“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?
View View Cedar Key FLA Interactive Map in a larger map
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.
If you need a big grocery trip, stocking up at a Publix Grocery Store is highly recommended. 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