13 Distinctive Issues to Do in Cedar Key FL

Reputedly in the midst of nowhere, this little Florida gem is full of ancient attraction and breathtaking attractiveness.

Each locals and guests alike are frequently stunned to understand that this is likely one of the oldest cities in Florida!

With the laid-back, antique seashore city vibe of bygone eras, Cedar Secret’s a captivating coastal hidden Florida gem.

This a part of Florida is really shocking and is a wonderful position to seek advice from for the ones having a look to unwind, move on some a laugh nature adventures, and recharge within the distinctive wild Florida coastal landscapes.

Cedar Key merits extra reputation than it will get. Really feel the salty breeze float via your hair and be entranced by way of the unbelievable attractiveness this North Florida gem has to supply.

As a Florida native and FL nature adventurer, I’m going to permit you to in on one of the vital absolute best issues to do in Cedar Key, FL!

1. Move kayaking at Atsena Otie Key

That is indubitably one of the crucial absolute best issues to do in Cedar Key, FL. You’ll both hire kayaks or carry your personal and discover the abandoned surprise of Atsena Otie Key.

When you’re feeling actual adventurous, you’ll get kayak leases alongside a number of islands from key to key, which is set a half-mile adventure.

Atsena Otie Key used to be as soon as town middle of what would in the future grow to be Cedar Key. Alternatively, it used to be deserted all over the serious storm of 1896. Many of the structures have been relocated to the modern day location of Cedar Key. Alternatively, there are nonetheless remnants of the ancient seashore city of the 1800s.

All the way through its heyday, Atsena Otie Key as soon as housed a submit place of business, a church, a college, 3 factories, and over 300 full-time citizens!

All that is still these days are ruins of outdated structures, an outdated cemetery courting all of the as far back as 1877, and a strolling path.

For all the ones historical past buffs available in the market and people who experience exploring deserted ghost city islands of bygone eras overtaken by way of Mom Nature, this can be a cool factor to do in Cedar Key.

Now, the whole thing of the island is open to the general public for exploration. At the outer edges of the island, there are many sandy seashores the place kayakers frequently pull as much as catch a smash and benefit from the unbelievable ocean perspectives!

You’ll additionally get a novel view of Cedar Key from this deserted small island city.

2. Take a look at Cedar Keys Nationwide Natural world Safe haven

Encompassing Atsena Otie Key, in addition to 12 different small islands, the Cedar Keys Nationwide Natural world Safe haven, is a fantastic nationwide natural world safe haven at the Gulf Coast only a brief pressure from town alongside County Street.

With an extended historical past of defending the breeding grounds of nesting birds, the Cedar Keys Nationwide Natural world Safe haven used to be established again in 1929.

As of late, the safe haven covers virtually 800 acres and protects more than one other natural world habitats on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Open year-round, there are moderately a couple of islands open to the general public for exploration. A couple of of them are closed off to public get right of entry to. Alternatively, there are nonetheless some unbelievable islands you’ll discover.

Seahorse Key is open to the general public on particular days during the 12 months, the place vacationers can discover the island and excursion the ancient lighthouse.

There also are nature trails and quite a lot of boat excursions that take you throughout the other keys and inaccessible islands so you’ll see the whole thing of the park. When you’re a fan of outside actions and adventures, then you definately’ll truly love this space!

It is a in particular widespread job amongst hen watchers as there’s a huge variety within the other hen species that decision the Cedar Key space house! Don’t omit your binoculars!

PRO TIP: When you’re on the lookout for nature trails, the Railroad Trestle Nature Path is a wonderful position to head!

PRICE: Loose

3. Consult with the Cedar Key Museum State Park

A novel mixture of museum and state park, the Cedar Key Museum and State Park is a brilliant job to do in Cedar Key.

This small museum meets state park is a wonderful alternative to return in time and be told in regards to the historical past of Cedar Key.

Encompassing 18 acres, it is possible for you to to stroll alongside paths weighted down with massive pines, cedar bushes, and historic are living oaks and in addition see Cedar Key’s expansive salt marshes.

Take a look at the ancient Whitman space, commemorating the lifetime of St. Clair Whitman, whole with antique artifacts or even some Local American artifacts.

PRICE: US$2

4. Return in time on the Cedar Key Ancient Society

Whilst we’re at the matter of native historical past in Cedar Key, it’s price bringing up the Cedar Key Ancient Society.

Highlighting the original historical past Cedar Key has to supply, the Cedar Key Ancient Society has an in depth number of paperwork, images, and artifacts for guests to peer. They even have a pencil manufacturing unit!

This could also be one of the crucial least expensive issues to do in Cedar Key whilst additionally offering an enriching enjoy for the entire circle of relatives to be informed in regards to the distinctive historical past of this Gulf Coast gem.

Any other reasonable cultural factor you’ll do is move to the Cedar Key Arts Middle, which options artwork galleries and native artists!

