Historic Fishing Villages and Working Waterfronts
"Some of the most charming and relaxing destinations in the Sunshine State are the historic small towns and fishing villages in Florida dotting the coasts. The next time you’re looking for a getaway, these Florida fishing villages should be at the top of your list! Want to know more? Read on to discover why the following spots are our picks for the most unique historic towns and fishing villages"
Credit: Only in Your State

CORTEZ The village of Cortez, is the oldest surviving fishing village in Florida. It dates from at least 1880

Cortez - outside-in

Cedar Key - gone fishin'

CEDAR KEY, an Old Florida fishing village of about 700 full time residents is one the more surprising tourist attractions in this part of the state. For such a small town, Cedar Key has a prominent place in Florida history showing it was settled long ago. (id #1)

APALACHICOLA ... an oyster business hitting hard time.

APALACHICOLA once was the oyster production capital until several years ago when the Bay pollution force the State to shut down the oyster beds. Today, Apalachicola it is still very much a fishing town, with shrimp being the primary offshore catch.

STEINHATCHEE is a hidden gem located in Taylor County. It's like going back in time when you're driving along its country roads. There is boating, fishing and scalloping - as well as shops shops and local eateries. (id #3)

Steinhatchee - morning

Tarpon Springs - sponge dock

TARPON SPRINGS is as if you're in Europe when you enter this historic Greek town in Pinellas County. Shops, Victorian homes, authentic Greek food, and the famous sponge docks make this one of Florida's most interesting small (fishing) towns. (id #3)

MATLACHA is a 'colorful' strip of seafood markets and art galleries. It is a must-visit for anyone in the Fort Myers area. It's very quirky and must see.

Matlacha - in for the night

St Marks - way back when

ST MARKS, An overlooked gem of the Big Bend region, historic St. Marks provides fantastic fishing steeped in old-Florida ambience. This modest town founded in 1528 offers access into the Apalachee Bay region, where rocks, and more rocks define coastline. (id #5)

ARIPEKA was named Gulf Key in 1873. The main business in town is Norfleet's Fish Camp, locally known as Carl's store, at the bridge.

Aripeka - sunset over the Gulf

PENSACOLA developed a fishing industry in the 1860s. Today's commercial fishing activity is focused on tuna, dolphin, mackerel, snapper, grouper, mullet, oysters, clams, and shrimp. Much of the fishing fleet ranges all over the Gulf of Mexico. (id #1)

Pensacola - Lighthouse

Punta Gorda - also a town of murals

Punta Gorda - marina

 Working Waterfronts ... https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/old-florida-working-waterfront-towns.html​
 Historic Villages ... www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/historic-villages-fl/
 Beaches, Bars and Bungalow's ... https://beachesbarsandbungalows.com/historic-fishing-villages-florida-need-visit-way-beach/​
Other quiet fishing towns - Sebastian, Fort Myers, Welaka, New Smyrna Beach, *Port Salerno