A cluster of tiny islands just off the Nature Coast of northwest Florida, Cedar Key is an unpolished gem. And that’s just the way we like it. (Although a good grocery store would be a welcome addition.) Rustic fishing shacks overlook acres of oyster beds, gaudily painted shops and cafes line the main drag and waterfront, and a low-key vibe prevails. It’s a little slice of Old Florida that we find immensely appealing, and we return every winter that we’re in Florida for at least a couple of weeks.
Our favorite location for our visits to Cedar Key is the colorful and quirky Sunset Isle RV Park. This is probably the most crowded park we’ve ever stayed in. One must be reasonably social to be happy staying at Sunset Isle. Our slide-out extended to the edge of our neighbor’s awning, and people gathered behind our site every afternoon to enjoy the sunset. But it’s perfect for us—we were lucky enough to get a waterfront site this year, where we enjoyed watching herons, egrets and pelicans collect every morning for low-tide parties. Each evening, the sun puts on a fiery show as it sets over the water. With a campground full of friendly folks, frequent music jams, a tiki bar next door, easy biking into town, fabulous kayaking, and excellent birding everywhere we go, we always have a blast in Cedar Key.
More posts on Cedar Key from our previous visits:
- Cedar Key (Our first visit to Cedar Key; staying at the Low-Key Hideaway)
- Inside Cedar Key (Adventures in Cedar Key; courtesy of a local friend)
Next Up: Kayaking With Manatee [portfolio_slideshow]
You’ve made Cedar Key very enticing to me as a fun place to visit.Love the vibe that shines through in your pictures.
Thanks, Marcia. I’m glad I could convey some of the wonderful energy of Cedar Key — it’s a place we never tire of.
We want to be there!! You have a special way of sharing your experience and one of these days we will make it to Cedar Key. Thanks for your sharing:-)
Bettina, you guys would really enjoy Cedar Key. The birding is some of the best in Florida! Come back next year. :-)
Well now you’ve done it. Everyone including me is going to be flocking to Cedar Key after your great description and pictures. The chamber of commerce should put you on staff. You saw an amazing number of birds and got incredible pictures of them. Love the “over dressed”. I think perhaps I should just plan my winter around going to those places you return to year after year.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos, Sherry — we always seem to see an amazing number of birds in Cedar Key, whether we’re kayaking, biking, or just hanging out at our site. We definitely enjoy having some favorite spots to return to, as well as finding new ones.
The only place on our “must see and stay” in Florida. All the birds are amazing – what a grand variety. The bright paint and skies remind me of fancy pinatas – and lively music with friends :) Did you stop at the Low Key Hideaway? I have to have a drink at their Tiki Bar.
Jodee, Cedar Key is definitely one to have on your “must see and stay” list. Although I think there are lots of places in Florida that qualify for that list. :-) We stayed at the Low Key Hideaway our first time in Cedar Key, and we always have a margarita at the Tiki Bar. It’s conveniently located next door to Sunset Isle.
Laurel, we need to make a visit to this quaint little place. I love all the bright colors:) I’m sure you enjoyed having a group to jam with. I know we would have enjoyed listening:)
I LOVE the sand dollar sign. Wish more people would listen.
Beautiful sunsets!
Your bird photos are outstanding. Such clever work capturing their antics:)
Pam, you and John really need to stop here next winter for a few days. You would have a blast — especially if you stay close enough to town to bike, and you get out on the water. Glad you enjoyed the bird photos and the sunsets.
We hope to stop here this winter. Looks just our pace and style!
Nina
Definitely your pace and style, Nina! You’ll enjoy Sunset Isle, even if it doesn’t have the grand expanse that boondocking sites offer. :-)
We skipped Cedar Key for no reason, and look at that your post is over enticing with all those colors!
And oh my the birds!
I believe if the group jams with music, I’m sure you don’t mind being your rigs so close to each other :)
Guess what it’s birding time at Dauphin Island, are you there already?
ML, you and Steve need to come back to Florida one of these days. You would LOVE Cedar Key. The birding is some of the best we’ve found.We’ll be on Dauphin Island next week! We have great memories of our time there with you a couple of years ago. :-)
Those sunsets are incredible! And the birds, what a show you must have had every day!
Lisa, between the sunsets and the birding, we had a lot of wonderful entertainment every day! We never run out of things to do in Cedar Key.
Florida was never really on my list. It seems that you have changed my mind. It looks like it has a lot to offer. Very nice pictures.
Thanks, Debbie. I think the “real” Florida surprises a lot of people. :-)
Cedar Key was one of our favorite stops in Florida. Love your bird photos!
We find Cedar Key irresistible, LuAnn. And the bird life is fantastic!
The colors of the sunsets are striking…and the birds wow, wow, wow!!!
Rose, everything about Cedar Key is colorful! ;-)