It feels a little like going back in time when you visit Anna Maria Island, a wonderful coastal island resort area. There are endless beaches here, backed by small homes and quiet resorts, and the atmosphere is laid-back.

Anna Maria Island is the ideal destination for a small-town vacation in Florida if you're looking for a perfect stretch of white, sandy shore. This seven-mile-long barrier island is home to one of Florida's top beaches and is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the mainland. White-sand beaches surround the coastline, and the area is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The peaceful town of Anna Maria has been called sleepy by some and laid-back and relaxing by others. The downtown area is crowded with antique stores, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. The 1911-built pier is a great place to wander. When you go to sea for fishing, surfing, or a paddleboard trip, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins offshore.

A barrier island tucked along The Treasure Coast has earned the title of "The Best Small Town in Florida" in past years. Because zoning and building heights have been strictly regulated by town planners, Vero Beach has been able to expand while preserving its unique character.

The Treasure Coast got its name because the nearby reefs were known for sinking ships carrying treasures. The resulting shipwrecks have left their mark, and this is a popular location for divers and others using metal detectors to search for hidden wealth. Even closer to the renowned Ocean Grill is the S.S. Breconshire, a newly sunk shipwreck. In Vero Beach, visitors can paddleboard or kayak a short distance to a snorkeling location. McKee Jungle Garden and Lion Country Safari are two additional attractions in Vero Beach. And with so much beautiful coastline, visitors have their pick of great beach resorts when making hotel reservations.

With its iconic canals, picturesque gondolas, and winding streets, it’s no surprise that Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. But while the city is popular with honeymooners, it’s also a huge destination for cruisers and backpackers too.

You won't soon forget your trip to Venice, Florida on the beautiful Gulf coast. Bring a bucket if you visit Venice, which is well-known for being the shark tooth capital of the world and has a great history. There are museums, palaces, historic town squares to explore, and endless gelato to eat. Whether it’s the Basilica di San Marco located in the heart of the Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, or the Ponte dei Sospiri, there is so much history to be seen on this magical little island, it can seem very overwhelming. When it comes to Venice, if it’s a seafood restaurant, it’s most likely delicious. The fish is very good in Venice. And try an Aperol spritz with your meal. It’s what all the Venetians drink.

Safety Harbor, a small town close to Tampa, has all the beauty of a small town while also being convenient to anything you would need from a larger city. As the name suggests, this is a wonderful and safe place to live for a few days or longer.

Among the best attractions in the area is the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Travelers should go here to take advantage of the numerous other activities available as well as the healing waters. The numerous top-notch restaurants on Main Street and the nearby beaches are both significant draws. For a beautiful walk along the harbor, outdoor enthusiasts might add Philippe Park to their plan. Additionally, you may watch the pleasure boats traveling to and from the ocean. The Safety Harbor Marina and Fishing Pier is a place where fishermen can cast a line. Continue your exploration with a stroll around the historic neighborhood, and don't forget to stop by Baranoff Park to see the reputed 300–500-year-old live oak.

Tucked away in Northwest Florida, Apalachicola makes for a low-key family getaway. The fishing village of Apalachicola, which is situated on Florida's panhandle, is frequently referred to as "quaint".

This small town has a well-deserved reputation for delicious seafood and is situated peacefully on the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On St. George Island, which is easily accessible from Apalachicola, you'll find miles of immaculate beaches, and elsewhere you'll find an endless supply of protected shallow bays, great fishing, and acres of national and state forests to explore. Your visit to Apalachicola will undoubtedly be unforgettable if you combine all of this with some of the best seafood in the nation and some of the friendly people everywhere. All visitors, especially families, can enjoy water sports along unspoiled beaches thanks to the warm, calm waves of the Gulf. Both Tate's Hell State Forest and the National Forest offer a variety of hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer. More than 900 historic buildings that date back to the early 1800s are worth saving time for history buffs. One of the four local museums can offer you more information about Apalachicola's past.

