Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What are the best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities?” Of course you have! Why wouldn’t you?! There’s nothing better than relaxing in nature, except maybe the slight shock of returning to the hustle and bustle of a big city. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend your days outdoors and your evenings in one of the best towns for nature lovers in Florida? If you move to one the small towns below – all of which are among the best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities – you can have it all.
- Mount Dora
Flickr/Daniel Piraino Mount Dora has many ways to explore the beauty of Lake County by air or water. You can choose whether you take an eco-tour on a pontoon boat with a dozen other people or take a self-guided tour on a CraigCat Boat with room for only you and one other person. Alternatively, you can book a seaplane adventure or even a hot air balloon. Picturesque Palm Island Park is a birdwatcher’s dream. There’s so much to see and do. Mount Dora truly lives up to its reputation as the most unique town in Florida. Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
- Dunedin
Facebook/Visit Dunedin Dunedin is not just a great, unique little town in Pinellas County, it’s actually been revered as the best city in America. Plus, it’s the perfect place to unwind outdoors. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are famous for their natural beauty, there are dozens of fishing and sailing charters to choose from, and the Pinellas Trail (seen here) runs right through town. Dunedin, FL, USA
- Crystal River
Flickr/Josh Wiesenfeld Crystal River transports you back in time to old-timey Florida, with lots of boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. This is the only place you can legally book an encounter with one of our state mascots, the manatee. With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why Crystal River has been touted as the coolest town in the South. Crystal River, FL, USA
- Punta Gorda
Flickr/Peter Barker This is the place to explore a different side of Florida, far removed from the theme parks. Take a swamp buggy tour through Babcock Wildnress Adventures, visit the Peace River Wildlife Center, or if you’re really brave, try Skydive Southwest Florida. Punta Gorda is truly like one big adventure. Punta Gorda, FL, USA
- High Springs
Flickr/Katy Warner The opportunities for outdoor adventure in High Springs, which is near Gainesville, are endless. There are several nearby springs and state parks here, including Ginnie Springs and Blue Springs Park. There are several more natural attractions 30 minutes away in Gainesville. There, you can explore the Devil’s Millhopper (a giant sinkhole) and the wildlife-packed Paynes Prairie (in nearby Micanopy). High Springs, FL, USA
- Chipley
Flickr/Olin Gilbert This small town in northwest Florida has Florida’s tallest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park. It’s also home to the Seacrest Wolf Preserve, an equestrian park, and a park for off-road vehicles. What’s more, it’s a great destination to visit during fall in Florida. Chipley, FL 32428, USA
- Grayton Beach
Flickr/JR P This community in northwest Florida has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, as well as numerous trails through picturesque Point Washington State Forest. The town, which has been dubbed the coolest places in the U.S., is also famous for its fleet of fishing charters. You’ll fall in love with this fun and funky little town. Grayton Beach, FL 32459, USA
- Cedar Key
Flickr/Lenna Young Andrews A slice of Old Florida, Cedar Key, which is about an hour from Gainesville, is a very walkable town with lots of charm. There are many kayaking adventures and fishing charters to choose from. Cemetery Point Park may sound grim, but it’s actually a lovely place for a stroll or bike ride when you’re in Cedar Key. Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
So, do you agree? Are these the best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities? Ever been to any of the towns mentioned above? Or, maybe you’re lucky enough to call one of these towns home? Whatever it is, tell us!
Flickr/Daniel Piraino
Mount Dora has many ways to explore the beauty of Lake County by air or water. You can choose whether you take an eco-tour on a pontoon boat with a dozen other people or take a self-guided tour on a CraigCat Boat with room for only you and one other person. Alternatively, you can book a seaplane adventure or even a hot air balloon. Picturesque Palm Island Park is a birdwatcher’s dream. There’s so much to see and do. Mount Dora truly lives up to its reputation as the most unique town in Florida.
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Facebook/Visit Dunedin
Dunedin is not just a great, unique little town in Pinellas County, it’s actually been revered as the best city in America. Plus, it’s the perfect place to unwind outdoors. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are famous for their natural beauty, there are dozens of fishing and sailing charters to choose from, and the Pinellas Trail (seen here) runs right through town.
