Boardwalk
Shoreline
Cedar Key Aerial
Fishing is King
Beaches
Water sports
Fanning Springs State Park
A Taste of “Old Florida”
If you want to visit a piece of “Old Florida,” tell Siri to take you to the tiny enclave of Cedar Key. Rich in small town flavor, this quaint, old-fashioned vacation town, with its lovely beaches, great fishing and lush natural preserves, is a haven for artists and writers who find inspiration from the unspoiled environment. Located about 60 miles southwest of Gainesville and three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, it’s an island whose out of the way location helps keep it authentic and where time seems to stand still.
This is a place where houses and stores stand like herons perched on stilts above the Gulf and where the police greet you from spiffed up golf carts. As one of the nation’s top sources of farm-raised clams, it’s easy to find tasty clam chowder here along with some of the best “Cracker Cuisine” in Florida.
OCTOBER
October 13
Seahorse Key Lighthouse Open House
Open to the public only four times a year, experience the history of the pre-Civil War lighthouse amidst the beautiful, natural environment of Seahorse Key. Access the island by tour boat, shuttle or private craft.
Free. Takes place 9am-3pm on Seahorse Key Island. Rain date: Oct. 14.
October 21 - 22
53rd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Arts & Crafts Show
Cedar Key: Indulge in the Gulf’s best seafood, watch a fun hometown parade, and troll 2nd Street for great arts and crafts exhibitors. Live music by local musicians, too. Takes place on Sa from 10am - 5pm and on Su from 10am - 4pm at Cedar Key Park, 188 2nd St, Cedar Key.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 3-5
Arrrrgh! It’s time to pillage, plunder and battle for the right to claim Cedar Key! Enjoy wenches and pirates galore,
sea shanties, guns and cannons demos, traditional grub and grog, vendors, a kids’ costume contest, mermaid and more!
Free. Takes place Fri: Noon-7pm; Sat: 8am-6pm; Sun: 10am-3pm at 192 2nd St.
November 10
Seahorse Key Lighthouse Open House
Enjoy your stroll to the pre-Civil War lighthouse station, then take the beach walkway to the far side of the island
for a view of the breathtaking, natural environment of Seahorse Key. Access the island by tour boat, shuttle or private craft.
Free. Takes place 9am-3pm on Seahorse Key Island. Rain date: Nov. 11.
November 10-12
Meet up with old friends and make new ones while you enjoy the tropical beauty of the Nature Coast with an enchanting,
informal small craft sail around the Cedar Keys and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in this annual prelude to summer.
Check tide tables for details.
Recommended
83 WEST 310 Dock St. | Cedar Key, Fl 32625
352-543-5070; | 83westcedarkey.com
Open Su - W 11am - 8pm; | F - Sa 11am - 10pm; | Closed Th
A Local Take On Southern Seafood
Southern-style dishes inspired by fresh local seafood, seasonal produce and Cedar Key’s heritage are the signature of this charming dockside restaurant that boasts spectacular water views from every seat. Executive Chef/Owner, Jordan Keeton sources fresh, local seafood, meats and produce to create old Florida favorites with a thoroughly modern twist. The Shrimp & Anson Mills Grits with andouille sausage is just wonderful; the Fried Green Tomatoes are absolutely delicious and beautifully plated; and the house-made Key Lime Cake is unique and delicious. Florida brewed beers, and craft distilled spirits, too!
