Despite the northern part of Florida's wilderness being largely dominated by salt marshes and similar scenery, there are some nice beaches to be found in and around the Cedar Key area. The tranquility of this location makes it really stand out compared to the noise and crowds of South Florida beach cities like Tampa and Miami, so it's a great place to come if you want to spend some time on the sand and listen to the waves, feeling completely at peace. Fees and information about the Cedar Key Boat Ramp.
Cedar Key Beach
Cedar Key Beach is the only main beach in Cedar Key. It's a small, secluded spot, so there's not a lot of room to spread out and play beach games or other big activities, but it's a nice place to simply sit and listen to the gentle splash of the waves while admiring the views in every direction. In short, if you're in Cedar Key, Cedar Key Beach is a must-visit location and it never gets too busy, offering a very calm, intimate atmosphere that couples and solo travelers will undoubtedly appreciate. A boat rental stand can be found nearby and this beach is a good kayak launching spot to go on a tour of the local islands and look out for some wildlife.
Cedar Key Beach is a 1 hour 15 min day trip from Gainesville (58.9 miles via FL-24 W):
Shired Island Beach
Located up in Old Town, which is a relatively short drive north along the coastline from Cedar Key, Shired Island Beach is a long, expansive stretch of sand with a lot of pretty palm trees dotted along it, offering nice spots of shade to cool off on sunny days. There's a very popular campground here, with many visitors choosing to bring along a tent or RV and spend a few nights in the area to really make the most of their visit. The beach is connected to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and is home to all kinds of fascinating flora and fauna, making this Florida beach a big hit with nature lovers and wildlife spotting enthusiasts. It's also a great place to do some shore fishing, but there aren't any charters or fishing stores nearby, so you'll need to bring your own equipment. Click here for fishing license fees and info.
Fort Island Gulf Beach
A short drive south along the coastline from Cedar Key, Fort Island Gulf Beach is a picturesque little spot on the Sunshine State's Gulf Coast. Beautiful blue waters and soft sands can be found here, with this Florida beach being well known for its long fishing and sightseeing pier, with a nice open area at the end of the pier to sit and admire the outstanding views. A pretty little boardwalk connects the beach to the pier and there are some great amenities here including clean showers, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and restrooms. So if you’re interested in doing some fishing near Cedar Key or just want to stretch out on a sizeable beach with friends and family, this is the place to be.
Rainbow Springs State Park
You shouldn't come to Rainbow Springs State Park (video) expecting to find traditional coastal beaches, as this park is located a little way inland from Cedar Key, but there's a lot of sand and water to be found here, as well as plenty of gorgeous hiking, cycling, and kayaking trails. The beauty of this park is unmatched and there's so much to do here, including swimming, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and more. Otters, turtles, alligators, and many kinds of birds can be spotted all around the park and there are lots of comfortable sandy spots to be found around the almost 1,500 acres of land here. Local amenities include rentals, a fully equipped campground, visitor center, snack vendors, and restrooms. Follow the trail of the Rainbow River to find the best beaches.
