8 Florida Cities You Probably Never Heard Of (But Should Visit ASAP)

Just south of the state capital, St. Marks is a tiny city of fewer than 500 people, though it’s highly populated by the many different species that call the area home. It’s a sleepy slice of the Panhandle where you’ll want to bring your tackle box. It’s also adjacent to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country, complete with a 19th-century lighthouse as its focal point. Walking trails lead through the wetlands where alligators glide through their neck of the woods.

Visitors would be forgiven for not knowing about Venice, despite its claim as the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World. This city south of Sarasota has grown over the years from a respite for snowbirds fleeing their summer homes to a community drawing in visitors from around the state, thanks to its diverse festivals, amazing mom-and-pop seafood shacks, and plenty of fossilized shark’s teeth to collect. Along with the annual Shark’s Tooth Festival, there's a Chalk Festival attracting talented pavement artists.

Over 400 miles (644 kilometers) away from the start of the better-known Florida Keys, Cedar Key is a delightful island city floating in the Gulf waters on the northwest coast. As one of the oldest towns in the state, it preserves its history through Civil War exhibits and centuries-old buildings. Visitors can kayak to a ghost town on nearby Atsena Key, or even get a taste of why Cedar Key is often called Florida’s clam capital during a culinary food walk.

If the name doesn’t spoil the surprise, foodies will be pleased to discover that Plant City has fresh produce year-round. Growing quietly between Orlando and Tampa on Interstate 4, Plant City sees most of its visitors during the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in the winter. Other unique attractions like Dinosaur World—which is far less crowded than other theme parks—and Alafia River State Park offer non–food-focused fun for all ages. Similarly, you can work up an appetite on a Plant City scavenger hunt.

Orlando often steals the limelight, but Sanford doesn’t need a spotlight to show off its brick-lined streets and lakefront setting. This compact city is brimming with breweries, 19th-century buildings, and an expansive public park adjacent to Lake Monroe. The Central Florida Zoo offers hands-on experiences for all ages, while Hollerbach’s German Restaurant has a rooftop biergarten that transports adults to Bavaria. Add on a dinner cruise on an authentic paddle-wheeler riverboat and Sanford easily shows why it’s never lost in Orlando’s shadow. Or, explore Sanford’s spooky side on a haunted, historical ghost tour.

While technically a “village,” this area west of West Palm Beach boasts nearly 40,000 residents and a set of spectacular neighbors. Commons Park and Calypso Bay Waterpark are two family-friendly places to soak up the sun. Meanwhile, just outside the village sits Loxahatchee, where the drive-thru animal encounter, Lion Country Safari, and the small but mighty McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary provide unique ways to interact with species both native and exotic.

The Florida Everglades stretch across the state, and while many travelers enter from the Atlantic side, Everglades City remains the gateway for the Gulf side. The city is just over 1 square mile, wth the Museum of the Everglades at its heart. What it lacks in asphalt, it more than makes up for in untouched swamp that’s instantly accessible via airboat, kayak, or fishing charter.

Clermont is only 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Disney® World yet its rolling hills, shady oak trees, and quiet lakes lend it the character of a Deep South city. Lake Minneola lures most visitors to its waterfront park, beach, and amphitheater. Those who don’t take their bicycle along this section of the Lake Apopka trail will usually be found sipping coffee, munching on artisanal baked goods, and touring the seven village museums, including the WWII Museum and Train Depot. For ease, you can see Clermont and Winter Garden on a guided bike tour.