Back Bayou of Cedar Key
Photos courtesy Pat & Cindy Bonish of Low-Key Hideaway

Other places advertise a quiet, relaxing “Old Florida” atmosphere. Cedar Key delivers. Well off the considerably beaten Florida path and rich with historic character Cedar Key feels local, like hometown USA … if your hometown boasts incredible sunsets, waterfront views, and spectacular fishing. The town treats franchises like IRS auditors, so don’t expect a Starbucks on any corner. What you will find is fresh seafood, friendly people and plenty of reasons for a return trip.

Most of the time Cedar Key, actually an archipelago of 17 barrier islands, is a sleepy fishing community, cherished by returning guests and locals who have lived here for

Cedar Key Arts Festival at City Park
generations. However, we visited during the annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com). Hundreds of artists and artisans, working in media too diverse to describe, set up shop in Cedar Key’s legitimately historic downtown, drawing thousands of browsers, window shoppers and dedicated art patrons. With four campgrounds nearby, the RV community was very well represented, as were the weekend warrior motorcycle clubs. But this is hardly a Bike Week crowd. Even with all the hustle and bustle, the event still manages to give off a welcoming, laid-back island vibe.

Maybe it was the unbeatable weather or the waterfront view or the kids weaving through the crowd hawking smoked mullet or the Celtic band playing evocative tunes at the city park – whatever the reason, we strolled around with perpetually wide smiles, soaking up the atmosphere and marveling at the seamless collage of artistic and natural beauty.

WHAT TO DO

  • Browse the downtown shops and galleries on 2nd then stroll a block past the waterside park for dinner and a gorgeous sunset view.
    A unique RV in Cedar Key
  • Be sure to visit Dilly Dally Gally (www.dillydallygally.com)to find the perfect Cedar Key souvenir. Terrific service, great prices and classic island fashion. 390 Dock Street. 352.543.9146.
  • Get a little “grouper therapy” with Captain Gregory Smith (www.groupertherapy.net) of Gulf of Mexico fishing charters. Call 352.363.0244 to book your trip.
  • You can also book fishing charters at Robinson Seafood. Carl Robinson is a 4th generation fisherman who has been on the water in Cedar Key for over 3 decades. Call 352.543.5051 to book your trip.
  • Visit Cedar Key Museum State Park to explore the history of Cedar Key’s thriving 19th century port and railroad heyday. Check out Native artifacts collected by Cedar Key’s first curator, Saint Clair Whitman, and hike the nature trail with an eye out for water birds, mockingbirds, jays, woodpeckers and tree frogs. 12231 S.W. 166th Court. 352.543.5350.
    Cedar Key by Air
  • Rent a kayak next to the City Park to explore the countless tidal creeks, channels and bayous that spiderweb in and around Cedar Key’s many islands.
  • Peer through the binoculars or lenses at hundreds of native and migratory birds at Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/cedarkeys). Accessible only by boat, you can rent one or hire a guide at the boat ramp at the terminus of Highway 24.

WHERE TO EAT

  • Ada Blue Café – Located at Sunset Isle RV Park (see WHERE TO STAY), they serve a superb, no frills breakfast, lunch and dinner. And save room for ice cream and fudge. Convenient, tasty and very reasonably priced. 352.543.5375.
  • Annie’s Café – Reputedly the local’s choice for breakfast on Cedar Key. And, yes, you can get mullet with your eggs. Friendly dogs can dine with you on the outdoor patio. Corner of Highway 24 and 6th, 32625. 352.543.6141.
    Cedar Key from the water
  • Coconuts/Rusty Rim (www.coconutsofcedarkey.com) – Voted the best bar in Florida. Twice. Fresh-harvest oysters shucked on site. Incredible view from the dockside seating. Fish from the dock or hop on the tour boat. Upstairs the food is incredible and the prices are even better. Huge grouper sandwich. Perfect hushpuppies. Cold beer and friendly service. 590 Dock Street.
352.543.6390.
  • Island Hotel & Restaurant (www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com) – The ambiance is antique and the recipes are seafood classics passed down generations. Local ingredients and house dressings that are actually made in-house. Fine dining or bar menu. Your choice. Corner of 2nd St. and B Street. 352.543.5111.
  • Island Pizzeria (www.islandpizzeria.net) – Pizza, subs, salads. Take out or delivery. All the pies you expect and a tip of the hat to the local favorite: Oyster Rockefeller pizza. Route 24, Cedar Key. 352.543.5999.
  • Tony’s Seafood (www.tonyschowder.com) – Renowned for their “World Champion” clam chowder, Tony’s specializes in fresh local seafood. And presentation. Diners have been known to whip out their cameras when the food arrived. 597 2nd Street.
352.543.0022.

WHERE TO STAY

Cedar Key RV Resort (www.cedarkeyrvresort.com)

The sun sets over Cedar Key

Park is less than a year old and definitely looks sparkling new. Sites are spacious and well tended. Clubhouse is clean and comfortable. Caters particularly to Coaches and fivers. The manager, Doug, is very friendly and helpful.

  • Full hookups – Water, Sewer & Electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi
  • Big rig access, mostly back in but angled for easier maneuvering
  • Many shade trees and a sparkling pool
  • Family friendly
  • Pet friendly

Located just off Hwy 24 six miles east of Cedar Key at 11980 NW Shiloh Rd. 32625. GPS: 29.217693, -82.969707

Low-Key Hideaway Motel & RV Resort (www.lowkeyhideaway.com)

Low-Key Hideawy

This little slice of paradise is operated by folks who spent nearly four years RVing full time, so you can bet they know exactly how to keep you happy. Four grass sites right on the water. The funky little waterfront tiki bar opens each day around 4 PM. Locals and guests gather to trade stories while owners Pat and Cindy Bonish keep the beer and wine coming. The sunset view is breathtaking and you can spot dolphin from the private dock.

  • Full hookup – Water, Sewer & Electric
  • Strong WiFi & Cable TV
  • Big rig access, back in sites
  • Oceanfront Access
  • Shade trees
  • Family friendly
  • Pet friendly
    Early evening paints a breathtaking scene

Located at 12050 SR 24
Cedar Key, FL
32625. GPS: -83.0307355, 29.152731,0. Call 352.543.0700 for reservations.

Rainbow Country Campground (www.rainbowcampground.com)

Rustic and homey, visibly popular with smaller rigs, campers and travel trailers. Managers are unfailingly pleasant and accommodating, facilities are very clean. The close by Dollar General (about a mile away) can be a lifesaver because, well, there’s just not much out here, folks.

  • Full hookups – Water, Sewer & Electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi
  • Some pull thru sites, a bit tight for big rigs
  • Tons of shade trees
  • Family friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Family Friendly

Located at 11951 SW Shiloh Road, Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: -82.9679759, 29.218067. Call 352.543.6268 for reservations or more information.

Sunset Isle RV Park & Motel (www.cedarkeyrv.com)

Nice little café on site (See WHERE TO EAT), definitely do not pass up the incredible fudge. Rustic setting with smallish sites, but fantastic ambiance with an “Old Florida” feel. Reserve early, the waterside sites fill up fast!

  • Full hookups – Water, Sewer & Electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi & Cable TV
  • Motel on site for extra guests or visitors
  • Pull thru sites and big rig access
  • Oceanfront sites, incredible sunset views from several small piers
  • Plenty of shade trees
  • Family friendly
  • Pet friendly

Located at 11850 SW SR24, Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: -83.030989, 29.154722. Call 352.543.5375 for reservations.

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