Cedar Keys Florida – Top Things to See and Do

cedar key florida gulf beach town

The fun island community of Cedar Key (see our first article here) is to date our favorite Florida Gulf Coast Beach town. It is what a friend termed what “Key Largo” used to be. An artsy, fun place that has some neat restaurants and attractions . . . but remains very accessible. You can find … Read more

Cedar Key, Florida Fun Gulf Beach Town

Cedar Key Beach

Affordable Vacation Beach Town

Whether RVing or Vacationing, are you looking to escape to get away from the madness of South Florida? Consider Scenic Cedar Key. It is a slow-pace Gulf Beach Town Gem along the Hidden Coast, with lots of fun and interesting things to do and places to see. Read On.


Although impacted by Hurricane Idalia, Cedar Key is quickly returning and open for business. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the majority of the shops and restaurants have re-opened.


Top Ten Small Town Culture & Affordable Gulf Vacation Beach Town

Located on what is known as Florida’s Hidden Gulf Coast, the island city of Cedar Key has managed to retain its small town feel while providing a very hospitable vacation experience for visitors. USA Today ranks it in the best Top Ten Small Town culture scenes, # 6 in the nation and #1 in Florida. And UpGradedPoints rates Cedar Keys as the USA least expensive Vacation Beach Town.

Cedar Key has lots of neat shops and galleries, some great restaurants serving up some great seafood, top notch kayaking and paddle-boarding, island tours boat trips, charter fishing, sunning and swimming at the spacious Cedar Key Beach & city park, some interesting hiking trails, and just plain fun hanging out in a friendly island community.

Cedar Key Florida Waterfront Restaurants
The restaurants and shops along Dock Street hangout over the water.

RVers Note: There are several RV campgrounds in and near Cedar Key and several choices in nearby Chiefland, Florida. We profile these camping options lower down this page, with descriptions and links.


Top Things to Do and See in Cedar Key, Florida

Cedar Key Florida Welcome Center
Stop at the Welcome Center for info on neat things to see and do.

See our list of Top 10 Things to Do, Places to see in Cedar Key, Florida

Kayaks, Swimming, Sunbathing, Picnicing at the City Beach and Park

cedar key public beach
Picnic, Swim or just relax and enjoy the breezes and sunshine at the city Beach and Park.

There is a decent city swimming and sunbathing beach adjacent to the city park that has picnic tables, a playground area, a pavilion, and a bath house. Nearby, within walking distance of the beach are several good restaurants and raw bars offering fresh seafood, some of which is locally caught.

Cedar Key Florida Beach & Kayaking
Kayaks are popular because the many bays and channels among the islands provide protection from big waves.

Cedar Key Dining and Entertaining

cedar key dockside restaurants
Many of the top restaurants and bars are located along dock street.

Most of the bars, restaurants, and boutiques are located along Dock Street which runs down the center of a narrow hook-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Gulf and Suwanee Sound. The buildings on the Gulf side of the street are built on stilts and actually sit out in the water.

See our reviews of Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Cedar Key

Walking Around Downtown Cedar Key

Cedar Key Florida Artists Gallery
Cedar Key has its share of artists and artisans, including some with a sense of humor.

Cedar Key Emporium
Humorous artistic touches all around town
Cedar Key Cottages
One of several “unique” cottages in Cedar Key
Cedar Key Florida Gift Shops Boutiques
Wouldn’t be a beach community without some gift shops and boutiques.

Away from downtown, there are some interesting walks along the Cemetery Point Trail and the Trestle Nature Trail (see them here)

While the town of Cedar Key is situated on about 6 islands, the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the town of Cedar Key has thirteen named islands, plus perhaps hundred more islands too small to have a name encircle the town. The many islands of the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge provide great shelter for kayaking and canoeing and also a chance to see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife or do some fishing.

Cedar Key Fishing Pier
Cedar Key’s Fishing Pier, Swimming Beach of Atsena Otie Key in the background

The Island Tours Boat Rides offers an interesting narrated tour of a few of the islands in the Keys. Seeing some dolphins is just about a guarantee as they seem to be attracted to the boat, as if they were hired performers!

Island Tour Boat Ride
Watching the Dolphins perform on the Island Tour Boat.

See our list of Top 10 Things to Do, Places to see in Cedar Key, Florida

Lodging in Cedar Keys

The town has a very hospitable beach resort community that is more laid-back and has far less commercial glitz than you’d find in Destin or Panama City Beach. There’s no high-rise resort buildings or huge apartment complexes. There are a few medium-size ocean-side condos and hotels, but a good deal of the lodging for visitors is provided in quaint cottages and mom & pop style motels.

