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The Ultimate Travel Guide for Cedar Key Florida
Even though I’ve lived in Florida all my life, there are still so many places I haven’t been to, so my husband and I decided to make a Florida bucket list with Cedar Key as our first destination!
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway to a quaint beach town, Cedar Key Florida is the place for you!
Not only is Cedar Key FL BEAUTIFUL, but all of the locals are so friendly, and the whole town is super low-key. It almost reminds me of a mini Key West! Another bonus is that most of the island is dog friendly, which Melvin, our Frenchie, loved! Such a nice change of pace from the busy city of St Petersburg, where I live!
Sharing all of the details from our trip below, including Cedar Key rentals, fun things to do in Cedar Key FL, the best Cedar Key restaurants & bars to go to, what to pack for a trip to Florida, and more!
Where to stay in Cedar Key FL
Seriously, how cute are these Pirates Cove cottages? Charles and I always prefer to stay in a unique Airbnb instead of a hotel. They are much more comfortable AND allow you to eat at home if you like.
The cottage we stayed in was just the right size (basically a studio with a small kitchenette and bathroom) and had a patio overlooking the water with the prettiest view! It is located just outside town but only a 20-minute walk from all the restaurants and bars. The perfect location if you ask me!
Check out some other available rental options here.
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Best restaurants in Cedar Key Fl
The best thing about Downtown Cedar Key Florida is that almost everything is within walking distance of each other! Dock Street is a waterfront strip of restaurants, bars, and shops, where we spent most of our time! There are only about ten places total, so you can definitely cover them all in one weekend.
There are also so many pet-friendly restaurants in Cedar Key Florida which is a huge bonus!
Below are some of our favorite Cedar Key restaurants we went to if you want a rec!
- BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN CEDAR KEY. If you’re looking for a good coffee spot in Cedar Key, 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile is the one! Literally the ONLY one (I think haha). They had delicious espresso and a nice selection of breakfast options though, so that was fine by me!
- BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN CEDAR KEY. Annie’s Cafe was closer to our Airbnb and was the perfect waterfront stop on our way into town. If you love a good Southern Breakfast, this is the place for you! I ordered the biscuits & gravy, and they were delicious! They also have a full bar (including mimosas) and a pet-friendly outdoor patio.
- BEST LUNCH SPOTS IN CEDAR KEY. If you’re looking for one of the best waterfront restaurants in Cedar Key Florida, Big Deck Raw bar is it! They have a great patio overlooking the water, many yummy seafood options, and cheap beer. I’m honestly ashamed to admit how many times we went there, but I guess you like what you like! hehe
- BEST DINNER SPOTS IN CEDAR KEY. If you’re looking for a good seafood restaurant in Cedar Key Florida, Steamers Cedar Key is probably your best bet! Even though I wasn’t overly impressed with their food, we still had a good time. The Island Room is another place that was recommended to us and will definitely be added to our list for next time.
- BEST BARS IN CEDAR KEY. There are quite a few bars & restaurants on the Island, but my favorite place (besides Big Deck, of course) was Bonish Studio. It’s a shop with locally sourced products and also a bar with delicious cocktails and craft beer. It’s more of a local hangout, which Charles and I prefer!
- LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN CEDAR KEY. Most of the restaurants on the island have live entertainment on the weekend! Check out Big Deck, Duncan’s, and Black Dog Bar if you’re looking for something fun to do at night.
What to do in Cedar Key
Even though Cedar Key Florida is a pretty small island, there are still so many fun things to do! We wanted our trip to be more relaxing, so we decided not to make any solid plans and spent most of our time eating and drinking (haha). It was so nice not being on an agenda!
Below are a few things to do in Cedar Key FL that are worth checking out!
- HOP AROUND DOCK STREET. As mentioned above, Dock St is a waterfront strip of bars and restaurants that makes for a fun day of eating, drinking, and shopping! Make sure to check out some of my recs above!
- RENT A GOLF CART AND DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND. We rented a golf cart one of the days we were there, and it was a lifesaver. Even though the island was small and super walkable, it was so hot, and Melvin was dying! You can book your golf cart in advance here.
- KAYAK TO ATSENA OTIE KEY. Atsena Otie Key was the original “Cedar Key” until a hurricane, unfortunately, washed it away in the late 1800s. Remnants of old buildings can still be found, including a historic cemetery that dates back to 1877. Kayaking around the island is a great way to learn about Cedar Key while enjoying its natural beauty. You can book your kayak rentals in advance here.
- HANG OUT AT CEDAR KEY BEACH. If you’re looking for some free things to do in Cedar Key FL, City Park has a small public beach and an excellent playground for kids called Lil Shark Park. It was a little too crowded for our liking (and there were a lot of kids), so we drove around on the golf cart and stumbled upon Cedar Key Airport Beach. It’s pretty small, but it was a lot quieter.
- CHECK OUT THE CEDAR KEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM. History isn’t really my thing, but my husband loves it, so sometimes I have to suck it up (haha). The museum includes exhibits of Native American artifacts, the Cedar Key pencil industry, the Seafood and Clam industry, Florida railroad, and more. Click here to check it out.
What to pack for Florida
As said before, Cedar Key Florida is a super low-key beach town, so there is no need to pack your heels, ladies! Depending on what time of year you visit, Cedar Key weather will be hot and humid, so I recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day.
Packing tips for a beach vacation
- COMFORT IS KEY. There’s nothing worse than spending ALL DAY at the beach (and, in my case, probably getting sunburnt) and then having to put on something uncomfortable for dinner. Maxi dresses are always great if you want to be comfy but still look cute!
- PACKING THINGS THAT ARE LIGHTWEIGHT & BREATHABLE. Denim is a no bueno during summer! It’s no fun sweating to death and then sitting in your sweat all day. I would pack anything made with a lightweight fabric like linen that is quick-dry.
- REPLACE THE HEELS WITH SANDALS. Again, comfort is one of my top priorities when packing for the beach, and you’re definitely not going to find me in stilettos. There are so many other options, like wedges or sandals, that will look just as cute and are much more comfortable!
- DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN. The sun is no joke, especially during summer. I’d honestly rather look like a ghost (which I do lol) than end up with a killer sunburn. Make sure to pack your sunscreen, and I would also recommend bringing a straw hat or even a sun shirt for extra coverage. Better to be safe than sorry!
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