Dunedin, FL, USA
Flickr/Josh Wiesenfeld
Crystal River transports you back in time to old-timey Florida, with lots of boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. This is the only place you can legally book an encounter with one of our state mascots, the manatee. With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why Crystal River has been touted as the coolest town in the South.
Crystal River, FL, USA
Flickr/Peter Barker
This is the place to explore a different side of Florida, far removed from the theme parks. Take a swamp buggy tour through Babcock Wildnress Adventures, visit the Peace River Wildlife Center, or if you’re really brave, try Skydive Southwest Florida. Punta Gorda is truly like one big adventure.
Punta Gorda, FL, USA
Flickr/Katy Warner
The opportunities for outdoor adventure in High Springs, which is near Gainesville, are endless. There are several nearby springs and state parks here, including Ginnie Springs and Blue Springs Park. There are several more natural attractions 30 minutes away in Gainesville. There, you can explore the Devil’s Millhopper (a giant sinkhole) and the wildlife-packed Paynes Prairie (in nearby Micanopy).
High Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/Olin Gilbert
This small town in northwest Florida has Florida’s tallest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park. It’s also home to the Seacrest Wolf Preserve, an equestrian park, and a park for off-road vehicles. What’s more, it’s a great destination to visit during fall in Florida.
Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Flickr/JR P
This community in northwest Florida has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, as well as numerous trails through picturesque Point Washington State Forest. The town, which has been dubbed the coolest places in the U.S., is also famous for its fleet of fishing charters. You’ll fall in love with this fun and funky little town.
Grayton Beach, FL 32459, USA
Flickr/Lenna Young Andrews
A slice of Old Florida, Cedar Key, which is about an hour from Gainesville, is a very walkable town with lots of charm. There are many kayaking adventures and fishing charters to choose from. Cemetery Point Park may sound grim, but it’s actually a lovely place for a stroll or bike ride when you’re in Cedar Key.
Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Then you’ll definitely want to check out our bucket list for Florida nature lovers.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To Live In Florida For Outdoor Activities September 13, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What is the most scenic town in Florida? The best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities don’t end with the spots above. There are so many others, including Williston. A small town with just 3,000 residents, it could easily be overlooked; however, Williston is not lacking when it comes to visitors. The town attracts plenty of them, and it’s all thanks to the unique natural wonders that fill Williston. Known as the “Gateway to the Nature Coast,” it’s home to a bevy of stunning sites, including Devil’s Den Spring, a cave with an underground spring. Devil’s Den Spring isn’t the town’s only submerged cavern, though. There’s also the Blue Grotto. Also in Williston, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is pure paradise – complete with waterfalls and a koi pond.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To Live In Florida For Outdoor Activities
September 13, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What is the most scenic town in Florida? The best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities don’t end with the spots above. There are so many others, including Williston. A small town with just 3,000 residents, it could easily be overlooked; however, Williston is not lacking when it comes to visitors. The town attracts plenty of them, and it’s all thanks to the unique natural wonders that fill Williston. Known as the “Gateway to the Nature Coast,” it’s home to a bevy of stunning sites, including Devil’s Den Spring, a cave with an underground spring. Devil’s Den Spring isn’t the town’s only submerged cavern, though. There’s also the Blue Grotto. Also in Williston, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is pure paradise – complete with waterfalls and a koi pond.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best places to live in Florida for outdoor activities don’t end with the spots above. There are so many others, including Williston. A small town with just 3,000 residents, it could easily be overlooked; however, Williston is not lacking when it comes to visitors. The town attracts plenty of them, and it’s all thanks to the unique natural wonders that fill Williston. Known as the “Gateway to the Nature Coast,” it’s home to a bevy of stunning sites, including Devil’s Den Spring, a cave with an underground spring. Devil’s Den Spring isn’t the town’s only submerged cavern, though. There’s also the Blue Grotto. Also in Williston, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is pure paradise – complete with waterfalls and a koi pond.
