Discover Cedar Key, Florida

Old Florida Island Charm on the Gulf Coast

Tucked away at the end of State Road 24, Cedar Key is a quiet, coastal island town that feels worlds away from the hustle of modern life. With salty breezes, stilted cottages, and streets where bicycles outnumber cars, this charming community is a haven for artists, kayakers, food lovers, and anyone seeking authentic Florida at its most tranquil.

A Coastal Town with Deep Roots

Cedar Key has a history that runs as deep as the surrounding Gulf waters. Once a bustling port for the cedar pencil and oyster industries in the 1800s, the town later became a haven for writers, fishermen, and naturalists — including famed author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.

Today, remnants of the past live on in weathered docks, historic buildings, and the Cedar Key Historical Museum. But it’s the pace of life — slow, salty, and soulful — that keeps visitors coming back.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Surrounded by salt marshes, mangroves, and calm Gulf waters, Cedar Key is a naturalist’s dream. Whether by foot, bike, or kayak, there’s plenty to explore.

• Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
  Trails wind through rare scrub habitats where you might spot eagles, gopher tortoises, and wildflowers in bloom.

• Kayaking the Cedar Keys
  Paddle through quiet estuaries or venture out to Atsena Otie Key, a nearby island with the ruins of a 19th-century town and a pristine beach perfect for a picnic.

• Fishing & Boating
  Known for some of the best inshore fishing on the Gulf. Charter guides are available, or cast a line from the public pier.

• Bird Watching
  The surrounding islands are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making Cedar Key a hotspot for migrating and nesting birds year-round.

Local Food You’ll Remember

Cedar Key is famous for fresh, local seafood — especially clams, which are farmed right off its shores. Dining here is laid-back, friendly, and full of coastal flavor.

• Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
  Home of the three-time world champion clam chowder — rich, creamy, and unforgettable.

• 83 West
  Two stories of seafood and sunset views. Casual downstairs, finer dining upstairs — both with fresh-caught Gulf fare.

• Steamers Clam Bar & Grill
  Great for oysters, steamed clams, and cold drinks with a waterfront view.

• Big Deck Raw Bar
  A local favorite for music, shrimp baskets, and an old-school island vibe.

• Holy Moly
  Tiny but mighty — great coffee, scratch-made donuts, and breakfast wraps.

Annual Events & Festivals

Despite its size, Cedar Key has a lively cultural calendar filled with music, art, and local flavor.

• Cedar Key Seafood Festival (October)
  A weekend of seafood, live music, arts and crafts, and island hospitality.

• Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (April)
  A juried fine arts show that takes over downtown with painters, sculptors, photographers, and more.

• Clamerica Festival (July 4th)
  Celebrate Independence Day island-style with a clam-centric cookout, parade, and waterfront fireworks.

• Pirate Invasion Weekend (Fall)
  A quirky favorite, complete with pirate costumes, live music, and a mock sea battle.

Why Visit Cedar Key?

Cedar Key isn’t the kind of place you ”“do”—it’s a place you feel. Whether you’re kayaking past dolphins, watching herons wade through the marsh, or sipping a cold drink as the sun sinks into the Gulf, you’ll find something rare here: stillness.

It’s Old Florida, untouched and unforgettable. A coastal escape where nature, art, and good food come together on one tiny, magical island.

🧭 Plan your Cedar Key retreat and experience why this off-the-beaten-path gem is one of the true treasures of Florida’s Nature Coast.