Some people visiting the sunshine state prefer visiting small towns over visiting larger ones. Doing so allows you to avoid some of the crowds and allows you to experience the charm that many smaller towns in Florida possess.
And Florida has its fair share of cute, quaint towns, such as Micanopy, Lakeland, Key Largo, Dunedin, and Stuart, to name just a few.
However, the website of the Discoverer didn't pick any of the above-mentioned towns when it chose the best small towns in each state. No, when it got to Florida, it chose a master-planned community in Florida's panhandle instead. It chose Seaside.
What did the Discoverer like about Seaside?: The website found Seaside to be "the epitome of cute" with its pastel-colored buildings and tranquility by its beautiful beach. The town is so picturesque that it was featured in Jim Carrey's movie The Truman Show.
Is it Worth a Visit to Seaside?: Whether Seaside is worth a visit depends upon what you're looking for. If you want attractions, chain restaurants, condos, and modern amenities, then Seaside probably isn't the place for you.
But if you are looking to unplug with simplicity in a place with very little fuss and fanfare, then Seaside may fit the bill. This is a place where people walk and bike. It's extremely pedestrian-friendly. There's no shortage of public green spaces (there are three,) but there is a shortage of the chain beach hotel accommodations that you will find in other places. (To stay in Seaside, you'll need to rent a home (there are over 300) from someone who owns property there.)
What is There to Do in Seaside?: The biggest draw to Seaside is the beaches, and they are arguably stunning.
It's easy to take in the scenery around the community via bicycle or foot and there are many landmarks for which Seaside is known, including the post office, chapel, the farmer's market, the book shop, and beach pavilions. There are also boutiques and art galleries to check out.
Seaside is known to have great food. There are always food trucks, but more than that, there are restaurant staples such as The Shrimp Shack or Bud & Alleys in nearby Santa Rosa Beach.
You can kayak in beautiful waters at Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park, and if you'd like to stretch your legs, Point Washington State Forest has opportunities for hiking, biking, and riding horses.
So Seaside can be as relaxing or as active as you would like it to be. But it is small (only 80 acres and 300 homes) so sometimes it doesn't feel like some of Florida's more touristy cities such as Orlando or Miami.
Here is the rest of the list of what the Discoverer felt was the best small town in each state.
Prattville, Alabama
Skagway, Alaska
Bisbee, Arizona
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Ojai, California
Telluride, Colorado
Mystic, Connecticut
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Seaside, Florida
Helen, Georgia
Paia, Hawaii
Wallace, Idaho
Galena, Illinois
Zionsville, Indiana
Pella, Iowa
Dodge City, Kansas
Bardstown, Kentucky
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Bar Harbor, Maine
Oakland, Maryland
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Saugatuck, Michigan
Lanesboro, Minnesota
Natchez, Mississippi
Branson, Missouri
Libby, Montana
Gering, Nebraska
Virginia City, Nevada
Meredith, New Hampshire
Cape May, New Jersey
Madrid, New Mexico
Cold Spring, New York
Beaufort, North Carolina
Medora, North Dakota
Hudson, Ohio
Medicine Park, Oklahoma
Brownsville, Oregon
New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Beaufort, South Carolina
Deadwood, South Dakota
Townsend, Tennessee
Round Top, Texas
Park City, Utah
Woodstock, Vermont
Bristol, Virginia
Leavenworth, Washington
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Cody, Wyoming
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