Spike the Great White Egret at Cooks

The Best of Cedar Key!

We continue to add to our list of Cedar Key favorites and the "Best of Cedar Key"! Our goal for our vacation rental condo was to be able to go on a Cedar Key vacation with a minimal amount of fuss. We have the grocery list already figured out (lots of local fresh seafood!), know what we need to pack (binocs, camera, sunscreen), and we usually have a list of things to do. We do try new things each time we visit, but having our list of favorites makes a huge difference in getting into "island time". The fewer decisions we have to make, the faster we're on vacation! Here's our list of Favorites that we share with guests in Tranquility and Serenity.

Beer selection: A newcomer! Black Dog Bar and Tables is THE place to go if you're serious about interesting beer (and we are)! Better yet, they will sell you a six pack to go or even a bottle of wine. Located on Dock Street, Black Dog Bar and Tables is run by some nice folks and Otis the dog. And they are pet-friendly.
Cedar Key Biking: We recently found a great website recommending biking opportunities in Florida and especially Cedar Key biking! Cedar Key made their list of Top Ten places to bike in Florida. There are bikes for rent at several businesses in Cedar Key.
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 the Island Hopper or Lady Pirate (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.) In July you can still see many nests and young birds.
Cedar Key Fishing - Inshore: Consider Captain Dan - our favorite inshore fishing guide in Cedar Key. Or try 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.
Cheap Breakfast: Annie's Cafe on Route 24 just outside of town - good ol' southern cooking that's tasty and reasonably priced. Or try Rusty Rim - above Coconuts on Dock Street for a fabulous crab 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 Island Hotel Dining Room. Either way, you'll be happy you went.
Special Stuff: Cedar Key Clams - The clams at Island Hotel 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....; 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 most 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.
Fresh Seafood to Cook: Southern Cross offers a good selection of seafood in town.
Cedar Key Sunset with Service: The deck at the Coconuts of Cedar Key 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 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.

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