Support Us Button Widget
Travel and Outdoors

Great Escapes: Our guide to Cedar Key, Florida

Planning a getaway? Check out Cedar Key, Florida, an Old Florida fishing village destination ~2 hours from Tampa.

December 14, 2022 • 
Bailey Lefever
Cedar Key moonlit stroll

There’s not a lot of places to go for a swim in Cedar Key, but you can go for a dip at the City Park or enjoy a nighttime stroll.

Photo by City Editor Bailey

Table of Contents
Why go?
Act like a local:
Where to stay:

North Florida’s Cedar Key is a tiny island the size of about two Ybor Cities and has fewer than 900 permanent residents, but it pulls in thousands of visitors throughout the year for its amazing seafood, arts festivals, and fishing.

As a native Floridian, I truly love learning more about our state’s history — and taking in all of its natural beauty. I visited over the summer and highly recommend it, but the fall seafood festival is still on my bucket list, especially the oysters.

Why go?

  • Nothing screams Old Florida quite like Cedar Key. Yes the island is home to incredible fishing and funky artists, but also reminds us of the beauty of slow, outdoorsy Florida living.
  • Every fall, Cedar Key hosts a must-see seafood spectacle, otherwise known as the Cedar Key Lions Seafood Festival. This year the event runs from Oct. 15-16 with incredible, fresh food from local eateries, live music, artists selling their wares and of course, a seafood parade.
  • Don’t miss watching blood hungry pirates take over ye olde fishing village.The Cedar Key Pirate Invasion is a lively show and celebration with seafood, sea shanties and merriment aplenty.
  • History of the Cedar industry, Cedar Key Visitor Guide
cedar key neptune

Artist Helen Tooker painted the notable mural of King Neptune in 1948, according to the Hotel.

Photo by TBAYtoday

Act like a local:

  • Eat: Don’t leave without sampling the local seafood fare, especially the savory, spinach-loaded Oysters Rockefeller at Steamers ($18.99).
  • Drink: The strawberry and pineapple Rosey Spoonbill smoothie at the Prickly Palm is the ultimate summer treat ($7+).
  • Outdoors: Book a ride with Tidewater Tours. The guides walk you through both the history of the area and the surrounding keys, and point out native wildlife along the way ($35).
  • Learn: Stop in at the Cedar Key Historical Society & Museum to learn more about the area’s beginnings and to browse its impressive selection of Florida history books ($3).
  • Listen: Cedar Key is the second oldest city in Florida. Hear more about its wild roots on Ridiculous History: Billy Cottrell, the Tyrant Mayor of Cedar Key, Florida.
  • Explore: The greatest part of visiting this pocket of Florida is taking in the wildlife and sleepy outdoor scenes. Make time for trekking around the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and bring binoculars for birdwatching (free).
cedar key bnb

Take in the view of the water and lush Florida greenery from the porch at the Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast.

Photo by TBAYtoday

Where to stay:

More from TBAYtoday
A single-level Amtrak train moves on the tracks, surrounded by greenery on either side.
Travel and Outdoors
All aboard: How to ride Amtrak in Tampa
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
A boy and girl hold hands while ice skating. A snowflake light hands above the boy's head and there's lights in the background.
Events
Check out these wintery Tampa Bay weekend events
From tree lightings to gift shopping, it’s going to be a fun frosty-ish weekend
November 21, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Hyde Park Village in the sunshine. There is someone walking along the sidewalk in the background, while tables and chairs line the square. Trees are overhead and shops line the buildings in the background.
Development
Tampa Bay developments to watch
We’re checking in on Hyde Park Village, Downtown St. Pete, and Mirror Lake projects.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A rendering of the Rays new proposed stadium, showing fans inside a ballpark.
Sports
Pinellas County Commission delayed vote on Rays’ stadium funding
The Comission is voting on whether they will issue bonds that would partially fund the $1.3 billion stadium project.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Rivergate Tower along the Tampa Riverwalk. There is a flag for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the foreground which reads "Be the Thunder", and the Hillsborough River runs along the right side of the photo.
Live
Tampa Bay’s most iconic landmarks
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Staff
A Christmapolitan in a coupe glass covered with snowflakes sits on a red velvet cloth framed with boughs of holly.
Culture
Add these Tampa Bay holiday bars to your list
From Santa-themed shots to gargantuan ornament displays, we’ve got you covered.
November 18, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Selmon Expressway viaduct sits above the Hillsborough River. Tampa's skyline is behind it, and there are blue skies overhead.
Culture
Give these 6 Tampa Bay podcasts a listen
From history and news to sports and development, we’ve got your ears covered.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
lywchs3iyqqwvba1jbnc.jpeg
Sports
Rays to play 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field
The stadium seats 11,000 fans and just received major upgrades.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Henry B. Plant Museum
Culture
Which locations around Tampa Bay deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Tampa Bay?
November 14, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The back of a gorgous beachfront Airbnb. The sun is setting over the ocean, deck chairs line the pool and palm trees divide the yard from the beach.
Play
16 creative staycation ideas in and around Tampa Bay
From tiny houses and beachfront mansions to tropical oases, the Tampa Bay area is full of unique places to stay that offer a change from the traditional.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Staff