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.
Bi-Monthly
Seahorse Key Lighthouse Open House
July 3; October 14
Seahorse Key: Experience the history of the pre-Civil War lighthouse amidst the beautiful, natural environment of Seahorse Key. Tour the UF field research lab, explore the historical light station or get back to nature with a hike along the winding dune-side trail. Transportation by tour boat, shuttle or private craft. Free. Takes place 9am-3pm on Seahorse Key Island. Rain dates: ??.
JUNE
June 1
Tour de Melon
Chiefland: On your mark, get set, RIDE! Bring the family for the ride of the summer with a 50- or 100-mile bike trek or choose your own distance along the beautiful, paved Nature Coast trails. Helmets required. Rest and snack stops are provided along all routes. Registration required. 7am. Takes place from 2340 Old Fannin Rd.
June 3
Watermelon Festival
Chiefland: Enjoy the sweetness of summer with a 5k melon run, a watermelon parade, queen’s pageant, watermelon by the slice, contests, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and more. Free. Takes place 7am-2pm at 2340 Old Fannin Rd.
June 8
Sunshine Summer Market
Williston: Shop ‘til you drop from 100+ vendors featuring clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles – all perfect for gift-giving or to add to your collection – live music, food trucks and more. Free. Takes place 10am-2pm at 803 SW 19th Ave.
JULY
July 3
Independence Day Celebration
Williston: Kick off a family Fourth with a festive city parade featuring floats, bands and street performers followed by live music, kid’s games, food trucks and fun for all, including a fabulous fireworks show in Horseman’s Park at dark. Takes place 5-9pm downtown and 803 SW 19th Ave.
July 4
Celebrate your independence with the best fireworks show in Florida! You’ll have the best seat in the house – either on land or water – with the patriotic display launching from a barge between Dock St and Atsena Otie. Free. Takes place 9:15pm at 188 2nd St.
OCTOBER
October 21 & 22
Seafood Festival
Commemorate the local fishing heritage with a parade, local arts and crafts handmade from local cedar trees, live local music, shopping, family fun and some of the best seafood from the Nature Coast, including clam chowders, raw or fried oysters, smoked mullet dip and corn on the cob. Free. Takes place Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 10am-4pm at Second St. and City Beach Front Park.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1-3
Pirate Invasion
Delight in the annual celebration of pillage and plunder as pirates battle to claim Cedar Key! Enjoy gun and cannon demos, wenches, sea shanties from the Ancient City Sirens and Rusty Cutlass, traditional grub and grog, costume contests, mermaids and more! Free.
Takes place Fri: 12-7pm; Sat: 8am-6pm; Sun: 10am-3pm at 192 2nd St.
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!
