8 Underrated Florida River Towns That Make Perfect Weekend Getaways
Florida’s beaches get all the attention, but some of the state’s best weekend escapes are tucked along quiet rivers. These small towns offer crystal-clear springs, peaceful kayaking, fresh seafood, and that laid-back Old Florida vibe that’s hard to find on the coast.
If you’re ready to trade crowded tourist spots for charming riverside hideaways, these eight river towns are calling your name.
1. White Springs
Once a glamorous resort destination in the 1800s, this tiny North Florida gem still carries that old-world charm. White Springs sits right on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Suwannee River, where you can paddle, hike, or simply soak in the scenery.
Big Shoals State Park is just minutes away and offers Florida’s only Class III whitewater rapids. You can also explore nearby springs, wander through historic downtown, or catch a live music show at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center.
It’s quiet, uncrowded, and perfect if you want nature without the noise.
2. Lake City
Surrounded by some of Florida’s clearest springs, Lake City is an outdoor lover’s dream that somehow stays off most tourists’ radar. The Ichetucknee and Santa Fe Rivers are close by, making it ridiculously easy to plan a weekend around tubing, paddling, and floating in cool spring water.
Downtown has a friendly, no-fuss vibe with local diners and cafés that serve up real comfort food. There’s no pretense here—just good eats, easy river access, and plenty of shady spots to relax.
If you’re craving a low-key escape built around water and nature, this is your spot.
3. Suwannee
Right where the Suwannee River spills into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find this tiny fishing village that time forgot. Suwannee is all about slowing down—no schedules, no stress, just sunsets that look like paintings and fresh seafood served dockside.
Kayakers love launching here to explore the maze of salt marshes and tidal creeks. Anglers come for redfish and trout, while everyone else just comes to unwind.
There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the water while pelicans glide past. It’s pure Old Florida, and it feels like a secret you’ll want to keep.
4. Steinhatchee
With no traffic lights and barely a crowd in sight, Steinhatchee feels like Florida before the theme parks took over. This sleepy Big Bend river town is famous among locals for summer scalloping, when the shallow Gulf waters fill with sweet bay scallops you can collect by hand.
The rest of the year, it’s all about fishing, boating, and eating grouper sandwiches at riverside shacks. The Steinhatchee River is calm and beautiful, perfect for a quiet paddle or an afternoon of watching manatees drift by.
If you want a weekend that feels like a real escape, this place delivers.
5. Sanford
Brick streets, a lively riverwalk, and a surprisingly vibrant food scene make Sanford one of Central Florida’s best-kept secrets. Sitting on the St. Johns River, this historic town has reinvented itself into a weekend destination that balances charm with activity.
You can take a boat tour, sip craft cocktails at waterfront bars, browse antique shops, or catch live music on the weekends. The downtown area is walkable, colorful, and full of character.
Unlike the bigger tourist cities nearby, Sanford still feels authentic and welcoming. It’s a great mix of history, river views, and small-town personality with just enough to do.
6. DeLand
Home to Stetson University, DeLand has an artsy, college-town energy that makes it feel more creative and quirky than your average Florida spot. The downtown is lined with indie cafés, galleries, and murals that give the streets plenty of personality.
Just outside town, you’ll find easy access to the St. Johns River and several nearby springs, perfect for kayaking or a refreshing swim. It’s a great combo—spend your mornings exploring nature, then head back for tacos, coffee, and live music in the afternoon.
7. Welaka
Tucked along a peaceful bend of the St. Johns River, Welaka is a true hideaway for anyone who loves fishing, kayaking, or just watching the world slow down. This tiny town is all about the water—bass anglers consider it one of the best spots in the state.
There’s not much here in terms of shops or restaurants, and that’s exactly the point. You come to Welaka to disconnect, cast a line, or paddle quietly through cypress-lined channels as the sun sets.
It’s Old Florida at its finest—simple, quiet, and utterly peaceful.
8. Sebastian
Sitting between the Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon, this Treasure Coast town feels like a hidden gem compared to its busier beach neighbors. Sebastian is perfect for kayaking through mangrove tunnels, spotting dolphins and manatees, and enjoying fresh seafood without the tourist crowds.
The vibe here is mellow and welcoming, with a strong sense of community and plenty of nature to explore. You can launch your kayak right from town, fish from the pier, or just relax by the water.
