Those individuals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the more developed Florida beaches, and just get away to explore nature in a relaxing small town community with “Old Florida” character will find Cedar Key a rewarding destination.  This often overlooked coastal section of Florida’s Nature Coast offers the naturalist abundant opportunities to set their own pace of experience.  Hiking, kayaking, canoeing or biking the laid-back coastal town and surrounding preserves invites visitors to explore this undeveloped natural treasure.  Check out the pages here at Florida Nature Guide on the Cedar Key NWRS,  Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park for more information about some of the local recreational opportunities.

The Cedar Key Guide website is an excellent source of additional information to assist those seeking to explore some of the flavors of this unspoiled Florida eco-tourist treasure.  Additional information about this site is also included on our page located here on Florida Nature Guide dedicated to the Cedar Key and Lower Suwanee NWRS.

The beaches here are not the major draw.  Although the relaxed, natural and untouched by major development is indeed a beautiful sight, and the sunsets from the western facing coastline is rewarding in itself, there are not long expanses of white sand beaches found here.  This area tends to be somewhat more rocky and less of a picture postcard view unless the abundant wildlife and natural environment are what you are looking for to mail back home.

Forget the major chain hotels and nightlife adventures when visiting this stretch of old time Florida.  There are excellent low key economical rentals available with the basic amenities (although, some do not have a phone in the room).  You can expect a friendly welcome to this town of less than 1,000 permanent residents.  Additional resources available for those visiting the Cedar Key area include the local Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce , where you can find local businesses for lodging, food, and other services to enhance your trip to this unique Nature Coast destination.