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As you leave the Florida mainland, rich
Gulf waters reflecting blue skies beckon you as birds float like petals over the marsh vista. Welcome to our island,
a place where time stands still and allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of our coastal environment. Cedar Key is
a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. 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. Step inside
our website and stay awhile...
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. 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.
In addition to excellent fishing, birdwatching
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.
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. The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian
shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise.
Location: Cedar Key is about 50 miles
southwest of Gainesville, Florida; 135 miles north of Tampa; and 130 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Florida. From Gainesville, take State Route #24 southwest for approximately 50 miles. You will cross-over State
Highway 27/41 in Archer, Alternate Route 27 in Bronson, and US 19/98 in Otter Creek. Continue until you encounter a
stop sign in the City of Cedar Key. Travel time from Gainesville to Cedar Key is about one hour.
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~ Area Attractions
of Cedar Key, Florida ~
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A group of restricted access islands in the Gulf of Mexico.
Includes a major seabird rookery and an 1850´s lighthouse on Florida´s highest coastal elevation. Boats are available
at Cedar Key.
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A unique scrub habitat on the mainland offers walking and
birdwatching, few marked trails.
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Established in 1962 and dedicated to St. Clair Whitman
who operated the first museum in Cedar Key. Most of Mr. Whitman´s collections are displayed in the museum. These collections
include exhibits on the Timucuan Indians, antique glassware, old bottles, a very complete collection of sea shells, items
from the pencil manufacturing days, fiber broom and brush manufacturing, and photographs of old Cedar Key.
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A prehistoric Indian mound and nature trail off Highway
347 on CR 326 outside Cedar Key offers camping, boat ramp, and picnicking. Call 352-221-4466 for more information.
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A Florida first magnitude spring, offers diving, swimming,
picnicking, boat ramp, canoe rentals, and an elevated boardwalk through primordial cypress wetlands into the historic Suwannee
River.
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A new 40,000 acre refuge, offers nature driving and hiking
trails for wildlife observation and photography and access to the famous Suwannee River.
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A 31,000 acre limited access preserve between Yankeetown
and Cedar Key offers access to canoeists and campers for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, photography and historic site
exploration.
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Located in Maitland, Florida, the Audubon Center for Birds
of Prey is an urban environmental nature center that specializes in the rescue, medical care, rehabilitation and release of
sick, injured and orphaned raptors (birds of prey). |
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