Camping, Campgrounds, RV Parks Cedar Key, Florida

There are three private RV parks/campgrounds located within Cedar Key or within 5 miles of the center of town. As you might expect, you pay a premium to be located in or close to town. We drove through two of these three parks and found the sites too cramped together for our tastes.

Our favorite Cedar Keys RV Campground is a few miles out of town at the North end of the Keys Wildlife Refuge, Shell Mound County Park. The park offers both RV and Tent Camping and the nearby nature trails provide some interesting hiking and bird-watching.

**Shell Mound County Park Campground (see our review and article)

The nearby Cedar Keys Nature area offers a boardwalk, a fishing pier and a canoe/kayak landing. We camped at the County RV park and found the camp hosts very friendly and helpful. The RV sites offer water and electricity; the bath houses have running water and showers; and the campsite fees were quite reasonable. The campground is first come, first served – no reservations.

Can’t Find Campground Vacancies in or near Cedar Keys?

If you are willing to drive about 30 miles, there are several good RV camping options in Chiefland (see our reviews). One that we like is Manatee Springs State Park. The state park offers very nice RV sites, good spacing, nice shading, 8 miles of hiking trails, kayaking, biking, and swimming/snorkeling in the spring pool. And the rates are quite a bit less than the private parks nearer to town.

Another decent RV campground for visiting Cedar Keys area is Strawberry Fields RV Campground

Beside being able to get a reasonable campsite somewhat near Cedar Key, another reason we like to RV camp in Chiefland is the Chiefland Golf Course, only about a mile from Manatee Springs. We found it a nicely, maintained 18 hole golf course, with a friendly staff, and modestly priced green fees. It is also a very walk-able course.

More Places to Visit and Things to around Cedar Keys:

Have you been to Cedar Key Florida? If so tell us how you liked it in the comments below.

Your Scenic Travel Guide: Ross Reinhold

Walking, Nature & Hiking Trails | Cedar Keys

Boardwalk Shell Mound

In addition to walking around artsy downtown and the cottages in the nearby historic district, Cedar Keys also offers some worthwhile and interesting nature trails within the town. You’d enjoy a nice walk on the Cemetery Point Trail and the Railroad Trestle Trail. Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail This is an easy walk (2/3 … Read more

Reviews – Best Cedar Keys Restaurants

Duncans Gulf View Restaurant Cedar Key Florida

One of the fun things about Cedar Key is their collection of interesting and unique restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Great seafood, neat ambiance, comfortable breezes off the Gulf. Lots of entertainment choices in Cedar Key, Florida . . . one of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast towns. Below is our list of the Best places … Read more

Nature Trails Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge

sunset cedar keys national wildlife refuge

Shell Mound Nature Area Hiking Trails People visiting the picturesque island town of Cedar Key who enjoy hiking and nature trails should visit the Shell Mound unit of the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge less than 10 miles from Cedar Key proper. Within walking distance of Shell Mound County Park & Campground is the Trailhead for … Read more

1842 Daily Grind Cafe Cedar Key Florida

Daily Grind Cafe Cedar Key

Restaurant Review: Daily Grind & Mercantile Cafe, Cedar Key Florida Located in the epicenter at the intersection of Road D (Hwy 24) and Main Streets, the Daily Grind is downtown Cedar Key’s most popular gathering place for gourmet coffee, breakfast, and lunch. They offer Organic Fair Trade beans from roaster to you, baked goods daily and … Read more

Big Deck Bar & Grill

Big Deck Bar and Grill Cedar Key

Best Restaurants in Cedar Key, Florida Located in the Dock Street dining and shopping district, the Big Deck Raw Bar overlooks the inner harbor vs. its neighbors across the street who look out on the Gulf. If you are visiting Cedar Key and you have Covid-19 concerns and want a brew or something to eat, … Read more

Annies Cafe Cedar Key, Florida

annies cafe cedar key florida

See our list of Best Restaurants in Cedar Key Florida Annie’s Cafe is located along the main road, Highway 24, that leads into town and is hard to miss with their unique and artsy exterior. In addition to the Dolphin mascot that welcomes guests, a large garden surrounds the entrance to Annie’s with potted plants … Read more

Tony’s Seafood Cafe

Tony Seafood Restaurant Cedar Key Florida

See our list of Best Restaurants in Cedar Key Florida Tony’s Cafe among the best places to eat in Cedar Key Rated by many as the Best seafood place in Cedar Key, Tony’s was on our list to try out. Located on the corner of the main intersection in downtown Cedar Key (Highway 24 and … Read more

Duncan’s On the Gulf – Our Review

duncans on the gulf cedar key

Dining Review of Duncan’s on the Gulf Formerly known as Carlin’s Steakhouse & Pub, Duncan’s has attracted good reviews online for the short time they’ve been under the current ownership. We were looking for a different place to eat with a view overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and the Cedar Keys islands. We had previously … Read more

