I love that it isnt as touristy as other spots and has many interesting activities nearby for those days when its not beach weather. Encompassing more than 200 acres, this garden also features the Singing Tower, a 205 foot structure built on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points on the Florida Peninsula. Additionally, there is a Plant Sale on March 12th and 13th, and entry is free for the weekend. Be careful, the fences are high, but the alligators can jump incredibly high when they want to. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. Courtesy of Florida Tourism 3. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Manatee sightings are very common during Manatee season when water activities are restricted. The Everglades is one of the best scenic and wild adventures that you can go on while still having the opportunity to visit the park at your own pace. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. . The Three Sisters Springs - one of the best spots to see manatees. Sitting atop the cruise ship presents stunning views of the ocean, wildlife, and if you look closely you may be able to observe basking sharks and other marine life. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. The area is home to many diverse types of coral, like brain or star coral. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a day of exploring the caves and appreciating nature. If they offer Dramamine, you will likely need it unless you are used to extremely rough waters. Off-the-Beaten-Path Orlando Hidden Gems Things to Do. Once youre inside the state park, youll feel as though youve stepped into a different world. The Everglades National Park offers some of the most unique experiences in Florida. Lets start this amazing list of Off the Beaten Paths in Florida with my backyard. A: In the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale with a population of 3,885, Highland Beach is a great hidden gem for retirees to live in Florida. The key lime icebox cup is amazing, made with whipped cream, cream . A hidden gem, the Jacksonville Zoo is known for its 2,000 animals, 1,000 species of flora, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. Soak in the sun at Bean Point Beach (a real off-the-beaten-path Florida). Some of the caves are tall enough to stand in, with natural benches formed by the erosive power of the tides. Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. Read Next: 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover. Camp out to continue appreciating this desolate and gorgeous state park. Enjoy the relaxed pace and some good food while here. It's around 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, but feels worlds apart with its lush landscape. The Carnival Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great side-trip when visiting Florida. This spot is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. June 1, 2021 optingoutofnormal@gmail.com. ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Inn is a great option, with a great location and expresses check-in and check-out. Coral Castle is a limestone structure located in Homestead, Florida. There are some great things to do in Florida, some that spring to mind straight away, like say Disneyworld, which is a must-do on everyones Florida bucket list, but there are also some awesome hidden gems in Florida, secret spots that only locals know about. However, the water is not clear enough to see the bottom, and many signs warn against swimming or jumping into the water due to the risk of alligators and snakes. It is a free access location with a lovely view of the lake. The mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. Explore the nooks and crannies in Florida Caverns State Park. Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. The Singing Tower was constructed next to a reflection pool and is surrounded by a koi pond moat. 2. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. What an inspiring list! To get the best experience in this historical area, tour the Braille Trail. Add a touch of culture to your next trip to Florida! You do not have to kiss it because holding it can be scary enough. What are the most unique things to do in Florida? Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Universal Studios is comprised of themed areas, rides, and experiences. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . The area is filled with artifacts and remnants of ships that ran aground here, making it a visually interesting dive experience filled with lots to see. When you are visiting the area, dont forget to check out other. Fort Walton. Read More: The Best Things to do in Orland for Adults. Its very easy to reach Honeymoon Island from the mainland. 2. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the wildlife here or to check out their aquariums, snake exhibits or the diamondback terrapin enclosure. It is close to many of Orlandos main sites. History buffs visit the shrine to learn about the life of early . Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. Come here for authentic Italian cuisine, pastas and entrees inspired by the owners home country. DeLand. The adventurous ride goes fast and makes a lot of sharp turns, which throw water all over the boat. How To Visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida, according to a Local! Follow the mile long path through the gardens, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide. Crystal River State Park in Citrus County, FL. } Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. If you are not comfortable with camping, you can rent a cabin which is pretty affordable. Thinking of this gives you something to appreciate while out on the mile of Atlantic beach. There is a 0.9-mile sidewalk that enables guests to stroll around the lake and view the swans, turtles, and abundance of life. The statue of Juan Ponce de Leon is located in downtown St. Augustine that is home to many historical monuments and memorials. 