State Road 24 runs out of mainland and lifts onto a causeway across the salt marsh. On the other side is Cedar Key: about 700 people, a Gulf horizon in every direction, and an economy rebuilt around a small hard clam.
Why visit Cedar Key
- 01
Clams from the source
After the 1995 net ban, fishermen retrained as clam farmers; Cedar Key now produces the majority of the nation's farm-raised hard clams.
- 02
Paddle to Atsena Otie Key
Kayak the salt marsh to the historic island just offshore.
- 03
A wildlife refuge on all sides
The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the town and is prime birding ground.
- 04
One of the Gulf's oldest ports
The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum tells the story of a port far older than its size suggests.
How to spend a day
Paddle early, visit the museum at midday, then walk Dock Street and eat clams on the waterfront as the sun goes down over the Gulf.
Before you go
Cedar Key is in Levy County, about 55 miles southwest of Gainesville at the end of State Road 24. Plan to stay the night — it is a long road back.