Artist Series: A Weekend in Cedar Key, FL inspired, by Jimmy Buffett
Welcome to the Artist Series, where I pair albums with the perfect itineraries. Some people experience music through color—a neurological condition called chromesthesia. I don’t see music that way, but I do experience it through memories, places, and time. This is known as music-evoked autobiographical memory, and it’s actually pretty common.
Think of this series as a mix of travel inspiration and a personal diary. The connections I draw between albums and destinations come from the emotions, memories, and “vibes” each place stirs up for me. Sometimes the tie will be obvious—linked to a song lyric, a story about the artist, or the feeling of an album. Other times, it’s more abstract, built purely on the atmosphere and mood.
Either way, the goal is simple: to inspire new adventures and fresh ways of experiencing music. Thanks for coming along for the ride!
The Album: Songs You Know By Heart, Jimmy Buffett
About Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett wasn't just a musician — he was a storyteller who turned his love of the simple life into a lifestyle. Born and raised along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama, he found his signature, laid-back style in 1970s Key West. Buffett's music blends folk, rock, and breezy island rhythms that can instantly transport you to a vacation state of mind. His songs celebrate sunshine, saltwater, and not taking life too seriously.
Songs You Know By Heart & Why Cedar Key
I grew up on Songs You Know By Heart — it was a staple in my dad's tape deck. I'm pretty sure if he'd had the chance, he would have sailed away and become the pirate Jimmy sang about. Instead, he settled for a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and the occasional margarita.
Cedar Key, Florida feels like stepping into a Jimmy Buffett postcard — the kind of place he would have written a song about.
A tiny island town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Cedar Key remains untouched by major development and corporate chains, holding on to its "Old Florida" charm. Think colorful cottages, seafood shacks perched on the water, and sunsets that paint the Gulf in dazzling shades of orange and pink. Here, you'll see more golf carts than cars. Buffett's greatest hits provide the perfect soundtrack to this island escape. When you're in Cedar Key, life slows down — this place has a rhythm of its own. It's easy to imagine Buffett hanging out at the local tiki bar or strumming his guitar, barefoot in a hammock by the marshy bay that gives way to the Gulf of Mexico. This hidden gem is a far cry from the theme parks Florida is known for.
⚠️ A Note on Cedar Key's Recovery
Cedar Key has faced back-to-back-to-back hardships. Hurricane Idalia hit in August 2023, followed by Hurricane Debby in August 2024 and Hurricane Helene in September 2024 — which brought a record 10-foot storm surge and significant damage. A fire on Dock Street compounded the damage. The community has shown remarkable resilience, and as of early 2025, Cedar Key is very much open for visitors. Many businesses have reopened, others have relocated to 2nd Street, and some are still rebuilding.
The best thing you can do? Show up. Spend money locally. Eat at the restaurants, shop the small stores, and support the community that makes Cedar Key so special. Things are changing quickly — always check ahead before your visit.
Getting Around Cedar Key
One of Cedar Key's most iconic quirks is that golf carts rule the road — they're the best way to experience the island. The town is small enough to cover entirely by cart, and cruising past the waterfront, through the historic streets, and out to the beach is one of the best parts of any visit.
Several rental outfitters operate on the island:
Cedar Key Adventures — A locally owned and operated outfit offering 4-seat golf carts, kayaks, and bikes. They have multiple locations and can even deliver a cart to your hotel or the airport. | 609 1st St (also 331 Dock St) | (727) 410-2112 | cedarkeyadventures.com
Gulf Kart Company — Cedar Key's only solar-powered golf cart rentals, located across from the beach and park. A 16-year island staple. | 8030 A St | (352) 543-5090 | gulfkartco.com
Cedar Key Paddling — Also offers daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly cart rentals. | (352) 665-1276 | cedarkeypaddling.com
Pirates Cove Cottages — Offers street-legal golf carts that can travel on State Road 24 — the only rental on the island with that range.
Pro tip: Reserve your cart in advance, especially during spring and holiday weekends when the island fills up fast.
Things To Do in Cedar Key Florida
Dock Street
⚠️ Update — Dock Street was severely impacted by hurricane storm surges and a fire in 2024. Recovery is ongoing. Verify current operations before visiting.
