Three Florida destinations are bursting with charm — and rank among the best small towns in the South, a new report finds.
The towns made it onto a list of smaller places where “relaxing getaways, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights” await travelers, according to results published April 9.
Here are the locations that made it into the rankings:
The list comes from USA Today’s 10Best, which publishes vacation-related rankings. To determine the South’s top small towns to visit, travel experts nominated regional destinations with fewer than 25,000 residents. Then, editors said they narrowed down the choices and gave readers a month to vote on their favorites.
What makes the Florida small towns special?
On the resulting list of readers’ choice award winners, the highest-ranking Florida destination was Inverness. The town, a roughly 70-mile drive northwest from Orlando, is home to about 8,000 people.
The town received nods for its renovated buildings, shopping destinations and food scene — but the praise didn’t end there.
“Outdoor enthusiasts can cycle the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail that runs through Inverness, explore Fort Cooper State Park, or enjoy Henderson Lake within the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes,” 10Best wrote in its report. “The area’s proximity to natural springs, including Three Sisters Springs where manatees gather in winter, makes this spot like nowhere else.”
The other “charming” Florida towns also were praised for their waterfronts and entertainment options.
Safety Harbor, which has been recovering from hurricanes that impacted the Tampa Bay area in 2024, was recognized for its scenery. 10Best also said its downtown events create a “vibrant community atmosphere that’s welcoming to visitors.”
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Meanwhile, 10Best called Cocoa Beach a “bucket list small town.” The destination — near the Kennedy Space Center and a roughly 60-mile drive east from Orlando — is known for its relaxing beachfront, surfing scene and pier activities, according to the report.
Nationwide, the top-ranked Southern destination was Starkville, Mississippi, a roughly 120-mile drive northeast from Jackson, McClatchy News reported.
In other categories, 10Best named fan-favorite small towns for historic sites, colleges and other attractions.
Here are some other highlights from the Sunshine State:
In the past, 10Best has told McClatchy News it doesn’t reveal the number of people who vote in its contests.