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.
July 2
Seahorse Key Lighthouse Open House
Discover the peaceful beauty, history and natural environment of Seahorse Key and the pre-Civil War lighthouse open to the public only four times a year. Access the island by tour boat or private craft. Free. 9am-3pm. Seahorse Key Island. Info: http://cedarkey.org/
July 2
Independence Day Celebration
Williston: Kick off the holiday weekend with a patriotic parade, followed by kid’s games, arts and crafts, food, fun and fireworks at dusk. Free. Parade at 5-9:30pm. 803 SW 19th Ave.
Info: https://willistonfl.org/
July 4
Cedar Key Fireworks
Bring the family and celebrate our nation’s birthday with a spectacular display of fireworks. Free. 9:15pm. Location TBD. Info: http://cedarkey.org/
October 8
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 or private craft. Free. 9am-3pm. Seahorse Key Island. Info: http://cedarkey.org/
October 15 & 16
Seafood Festival
Celebrate the area’s fishing heritage with a parade and two days of arts and crafts, live local music, shopping, family fun and delicious melt-in-your-mouth seafood prepared by local chefs. Free. 10am-5pm. Second St. and City Beach Front Park. Info: http://cedarkey.org/
Nov. 4-6
Pirate Invasion
Ahoy, mateys! The annual pirate invasion is back and it’s time to pillage, plunder and battle for the right to claim Cedar Key. Enjoy a fun, family-friendly weekend of wenches, pirates, cannon firing, traditional food and grog, kid’s activities and more. Free. Times TBA. 192 2nd St. Info: https://cedarkeypiratefest.com/
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!
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