorning its oak-lined streets.
- Things to do - Visit the vintage Victorian Architectural Salvage for its incredible discoveries, join the Persimmon Hollow and Hyderhead Brewery and COOL Craft Trail for a sip and a treat; history buffs can take a detour at The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, and visit the Blue Spring State to watch Florida's manatees reveling in their winter home
- Where to stay - The Deland Hotel
9 Mount Dora
The multiple-lakes flanked towns are known for Mount Dora shops and Mount Dora Events. An hour's ride from Orlando, it has the perfect combination of quaint country inns, an old railroad station, and several se dining options, all a few steps away from each other. The small town juxtaposes modern outdoor cafés with nostalgic items dotting the downtown area, drawing antique enthusiasts from across the world.
Also known as the "Bass Capital of the World," Mount Bora offers an engaging lineup of annual festivals to entertain the townsmen and out-of-towners.
- Things to do - Spend the day ambling around the city center, get a photo op at the famed lighthouse in Grantham Point Park, go for an exhilarating catboat ride, and visit the Renninger’s Flea Market and Antique Center.
- Where to stay - Mount Dora Cottages
8 Destin
From walk-friendly streets to artisanal eateries, Destin is one of the most quaint towns in Florida, perfect for a laid-back vacation. Located on the Gulf on the Florida Panhandle, Destin has a bustling downtown that tourists love to explore. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk has some of the best restaurants and shops in the area, including The Back Porch and Destin Commons.
After an exhausting shopping spree, one can seek leisure on its emerald beaches, ideal for date nights and family reunions.
- Things to do - Go for Dolphin Cruises, ride a party Boat Fishing Charters, visit Crab Island for good old fun in the sun, visit McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery and Coyote Ugly Saloon to enjoy the nightlife scene
- Where to stay - Henderson Beach Resort
7 Naples
Naples is set at the edge of Big Cypress Swamp in Southwestern Florida and takes after the famous Italian city to attract tourists from different corners of the world. It has a thriving citrus industry that helps boost the town's economy. The cultural paradise boasts sandy beaches, a gorgeous coastline with pretty Italian-style cafés. The mosaic quality of the downtown area makes up distinctive areas, each offering something completely different.
Fifth Avenue South is a one-mile stretching avenue that has posh restaurants and beautiful boutiques vying for one's attention. The Thirds Street South and Farmer's Market are the other two places tourists troop over to shop to their heart's content. All this at a scenic stroll away from the turquoise waters.
- Things to do - Take a tour down the Naples Pier, visit the Baker Museum, Take a detour around the Botanical Garden, shop at the open-air shopping arena, Tin City, and visit the Village Shops at Venetian Bay
- Where to stay - Hilton Naples
6 St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a fascinating small town in Florida that promises an itinerary for the curious traveler with intriguing museums, ancient forts, and castles. It serves everything to a travel-hopping tourist on a platter, from Lightner Museum to dramatic downtown options, offering a quintessential cocktail of culture, history, and pristine beaches.
Some of the most mouthwatering cuisines are available at St. Augustine, representing the town's eclectic heritage; The Ice Plant and Llama Restaurants are a few distinctive examples.
- Things to do - Go for a guided tour at St. Augustine Distillery, get a glimpse of the 16th, 17th, and 18th-century residents at the Colonial Quarter, and meander around St. George Street, which has the best museums, boutiques, galleries, and eateries
- Where to stay - Casa De Solana Bed & Breakfast
5 Key West
Key West may be tiny, but pack in the big punch with sun-drenched weather and a vibrant downtown area. The town steeped in history is now an amalgamation of four cultures, including West Indian, Cuban, and Bahamian. The conch-style houses enhance the look of the palm-fringed streets and lend the area a tropical feel. No wonder stalwarts like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams built their vacation homes at Key West.
