Beach

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Tiny little beach is perfectly located to enjoy all that the tiny Cedar Key offers

As beaches go, the one at Cedar Key doesn’t have the softest sand. It isn’t the prettiest. The shore is littered with clam shells and the beach itself is fairly narrow. Normally, that kind of review would put a beach way off my radar, but in this case I must make an exception. What makes this beach so special is its location in the center of the tiny city of Cedar Key.

The city is divided into the historic area and the waterfront. The historic district is comprised of a dozen or so disheveled old buildings on the main street, which is located a couple of blocks inland. Most of the action happens along the waterfront. The brand new municipal pier occupies one end of the waterfront, providing and excellent place to drop a line, as well as great views looking back over the hotels, restaurants, and shops that perch on pilings and hang out over the water.

View from the municipal pier, looking back at the shops and restaurants that hang out over the Gulf

This area of Florida, which tourism officials have dubbed the Nature Coast, is more commonly referred to as the Big Bend area. Here, the Gulf of Mexico has a shallow offshore shelf, with average depth increasing roughly one foot per mile. The coastline in this area is dominated by a network of inland creeks giving out onto salt marshes and seagrass meadows that cover 1,800 square miles of the Gulf. These salt marshes are the breeding ground for many important species, including black rum, red drum, blue crabs, spotted sea trout, and clams. It is fascinating to watch fishermen on the small, flat-top boats dig in the muddy flats for clams and cab.

The fishing from the new municipal pier is excellent

Offshore are dozens of islands or keys; many are so tiny they are only visible at low tide. Perhaps a dozen of these keys are part of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and several are designated as wilderness areas, just begging to be explored by kayak. There are numerous places to rent kayaks and the going rate is very affordable, averaging $30 for four hours. And since Cedar Key lies along a major migratory bird route, it is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

So while the beach may not be anything to rave about, a visit to Cedar Key promises quaint shops, friendly people, great seafood, fabulous fishing, and peace and relaxation. In truth, this is one of the few remaining places where visitors can experience the “Old Florida” – or as locals say – the “Pre-Disney Florida.”

Cedar Key is located about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville or three hours north of Tampa. Accommodations are available to fit all budgets.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel