I discovered the most under-the-radar Florida Key that's totally unlike Key West and nowhere near Miami. Here's a look around.

Cheryl RodewigAug 6, 2022, 16:43 IST

I've lived in Florida for two years but just discovered Cedar Key two hours from my house.Cheryl Rodewig

I drove two hours north from Tampa to Cedar Key, Florida, to visit this historic town.
It's sometimes called the Key West of 50 years ago, and is totally unlike the rest of the Keys.

Off the Gulf Coast and over 60 miles from the closest interstate, I discovered Cedar Key, an old Florida fishing village that I thought felt frozen in time.

When I visited Cedar Key, I felt like I'd traveled back in time.Cheryl Rodewig

I hadn't even heard of Cedar Key until I moved to Florida. It isn't on the way anywhere.

Cedar Key is two hours north of TampaCheryl Rodewig

On Cedar Key, there are no traffic lights or high-rise buildings. Businesses are independent and residents get around by golf cart or bike when not out on the water.

Most of the businesses on Cedar Key are locally owned, like this one.Cheryl Rodewig

I first explored the historic downtown filled with old buildings and public art.

I liked this tiled sculpture of a fisherman.Cheryl Rodewig

After my walk, I grabbed brunch at a coffee shop where a charming entrance caught my eye.

This storefront caught me eye.Cheryl Rodewig

Cedar Key has many art galleries hiding one-of-a-kind treasures. I noticed most of the art on display had a beachy, seaside theme.

I stopped inside the Cedar Keyhole, a gallery founded in 1977 that features work from 25 artists.Cheryl Rodewig

Next, I visited a hotel bar where Jimmy Buffett performed.

The mermaid mural behind the bar at the Island Hotel that dates back to 1948.Cheryl Rodewig

I then went to Cedar Key's main beach. I thought it was small and not a major draw for the island.

I thought the beach was very small.Levy County Visitors Bureau

I later explored Dock Street, where I found a group of shops and restaurants on stilts over the water. I thought it was livelier than downtown, bustling with tourists and locals.

Much of Dock Street is on stilts over the water.Cheryl Rodewig

I later explored Dock Street, where I found a group of shops and restaurants on stilts over the water. I thought it was livelier than downtown, bustling with tourists and locals.

While I think water activities are Cedar Key's main draw, birders will love it here, too. Cedar Key is the gateway to the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

The Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge is great for birdwatching.Cheryl Rodewig

Based on a local's recommendation, I also explored a boardwalk that extends deep into the mangroves.

I think walking through the mangroves is an essential Florida activity.Cheryl Rodewig

I also stopped into Cedar Key Museum State Park on the northwestern corner of the island. Here, I marveled at American Indian artifacts, seashells, and marsh views.

The view from Cedar Key Museum State Park.Cheryl Rodewig

I capped my trip to Cedar Key by checking out two highly recommended sunset spots. I think the best one is by the pier.

The sunsets in Cedar Key are beautiful.Cheryl Rodewig

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy fishing, kayaking, and fresh seafood, I think Cedar Key is the place to be.

Enjoying the sunset with my husband.Cheryl Rodewig

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I discovered the most under-the-radar Florida Key that's totally unlike Key West and nowhere near Miami. Here's a look around.

Off the Gulf Coast and over 60 miles from the closest interstate, I discovered Cedar Key, an old Florida fishing village that I thought felt frozen in time.

I hadn't even heard of Cedar Key until I moved to Florida. It isn't on the way anywhere.

On Cedar Key, there are no traffic lights or high-rise buildings. Businesses are independent and residents get around by golf cart or bike when not out on the water.

I first explored the historic downtown filled with old buildings and public art.

After my walk, I grabbed brunch at a coffee shop where a charming entrance caught my eye.

Cedar Key has many art galleries hiding one-of-a-kind treasures. I noticed most of the art on display had a beachy, seaside theme.

Next, I visited a hotel bar where Jimmy Buffett performed.

I then went to Cedar Key's main beach. I thought it was small and not a major draw for the island.

I later explored Dock Street, where I found a group of shops and restaurants on stilts over the water. I thought it was livelier than downtown, bustling with tourists and locals.

While I think water activities are Cedar Key's main draw, birders will love it here, too. Cedar Key is the gateway to the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

Based on a local's recommendation, I also explored a boardwalk that extends deep into the mangroves.

I also stopped into Cedar Key Museum State Park on the northwestern corner of the island. Here, I marveled at American Indian artifacts, seashells, and marsh views.

I capped my trip to Cedar Key by checking out two highly recommended sunset spots. I think the best one is by the pier.

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy fishing, kayaking, and fresh seafood, I think Cedar Key is the place to be.