The town becomes all abuzz in July during the Hemingway Days Festival; thankfully, Kimpton's Key West has plenty of lodging options for the teeming tourists. Moreover, Key West's famous Duval Street offers excellent nightlife and is one of the island's best spots for partying, eating, drinking, and shopping.
- Things to do - Visit the Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site, take a detour at the Key West Aquarium, visit the three shipwrecks and industry-based museums, walk down the long stretch of Duval Street, the heartbeat of the KeyWest city with its wide array of shops, restaurants, pubs, and other attractions
- Where to stay - Casablanca Hotel Key West
4 Tarpon Springs
The city, previously a commercial spot, thanks to its thriving natural sponge industry, is presently a cultural hub. It cuts a pretty picture with its whitewashed houses, serpentine streets, and a Greek-influenced buzzing market. The town with Grecian roots has some of the best restaurants serving delectable cuisine.
The charming downtown center, with its art galleries and specialty shops, has made it to the National Register of Historic Places list.
- Things to do - Visit Craig Park for its wide array of hops, restaurants, and a good deal of fun stuff to do; enjoy calamari at Tarpon Tavern, try your hand at pinball at Replay Amusement Museum, and spend some time at the Sponge Docks, soaking in history at the iconic place.
- Where to stay - Quality Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs South
3 Stuart
The quaint town of Stuart went for a sweeping overhaul and transformed into a burgeoning hub with its many theaters and museums, becoming the beating heart of Martin County. Located near the Atlantic Ocean, the town offers ample opportunities to relax and enjoy some sea-bound activities. However, what makes Stuart stand out is its mouthwatering cuisine.
The seafood choices at Ellie's Downtown Deli and the Osceola Street Café are incredible. Plus, the experience of walking down the streets of downtown Stuart and exploring the flea markets and shopping arcades is incomparable!
- Things to do - Go for a riverboat cruise, shop till you drop at Osceola Street, indulge in a culinary experience with a view at the Stuart Boathouse and Sailor’s Return, take a segway tour around the city, and enjoy the live music scene at Terra Fermata.
- Where to stay - Old Colorado Inn - Hotel in Stuart
2 Dunedin
Dunedin is equal parts atmospheric and kitschy and yet looks postcard-pretty with its bright-hued buildings. Every corner of the quaint town gives a nod to its Scottish heritage. Tourists can imbibe the town's spirit and soak rich Scottish vibes at the old shops and craft beer pubs.
Apart from the various restaurants serving authentic and delicious grub, the Craft Beer Festival and Dunedin Celtic Music Festival invite revelers to a heady atmosphere of lights, colors, music, and fun! However, it's Dunedin's charming downtown that maximizes recreational activities for its many visitors. No wonder Dunedin is dubbed one of the most beautiful towns in Florida.
- Things to do - Head to the Dunedin Museum to know all about its invigorating history, enjoy the exhibits at Stirling Art Studios & Gallery, enjoy the best ice cream at Tampa Bay's best, Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts, and visit Dunedin Marina to enjoy the Downtown Dunedin in all its glory
- Where to stay - Hampton Inn Dunedin
1 Key Largo
Key Largo, the island town, is the largest "key" in the Florida Keys archipelago. Also known as the diving capital of the world, it attracts many tourists for its sport-fishing activities. The uncrowded town has all the tropical feel and boasts unique attractions, including the country's first underwater park, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It's also within proximity to Everglades National Park, which people can visit from Key Largo.
Why is Key Largo so popular? Well, it is not only the diving capital of the world but a capital for boating, sport-fishing, scuba diving, and seafood; it is the epitome of a tropical paradise.
- Things to do - Go diving, snorkeling, and enjoy glass water boating at the Florida Keys National Keys Sanctuary, hobnob with friendly dolphins in the clear blue waters, discover local art at Kona Kai Gallery, visit the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, dine at Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, and enjoy everyday sunset live music at the Snook's Bayside Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar over a drink.
- Where to stay - Rock Reef Resort