'America's Favorite Small Towns To Visit' List Includes 3 Florida Communities

FLORIDA — Three Florida communities have made the list of America's favorite small towns to visit. FamilyDestinationsGuide.com surveyed 3,000 families to pinpoint the top 150 towns across the country where they'd like to vacation this year.

No. 1 happens to be the tiny village of Holualoa in Hawaii while No. 2 is Ely, Nevada. Rounding the top 5 towns are No. 3 Anna Maria Island, Florida; No. 4 Old Koloa Town, Hawaii; and No. 5 West Yellowstone, Montana.

These are the Florida cities on the list:

No. 3 Anna Maria Island: The island has long been known for its sugar-white beach coastline, emerald green and blue Gulf waters and quaint business districts, says its chamber of commerce. Today, it is a vacation favorite for locals, as well as honeymooners and Hollywood film crews. Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay or a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Watch the dolphins play, and the manatees swim nearby. Rent a bike, golf cart, or scooter to get around on the island. You can ride the free trolley from one end of the island to the other. Visitors can find kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, or boats to spend time on the water. Many of the businesses that offer water adventures, will also do tours.

No. 13 Rosemary Beach: This beach community places everything within a short walk of the town center, along with pristine beaches, a bustling town square, cobblestone streets and award-winning restaurants. Locally owned shops and boutiques mingle with fine dining at Edward's and La Crema, while families can take in Cowgirl Kitchen, Wild Olives and The Summer Kitchen Café. Take in a weekly farmer’s market, explore inspired architecture, and enjoy a collection of sculptures from artists around the world.

No. 112 Fernandina Beach: Located on Amelia Island, a barrier island off the coast of Jacksonville, this Victorian seaport village was once a stomping ground for pirates, Gilded Age millionaires, bootleggers, shrimpers, and other colorful characters. Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach is full of eclectic and independent shops that stretch from the harbor-front to down and around Centre Street. Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach is known as the city's most family-friendly beach spot. It offers a children's playground and a grassy lawn for families to enjoy picnics and pick-up sports games. The Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum showcases the history of the arcade game industry from the first pinball machines in the 1930s through 21st-century games.

See the full 150 Best Small Towns in America in 2023 list.