City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Cedar Key, Florida
Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known as the Nature Coast, Cedar Key is a tiny island town near the Crystal River. Old-Florida charm meets natural splendor at this off-the-beaten tourist track destination. Cedar Key rewards visitors with slow-paced days, stunning wildlife and a deep connection to history, art and the sea. Keep reading to discover a few key places to visit from a private boat dock rental.
Cedar Key Museum State Park
The18-acre Cedar Key Museum State Park is one of Cedar Key’s crown jewels. Explore exhibits on the town’s past — from its indigenous inhabitants to its growth as a fishing and railroad community — and wander a short nature trail that hugs salt marsh shorelines. The historic St. Clair Whitman House, restored to reflect life in the 1920s, offers a vivid glimpse into early island life.
Cedar Key Historical Society Museum
History buffs will want to check out the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum from boat slips for rent near me. Located downtown, it preserves the stories and artifacts of Cedar Key from prehistoric times through the 20th century, including structures like the Lutterloh and Andrews Houses.
Island Hotel
A historic landmark built in the mid-19th century, the Island Hotel stands as a reminder of Cedar Key’s early days as a trading and transportation hub. It has welcomed guests for generations and remains a character-rich place to stay or explore from a boat slip rental or marina.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The calm estuaries and shallow backwaters around Cedar Key are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Routes to nearby islands like Atsena Otie reveal quiet beaches, old town ruins and abundant bird and marine life. It’s a perfect way to experience the serene Nature Coast.
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Just a few miles from town, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve protects a rare upland scrub ecosystem. Its trails wind through sandy flatwoods and palmetto that are excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing of species such as gopher tortoises and Florida scrub jays.
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Beyond the mainland, the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge spans dozens of barrier islands that shelter migratory birds and pristine Gulf waters. Nearby, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge offers marshes, river swamps and exceptional birdwatching.
Dock Street and Downtown
Cedar Key’s heart is its waterfront Dock Street. This waterfront collection of shops, art galleries, restaurants and old-Florida wooden buildings is the perfect place for a leisurely walk, browsing local art or enjoying fresh seafood with a Gulf view. It’s a terrific spot to check out from private boat lifts for rent.
