Take a Virtual Vacation to Cedar Key, Florida

Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida

Spring 2020 has brought a halt to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential visitors, from near and far, take care of themselves, and dream of coming to visit us when the “fever” breaks. In the meantime, take some time to peruse our special “edition” of Virtual Vacations in Natural North Florida. This post is the first in that series. More, featuring highlights of our 15-county region will follow, each including links to local highlights, where “Nature Is Our Theme Park”!

**Aerial View, Cedar Key, Levy County, Florida**

Cedar Key is more than a lonesome coastal town in Levy County, Florida. Originally a fishing village, manufacturing center (pencils!), and terminus of a cross-state railroad, it’s now spread out over an archipelago of islands that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. Whle fishing and boating are still popular there, there’s also a thriving art community with galleries and regular art festivals.

Cedar Key is located at the western end of CR24, about 24 miles from US19/98 at the village of Otter Creek.

The Island Hotel is one of the oldest lodging options at Cedar Key. It’s one of many available, including many houses, condos, campgrounds, R/V parks and motels. It’s also haunted! Other options can be found online HERE .

No matter your choice of lodging, you won’t be far from the water or from some excellent food and drink.

Cedar Key is renowned for its fresh seafood, especially its farmed clams and oysters. For information on the many restaurants in Cedar Key, click HERE

**…or paddle and swim at the small sand beach at City Park**

**A stroll down Dock Street will give you a great look at the waterfront as well as a view of the Gulf of Mexico**

While the town of Cedar Key is mainly located on Way Key, one of the larger islands, there’s plenty of things to do in the “neighborhood”. Of course, inshore and offshore fishing opportunities abound, either in the Gulf or the backwaters. And the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge , just up the road is an excellent place for hikers and birders to take a day trip,

Launching kayaks and paddle craft at Shell Mound, just north of Cedar Key. From here, it’s a short paddle to the coast of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Cedar Key is also the home to the Cedar Key Museum State Park. There, you can explore the community’s history, geography and heritage.

Occupying a prominent cape on Florida’s Gulf Coast, a lighthouse and light station was erected on Seahorse Key’s bluff in about 1850 and still shines today. It’s the oldest lighthouse on Florida’s west coast and is managed by the Lower Suwannee NWR. While generally closed to the public the Nature Coast Biological Station offers quarterly tours to the island.

We hope you have enjoyed this overview of one of our most popular Gulf communities. More specific posts will follow, featuring more details of the places and activities mentioned here.