PRICE: US$3

5. Unwind at Cedar Key Seaside

A go back and forth to Cedar Secret’s incomplete with out going to the seashore!

With cushy sand, ocean breeze, stunning perspectives, and calm shallow waters, Cedar Key Seaside is likely one of the absolute best puts to seek advice from in Cedar Key, Florida.

There’s a scenic sidewalk highest for walking, and kayaks and paddle forums are to be had for apartment for some water adventures. It’s the very best small seashore space for households!

The water isn’t as crystalline as different Florida Panhandle seashores. Alternatively, the comfortable small-town attraction that Cedar Key has to supply is tricky to return by way of in different extra populous beachy spaces on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

There are blank toilets onsite and a lot of parking to be had for guests.

PRICE: Loose

6. Discover the island by way of motorcycle

Cycling in Cedar Secret’s an ideal a laugh job for the entire circle of relatives and makes for a very good job to your go back and forth to one among Florida’s many hidden gem stones.

Cedar Secret’s absolute best explored by way of motorcycle. You get a distinct standpoint of the island that you simply can’t get from a automotive! I like to recommend bringing your motorcycle, or you’ll all the time hire one.

This apartment spot in Cedar Key has motorcycles and golfing carts for some tremendous a laugh island exploring.

PRO TIP: Motorcycle to Cemetary Level Boardwalk for some unbelievable perspectives!

PRICE: US$15 for 8 hours motorcycle apartment

7. Devour some recent seafood at Steamers Clam Bar and Grill

Steamers Clam Bar and Grill is a native favourite, that includes recent native seafood from Florida’s clam capital of the sector.

This informal eating place at the Gulf of Mexico has a fantastic recent catch, scrumptious beverages, and are living track!

From a recent grouper sandwich and tacos made with native produce, to recent catch, crab, oysters, clams, cushy shell crab, and recent shrimp, there are all varieties of scrumptious seafood dishes to experience.

This is likely one of the absolute best Cedar Key eating places that you simply will have to indubitably take a look at to your go back and forth to Cedar Key!

8. Consult with a sacred Indigenous Shell Mound

When visiting Cedar Key, you’re significantly lacking out if you happen to don’t be told in regards to the Indigenous historical past of the island and surrounding spaces.

Dappled all during Florida are a number of shell mounds constructed hundreds of years in the past by way of various Indigenous teams that inhibited the Florida peninsula for hundreds of years.

Whilst there are many other theories as to what goal those Shell Mounds served, the commonest concept is that the shell mounds have been a processing hub for clams, oysters, and different shellfish that have been a very important a part of their nutrition.

There’s a brief 0.3-mile nature path that can take you throughout the jungle of untamed Florida and up the Shell Mound.

Any other trail across the Shell Mound will take you to a boardwalk and fishing pier with a fantastic view of the bayou of the Suwannee Sound.

You’ll additionally discover the Dennis Creek Path, a 1-mile loop over a boardwalk the place you’ll get unbelievable perspectives of a salt barren and coastal island.

Kayaking round this space is a good way to peer the plush and thick wildlife paddling over hidden oyster bars.

9. Consult with the ancient Island Lodge

Despite the fact that you aren’t staying on the Island Lodge this time round, it’s indubitably price trying out to your seek advice from to Cedar Key, FL.

This iconic Cedar Key Lodge initially opened its doorways in 1859!

Now at the Nationwide Sign up of Historical Puts, the Island Lodge initially started as Parsons and Hale’s Common Retailer.

The Island Lodge is now an lovely mattress and breakfast with a very good eating place within the foyer in addition to a going down bar.

And not using a telephones and no TVs, the Island Lodge assists in keeping its ancient attraction and namesake.

Consistent with native legend, there could also be a well-known wrap-around balcony on the second one flooring through which Jimmy Buffet would strum his guitar all over his remains!

Cedar Key, Florida, has moderately a ancient importance that many of us will not be acutely aware of. The Island Lodge has hosted moderately a random array of celebrities over time. Giant names corresponding to Jimmy Buffet, Myrna Loy, Ernie Ford, and Richard Boone have all been recognized to stick at this Iconic Cedar Key lodge.

Despite the fact that you don’t keep at this lodge, it’s smartly price trying out. The Neptune Bar boasts scrumptious beverages and an notorious mural of King Neptune with bare-breasted mermaids that used to be a scandalous affair when initially painted in 1948.

PRO TIP: The Mermaid Mule is scrumptious!

10. Move birding and notice some unbelievable natural world

Some of the widespread issues to do in Cedar Key, Florida is hen observing! The birding on this Gulf Coast Florida gem is really subsequent stage.

There may be an abundance of bald eagles within the Cedar Key islands, so be looking for the ones large eagle nests to your seek advice from!

Cedar Key could also be a very powerful migration forestall for masses of migrating birds. In truth, once a year, round 500 pelicans migrate for the iciness for the plush abundance of Cedar Key, Florida.

