Cedar Key FL Recommendations!

Cedar Key Birding - local

Tranquility's balcony or along the shore at Old Fenimore Mill are great birding spots for guests. However, good birding is also available along the causeway to the island and along the many marsh-bounded roadways. Bring your binocs and watch the mudflats at low tide for herons, egrets, storks, osprey and more!

 

Cedar Key Birding - by boat

Seahorse Key - a part of the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge. Rent a boat or take a ride via one of the town boat tour operators (boarding at the Cedar Key Town Marina). Seahorse Key has a 300 foot buffer zone closed to visitors from March 1 to June 30 to protect the birds during nesting season. (Good binoculars will help you see some from outside the buffer zone.)

 

Cedar Key Bar - Fine Wine and Bottled Beer

Black Dog Bar & Tables is THE place to go if you're serious about interesting beer (and we are)! They offer beer, wine, cigars, espresso, cappuccino, and hot chocolate too. Better yet, they will sell you a six pack of fine craft beer to go or even a bottle of wine and a cigar to go with it. An eclecticly designed, place, BDBT is truly the best bar in Cedar Key. Indoor and outdoor seating. Located on Dock Street in Cedar Key, Black Dog Bar & Tables is run by nice folks and TJ might be willing to play a game or two of chess with you. And yes, they are a pet-friendly bar (outdoors only) in Cedar Key, FL.

 

Cedar Key Brews and Dinner

Cedar Key Steamers - Clam Bar & Grill offers drafts from Florida breweries including Swamphead (of Gainesville) and Florida Brewing! Climb up those stairs above the Trading Post on Dock Street and order a draft or a flight (beer sampler) and get a table with a view of the Gulf or Dock Street. They have a great menu - from appetizers (try their fish dip!) to a fabulous real haddock fish and chips with the malt vinegar. For bigger fare - the Seafood Pasta was to die for... This is our newest favorite on Dock Street and we're looking forward to exploring the menu further! (Music most weekends!)

 

Cedar Key FL Biking

We recently found a great website recommending biking opportunities in Florida and especially Cedar Key biking! Cedar Key, FL made their list of Top Ten places to bike in Florida. There are bikes for rent at several businesses in Cedar Key.

 

Cedar Key Fishing - Inshore

Consider a fishing trip with Saltwater Assassin Fishing Charters - Captains Jim and Jimbo operate Saltwater Assassin Fishing Charters, our favorite go-to inshore fishing guide in Cedar Key, FL. Or try fishing the big dock in town, where the catch is usually more varied - go at tide change, particularly when it's going out. Local guide services are available for working the "flats".

 

Cedar Key Fishing - Offshore

There are a number of charters available for offshore excursions out into the Gulf.

 

Cedar Key Kayaking

We recommend Cedar Key Paddling for the best Cedar Key Kayak and Paddling Rentals and Tours. Professional, knowledgeable, and personable folks!

 

Cedar Key Lodging

Cedar Key offers a variety of lodging options including hotels, motels, the Historic Island Hotel (watch for ghosts!), a B&B, and a number of self-catering vacation rental condos such as Tranquility and Serenity.

 

Cedar Key Festivals

Cedar Key has two festivals each year - the Cedar Key FL Annual Seafood Festival and the Annual Festival of the Arts sponsored by local artists. Both Cedar Key festivals are famous around Florida and beyond. Our festivals feature excellent local seafood and clams for sale and many vendors of arts and crafts. The Seafood Festival is held in October and is very well-attended. If you don't book your lodging on island well in advance, you'll be waiting in line on the bridge to get into town. The Arts Festival is held in April and usually signals the close of snowbird season. Again, Cedar Key lodging is tough to find if you wait until the last minute! Check our calendar for availability!

 

Cedar Key Wildlife and Boat Tours

Our favorite and far and away, our guests' favorite boat tours are with Tidewater Tours. If you're looking to get up close and personal with the backwaters and wildlife of Cedar Key, check in with Tidewater Tours. Be sure to make reservations in advance on holidays and weekends... Tell Connie you found her on VisitCedarKey.com!

 

Cheap Breakfast

Our favorite f ours - Joe and Edie's Kona Joe's Island Cafe in Cedar Key, FL.Annie's Cafe on Route 24 just outside of town - good ol' southern cooking (including fried mullet) that's tasty and reasonably priced. Or try Ken's Keyside Diner - above Cedar Key's Fine Foods on Dock Street for a fabulous omelet!

 

Fancy Dinner Out

Well, Cedar Key really doesn't get fancy, but you can wear your dockers and sundresses... It's a toss up between The Island Room at Cedar Cove and the Cedar Key Steamers - Clam Bar & Grill. Either way, you'll be happy you went.

 

Pizza Delivered

For great pizza delivered Island Pizzeria in Cedar Key, FL on Route 24 is your choice. Across the street from Pirates' Cove rental cottages, Island Pizzeria offers a variety of freshly baked pizza, subs, sandwiches, and salads. And best of all, they will deliver this yummy pizza to your vacation rental or hotel! Cash only.

 

Pizza Out

Looking for slow food with pizza and southwestern favorites? Check out the Blue Desert Cafe on Hwy 24. in Cedar Key, FL. Eclectic design, unusual menu choices, and great ambiance - you'll enjoy Therese's choices.

 

Cedar Key Specialties - Our Recommendations

Cedar Key Kayaks - Paddling in Cedar Key Florida is one of the best ways to spend time enjoying the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. We recommend bringing your own kayak if you can. Here's some great info on where to kayak in Cedar Key!

 

Cedar Key Clams - The clams at Island Hotel Dining Room are just a slight notch above the others. But part of the fun is to try them at every single restaurant...

 

Clam Chowder - Tony's Seafood at the corner of 2nd Street and Rt. 27 won an award for their chowder. It's a touch pricey - but oh so good.... Now being offered in cans!

 

Crab Bisque - The Island Room at Cedar Cove. Get the bowl, you will definitely want more than a cup. They do offer this carryout - been there...

 

Palm Salad - Available at several restaurants. It sounds weird, but it's wonderful - try it! The best is at Island Hotel Dining Room.

 

Smoked Mullet Dip - It's great on bagels instead of cream cheese. Buy it at the Cedar Key Market.

 

Fresh Seafood to Cook

Southern Cross offers a good selection of sweet Cedar Key Clams and other frozen seafood in town. They are located on Route 24 as you drive into Cedar Key, FL.

 

Cedar Key Sunset with Service

The deck at the Black Dog Bar and Tables on Dock St. Pull up a bench, have a beverage of choice and bring the camera.

 

Cedar Key Sunset au naturale

If you stay in Tranquility, sunsets from the balcony (especially summer) are breathtaking - just check out our Cedar Key photos! Otherwise, the Lewis Airstrip is an excellent place to see the sun go down. Drive or bike over SW Airport Road and park on the road next to the runway.

 

| pet friendly lodging | daytrips | town | birding | kayaking | boating | fishing | dining | weather |