Amazing Things To Do In Cedar Key (it’s A Throwback To Old Florida)

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Located in the beautifully bliss region of Natural North Florida, Cedar Key is home to balmy beaches, tantalising seafood cuisine, and boutique shopping.

It’s a place to switch off and chill, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do in Cedar Keys, it’s home to many diverse outdoor activities.

Located on the Gulf Coast, many of the top attractions in Cedar Keys revolve around the water, but to me it’s more than that. It’s a throwback to Old Florida – the Key West you wished you experienced back in Hemingway’s Days.

woman and child standing on pier looking at cedar key beach Cedar Key Beach

We arrived thinking we could fill up the car and be ready to go, but something beckoned us to stay a while and explore.

We’re so glad we did, as we discovered a small-town brimming with charm and charisma. Here’s what you can do in Cedar Keys.

What is Cedar Key known for?

aerial view of cedar key and Atsena Otie in the distance Looking out towrds Atsena Otie Island

Cedar Key was mapped in 1542 and named “Las Islas Sabines,” which means The Cedar Islands, named for the bounty of cedar trees that covered the islands.

Native Indians occupied these islands for at least 1,000 years, thriving on the endless bounty surrounding them. It’s one of the largest nesting areas in Florida for varieties of brown pelicans, egrets, herons, bald eagles, ospreys and more.

While lumbar was once a thriving industry, tourism and fishing is now its claim to fame. Cedar Key is a major producer of clams nationwide, raking in more than $34 million annually.

We had really good clams at Steamers Restaurant

The Cedar Islands are now known as the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge and are composed of 13 offshore islands jutting into the Gulf Coast.

The quiet fishing village of Cedar Key is nestled among many of these small islands 4-miles out into the Gulf of Mexico.

aerial view of Cedar Key

A series of bridges and picturesque salt marshes lead into this eclectic community of artisans, nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace.

Things to do in Cedar Key, FL

If you want to be like the locals, you’ll don your flip flops, let go of your wound-up tensions, and hire a golf kart to get around (although the town is easy to walk around). You can find golf cart rentals a half mile from Dock Street.

You can also rent a bike and cycle, it’s very bike friendly as it’s so small.

1. Swim, kayak, paddle board at Cedar Key Beach

people sitting on cedar key beach

Cedar Key Beach is a small area by the marina with a strip of white sand, palm trees, and a sectioned off swimming area.

After delighting in how good my body felt covered in salty water, I realized I hadn’t felt that ocean water feeling in some time.

We were happy Cedar Key could reintroduce us to the joy of ocean living.

mother and child paddle boarding

We hired some stand up paddle boards and kayaks from Dave at Cedar Key Adventures to paddle around the swimming beach area.

It was low tide, but the current was moving fast, and the wind was high, so we didn’t stray too far from shore.

man paddleboarding off beach

We almost had the entire beach to ourselves and the girls had a blast swimming at this beach.

Top tip: Come visit during low tide! When the tide goes out, it exposes some oyster beds. You can hunt for some oysters on the beach, and take them back to your vacation rental and cook them.

2. Kayak to Atsena Otie Key

aerial view of Atsena Otie Atsena Otie

Every view from Cedar Key leads you to Atsena Otie, the closest and most accessible of the refuge islands.

It was the location of the original Cedar Key until a hurricane’s 10-foot storm surged flattened it in 1896.

One of the best thingsto do in Cedar Key is to explore this island by kayak or via fishing canoes.

We rented our kayaks from Dave and headed out for a strong paddle against the current and wind for just half a mile (30-mins) to the island.

girl kayaking to island We’re nearly there!

There is an old cemetery in the middle of the island you can reach through the woods under a canopy of oaks. You may not get too far before the mosquitoes, and as advised by Dave, “will carry you out of there.” (Take mosquito repellent).

A further short walk along the beach, near the pier, will take you to the crumbling remains of what used to be the pencil factory.

There is not too much to do on Atsena Otie but it’s worth a couple of hours adventure just for the paddle and scenery.

Those with more time may wish to paddle the 1.5 miles around the island. Unlike most of the other islands, you can explore the unique interior of Atsena Otie via the marshes on the south side.

kids kayaking in cedar key

Ambitious paddlers can go on to other nearby islands of the Cedar Key National Refuge. They are said to have nice beaches. You can also explore these islands by boat.

The paddle back only took us about 15-minutes with the wind at our back and gave us nice views of Dock Street and the marina.

3. Enjoy a sunset at Cedar Key

sunset in cedar key

You’re on the Florida Gulf Coast, sunset is the main event!

Locals say you cannot beat the sunset and quirky vibes from the Tiki Bar located just outside the bridge into town.

Sadly, for us it’s an adult only bar, so we traded in the best place for sunset in Cedar Key to the next best, which is just in front of the pink Beach Front Motel.

The sky lights up in pretty oranges and pinks as it sets behind the lands and water of the Cedar Key National Refuge.

The kids will enjoy playing on the rocks of the small beach area here.

4. Wander down Dock Street

cars and stores on d street cedar key

Dock Street, or D street or The Big Dock, is a series of colorful mom-and-pop resorts, restaurants, and multi storied buildings stores suspended over the waters on stilts.

It’s known as the heartbeat of this small fishing village and you can walk it in less than five-minutes!

Browse a while through the stores and enjoy the artistic designs of parked golf carts and egrets trying to sneak their way into bars.

5. Hike up to Shell Mound

Lady walking a trail on an island.

