WELCOME to Cedar Key, 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. The small town feeling is complete- transportation is by car but they share the road with bicycles or golf-carts.
Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the Florida. The Cedar Keys had evidence of native cultures dating back to the Deptford Period about 500 BC. They were first mapped in 1542 by a Spanish cartographer. The Town of Cedar Key was first established on Atsena Otie in the 1840's." Today, Cedar Key is a haven for artists, writers and "adventure" tourists, who find the unspoiled environment their inspiration. Our island provides a place for excellent fishing, bird watching, nature trails, kayaking and coastal guided tours. The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise. A public marina with boat docking is also available.
Fishing in Cedar Key
Whether you enjoy the tranquility of bass boating or kayaking through peaceful creeks and river estuaries, or the excitement of deep-sea fishing miles offshore, Cedar Key offers a fishing experience for every budget. For the serious fisherman and visitors unfamiliar with the Gulf waters, the best way to ensure a good day's fishing is to hire a licensed and insured fishing guide. Most guides offer half-or full-day trips, and also allow you to customize your outing to include island hopping, bird watching, sight-seeing and photography as well as world-class fishing.
Hiking, Biking, Golf Carting & Beachcombing
A trail experience for almost every level of capability and interest is available in this area from paved linear corridors of many miles to sugar-sand trails in scenic scrub, interpretive nature walks, and historic walking tours.
• Manatee Springs: 8.5 mile nature trail through hammock and sandhill.
• Fanning Springs: 0.75 mile nature trail through a wooded area.
• Shell Mound: 1.0 mile nature trail and 0.3 mile archaeological site trail.
• Cedar Historic Walking Tour: 2-3 hour tour of the town's historic buildings. (Guide book available from the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.)
• Atsena Otie Key: 0.5 mile loop nature trail to historic graveyard site.
• Inglis Island: Several miles of scenic nature trails. (Mostly grassy surfaces.)
• Goethe Forest: 30 miles of multi-use trails on three trailheads. Active Trail walker program. Ideal for equestrian access. (Sandy, not very suitable for bikes.
Photography/Artists
The natural richness of the region makes it of special interest to photographers and artists who seek their inspiration from nature. Cedar Key has become the artistic center of the region and hosts a Sidewalk Arts Festival every spring.
Boating: Canoe/Kayak/Sailing
Water activities dominate the area. From wild rivers to the intricate fingers of tidal creeks, to the serene Gulf, there is a water-related activity for almost every interest. Launch sites, both public and private, are plentiful throughout the region. Canoe and kayak rentals can be found in Cedar Key. Fishing and nature guides are also available.
about the various activities and vendors.