Florida's Best-Kept Secret Is A Friendly Gulf Coast Hamlet With Beaches, Scenic Trails, And Birdwatching

Enthusiastic adventurers will always have a great time in Florida. Whether you want to boat alongside dolphins and manatees in a scenic nature preserve or brave a dip in Florida's most alligator-infested waters, the Sunshine State has thrills for every kind of explorer. But if you're in the mood for a more laid-back adventure, Florida's best-kept secret is waiting for you. Tucked along Florida's Gulf Coast salt marshes, Yankeetown is just under a two-hour drive from both Orlando and Tampa, the nearest major cities with international airports.

Originally an upscale resort town for wealthy sport fishers from the North, during the struggle of the Great Depression, Yankeetown locals turned to fishing, shrimping, and crabbing to make a living. Stroll through Yankeetown today, and the wizened oak trees overgrown with Spanish moss only add to the sleepy fishing village atmosphere, made all the more welcoming by a friendly wave from a passing local.

Head to the Yankeetown Marina to launch a boat along the Withlacoochee River for excellent fishing, while hikers should make their way to the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, where trails wind through the scenic wetlands as birds flutter through lush tropical foliage. Take a picnic to enjoy along the riverbank or at the gazebo at the Winding River Garden, a community park in the middle of town, or launch your kayaks on the river to paddle through the mesmerizing landscape. At the end of the day, fill up on a delicious seafood dinner at the local grill and find a cozy inn to spend the night. With so many delights to distract you, Yankeetown should be your next weekend getaway.

For spectacular seaside views, make your way to Bird Creek Beach. Situated at the end of a long parkway leading out of town to the edge of the coast, Bird Creek Beach boasts quiet shorelines for lounging on the sand, not to mention fantastic sunsets. Though the murky water might deter you from swimming, bring a good book to read while basking in the Florida sunshine. A small pier stretching into the water is perfect for anglers itching to cast a line, and if you stay long enough, you might spot some dolphins breaching in the surf, or perhaps even the local flamingoes.

For more thrills, your next stop should be the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, easily accessed from town. Enter an otherworldly landscape of dense hardwoods growing between swaying palm trees on the edge of tidal lagoons and salt ponds. Boardwalk trails let you immerse yourself in the tropical scenery, while an observation deck at the heart of the park rises 30 feet above the landscape for mesmerizing views. A boat dock means you can launch a kayak or canoe to paddle through the marshes all the way to the Gulf, watching out for wildlife along the way, while anglers should head to the fishing pier just beyond the observation tower for a chance to reel in some fresh catch.

Just a short drive outside of town is the Inglis Bypass Recreation Area, a tranquil park to relax and bask in the scenery. Enjoy a picnic at the waterfront pavilions, or hike along the grassy pathways skirting the canal for a breath of fresh air. Fishing is also popular here. No matter what your mood is, Yankeetown has excitement for everyone.

Once you've had your fill of seaside vistas and salt marsh exploration, it's time to find something to eat. For the freshest seafood you could imagine, head to Brooks Dockside Seafood Market. Both a retail fish emporium and a food truck rolled into one, you can shop for wild-caught seafood to cook for yourself, or stop at the food truck for mouthwatering options like shrimp baskets and crab cake sandwiches. The seafood is delivered from boats to the dock and straight to the food truck, so your meal is guaranteed to be fresh. Previous guests have declared it a "top notch establishment" that is "excellent in every way".

Right on the Withlacoochee River is the Blackwater Bar and Grill, which previous diners have loved for the delicious offerings and great location despite the slightly inflated price tag. Serving only the freshest seafood and local ingredients, you will no doubt find a dish to delight your taste buds here. Safe options include fried calamari and steamed mussels, or you could push the boat out with a platter of fried alligator tail. Enjoy berry cobbler for dessert as you bask in the riverfront panoramas.

If you're craving comfort food, head to Mama Sally's Restaurant, only a short drive out of town. Previous guests have called this joint "a gem of a place," serving homemade favorites like biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and country-fried steak for dinner. Though the surroundings are simple, the grub is delicious and the "service is exceptional," according to another reviewer. With your stomach full, find cozy accommodations in Yankeetown, or extend your adventures around central Florida with a trip to Ocala, an underrated town with one of America's largest springs, only an hour's drive east.