In the summer, it is not uncommon to peer Roseate Spoonbills, that are one of the vital most lovely birds that decision Florida house. With red feathers, they’re our native flamingos!

If you need without equal birding enjoy, ebook a excursion with Captain Doug Maple for a narrated excursion the place you’ll be told all in regards to the native ecology of Cedar Key, FL!

11. Watch the sundown

To your go back and forth to Cedar Key, FL, you do not need to fail to see seeing the breathtaking sunsets that occur on this a part of Florida each and every night.

Right here’s my native tip for the most productive perspectives of the beautiful sunsets on this a part of Florida: Stroll 4 blocks west from the First Boulevard fishing pier, the place you are going to see more than one ancient cottages, and switch onto G Boulevard. Right here, the coastline is vast open with a fantastic view of the sea, the sundown and the numerous Cedar Keys Islands.

I like to recommend staying till it will get darkish, as there may be little gentle air pollution and you’ll get some unbelievable perspectives and stargaze in your center’s satisfaction.

PRICE: Loose

12. Take a look at Dock Boulevard

Visiting Dock Boulevard is the most well liked factor to do in Cedar Key. Partly as a result of it’s the central hub of the small old fashioned city and in addition as a result of this scenic highway is with ease situated between Cedar Key Seaside and Cedar Key Pier.

That is the principle side road in Cedar Key and could also be house to the downtown space of this small island seashore city.

Boasting eating places, bars, and retail outlets, this can be a must-see to your go back and forth to Cedar Key, FL.

Discover it on foot, by way of motorcycle, or on a golfing cart!

PRICE: Loose

13. Move on a neighborhood kooky scavenger hunt

When you’re visiting the ancient ghost city of Cedar Key, occurring a scavenger hunt with the circle of relatives is an ideal a laugh job to get to understand the world higher and stimulate the thoughts in an enriching and thrilling approach!

This distinctive and immersive journey takes guests off the crushed trail and lets in guests to creatively interpret distinctive and a laugh artwork, tradition clues, and Cedar Key historical past!

Race different groups in different towns, see some hidden gem stones in Cedar Key (no pun supposed!), and so a lot more!

When you’re visiting Cedar Key with little ones, I extremely suggest reserving this a laugh and engaging scavenger hunt!

PRICE: US$22

E-book Your Scavenger Hunt Right here

The place to stick in Cedar Key FL

When you’re staying in Cedar Key, glance no additional than those wonderful VRBOs for hire at the island!

Luxurious (US$300 and up)
Daybreak Level – This holiday house is in truth to die for. There are 3 bedrooms so it’s highest for the entire circle of relatives, and it’s tremendous secluded so highest for the ones on the lookout for a quiet position to stick!

Mid Vary (US$200 – US$300)
Fisherman Paradise – This distinctive VRBO has wonderful perspectives around the water, large beds, or even just a little workstation! It’s highest for fishing enthusiasts because you’ve were given direct get right of entry to to the ocean and there’s a lot of house to tie up your boat!

Price range (as much as US$200)
Pass over Helen’s Cottage – This position is tremendous comfy! You’ve were given get right of entry to to the entirety you wish to have right here and there’s even a BBQ for the ones balmy Floridian nights! It’s situated truly on the subject of the Cedar Key kayak release as smartly, so a great spot to stick if you happen to’re out adventuring all day!

FAQs about issues to do in Cedar Key, FL

💜 What are probably the most romantic issues to do in Cedar Key?

Cedar Secret’s a romantic position to seek advice from in itself, on the other hand, probably the most romantic issues to do in Cedar Key come with kayaking, taking part in one of the vital mountaineering trails within the space, trying out the Neptune Bar, paddle boarding, or packing a picnic and going to Cedar Key Seaside!

😆 What are some loose issues to do in Cedar Key, FL?

🏝️ Is Cedar Key price visiting?

Sure! This non violent, lowkey Florida island with unspoiled nature and a lot of ancient attraction is definitely price visiting. For many who experience fishing, kayaking, nature walks, or some other sort of outside actions, Cedar Secret’s a stunning holiday vacation spot on Florida’s Nature Coast.

🚘 What are the most productive day journeys from Cedar Key, Florida?

Conclusion

There you could have it! Your final information to the most productive issues to do in Cedar Key FL!

Whilst its proximity to the mineral-rich Suwannee River makes the water a little bit at the murkier aspect, Cedar Secret’s smartly price visiting. I might additionally suggest Destin, Clearwater, or the Florida Keys if you’re on the lookout for the ones transparent crystalline waters!

Alternatively, Cedar Key has its personal distinctive ancient attraction, in addition to unbelievable pristine nature that displays guests simply how particular and magical Wild Florida in point of fact is.

I am hoping you could have a fantastic time to your go back and forth, and take a look at some cool, ancient, stunning, and spooky stuff!

With Love and Gratitude,

Amira G.

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