Dock Street is the heart of Cedar Key's waterfront. Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, it's the classic spot to grab fresh seafood, sip a fruity mixed drink, and watch the boats come in. Even mid-recovery, the soul of Dock Street is very much alive.
2nd Street
With much of Dock Street rebuilding, 2nd Street has become the new hub of activity in Cedar Key. You'll find historic buildings filled with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and relocated businesses operating here. If Dock Street is Cedar Key's waterfront, 2nd Street is its beating heart right now — grab an ice cream and explore it on foot (or by golf cart).
Cedar Key Museum State Park
The Cedar Key Museum State Park takes visitors on a step back into history. Exhibits cover the island's past industries, including cedar pencil mills and fishing. On site, you'll also find St. Clair Whitman's restored family home — a look at what life on the island was like in the 1920s and a short nature trail. The museum reopened in early 2025 following hurricane closures.
Kayaking & Island Hopping
The waters around Cedar Key are dotted with salt marshes, small islands, and mangrove keys. Rent a kayak, paddle board, or hop on a boat to explore. If you're up for adventure, paddle across the bay from Dock Street to Atsena Otie Key — the site of Cedar Key's original settlement. Visitors can explore ruins of old homes, a cemetery, and remnants of the Eberhard Faber pencil mill. Keep an eye on the tides and the weather. Some areas are not accessible at low tide and storms can roll in fast. Ask me how I know. (Hint: We experienced our own version of The Perfect Storm trying to beat a pop-up storm back across the channel — capsized kayaks, a lost GoPro, a local fisherman to the rescue, and a great story after the fact.)
Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge
The Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge is made up of about a dozen small islands, accessible only by boat. It's home to ospreys, pelicans, and bald eagles — a dream for bird watching and nature lovers. Cedar Key has a strong reputation in birding circles for its diverse coastal species. Keep your eyes on the water too: over 300 resident bottlenose dolphins call these waters home and are frequently spotted putting on a show.
Cemetery Point Boardwalk
One of Cedar Key's hidden gems — a peaceful boardwalk trail through the marsh that leads out to a stunning point with sweeping Gulf views. It's also a popular local fishing spot. Free, easy, and beautiful at sunset.
Fishing
Fishing is the backbone of this community — you'll see folks with a rod just about anywhere you can access the water. Local charter operators will take you out for the day. If you prefer to stick to land, popular fishing spots include Dock Street Fishing Pier and Cemetery Point Boardwalk.
Island Boat Tours
For a guided on-the-water experience, boat tours offer a fantastic way to explore the surrounding islands, wildlife refuge, and coastal ecosystems. Several local operators, including Tidewater Tours, run eco-tours and fishing charters.
Aerial Tour: Cedar Key Island Air Tours
Cedar Key has its own small private airstrip on the southwestern tip of the island. From here, you can hop on a private plane tour with Cedar Key Island Air Tours for a breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding barrier islands. It's a unique and unforgettable way to experience the area, offering a whole new perspective of Florida Gulf Coast's natural beauty.
Relax at the City Park & Beach
Between Dock Street and 2nd Street, you'll find Cedar Key's city park. Here, there is a great playground for kids, picnic pavilions, and a small public beach. The beach here isn't the sugar-sand and crystal-clear water you'll find at Gulf Coast beaches farther to the south but it's still a nice spot to relax. You can typically expect calm, shallow water at the Cedar Key Beach but the tradeoff is pluff mud underfoot.
Where to Eat in Cedar Key
Cedar Key's dining scene is classic Old Florida — fresh seafood, casual waterfront vibes, and locally owned spots that have been feeding fishermen and visitors for decades. The restaurant landscape is still recovering from the 2024 hurricanes, but there's good food to be found. Here's where to eat:
The Prickly Palm
The Prickly Palm is one of my favorite places for breakfast and lunch, known for its specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, açaí bowls, and breakfast sandwiches with plenty of plant-based options. After hurricane damage to their original location, they've relocated to a hurricane-proof food truck setup on 2nd Street. The outdoor seating is a fun, relaxed vibe — and yes, dogs are welcome. Open until around 2pm. | 373 2nd Street
Steamers Clam Bar & Grill
After losing their original Dock Street location to fire and hurricane damage, Steamers relocated to 2nd Street where they're now operating in a shared space with 2nd Street Cafe. Expect Gulf seafood in a no-frills, casual atmosphere — we opt for the seafood platters but you really can't go wrong with anything here. Steamers is a Cedar Key institution — don't miss it. ⚠️ Verify current hours before visiting.
