LODGING:
A good place to start looking is the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce (https://cedarkey.org/). Some of the popular rentals include: The Island Place, Old Fenimore Mill, Sea Horse Landing and the Faraway Inn.
For RV parks the Sunset Isle RV Resort is the closest to town, but there are others on Hwy 24 that are just a short drive out of town.
Make reservations as early as possible.
For RV parks the Sunset Isle RV Resort is the closest to town, but there are others on Hwy 24 that are just a short drive out of town.
Make reservations as early as possible.
Dining:
There are numerous restaurants in Cedar Key. Annie’s Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch 2nd Steet Café is another popular choice. Reservations are suggested for the Island Hotel. Tony’s Seafood is famous for their Clam Chowder (with local clams). Dock Street has several restaurants on the waterfront.
If you plan to cook your own meals, plan ahead, Cedar Key is small town shopping. If you need to shop, the Cedar Key Market is small but well stocked.
If you plan to cook your own meals, plan ahead, Cedar Key is small town shopping. If you need to shop, the Cedar Key Market is small but well stocked.
Boat Ramps:
The Cedar Key Marina boat ramp on the Gulf side offers; 2 launching lanes & courtesy docks. If you need to rig your boat before launching this is your only choice. These are used by the commercial fisherman and will be very busy on the weekends, so plan to be able to clear the ramp quickly. Weather can be a factor as it has an open southern exposure.
The Cedar Key Marina basin side boat ramp offers a very wide launching lane & courtesy docks. Launching here and rigging the mast on the beach in front of the Island Place Rentals just on the other side of the low bridge is a popular choice. Tides are the controlling factor here low bridge clearance at high tide, and very shallow at low tide.
43 paved boat trailer parking spaces & restrooms are on-site. Launching fees are payable at the automated kiosks, $16 to launch and park for 24 hours. You may be able to store your trailer at your rental.
The Cedar Key Marina basin side boat ramp offers a very wide launching lane & courtesy docks. Launching here and rigging the mast on the beach in front of the Island Place Rentals just on the other side of the low bridge is a popular choice. Tides are the controlling factor here low bridge clearance at high tide, and very shallow at low tide.
43 paved boat trailer parking spaces & restrooms are on-site. Launching fees are payable at the automated kiosks, $16 to launch and park for 24 hours. You may be able to store your trailer at your rental.
On the Water:
While there are lots of shoals, there is plenty of open water for sailing. A little chart studying is helpful. Most of the time and grounding will be in soft sand/mud and the occasional oyster bar. Navigating the shoals and running aground is all part of the adventure.
Currents can be confusing as the tides flow around the Islands. When standing in town looking South at Atsena Otie Key the flood tide is coming in from the right (East) flowing to the West. The reverse is true for the Ebb tide. Flowing from the West to the East.
Atsena Otie Key is roughly a half mile south of town and the boat ramps. There is a nice sandy point on the north side of the island that is a convenient place for beaching the boats and visiting. From there Snake Key, Seahorse Key and North Key are all within a 3-mile radius.
There are several choices for overnight mooring, most choose somewhere close to their sleeping quarters. Anchoring out off Old Fenimore, and behind The Island Place are popular. The Island Place beach can be and usually is crowded.
If camp cruising, Atsena Otie and North Key can provide protected anchorages depending on the weather.
Currents can be confusing as the tides flow around the Islands. When standing in town looking South at Atsena Otie Key the flood tide is coming in from the right (East) flowing to the West. The reverse is true for the Ebb tide. Flowing from the West to the East.
Atsena Otie Key is roughly a half mile south of town and the boat ramps. There is a nice sandy point on the north side of the island that is a convenient place for beaching the boats and visiting. From there Snake Key, Seahorse Key and North Key are all within a 3-mile radius.
There are several choices for overnight mooring, most choose somewhere close to their sleeping quarters. Anchoring out off Old Fenimore, and behind The Island Place are popular. The Island Place beach can be and usually is crowded.
If camp cruising, Atsena Otie and North Key can provide protected anchorages depending on the weather.