Away from the World | Cedar Key

Away from the World Bar Cedar Key Florida

Restaurant Review: Away from the World Burger Bar, Cedar Key, Florida

Formerly named “Away from the World Cafe” Away from the World Beer and Burger Bar has expanded its menu and beverages. It is located on the top story of one of the commercial buildings along the Dock Street Pier looking out on the Gulf. Their expansive deck dining offers great views of the water and you can catch a decent breeze that is welcome on a hot day. If it is too cold or rains, there is plenty of dining room inside. Prior to arriving at Cedar Key we hadn’t done any research on best places to eat so we picked “Away from the World” simply because it looked like they had a decent dining deck with a terrific view of the water.

Away from the World Cedar Key
Great views and nice breezes from the dining deck.

While it took a while to get served, the Mahi-Mahi sandwich and the tossed salad were very good. Worth waiting for.

Away from the World Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

The weather was ideal, sunny and about 10 degrees above normal for a late February day. Almost too hot for our Wisconsin bodies tuned to winter temperatures. It was Tuesday afternoon mid-week and the town was only moderately busy. Yet apparently the staff at Away from the World wasn’t ready for several people descending upon them for lunch. We had to stand around for a while gawking at the bartender before we got a waitress to seat us. But then we did get profuse apologies, saying “sorry, we are really slammed today” which was a phrase we’d hear her repeat often to other customers. When our Mahi-Mahi Sandwiches did arrive, they were pretty good. I thought mine was a little dry, but Jo thought hers was excellent. The side salad was very good, a nice selection of fresh greens and veggies. The beer was decent and a good selection on tap. Our wait staff had only been working there for two weeks and was trying hard to keep up with her customers, but only partially succeeding.

Perhaps the manager of the operation was in the kitchen humping to get out the food. My impression was there wasn’t anyone taking charge of dealing with the chaos. So 3 stars for service and maybe too generous. But they did produce half-way decent food – 4.5 stars for that. 5 star view and atmosphere on the dining deck. Overall I’d give them a 3.5.

Travel and Restaurant Links:

Cedar Key Florida Beach
See our article on things to do and see in Cedar Key, Florida

Steamers Clam Bar & Grill | Cedar Key

Steamers Raw Bar and Grill Cedar Key Florida

Restaurant Review: Steamers Restaurant & Grill, Cedar Key, Florida

Steamers is a fun Clam Bar and Grill is on the second story of one of several buildings along the Dock Street pier overlooking Suwanne Sound on the Gulf of Mexico.

Steamers Cedar Key
Great views of the water from the upper deck, but you are lucky to get a seat out there.
steamers
Steamers is located on the top floor above the Island Trading Post.
Steamers Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

While there is a small outside deck with great views of the water, there isn’t much seating available for dining there. So we dined inside but still had views of the water due to the open ceiling and expansive window walls. Even though it was a busy, beautiful Saturday afternoon we got very attentive service; the wait staff and bartenders must be well schooled in customer service. The afternoon we dined there a trio of older guys were picking guitars, playing and singing some Texas country classics – Waylon, Willie, Jimmy Buffet tunes – and doing a pretty good job of it. 

One of our favorite stouts, Oatmeal Stout, was on tap so we ordered a pair of steins while we waited for a table to clear. Good beer, good tunes, good views of the water (Out on the water you could watch the porpoises jumping), beautiful day, great to be retired and enjoy the good life. The wait wasn’t too long til we got seated.

Jo stealing one of my sweet potato fries!

While Cedar Key is Florida’s Capital of Farm-raised Clams, we aren’t Raw Bar fans; if we have Clams or Oysters it will be in a soup! So Jo and I elected one of our Gulf Coast seafood staples – Mahi-Mahi Grilled and Blackened Sandwich Basket with a side of Cole Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries. The Mahi-Mahi fillets were a decent size and served on a square ciabatta bun, a nice upgrade from the big hamburger bun we’ve gotten at some places. Lettuce, tomato, onions, and tarter sauce were on the side so you elect how you wanted them – in or out of the sandwich. The fries were decent, a generous serving. We thought the Cole Slaw was exceptional. Crisp Red and White Cabbage with Carrot slices in a light tangy, balsamic sauce and a decent-sized bowl. Nice contrast to the blender-chopped stuff in a heavy mayo sauce in a tiny paper cup you get some places.

The meal was great, the Oatmeal Stout outstanding, the ambiance terrific, and a beautiful day looking over the water. Hard to top. 4.5 stars. Looking forward to return visit next year.

Gulf Drive Travel and Restaurant Links: