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Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 3 hours north of Tampa. Long admired for its natural beauty and abundant supply of seafood, it is a tranquil village, rich with the almost forgotten history of old Florida.
Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the northeast.
Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work. Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters. Cedar Key’s aquaculture industry is widely considered to be the largest producer of hard shell clams in the state, and perhaps even in the country. Annually, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April, the Fourth of July Celebration and the October Seafood Festival.
Federally protected sanctuaries, the Cedar Keys form a chain of barrier islands ideally suited to a vast range of migratory and shore birds, including the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill and bald eagle. A visit to the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge will allow you to see many of the birds, mammals and reptiles that make this island their home. Cedar Key's Museum and State Park are also worth a visit.
The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise. In addition to excellent fishing, bird watching and nearby nature trails, guides are available to take parties for off-shore trips to the outer islands. A public marina with boat docking is available.
Visit the Tampa area, about a two hour drive south, to experience the contrast between Cedar Key and Florida’s more developed destinations.
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