Decorated with wildlife refuges, Victorian homes, ramshackle shacks, fishing boats, and clam farms, Cedar Key is populated by old salts, artists, clam farmers, and refugees from city life. Although it was once a thriving port city and railroad connection, Cedar Key is now neither. But in our two days there, we found plenty to occupy ourselves, experiencing just enough to lure us back for more.
An RV Park With A Tiki Bar
The Low-Key Hideaway has only three RV sites and a small motel. With our own private deck overlooking the water, lovely tropical landscaping, creative yard art, and an on-site tiki bar, it’s easily one of the most unique little RV parks we’ve experienced.
Our site at the Low Key Hideaway
Bottle art at the Low Key Hideaway
In the evening, locals and travelers gather at the tiki bar to share tales. (They make the best margarita I’ve ever had—a blend of fresh citrus juices is the secret. One was enough.)
Entrance to the Tiki Bar
Evening at the Tiki Bar
Exploring Cedar Key
We had a great time biking from the Low Key Hideaway all over the island. There’s little traffic and plenty to see, including clam farms, a boardwalk traversing the marsh, and the picturesque waterfront.
Biking Cedar Key
Osprey in morning fog
We biked to lovely little Cedar Key State Park, where we whiled away a couple of leisurely hours exploring Cedar Key’s past. The benefactor of the museum, Saint Clair Whitman, donated his extensive collection of seashells and Indian artifacts gathered during his long life on Cedar Key.
The best part of the museum is the Whitman home, restored in every detail to 1920’s life on the island. Everything is as if the family was still living there, including cigar boxes, alligator skulls, and crates of shells in Whitman’s study.
Kitchen in the St. Clair Whitman home
Shell collection in cigarette boxes
We’re definitely coming back to Cedar Key.
Ahhh, Cedar Key… Thanks for the memories (Karen especially enjoyed the rum and fruit juice drink… :)
You mean that big pink drink? Eric got one of those. I don’t think he expected it to be quite so pink…;-)
Laurel, can you guess where we are right now? We are in Cedar Key, a few miles down the road actually, at Cedar Key RV Park. We visited some new friends at Cedar Key Sunset Isle last night and are planning to get together for drinks with a group at the Low Key Tiki Bar tomorrow night! We definitely are like two ships passing in the night. Where are you headed? We are here through next Wednesday, then headed to Clearwater.
Oh how fun! Be sure to try the margarita. ;-) (Bummer that we keep missing each other.) We were in Cedar Key just before Christmas on our way back to Apalachicola. I’m just way behind on blog posts. We’re staying around Eastpoint for a couple of months, taking week-long trips from here. We’re heading out Tuesday for a 10-day trip to O’Leno State Park and Payne’s Prairie.
Ok then. I was feeling bad thinking you were just down the road while we have been here.
It would be fun to meet up with you somewhere on the road — we definitely seem to like the same kinds of places!
What a great spot, so sweet and innovative – quirky decorations
and picturesque for sure. I would like to stay there!
I especially love the shells, reminds me of my favorite shell shop
in Morro Bay, California
Knowing how you love the water and little artistic towns, you would love it here!
I’ve been hearing a lot about Cedar Key. Sounds like a place we would really enjoy. Might just have to put it on next winters schedule :-)
We’re really enjoying our winter in Florida, and also envying you your adventures in Rockport. So many wonderful places to explore. ;-)
Looks like a fun place to visit!
Put this on your list! Maybe we can all meet here sometime for the Florida version of our Lopez Island adventures. ;-)
There you are again in one of my favorite places. Two days is way too few for Cedar Key. Well actually that depends on the weather. But it is a cute little place. Great biking and kayaking. You picked the best spot around to stay. Very unique. You did a lot in just two days. Fabulous pictures! You’ll love O’Leno and Paynes Prairie too. Be sure to go over to Ichetucknee Springs. I have blog posts from both places around April of last year, I think. HA! What a memory. No wonder I do a blog.
We loved Cedar Key and are definitely planning to return — our trip was (too) brief because we were on our way to Apalachicola for Christmas. The weather and tides weren’t good for kayaking, but next time we’ll get out on the water! Ichetucknee Springs is in our plans for next week!