Dock Street at Cedar Key, Florida - Things to see and do

Things to see and do in Cedar Key, Florida

Visited November 2020

Booking through these agencies from here will help support this site at no extra cost to you.

Save on tours & activities with Viator US Ghost Adventures and Haunted Pub Crawls

Cedar Key, Florida: Old-Florida Charm on the Nature Coast

Tucked along Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast, Cedar Key is a hidden gem that feels suspended in time. With a year-round population of under 1,000, this island city on the Gulf of Mexico blends coastal tranquility, rich history, creative expression, and so much legendary seafood.

A Walk Through Time & Nature

First mapped by the Spanish in 1542 as "Las Islas Sabines," Cedar Key's roots run deep—archaeological digs at nearby Shell Mound show human activity dating back to 500 BC. The community moved after an 1896 hurricane devastated Atsena Otie Key, but its ruins—from mills, a cemetery, and former residences—still captivate adventurous kayakers.

Today, the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge protects 13 islands brimming with birds and delicate coastal ecosystems. Paddle guides weave you through mangroves to spot snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and maybe even manatees or dolphins.

Outdoor Adventures & Island Living

Life here is water-centric. Take a spin on the 0.6-mile Railroad Trestle Nature Trail, a short stroll along old rail bed turned bird-and-butterfly sanctuary. Launch a kayak at Cedar Key City Park or Dock Street for deeper water access.

Fishing? Absolutely. Grab a rod and join locals on the dock, walk down to Cemetery Point, or charter out to historical Atsena Otie where flounder, trout, sheepshead, redfish, and tarpon wait. Between July and September, bring your dip net—scalloping season lets families gather shellfish straight from the grass flats.

The Seafood Capital

Cedar Key is a nationally ranked clam-farming hub—about 90% of Florida’s farm-raised clams are grown here. The real star is Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, whose clam chowder won world titles in Newport, Rhode Island—three times. Steamers Clam Bar & Grill and others deliver fresh Gulf oysters, Low Country boil, scallops, and shrimp—with waterfront views that feel truly A+.

Creativity & Culture

This little town packs an arts punch. Browse galleries at Cedar Key Arts Center, Island Arts, and the Cedar Keyhole Artists Co‑op—home to local painters, potters, jewelry-makers, and sculptures inspired by coastal living. The annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April and the Cedar Key Seafood Festival in October bring art, music, and food lovers in droves.

For history buffs, stroll to Cedar Key Museum State Park where St. Clair Whitman’s 1880s house and artifacts showcase island life from the early 20th century onward. The Cedar Key Historical Society and Lutterloh Building on 2nd Street trace the town’s journey from indigenous camps through rail, pencil factories, cedar logging, and Civil War turmoil.

Where to Rest & Recharge

Stay in the Island Hotel (circa 1860) with its iconic Neptune Bar, or savor Old‑Florida style in charming cottages and B&Bs along Gulf‑facing waterways. Elsewhere, places like Pirates Cove Cottages and Cedar Key Harbour Master Suites offer cozy wate

rfront retreats.

Cedar Key Must-Know Tips

When to Visit: Spring (arts festival) and autumn (seafood festival & scalloping) are highlights; birding shines in winter.
Pack Essentials: Bring kayak gear, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, and a fishing license or charter.
Island Pace: No big-box stores or traffic lights—Cedar Key thrives on small-town ease, golf carts, and friendly waves.
Weather Watch: Coastal storms can impact kayak trips—check seasonal closures.

Why Cedar Key Captivates

Cedar Key is the antidote to crowded, commercialized Florida. It offers “old‑Florida” authenticity: a seafood lover’s paradise, a nature-lover’s dream, and an arts & history haven—all rolled into one. Whether casting a line at sunset, diving into chowder, spotting eagles, strolling galleries, or sleeping in an 1800s hotel, Cedar Key invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and savor coastal living as Florida once was.

Viator offers numerous tours near Cedar Key, Florida Click here for details. vi.me/RuPX2

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com