"Where is Cedar Key Florida?"

It's a little hard to find on a map - it's that small and secluded. Cedar Key Florida is one of those places you don't just pass through - it's at the end of a long state highway and about 30 miles from a stop light.

Cedar Key is about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Florida. (Gainesville is the home of University of Florida, also known as The Florida Gators.) The drive out to Cedar Key from Gainesville is perfect for getting into the spirit of the island - there is little traffic on Route 24. Once you cross Highway 27, you'll feel like you're heading into the middle of nowhere. Isn't that why you're coming here?

Starting from I-75 in Gainesville, Florida...

Get off I-75 at Exit 384 and head west to Cedar Key. This is State Route #24.

Our favorite place for grocery stocking up is a Publix Grocery Store in a strip mall on the north side of SR. 24 (aka Archer Road) at the intersection of SW 75th Street (aka Tower Road). Publix offers an excellent selection of staples and gourmet items.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and relaxing place to stop if you have time. They offer paved paths amongst lovely plants. This is definitely a "must see" if you have a couple of hours or perhaps you'll want to take a day trip to visit from Cedar Key. Here's some more ideas for Cedar Key Daytrips.

Onward to Cedar Key...

Take Florida State Route #24 southwest for approximately 50 miles. You will cross State Highway 27/41 in Archer, Alternate Hwy. 27 in Bronson (last traffic light!), and US 19/98 in Otter Creek, FL.

Keep driving past the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. (This is a nice two or three hour trip if you have the time!) You'll come to a series of bridges to get out to the island - open your windows and inhale, you're almost there!

Arriving in Cedar Key...

Continue until you encounter a stop sign at the Island City of Cedar Key, FL. At the stop sign, (Second Street) turn left and follow 2nd Street to the very end past the Cedar Key City Park and Beach. (Yes, the directions are this simple.)

Second Street dead-ends into three driveways, take the center fork into Old Fenimore Mill Condominiums. You've arrived!

Are you ready to make reservations?

Distances from Florida Cities to Cedar Key, FL

For Florida Residents, here's a list of approximate distances to Cedar Key:

• Gainesville to Cedar Key: 50 miles
• Ocala to Cedar Key: 68 miles
• Jacksonville to Cedar Key: 130 miles
• Tampa to Cedar Key: 135 miles
• Orlando to Cedar Key: 145 miles
• Tallahassee to Cedar Key: 150 miles

Frequently Asked Questions: Cedar Key Vacations

This is not a complete list - please feel free to ask more questions - email us at cindy@cedarkeyvacation.com

Are you pet friendly?

We sometimes allow well-behaved dogs to stay in Serenity, but only with our permission. We'd prefer if you can bring a crate for your dog to stay in when you are out and about! In all cases we ask that dogs not be allowed on furniture. A $10 pet fee is charged. We do not allow cats as we are allergic!

 

Where can I learn more about the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?

We wrote an article about the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge a few years ago. You can read the article here.

 

Do you charge extra for cleaning or utilities?

No - our costs are very simple: rental rate plus FL tax. If you bring an approved pet, there is a $10 pet fee per pet. See our rates page for details on rates.

 

Is Serenity a non-smoking condo?

Yes. Smoking is not permitted inside of Serenity. We do allow smoking on the balcony and ashtrays are provided under the sink for your use (outside). Please clean the ashtray after your use and replace it in the cabinet.

 

How close are you to the beach?

Serenity is directly on the back channel in Cedar Key - the water is right under you! There is also a small beach below the balcony that's perfect for sunbathing. However, Cedar Key is NOT a "beachy" sort of place. The water is shallow, the beaches are small and often have a muddy bottom. If you're looking for sugar sand beaches - we encourage you to look elsewhere for your vacation such as the Panhandle or the Tampa area. We do have a heated pool and jetted tub for guest use in the condo complex.

 

Can I make long distance calls in Serenity?

Yes, we offer free long distance calling to the US and Canada via VoIP. But we recommend that you bring your cellphone for use if the Internet is down or if the power goes out!

 

What's the weather like in January, March, July...

Cedar Key is in north central Florida and it does occasionally get cold from a local's perspective - Floridians really do think 40 degrees Fahrenheit is cold! We encourage our guests to review the average highs and lows at Weather.com to ensure that you're happy with the expected temperatures. December through February can occasionally be rather nippy and breezy. But we have also enjoyed 80 degree days on New Year's Day. And know that July and August are hot - it is even hot by Floridian standards! Our other website has more Cedar Key, FL Weather info.

 

Should I bring my own kayak? Is there somewhere to store it?

Yes, we recommend that guests bring their own kayaks if possible. We do have kayak racks between the buildings to store your kayak and our shallow beach is perfect to launch your kayak from.

 

Can I bring my boat? Do you have a slip?

Yes, you may bring your boat and there is boat trailer parking on the condo grounds. Parking is first-come, first-served, but it is very unlikely that you will arrive and not be able to find a place to park your trailer. We have no boat slips and there is no launch for trailered boats on site. Most people park their trailers at the condo and put their boat in the water each morning. You are welcome to use the condo fishing dock for pick up and drop off, you may not park your boat at the dock for more than 15 minutes. Boats left for long periods of time tend to wind up with old bait dropped in them.

 

How do I ask other questions?

You can email Cindy or you may fill out our reservation request form with your questions.