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Old Town, Florida: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Manatee Springs State Park out there runs the swimming and the snorkeling in the clear water of the spring. The Suwannee River out there carries the whole of the kayaking and the tubing on it. Old Town itself was first settled right the whole way back in the early 1800s. The Nature Coast State Trail out there takes the whole of the bikes. Pull over.

Old Town, Florida is the stop you make because you were passing and the sign came up. Nature person, eater or history person, this small town has a version of the day for you. Outdoor hours at one end and open country at the other.

History people do well here, because Old Town goes back to the early 1800s. The Suwannee River and the Old Town School are the two landmarks to start with. There is a food and drink scene too, across restaurants and bars. And for a bed, Old Town runs everything from cabins to hotels.

Key Takeaways

• Old Town, Florida has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to exploring the natural beauty.
• History buffs will love exploring the town’s rich history dating back to the early 1800s.
• Old Town also has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.

History of Old Town

Old Town, Florida carries more history than a place this size should. Here is the short version of how it got here.

Old Town sits in Dixie County, Florida and was first settled in the early 1800s. It was originally called Harrison, after a prominent local family, and the name changed later. The story goes that the town took its name from an old, run-down building standing at the crossroads. Locals started calling it Old Town and it stuck.

In the early days Old Town was busy. The town held a sawmill, a gristmill and a cotton gin. It was also a stop for travelers passing through. Old Town sat at the crossroads of several major roads, so it was a convenient place to pull over and rest.

Old Town has been through a lot since. The town has taken hurricanes, fires and economic downturns and come back each time. It is now a laid-back community that has held onto its past. History people should walk the old buildings, the cemeteries and the rest of the landmarks.

That is Old Town, Florida in short. A town with a long past and a decent future, and it is worth the detour off the road.

Outdoor Adventures

Old Town, Florida suits anybody who came looking for something to do. The natural country and the trails here run long. These are the outdoor days to take.

Boating and Fishing

Fishing people do well in Old Town. The lakes and rivers here hold bass, catfish and crappie. You can also rent a boat and work the waterways of Old Town yourself. Seasoned angler or first time out, there is water here that will give you something.

Kayaking and Tubing

Old Town also works for kayaking and tubing. Rent a kayak or a tube and float the Suwannee River or one of the other waterways nearby. The water runs calm and the scenery holds, which is what a slow afternoon needs.

Hiking and Biking

For something more active, Old Town runs hiking and biking trails. The terrain varies and the scenery holds up, so you get the exercise and the view together. Beginner or experienced, there is a trail at your level.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

For underwater work, Old Town has some of the strongest snorkeling and scuba diving around. The water runs clear and the marine life is varied, so there is plenty to look at down there. Seasoned diver or beginner, the town has a dive for you.

Whatever the adventure, Old Town has ground for it. The natural country and the trails here make this corner of Florida worth the stop. Pack the bags and the gear and go.

Exploring the Natural Beauty

For outdoor time, Old Town, Florida has plenty of natural country to work through. State parks through to beaches and islands, there is somewhere to be outside.

State Parks

Old Town sits near several state parks, each with its own character. Manatee Springs State Park is the popular one, for swimming and snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear water of the spring. The boardwalk takes a slow walk, and the manatees that live in the springs turn up along it.

Beaches and Islands

For beaches and islands, Old Town is well placed in Florida. Cedar Key is an island town with long sunsets, fresh seafood and plenty to do outdoors. Take the island by bike or kayak, or lie on the beach and do nothing.

Manatee Springs and Big Bend Seagrasses

For something you will not get elsewhere, take Manatee Springs and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. The area holds manatees, sea turtles and dolphins. Work the seagrass beds by kayak or paddleboard, or take a guided tour for the wildlife.

Whatever the outdoor interest, Old Town, Florida has ground for it. Take the sunscreen and get out into this town.

Food and Drink in Old Town

Old Town feeds you well. The town is full of food and drink for any appetite. A quick bite or a proper dinner, both are covered. These are the places to eat and drink in Old Town.

Local Restaurants

Old Town holds some of the stronger local restaurants in Florida. Seafood through to barbecue through to Italian, the range is here. These are the ones to book.

The Catfish Place

For seafood, The Catfish Place. The restaurant is known for its fried catfish, hushpuppies and coleslaw. It is a casual room and it suits a relaxed meal.

Sonnys BBQ

For barbecue, Sonnys BBQ. The kitchen runs ribs, pulled pork and brisket, and all three hold up. It works for a casual meal with friends or family.

Cody’s Roadhouse

For steak, Cody’s Roadhouse. The kitchen runs some of the strongest steaks in town alongside classic American dishes. It suits a date night or an occasion.

Live Music and Dance Performances

Old Town also runs live music and dance. Country music or salsa dancing, there is a room for it. These are the ones to check.

Old Town Live

For live music, Old Town Live. The venue runs music every night of the week, across country and rock and blues. Take a drink and let the evening go.

Salsa Heat Dance Studio

For dancing, Salsa Heat Dance Studio. The studio runs salsa, bachata and other Latin dance classes at every skill level. You get the exercise and the evening at once.

The Barn

For line dancing, The Barn. The venue runs line dancing every night of the week, with live music on the weekends. It is where you stop being self-conscious.

In Old Town you are never far from good food and drink, or from live music and dancing. Come and see for yourself.

Accommodation Options

A trip to Old Town, Florida needs a bed. There are plenty of options here at every budget. These are the hotels, resorts and camping sites.

Hotels and Resorts

Old Town runs several hotels and resorts with comfortable rooms, good amenities and views. Luxurious or cheap, one of them will fit.

