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Florida is commonly synonymous with standard seashores, theme parks, and energetic cities—however past the standard hotspots, there’s a facet of Florida that is still superbly undiscovered.
Tucked away on the Gulf Coast, Levy County and Taylor County supply a peaceable retreat into Florida’s quieter, extra pure facet.
There’s one thing extremely refreshing about discovering locations that really feel untouched by mass tourism—the place nature thrives, small companies flourish, and the tempo of life slows down simply sufficient so that you can actually calm down.
Throughout our journey by way of these lesser-known areas, we found a world of out of doors magnificence, charming small cities, and unforgettable coastal adventures. How are you going to not ceaselessly share recollections of you free diving for wild scallops to your night meal or get pleasure from a small laid-back island with little vacationers crowding your sandy house?
Not solely do these counties supply peaceable adventures however visiting them additionally helps help native economies.
In case you’re in search of an off-the-beaten-path Florida escape, these locations must be in your radar. We’re sharing these Florida trip concepts in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA.
We suggest staying no less than two nights within the following Florida Gulf Coast counties.
Prime Experiences in Levy County
Levy County is the place Florida’s pure magnificence takes middle stage. Nestled alongside the Gulf Coast, this hidden gem is house to charming small cities, breathtaking coastal views, and among the most pristine pure springs within the state.
From the historic fishing village of Cedar Key to the crystal-clear waters of Satan’s Den and Blue Grotto, Levy County provides a mix of journey and leisure.
Whether or not you’re exploring historic shell mounds, paddling by way of spring-fed rivers, or indulging in recent seafood by the water, Levy County offers a peaceable escape removed from the crowds.
1. Cedar Key: Outdated Florida Appeal at Its Best
Considered one of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, Cedar Key is a captivating coastal village that looks like stepping again in time. It’s one in all 14 islands within the Cedar Key Nationwide Refuge situated within the Gulf of Mexico.
This quiet island city is understood for its laid-back vibes, native artisan tradition, pleasant locals, waterfront views, and easy accessibility to out of doors journey. Strolling by way of the quaint streets lined with native artwork retailers, seafood shacks, and small cafes, you possibly can’t assist however really feel immediately relaxed.
In case you’re after leisure with a contact of creative inspiration, Cedar Secret’s the proper retreat.
The way to get pleasure from your go to to Cedar Key
- Discover the close by islands through kayak which you’ll be able to lease from Cedar Key Adventures. Atsena Otie is the closest and most accessible of the refuge islands at solely half a mile paddle away. With extra time, you possibly can paddle 1/5 miles across the island and discover the distinctive inside of the salt marshes. Bold paddlers can journey to different islands, that are mentioned to have stunning seashores. (It’s also possible to discover these islands by boat.)
- Study extra about Cedar Key’s wealthy historical past on the Cedar Key Historic Museum and the Cedar Key Museum State Park. There’s additionally a brief nature path right here resulting in a salt marsh the place wading birds and numerous tiny crabs usually feed at low tide.
- Wander by way of the (very small city) to get pleasure from native galleries, boutique procuring, and locations to eat and luxuriate in a cup of espresso with the locals.
- The 1,200-foot-long Cemetery Level Park Boardwalk takes you thru marsh land adjoining to one of many again bays and channels of the keys. It’s a 3.5-acre property with a sandy shore so that you can swim or kayak.
- Steamers Clam Bar and Grill on the Huge Dock provides prime place for Gulf Views over Atsena Otie and passing dolphins. In addition they have among the greatest clams – and clam chowder – on the island. Cedar Secret’s a significant producer of clams nationwide, raking in additional than $34 million yearly.
- Locals say you can not beat the sundown and quirky vibes from the Tiki Bar situated simply exterior the bridge into city.
- Dawn is equally magical, greatest considered from the deck of your waterfront lodging …
The place to remain in Cedar Key: Harbour Masters
There’s no higher place to remain in Cedar Key than on stilts over the water with 270-degree expansive views over close by islands.
We cherished our spacious, two-bedroom Sea Pearl Suite at Harbour Masters with a dwelling space and full kitchen. And inside straightforward strolling distance to in all places – the Cedar Key Method!
Listed here are just a few extra issues to do in Cedar Key, Florida.
2. Shell Mound Path: A Stroll By Historical past
7 miles north of Cedar Key are the Shell Mounds, which provides an interesting glimpse into Florida’s historic historical past.
The Shell Mounds path leads you thru lush coastal forests to an archaeological website shaped by prehistoric Native American shell mounds. The Shell Mounds have been developed over a 1,000-year interval as much as 1,800 years in the past by Woodland Native cultures discarding their oyster and clam shells.
The 0.3-mile hike itself is peaceable, with sweeping views of the Gulf on the finish. It’s a quiet, reflective expertise that provides depth to your Levy County journey.
The Dennis Creek Path is one other 1-mile loop with a boardwalk that takes you over a salt barren to a coastal island.
3. Exploring Levy County’s Pure Springs and Waterholes
Levy County is house to a few of Florida’s most breathtaking pure springs and waterholes, providing crystal-clear waters, distinctive geological formations, and unbelievable alternatives for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Whether or not you’re trying to float in serene waters, discover an historic underwater cavern, or spot wildlife in a spring-fed river, these hidden gems present an unforgettable expertise in Florida’s pure magnificence.
- Manatee Springs State Park – An exquisite first-magnitude spring the place you possibly can swim, snorkel, or kayak by way of crystal-clear waters, usually accompanied by mild manatees in cooler months.
- Satan’s Den Spring – A prehistoric underground spring inside a collapsed cavern, providing a novel snorkeling and diving expertise with otherworldly blue water and historic rock formations. It’s one in all Florida’s premier scuba diving locations.