About 7-miles out of Cedar Key is the Shell Mound. This high mound was built up over a 1,000 year period up to 1,800 years ago by Woodland Native cultures discarding their oyster and clam shells.

A short 0.3 mile trail will take you through the jungle and around and on top of the shell mound.

A path off the Shell Mound Trail leads to a boardwalk and fishing pier that looks out over a bayou of Suwanee Sound.

The Dennis Creek Trail is another 1-mile loop with a boardwalk that takes you over a salt barren to a coastal island. Dave said it was one of his favorite walking trails.

Kayakers will love the beauty of this shallow ocean area thick with wildlife and paddling often only inches deep over hidden oyster bars.

6. Enjoy a sunrise at Cedar Key

Sunrise in Cedar Key, Florida

What a way to start a Cedar Key day! Sunrise in Cedar Key from the deck of our suite at the Harbour Master Suites was spectacular.

We had the perfect view of the sun rising over the horizon in front of us and the color changing from deep orange to pink.

In fact, the soft pre-dawn pinks woke us up from our bed.

Once the sun is up, grab yourself a coffee and sit on your deck watching all the birds flying by in formation.

7. Enjoy Steamers Clam Bar and Grill for seafood and views

family on deck of Steamers restaurant eating

You cannot visit the Cedar Keyoverlooking the Gulf without trying fresh seafood!

This Big Dock restaurant offers prime position for Gulf views over Atsena Otie and some of the other islands.

At Steamers Clam Bar and Grill there are large windows that allow for views if you wish to sit inside.

However, to make your meal here a memorable experience, we recommend grabbing one of the nooks on the deck.

man with beer on dock of restaurant

The outside deck is narrow so there are about four private nook areas where you can sit with front row seat of the view, the balmy breeze on your skin, and dolphins frolicking in front of you.

I told you Cedar Key pulls you in! As you are in clam country, be sure to pick a clam dish on the extensive menu, but the oysters are also pretty good.

bowl of clams and seafood broil

We can highly recommend the clam bowl steamed in white wine and garlic and the seafood broil, washed down with a glass of wine or craft beer.

They do claim to have the best clam chowder on the island (another popular clam chowder place is Tony’s Restaurant).

Foodies may wish to explore Cedar Key’s culinary scene more with this walking food tour. You can experience 5 locations in one shot with an Insider Foodie!

8. Swim in Manatee Springs State Park

manatees under water

A 40-minute drive north of Cedar Key is Manatee Springs State Park, one of the many state parks in Florida with refreshing, crystal-clear waters to swim, kayak, or canoe in.

It’s known for its spring, which feed the Suwannee River. The waters here are home to a population of manatees in cooler months, hence the name.

Because the spring releases 100 million gallons of water daily, it offers refreshingly cool water. There’s also plenty of nature trails, and a 800-foot boardwalk through the cypress forest.

Be sure to rent a bicycle and cycle one of the 8.5 miles of trails.

9. Fuel up on coffee at 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile Coffee Shop

This is a cute, tiny coffee shop This cute little coffee shop that looks like your Grandma’s kitchen, but it takes its coffee seriously.

They serve Organic Fair Trade beans from roaster to cup, and have all kinds of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and sweet treats.

10. Dine at Neptune Lounge in the Island Hotel

A cozy, intimate restaurant experience at a historic hotel, perfect for couples.

There is a fine dining restaurant in this hotel, but the local’s tip is to head to the informal and cozy lounge bar for outstanding food and a taste of the local gathering culture.

The lounge was painted in 1948 with murals of Cedar Key and King Neptune, for whom the bar is named.

We met a local at Live Oak who told us he and his wife used to fly on a private plane to Cedar Key for mini-vacations and would always stay and eat at the Island Hotel. It’s a Cedar Key icon!

11. Enjoy a breakfast at Annie’s Cafe

Every single local we spoke to said Annie’s Cafe does the best breakfast and was a must do not miss Cedar Key place to eat.

We were disappointed it was closed on the Wednesday we were there – the only day we could go. Be sure to tell us what it was like and tag us in a photo!

12. Walk the Cemetery Point Park Boardwalk

The 1,200 foot long boardwalk takes you through marsh land adjacent to one of the back bays and channels of the keys.

It’s a 3.5-acre property with a sandy shore for you to swim or kayak.

Where to stay in Cedar Key: Harbour Master Suites

harbor master suites on stilts over water Harbour Master Suites

Harbor Master Suites has front row stilted position on D Street. We stayed in the Pearl Suite and could not believe we had the entire top deck to ourselves.

We had a spot for morning coffee and sunrise, a spot for afternoon drinks, and then another hidden screened in porch that overlooked the street for later at night when the ocean views were gone and the people watching just started.

deck and rooms of harbour master suites

The Sea Pearl Suite is a huge two-bedroom suite with a living area and full-kitchen. We only wished we stayed longer to fully enjoy the suite. Its location is easy walking distance to everywhere – the Cedar Key way!

Final Thoughts

aerial view of cedar key Cedar Key

After a short walk around the quirky salt-crusted town of Cedar Key and chatting with a few locals, we knew it was worth staying another day.

A couple of hours later after swimming and paddle boarding, we extended that to a week.

By the evening, after a lovely local couple we met at sunset offered us a few seats in their golf cart to take us to the only place we could grab a bottle of wine, we ran into Dave the kayak guy, who they tried to introduce us, but we said ” yeah, we already know each other.”

If you’re love the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, you could be here for some time.

woman and child smiling on cedar key beach