Suwannee Gables Motel and Marina

This hotel sits close to the state park with a backyard looking out over the Suwannee River. The rooms are clean and well maintained, and the staff are helpful.

Old Town sat right at the crossroads of several of the major roads through this whole area. Travelers passing through the whole of this area stopped out here to rest up for the night. The town was named for an old run-down building standing right at that same crossroads. It has always been a place people stop.

Steinhatchee River Inn

This cozy inn sits in Steinhatchee, a short drive from Old Town. The rooms are spacious and well equipped, and the staff make you welcome.

Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast

For a romantic few days, this bed and breakfast is the answer. The rooms are well decorated and the breakfast holds up.

Camping Sites

For outdoor people, camping is the way to stay in Old Town. There are several sites in the area with good views and plenty to do outside.

Manatee Springs State Park

This park runs camping sites with water and electric hookups alongside primitive sites. There are hiking trails, fishing spots and plenty else outdoors.

Fanning Springs State Park

This park runs camping sites with water and electric hookups alongside primitive sites. Swimming, snorkeling and kayaking all run here.

Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground

This resort runs camping sites, RV sites and cabins. The amenities include a swimming pool, a hot tub and a restaurant.

Whatever the preference, Old Town has a bed for it. Book it and get on the road.

Day Trips from Old Town

Staying in Old Town, Florida, there are day trips worth the drive. Theme parks, beaches or historic cities, all three are within reach. These are the options.

Orlando Theme Parks

You cannot be in Florida without the theme parks in Orlando. Disney World through to Universal Studios, there is more than a day of it. Standing in line in the heat is nobody’s idea of a good time, so head straight for the Harry Potter section of Universal Studios. Take a butterbeer and walk Diagon Alley, with Hogwarts out in the distance. The roller coaster in Gringotts Bank is there if you want it.

Key West and the Southernmost Point

For something slower, drive south to Key West. This island is known for its colorful houses, clear water and unhurried pace. Walk Duval Street and work through the local shops and galleries. Take the photograph at the Southernmost Point buoy, where you are 90 miles from Cuba. A snorkeling tour will get you out to the coral reefs.

St. Augustine and Sarasota

History people should drive north to St. Augustine. This city is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, and it is full of historic landmarks and museums. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort, or walk St. George Street for the shops and restaurants. For beach time, drive west to Sarasota, a Gulf Coast city known for white sand and clear water. Swim, or rent a kayak for the mangrove tunnels.

Wherever you point the car, there are day trips worth taking out of Old Town, Florida. Take the sunscreen and get on the road.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Planning a trip to Old Town, Florida, start with the weather. Fall is the time, between September and November, when it runs cooler and less humid. August works for a summer trip as well, as long as you are ready for the heat and the humidity.

Then the crowds. Old Town is a popular stop, so come on a weekday or in the offseason if you want it quiet.

Family-Friendly Activities

Old Town, Florida works with a family. Outdoor activities, museums and attractions mean nobody runs out of things to do. These are the family days to take.

Visit Manatee Springs State Park

This park runs swimming and snorkeling, and the manatees come close enough to see properly.

Explore the Nature Coast State Trail

This trail takes hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Check out the Cedar Key Museum State Park

This museum covers the history of Cedar Key and the country around it.

Go fishing

Old Town holds some of the strongest fishing spots in Florida, so put a line in and see what happens.

Whatever you choose, Old Town, Florida has a version of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mischief can you get up to in Old Town, Florida?

You could kayak down the Suwannee River, take the water park at Bob’s River Place, or walk through the Levy County Quilt Museum. Sneaking into the Old Town Elementary School after hours is not on the list. That was a joke.

Are there any hidden gems to discover in Old Town?

The Grande Ridge Winery is the one people miss, and the local wine there is good. Horseshoe Beach Marina is the other, for fishing and beach time. And the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is worth the paddle. Watch for the manatees.

Where can you find the best food in Old Town?

Old Town is not short of good food. For classic Southern cooking, the Dixie Grill and Steer Room. For seafood, the Shrimp Boat Restaurant. And for the fancier version, the Cedar Keyhole Restaurant and Bar.

What’s the wildest thing that’s ever happened in Old Town?

Plenty has happened in Old Town over the years, from alligator sightings to giant sinkholes. The wildest of them was a group of locals building their own roller coaster in their backyard. That is not a joke.

What’s the best way to explore Old Town?

It depends what you are after. For something active, rent a bike and take the Nature Coast State Trail. For water, take a canoe or kayak down the Suwannee River. And walking the town on foot works too.

What’s the craziest attraction in Old Town?

Old Town has a few contenders and Bob’s River Place takes it. This water park runs giant water slides, rope swings and a zip line. You will get wet.

Frequently asked questions about Old Town, Florida

What can you actually do at Manatee Springs State Park near Old Town, Florida?

Manatee Springs State Park out there runs the swimming and the snorkeling and the whole of the scuba diving. The water in the spring runs clear and the manatees live right in the whole of it. The boardwalk out there walks you right along the edge of the whole of the spring itself. Fall.

Which river runs through Old Town, Florida for kayaking and tubing?

The Suwannee River out there carries the whole of the kayaking and the tubing right through Old Town. The water on it runs calm and the scenery holds up the whole of the way down it. Kayaks and the tubes both rent out easily enough in the town out there. Float slowly.

When is the best time of year to visit Old Town, Florida?

Fall is the season out there, right between September and the end of November in each year. The weather out there runs cooler and a good deal less humid than the rest of the year. August works too if you are ready for the whole of the heat out there. Weekdays are quieter.

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