Cedar Key Beach

Cedar Key Beach is “Old Florida” Done Right

Cedar Key is a small city located on an island in Levy County, Florida. It’s known for its historic district, picturesque waterfront, and the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Cedar Key will suit you well if you’re searching for a little town in the classic Florida style with a rich history of the fishing and boating industries, as well as a few excellent restaurants and bars!

We adore this town’s “old Florida” vibe and heartily suggest it to anyone looking to escape the bustle and headache of Florida’s more popular tourist attractions. The best thing about the location is the small-town atmosphere, but there is also plenty to keep us busy. We love going on hikes and road excursions to see new and different things. If you are willing to look, there are hidden treasures everywhere, thus we highly recommend staying at least one night.

Enjoy Cedar Key’s Historical Sites and Vibrant Local Culture

The town features an amazing local museum with a wealth of history that is a must-visit, as well as a nice boardwalk for bird watching, geocaching, or just getting the kids to burn off some energy. Since the economic downturn, the island has grown quieter than it was years ago on our first visits. Locals can be interestingly friendly with lots of gossip and history on the island. At the marina, tours on the water are available or charter fishing. Cedar Key Beach is not much of a swimming beach, but it is a sunbather paradise.

Locals can be surprisingly friendly and knowledgeable about local history, politics, power struggles, pier battles, and much more. You never know what you missed since your last visit!

When You Eat, Order The Seafood

Cedar Key is also known for its seafood, particularly its clams, which are a must-try. Don’t miss Tony’s World Champion clam chowder—indulgent and worth every calorie. We recommend The Island Place by the marina, or the charming cottages at Pirate’s Cove and Mermaids Landing. The Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast, nestled among oaks and lush greenery, epitomizes Old Florida charm. Many of the town’s iconic buildings on Dock Street are perched above the water, adding to the unique coastal experience Cedar Key offers.

Cedar Key History

Cedar Key, once a bustling industrial center in the mid-1800s, is now a peaceful, slow-paced town with a rich history. Named for the cedar trees that supplied its pencil factory, Cedar Key was also the Gulf terminus for Florida’s first coast-to-coast railroad. After thriving for three decades, the town declined after locals rejected Henry Plant’s plans for a deepwater harbor. A devastating hurricane in 1896, followed by a fire, further sealed its fate. Today, the town survives on fishing and tourism, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. Popular attractions include the factory ruins and an old cemetery on Atsena Otie Key, accessible by paddle or tour boat. Cedar Key’s charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, where life moves at its own leisurely pace—a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.