Everyone who visits Captiva Island will adore it. It is situated on the southwest coast and has scenery that is quite stunning. Consider bougainvillea-draped cottages and beautiful sunsets.

Be prepared to see visitors walking miles in a hunched-over position. One of the biggest draws in the area is shells, which they are looking for. You should also carry a bucket with you to this location. Along with shelling options, Captiva also has wonderful beaches and more delectable seafood from Florida. Other activities in Captiva include biking, birding, sailing, and participating in the usual variety of water sports. The ideal choice for tourists is to get a room at one of the resorts on Captiva, where you won't need to worry about parking or driving in order to enjoy a beach. Visitors should also visit Sanibel, Captiva's sister island, while they are here. Sanibel's must-see attractions include the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Travel to Crystal River, one of Florida's top springs and a haven for wildlife and manatee enthusiasts. The waters' crystal-clear clarity, which frequently reaches 200 feet, and a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, fulfill a pleasant snorkeling experience.

When temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico drop, these gentle giants seek out the warm water of the state's purest spring-fed water system. Turtles and schools of fish also frequent the area, but always comply with the rules on keeping your distance. Tourists can also play golf at the nearby Plantation at Crystal River. History buffs would enjoy visiting the Crystal River Archaeological State Park to see the remains of bygone eras. The Plantation is a historic mansion with a gorgeous pool where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing and outdoor activities. And while you are traveling, you should sample the local cuisine and delicacies here.

A small-town treasure, Pompano Beach is situated 35 miles north of Miami on Florida's east coast. It's clear why this beautiful city earned its title as the "heart of the Gold Coast". Visitors come for the sun, but they remain for the excellent ambiance.

The main attraction is Pompano Beach, with its expansive stretch of golden sand extending peacefully to the rough Atlantic. The Fisher Family Pier, a long wooden pier, offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in a sizable catch while giving visitors a tour above the surf. The Pompano Beach Fishing Village, which is located just off the Pier and is lined with palm-lined streets, is home to the greatest boutiques and restaurants in the area. People who like their fresh seafood with a side of people-watching should be here. Additionally, Pompano Beach maintains more than 50 local parks for outdoor leisure and sports enthusiasts. There are numerous entertainment alternatives in Pompano Beach thanks to the nearby attractions and shopping. Annual special events include a fishing rodeo in May, a seafood festival in April, and a holiday boat parade in December.

The small town of Jupiter will allow you to live large if you like to do so. The luxurious home of some of the top athletes in the world, including Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, Jupiter welcomes guests with plenty of glitz.

While Jupiter lacks a central shopping district and theater district, the area's most beautiful stars - its breathtaking parks and nature preserves – will keep tourists happily entertained. For the greatest views, climb to the top of Jupiter Lighthouse, catch a baseball game at Roger Dean Stadium, or go see the rescued animals at Busch Wildlife Park. In Jupiter, boredom is practically unheard of. Taking a family vacation? Visit Dubois Park without missing. With a playground and amenities on-site, this protected inlet offers kids a fun and adorable swimming area. There is a big space with a beautiful beach that is dog-friendly. You can easily locate Ocean Cay Park because it is close to the A1A.

In the Gulf Coast town of Dunedin, just south of Palm Harbor, nature appeals to visitors. One of the state's most popular parks, Honeymoon Island State Park, is located across the causeway and is home to a large number of ospreys.

Today, Dunedin is best renowned for its student culture rather than only its Scottish heritage. The oldest university in New Zealand, the University of Otago, is located there. There are a number of enjoyable restaurants and cafes open during the day, as well as outdoor markets and festivals. Since most people are young, there are often many activities to participate in at the night as well. The majority of visitors' holiday days are spent relaxing on beaches close to Dunedin and traveling along over three miles of marked trails that wind through virgin slash pine forests. More activities, such as outdoor hiking and biking, are available in Dunedin thanks to two more parks. Baseball fans will enjoy going to Dunedin Blue Jays games all year long as well as seeing the Toronto Blue Jays train at TD Ballpark in the spring.