The passage of time does not slow down in Cedar Key. It appears to be moving rearward. The local joke is that 60 Minutes takes two hours to observe. I’ve been to Cedar Key multiple times over the past twenty years. Most things have stayed the same.
After the Civil War, Cedar Key was an industrial hub and significant port on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It was home to over 5,000 residents, lumber mills, turpentine factories, and fishing fleets. The population is less than 800, and tourism is the primary industry.
The cedar trees and the timber industry have disappeared. Due to overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida’s net prohibition law, the fishing fleets have disappeared. What is left is a quaint and peaceful island community that may be Florida’s most popular weekend getaway.
The Island Hotel, the “in” place to stay in town, doesn’t even have a television (but it does have Wi-Fi) if your goal is to escape genuinely. When I first arrived, cell phone reception needed to be more consistent.
Retirees, mullet, and oyster fishermen populate Cedar Key, small mom-and-pop antique and art stores, and a few Boomers with weekend homes on the island from Gainesville and Orlando. The community has recently developed into an art colony, with several of Florida’s most renowned artists settling here.
It is an excellent weekend getaway town because Gainesville, Tampa Bay, and Orlando are within a three-hour drive.
Things To Do In Cedar Key
This region of Florida is known as the Nature Coast. Cedar Key has a great deal to offer those who appreciate the outdoors.
Good Fishing Is Everywhere
Cedar Key is a barrier island. Numerous excellent fishing locations exist, whether in the shallow marshes on the island’s rear or in the Gulf of Mexico.
People visit this location to fish; whether caught or consumed, seafood is a significant draw.
A Bike Rider’s Paradise
Cycling is a popular weekend activity. There is minimal traffic because there is only one road leading onto and off the island, and it is challenging to become disoriented. In Cedar Key, bicycling will get you there whether you’re perusing the city or pedaling to nature trails and state parks. You can bring your bicycle, or some hotels offer complimentary loaner bicycles.
Hiking Nature Trails On The Island And Nearby
There are several short nature trails on the island, as well as in the Cedar Key National Wildlife area and the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve on the mainland, for those who appreciate hiking.
Here are the origins of the Sierra Club. In 1867, naturalist John Muir walked one thousand miles from his residence in Indiana to Florida. He spent several months in Cedar Key to combat malaria, and it was during this time that he first began writing about man’s relationship with nature.
Paddle The Marshes And Bayous
The shallow bayous are ideal for paddling in canoes and kayaks. There are paddle trails, and swimming for recreation or angling is possible. You may bring your kayak or rent one of at least three kayaks in town.
More To Do Outdoors In Cedar Key
There is a small shoreline on Second Street, but the Gulf is very shallow and frequently murky due to the outflow of numerous creeks and rivers during periods of heavy rainfall. The majority of the coast is unfit for swimming.
A few ferry services transport people to the remote islands for bathing and fishing. Check Island Tours and Tidewater Tours for operating hours and prices. The water is more transparent offshore, and nearby Atsena Otie Key and SeaHorse Key have sandy beaches.
During the winter migration season, birdwatching is prevalent here, particularly from November to March. The salt marshes encircling the town attract birds. There are several Great Florida Birding Trail sites in the city and on the mainland nature preserves.
Visit The Dock
The Dock, a collection of restaurants and stores perched on pilings in the Gulf of Mexico at the city’s old Dock, where lumber barges and fishing boats used to tie up, is the closest thing to a tourist hub. Here you will locate restaurants and bars. The Dock is the closest thing to nightlife you’ll find on the island, with early street closures.
Festivals Bring Big Crowds To Cedar Key
For a small community, there is a great deal happening here. The October seafood and April art festivals are the most prominent activities. The weekend-long Cedar Key Seafood Festival features fresh oysters, clams, and locally caught seafood. The art festival showcases Florida artists and artists who traverse the national art circuit.
According to some estimates, 30,000 people visit the island on weekends to appreciate art, seafood, and alcoholic beverages.
A Little Culture, Art, And History
The town of Cedar Key has developed into a small but diverse art community. On Second Street, you will find the Cedar Keyhole Artist Co-Op, which features the work of twenty-five local artists whose mediums include photography, oil, acrylics, and pottery. The Cedar Key Arts Center is located on the second floor above the co-op and features the work of additional local artists.
The Cedar Key Pottery Center locates on State Road 347, approximately 5 miles from town. Additionally, the Center has a nursery with native flora and flowers.
On Second Street, the Cedar Key Historical Society maintains a small museum. On the harbor side of the island is the Cedar Key Museum State Park, which contains numerous historical artifacts from the region. This museum is too far from downtown to reach on foot; drive or ride a bicycle.
A Small Town With A Local Celebrity Center
The Island Hotel is the celebrity hub of Cedar Key. Over the years, authors such as Pearl Buck and John D. MacDonald have lived there. Jimmy Buffett performed impromptu songs on the veranda overlooking Second Street. In the past, President Grover Cleveland rested here.
Best Restaurants In Cedar Key
The Island Hotel is the destination for exquisite dining in Cedar Key. People frequently commute to dinner from Gainesville. The seafood entrees include crab imperial, soft-shell blue crab, fish piccata, and a variety of oyster, shrimp, and scallop-based dishes.
Steamers Clam Bar and Grill, Duncan’s On The Gulf (steaks and seafood), and the Big Deck Raw Bar and Grill are popular tourist restaurants at The Dock.
At The Dock, popular tourism eateries include Duncan’s On The Gulf (steaks and seafood), the Big Deck Raw Bar and Grill, and Steamers Clam Bar and Grill.
Do you want coffee or a latte? On Second Street, try the 1842 Daily Grind and Mercantile. There are also soups and gumbo, pastries, and light sandwiches available.
Best Hotels In Cedar Key
As previously stated, the Island Hotel on Second Street is Cedar Key’s claim to prominence. The structure has stood since 1859, enduring a Civil War battle, numerous hurricanes, and even an arson attempt by a bankrupt former proprietor.
There are ten apartments, and each has a private bathroom. Wi-Fi is available in the accommodations, but there are no televisions. It will appeal to your rustic and historical sensibilities. The room rates range from $90-$155 per night. Be sure to visit the Neptune Bar for a refreshment and to view the painting of King Neptune behind the bar. It has existed since 1948.
The majority of tourist hotels locates in the downtown district. If you are still looking for a room at the Island Hotel, I recommend Park Place, which is adjacent to the town shore. The Faraway Inn and Cedar Inn do not charge additional canines fees.
As you enter the city, several lesser motels locate along State Route 24. Additionally, the Low Key Hideaway has nine RV sites with complete hookups.
During the week, rooms are relatively easy to obtain, even during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Weekends are different, as most establishments display “no vacancy” signs. Make booking weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
No chain hotels exist in Cedar Key. Everything is locally owned, managed, and highly hospitable.
Pro Tip
Even with all the activity, Cedar Key is a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. Leave your laptop and concerns at home. Spend several days reconnecting with yourself and your partner. Put life into context. Quieten the din. Back then, life was uncomplicated, less stressful, and less cluttered.
Thank you for visiting. Hope it’s useful to you!