Low-Key Hideaway & Tiki Bar
A Cedar Key original and an absolute must. The Low-Key Hideaway is a 21+ waterfront Tiki Bar with live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — year-round. The views of the Gulf are stunning at sunset, and there's a dock that juts out over the water. A rotating lineup of food trucks keeps the food fresh and local. They even offer a free Tiki Taxi to pick you up from town and bring you back safely. | 12050 FL-24 | Note: adults only (21+)
The Tipsy Cow
The Tipsy Cow was one of the first Dock Street restaurants to reopen after Hurricane Helene, making it a symbol of Cedar Key's comeback. ⚠️ Verify current hours and full menu status before visiting.
Island Hotel Restaurant
Located inside the historic Island Hotel (est. 1859), this is the most elegant dining option on the island. The menu is small but mighty — order anything with local clams, the crab bisque, or their legendary Heart of Palm Salad, a recipe dating back to the 1940s. Perfect for a special dinner. | 373 2nd St
Other Spots to Check Out
⚠️ The following spots have been reported as open or reopening — always verify before visiting, as the recovery situation continues to evolve.
The Big Deck — A beloved casual outdoor dining spot that was wiped out by the hurricanes. It is currently in the process of rebuilding.
Bonish Studio — A craft cocktail bar.
1842 Daily Grind - A popular spot for coffee.
Annie's Cafe - classic diner fare served in a cottage-style building with outdoor seating.
Where to Stay in Cedar Key
Cedar Key has yet to be taken over by the tourism industry, so you won’t find major hotel chains or towering condo buildings lining the island here. While this helps it maintain its “Old Florida” charm, that also means accommodations can be somewhat limited. You’ll mostly find that most of the places to stay are individually owned property rentals like AirBnB or VRBO OR independently owned inns.
3-Bedroom Home - We've stayed at this home countless times — a quintessential beach bungalow that checks every box.
More Florida Travel Guides
About Cedar Key, Florida
Where is Cedar Key, Florida?
Cedar Key is a charming island town tucked along Florida's Gulf Coast, about 60 miles southwest of Gainesville and two and a half hours north of Tampa. Part of Florida's "Nature Coast," it sits on the southern end of the Big Bend Scenic Byway, where the state's panhandle curves into the peninsula. You won't stumble upon Cedar Key by accident — you have to mean to go there, which is part of what makes it so special.
Cedar Key History
In the mid-1800s, Cedar Key was one of Florida's busiest ports, famous for its thriving pencil industry thanks to the abundance of local cedar trees. In 1861, Cedar Key became the western terminus of the Florida Railroad — the first rail line to cross the state, connecting east to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. During the Civil War, Union forces recognized the strategic location and occupied the islands. Much of Cedar Key was burned during this period — only buildings useful for barracks or storage were spared.
Just offshore lies Atsena Otie Key, often called Cedar Key's "abandoned island." Once home to the original settlement including the Eberhard Faber pencil mill, it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1896 and never rebuilt.
When the timber industry collapsed and storms reshaped the town, Cedar Key reinvented itself. By the late 20th century, it became the heart of Florida's clam farming industry. Thanks to the pristine waters of the Gulf and a supportive local community, Cedar Key grew into one of the largest producers of farm-raised clams in the United States. Today, these sustainable farms not only provide jobs but also protect water quality — clams naturally filter the water around them.
Cedar Key's resilience runs deep. Having weathered hurricanes, economic collapses, and industry shifts for over a century, the community continues to rebuild and reinvent — as it is doing again right now.
Cedar Key Weather
Cedar Key enjoys the kind of weather you dream about for a laid-back island escape.
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit, with warm days, low humidity, and wildflowers blooming along the coast.
Summer is hot and humid, with plenty of sunshine and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that rolls in off the Gulf and quickly clears.
Fall brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds — a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter island.
Winter is mild — think light sweaters in the evening and sunny afternoons perfect for strolling the waterfront.
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