21 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Miami, Florida Updated January 30, 2023 Share Tweet Email A Small Town In Florida, Grayton Beach Is One Of The Coolest Places In The U.S. 14 Secret Spots In Florida Where Nature Will Completely Relax You, Try These 10 Florida Restaurants For A Magical Outdoor Dining Experience. Head out to the lagoon and cross it to find 3 miles of white sand beach and shells, with dolphins frolicking in the water. While many people visit Florida for classic attractions like Miami or Disney World, there are many secluded beaches, nature attractions and parks outside the cities that are beautiful and not as well-known as Orlando or Fort Lauderdale. Its easy to miss this Florida gem, hidden under a canopy of mangroves and off the junction of I-95 with I-595. It is filled with adventure activities and some of the best surf in the state. It is also much less buggy earlier in the day, so instead of having to use as much bug spray, you may want sunblock and a lot of water. 20 Best Breakfast in Orlando You Must Try! Visiting one of the secret spots and hidden gems in Florida will provide a whole new outlook on what the sunshine state has to offer. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. Matlacha Pass waterways offer excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities, or you can head off to explore the mangroves or palms that stretch for acres. There are some stunning public beaches (with free parking), and it felt like a hidden gem on it's own. Children love the swing ropes and waterslides, or taking a raft out on the river. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. Pine Island is the largest island off the Gulf coast of Florida and located just 30 minutes from Fort Myers. The State Park is open from 8a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Overall, St. Augustine offers such an immense display of beauty and activity that has something for everyone. Harry P. Leu Gardens is a stunning Botanical Garden found in the heart of Central Florida. Explore 26 hidden and unique gems in the Fort Lauderdale area, including the best attractions, farmers markets, dive bars, restaurants and nightlife spots. TIPS TO VISIT THE FALLING WATER STATE PARK, ACCOMMODATION: There is a Quality Inn close by, which is a good option if you are visiting the park, And with all the diversity, did you expect to also find this hidden gem in Florida? In the early 20 th century, people dumped their trash off the cliffs by the ocean. 20. 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. The only way to access Dry Tortugas is by seaplane or ferry, The ferry will take about 2 hours, and once you are on the island you are free to roam for 4 hours to tour the fort and take in the beach activities. It is a unique location in Florida that is ideal for history buffs and anybody who enjoys a beautiful city with various activities and sights. Enjoy the lagoon or the beach for emerald Gulf waters and bright white sand. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. At the flea market, choose from 2,000 vendors selling bargain items, and have a delicious meal at one of the many international restaurants located on-site. The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an incredible walk. Sarasota is known for its haute cuisine and global fare. Drive iconic scenic coastal highway 30A to discover a variety of the coolest Florida beach towns. Youll see why as soon as you arrive. 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art, Swap Shop Flea Market and Drive-in Theatre. Florida has tons of attractions that you wont find anywhere else in the world, and no, were not talking about Disney World. I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. What a great destination for kids, families, couples and friends. This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. Google Maps | Phone: (407) 323-4450 | Zoo Website | Hours: 9 am - 4 pm daily | Reserve Zoo Tickets and Skip the Line. Best of all there is something to do here for everyone, whether looking to tube . The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. Best Places to Stay. The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. A curious structure built by an even more curious man, the craftsmanship is so detailed and the setup of the estate really is a marvel for one man to achieve on his own. Vacation rentals abound for you to choose from: large beach houses and cozy beachfront cottages, enhanced by a friendly beach community awaiting your visit with open arms. Hi Terri, yes the Ringling Circus is an amazing place and I am so glad you enjoyed this article. If you are walking along the beach, make sure you are wearing shoes as there are mangroves and some roots might be sticking out of the sand. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { It is run by Bob Hawkins, who originally started the swimming hole for his children and later retired and began managing it as more and more children heard of his fantastic rope swings and river access. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. If youre here in March, go to their annual Florida Azalea Festival, right around when 100,000 plants begin to bloom! Hurricanes, age, neglect, and other factors destroyed most of the structures but there are still some to see. Looking for hidden gems in Florida? One of those happens to be a tarantula. Gasparilla Island State Park is separated from the Florida Mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. Also a major environmental protectionist, he worked to protect the key and preserve some of its natural state, such as the land of Bill Baggs State Park. Useful 2. They include Perdido, Pensacola Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Henderson Beach, State Park, Inlet Beach (next to Panama City Beach), Rosemary Beach, and others mentioned below. This hidden gem tucked among Florida's barrier islands, is a small community that brings you back to turn-of-the-century Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. An environmental preserve on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the east coast of Florida. He claimed that magnets had helped heal him from tuberculosis, and spend over 28 years building the Coral Castle. A nice break from your typical Florida beach town, Anna Maria Island will be that beachy escape that leaves you feeling rested. Santa Rosa Beach also touches Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve for an alternative to beach days. Caladesi Island is considered a wild oasis in Florida, this hidden gem in Florida was elected the number one beach in the U.S. in 2018The beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a wild adventure and additional activities suited to children, so it is a worthwhile place to visit for anybody. Boat tours, canoe, and kayak rentals are still available during this time for use in the St. Johns River. Bahia Honda can be visited at any time of the year, however for the best beach weather, visit in the months of March, April, and December. You can then take your drink to the upper or lower deck and enjoy the sunshine again, as it is cold inside the casino part of the ship. The Blueberry Patch is one of the most unique places in St Petersburg, FL. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. Be sure to also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network! Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. Many come from far just to eat at the local restaurants in the Ten Thousand Islands area. version 2.0. Source: flickr. February to May is the best time to visit. There are numerous other activities within the national park, but this was the highlight of the trip for my husband and me. Lake Monroe is a charming lake that can be accessed from Sanford, DeBary, and Deltona. 05 of 10. It is also recommended to check dates before going to the Gardens, as they sometimes close early on some dates or during certain events, such as tours and field trips. Hidden Gems in Florida. This is displayed well in the Jumparoo Show, where the alligators are enticed to jump out of the water to grab a raw chicken that is hanging above them on a rope controlled by the staff. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. If you are a gardener or anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature, Harry P. Leu Gardens should be at the top of your list when you visit Florida. Keep in mind this is a very busy time and it may be worth going another day if you do not plan to buy plants. I highly recommend listening to the suggestions from the staff as it was a rough ride in January when I went. To put it plainly, Florida is known for Florida attractions. The Juno Beach Pier is the main hub of activity in town, and you can find a Pier House with a bait shop, snack bar, and pole rentals. At its core, the attractions in Florida are a huge draw for visitors. Since the opening of the canoe outfitter at the headsprings, Weeki Wachee is very popular and can be crowded especially on weekends. Florida has tons of attractions that you wont find anywhere else in the world, and no, were not talking about Disney World. The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! From hidden coves and dramatic natural features to elaborate gardens and quirky general stores, here is a compilation With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! When you arrive, there may be a line of vehicles already waiting. 4) Shop at a Local Farmer's Market. Pine Island is also home to three aquatic preserves, providing ample day trips or activities for nature enthusiasts. There are three campgrounds in the State Park that consist of 80 campsites where you pitch your tent or park your RV. Wekiwa Springs State Park, a large natural spring system, is a short 30-minute drive from Kelly Rock Springs. Go Camping in Bahia Honda State Park, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for History & Culture Lovers, Florida Off The Beaten Path: Packing Essentials, 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover, The Best Things to do in Orland for Adults, 23 Amazing Things to do on Anna Maria Island, FL, Crystal River Small Group Swim with Manatee Tour, Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection, 150+ Memorable Florida Captions (Sharable Images), 23 Amazing Things to do in Anna Maria Island, FL, A complete guide to visiting Honeymoon Island State Park, FL, A complete guide to visiting Caladesi Island State Park, FL, How to visit Ten Thousand Islands, Florida | A Comprehensive Guide + 8 Things to do. Of the national Park, but feels worlds apart with its lush landscape your or. List of off the junction of I-95 with I-595 is separated from mainland! 12Th and 13th, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide read more: the surf. 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