- Blue Grotto Dive Resort – A world-class dive website with stunningly clear water, a mesmerizing underwater cavern, and resident turtles that make the expertise much more particular.
- Bronson Blue Springs – A peaceable and lesser-known pure spring excellent for a quiet swim or paddleboarding journey, surrounded by lush greenery.
Should-See Sights in Taylor County
Taylor County is Florida’s quiet coastal retreat, the place scenic rivers, untouched marshlands, and small-town attraction create the proper getaway.
With over 60 miles of Gulf shoreline, it’s a paradise for fishing, boating, and wildlife lovers. Whether or not you’re diving for scallops in Steinhatchee, birdwatching at Hickory Mound, or unwinding at Keaton Seaside, Taylor County invitations you to embrace the slower tempo of life.
Add cozy waterfront lodging, recent seafood, and gorgeous sunsets, and you’ve got the last word off-the-beaten-path Florida expertise
1. Steinhatchee Scalloping Journey
Free-diving for wild scallops amongst the grassy shallows of the Gulf of Mexico could by no means have been in your bucket checklist, however I can guarantee you after this exhilarating 4-hour household journey on our journey to Steinhatchee, I used to be thrilled it was one thing we might add a examine mark in opposition to!
This standout distinctive Florida water journey in Taylor County attracts guests from close to and much each summer season.
Captain Mike from Reel Music Charters took us to numerous spots the place we might snorkel amongst underwater grass beds, trying to find these little treasures. WE additionally stopped at small sandy islands for swimming and sand greenback gathering
As soon as we arrived on the marina, he organized for our collected sea scallops to be shucked. Then the cooks at Fiddler’s Restaurant, situated at our resort, ready, and cooked them to perfection.
We savored our scallop feast accompanied by wine and reside music on the deck overlooking the river. Diving for wild scallops in Steinhatchee was a spotlight of our trip to the Pure North Florida area!
Leisure scalloping is permitted from June fifteenth till Labor Day.
2. Benefit from the Sluggish Tempo of Steinhatchee River
The Steinhatchee River, a picturesque waterway winding by way of the center of the small ending villa of Steinhatchee. It’s a serene and welcoming vacation spot for exploration, and an ideal base for Taylor County trip
Boasting clear, tea-colored waters, this river offers a scenic backdrop for quite a lot of out of doors actions.
Kayaking and canoeing fanatics can embark on leisurely paddles alongside the river’s mild currents, immersing themselves within the lush, pure environment. It’s applicable for starting paddlers and canoes though windy situations and tidal results could also be encountered when the river meets the Gulf.
The Steinhatchee River can be a haven for anglers, providing alternatives for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Alongside its banks, nature lovers can observe numerous wildlife, together with birds and marine creatures.
For these in search of a extra leisurely expertise, a ship tour or sundown cruise alongside the river offers a tranquil and informative journey, permitting guests to understand the fantastic thing about the Gulf Coast’s estuarine ecosystems.
Among the best instances to cruise down the Steinhatchee River is at sundown. Head to the mouth of the river and see the pink and orange orb sink under the Gulf of Mexico horizon. Pack a picnic and a few bubbly (not for the driving force) and luxuriate in it.
3. Discover the Flocks in Taylor County
Chicken fanatics will discover Taylor County to be a paradise, with over 260 uncommon species sighted all through the area. Seize your binoculars and persistence and scout out the next:
- Hickory Mound Impoundment, a part of the Huge Bend Wildlife Administration Space for the prospect to identify butterflies, blue- and green-winged teals, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, herons, egrets, ospreys, kites, and even bald eagles. There are mountain climbing and biking trails right here as nicely.
- Alongside the county’s 60 miles of shoreline and marshes, you can too discover clappers, plovers, and wading birds thriving within the undisturbed wetlands.
- Hagen’s Cove is a must-visit with its remark tower serving to you notice sandpipers, reddish egrets, and herons of their pure habitat.
4. Keaton Seaside: A Hidden Coastal Escape
Keaton Seaside is the proper place to unwind and absorb Florida’s pure magnificence. This peaceable seashore provides comfortable sands, mild waves, and among the greatest sunsets on the Gulf Coast.
It’s best for households, fishing fanatics, or anybody in search of a tranquil day by the water.
The place to Keep: Riverside at Fiddlers Resort
For a laid-back serene lodging expertise, examine into Fiddler’s Resort nestled alongside the scenic Steinhatchee River.
Think about sitting in your resort’s riverside backyard and seeing one in all Florida’s favourite wildlife species – the manatee – swim by.
Fiddlers Resort is greater than only a cozy place to sleep at evening – and on that observe – lodging embody suites with separate rooms and screened-in porches, cottages, RV campgrounds.
Facilities embody grassy areas adorned with outsized Jenga, cornhole, inviting swinging chairs, comforting hearth pits, and a well-liked restaurant with an expansive deck and scrumptious southern consolation type seafood.
We wrapped up the proper Taylor County day with our scrumptious dinner, pleasant service, and reside music on their deck with views of the Steinhatchee River life floating by.
Last Ideas: Why You Ought to Go to Levy and Taylor County
In case you’re trying to find a Florida escape that gives tranquility, pure magnificence, and genuine experiences, Levy County and Taylor County are calling your title. These hidden gems supply every thing from peaceable seashores and out of doors adventures to charming small cities filled with coronary heart.
Exploring these counties gave us a deeper appreciation for Florida’s quieter, extra genuine facet—a spot the place nature thrives, and each sundown looks like a non-public present only for you.
Prepared to your subsequent unforgettable journey? Guide your journey to Levy and Taylor County at present and uncover Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques!
