The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. There are also shallow areas ideal for snorkeling at Elkhorn and Boulder Corals. I have visited the Ringling Circus Museum and can concur GO VISIT! The parking is ample, if the oceanfront lot is full, you can park across the street at the education center, Pets are not allowed at the Blowing Rocks Preserve. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. Being so far removed from the mainland can be a good experience from time to time. Be careful, the fences are high, but the alligators can jump incredibly high when they want to. Universal Studios in Florida is a thriving and active place to go for family fun. The area is home to many diverse types of coral, like brain or star coral. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. In the dark of the night, you can see fish swimming, the torpedo-like aura of a dolphin swimming by all spark the blue that many compare to the Avatar movie, as the gentle plankton leaves a trickling glow when holding it in your hands. There is a 0.9-mile sidewalk that enables guests to stroll around the lake and view the swans, turtles, and abundance of life. Founded by Jeannette McKean in 1942, she built this now impressive collection over a period of 50 years prepare to be dazzled as you stroll through the museum galleries. You can go swimming, fishing, snorkeling or study the nature of the island; it is full of diverse wildlife. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! Or, if you find yourself on the other end at Clearwater Beach, simply walk all the way out to Caladesi Island, as it technically connected to the mainland at this point at a narrow juncture. The temperature is a . Sited east of Pensacola, this quiet destination boasts a generous white-sand beach snuggled against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico. Best Places to Stay. Its warm and dry! The Falling Water State Park is home to Floridas tallest natural waterfall, which rushes 73 feet down the wall of a massive sinkhole. The Caverns State Park is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! Whether you are stopping for the day or making an entire trip out of it, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained in this natural paradise. In the heart of the Everglades and mangrove islands lies the remote, wild Tigertail Beach. ); One of those happens to be a tarantula. The truth is, we live in a vast state, so of course, no single list could gather all of the best hidden gems in Florida. Go Horse ride at the beach at Palma Sola Bay, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Adventure Lovers, 14. If you are not comfortable with camping, you can rent a cabin which is pretty affordable. Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Nature Lovers, 6. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. 1) Kayaking in the Crystalline Waters of Wekiva State Park. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. You can expect a nice drive to the location and a great day-long adventure. It is also great for spotting the many manatees in the area. History buffs visit the shrine to learn about the life of early . Wear sunblock and drink plenty of water if you do visit during the summer months. Discover 15 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Tampa from Dysfunctional Grace Art Co. to Two-Headed Gator of Seminole Heights. Take a look at this list of, Here Are The 9 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Florida, According To Our Readers, Plan A Trip To This Underrated Historic Town In Florida, The Ambiance At This Boston-Themed Brunch Spot In Florida Will Transport Your Taste Buds Up North, Order Some Of The Best Seafood In Florida At Molly Goodheads, A Ramshackle Raw Bar, The Remote Lodge In Florida That Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All. Bring your camera because youll want to capture the unique allure of the beach. Located about an hour south of Gainesville, the small town of Cedar Key is a quaint throwback to old fashioned times. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Lake Eola Park is a spectacular location to enjoy quality time with loved ones or roam solo. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Residence Inn By Mariott, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, and lounge. Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning place to visit for people of all ages. Located on Pompano Beach, this unpretentious restaurant is tucked right next to a barber shop, and feels like youve just stepped into your grandmothers house. A trail of statues, memorials, and monuments is in the downtown city of St. Augustine. If you love nature, Blue Springs is the place to be. Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning place to visit for people of all ages. The quickest Everglades day trips from Ft. Lauderdale are Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass . We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community! It is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! If you want to venture off the beaten path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we have you covered. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. This colorful beach town is still under the radar and hidden between Pensacola and Tallahassee. The Bean Point Beach is located at the furthest north point on Anna Maria Island, and you can enter it at a crossroad on North Bay Blvd. Visit Rainbow Springs and take a walk through paradise. Manatees escape to these warmer waters during periods when the gulf dips below 68 . It features stunning white sandy beaches and is a great place to go to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. TripAdvisor Cindy R. While Florida might not have too many waterfalls worth checking out, Steinhatchee Falls is a hidden gem that outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy. You can snorkel or swim or tour the Cape Florida Light, the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami. Two staff members compete to get their alligator to jump the highest as the crowd cheers them on. Flickr/psyberartist. Thanks for the ideas. Whether you're taking an educational tour around the . Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. Sixteen acres of Japanese gardens are Delray Beach's best hidden gem. Inside this 66-acre Sarasota enthralling museum, you will find interesting artwork from around the globe and pieces from different periods from top to bottom. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. At its core, the attractions in Florida are a huge draw for visitors. and is a worthy adventure if you are a night-owl. Hurricanes, age, neglect, and other factors destroyed most of the structures but there are still some to see. Key West, Florida is still as colorful as ever and you'll need this Key West Travel Guide to maximize every waking minute in this town, whether it's your first trip to Key West or not.. Lake Monroe is a charming lake that can be accessed from Sanford, DeBary, and Deltona. Pine Island is the largest island off the Gulf coast of Florida and located just 30 minutes from Fort Myers. The Swap Shop stretches over 180,000 square feet, so why not make this a whole day shopping and outing extravaganza? Rent a cabin and spend a few nights here, or stay at the campgrounds if youre a fan of beach camping and want to get to know this seaside park a little better. For anyone sick of hearing that visiting Florida is solely about exploring Walt Disney World, this list is for you. The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. Molasses Reef is hard to miss from the surface since a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station is located right next to it. Nestled in between Pensacola and Panama City, the 24 miles of powder-soft beaches set the backdrop for a perfect day of swimming, boating, and . Head out to the lagoon and cross it to find 3 miles of white sand beach and shells, with dolphins frolicking in the water. 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. 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. Laura also interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in 1995. Every year in Florida, as soon as the animals sense the coming winter, they seek out warm locations. Discover The Manatee Park. Located on Powers Avenue, the quality of the bread is so good that The French Pantry also supplies to other local eateries. Either take a passenger ferry or rent your own private boat from the dock at Honeymoon Island to reach this magical place. I hope you enjoyed this list of the best off-the-beaten-path Florida. Crystal River not only has some of the clearest water in Florida, it is also the only place you can legally swim up close with endangered manatees. Sarasota is known for its haute cuisine and global fare. Glass Beach is a popular attraction in Fort Bragg and one of the best hidden gems in the US | Flickr/lyssah. Youll walk away with more knowledge of the area and some great pictures of the waterfalls. I will definitely consult this post before my next visit to Florida. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park extends over approximately a third of Key Biscayne Island and is home to a remarkably beautiful beach. Boasting crystal clear waters, a diverse array of marine life, and much more, there's something for everyone at this tourist hotspot. It goes part way around the fort and allows you to view the fort, island, and gorgeous waters below. Florida has tons of attractions that you wont find anywhere else in the world, and no, were not talking about Disney World. In addition to the beautiful manatees, the park hosts a variety of other wildlife, including fish, birds, and other creatures. So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer. Go swim with Manatees at Crystal River, 8. It is rich with detail and has buildings designed after locations in the movies, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Diagon Alley. The property is located in Merritt Island, Florida, about one hour from Orlando. Visitors come to witness the great architectural structure dedicated to the first colony of Greeks to land in America in 1768. The natural side of the Sunshine State is on full display at spots like Wekiwa Springs State Park, where visitors can paddle, snorkel, and swim in the crystal-clear springs that remain at 72 degrees year-round, and the Wekiva River, one of just two "National Wild . Overall, St. Augustine offers such an immense display of beauty and activity that has something for everyone. Best of all there is something to do here for everyone, whether looking to tube . The unique experience allows you to enjoy all of the perks of a medium-sized cruise ship. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. Cool off later with a dip at the Blue Hole Spring, or go for a hike. Put on your fancy pants and head to this tres chic cafe in Jacksonville that has been an icon for over 20 years. 5) Visit the Cute Small Town of Windermere. Weve made a comprehensive list of some of the best hidden gems in Florida, including state parks where you can explore caverns or swim with manatees, quiet beaches where you can actually relax, verdant gardens, and top-notch restaurants. Drive iconic scenic coastal highway 30A to discover a variety of the coolest Florida beach towns. Popular are shrimp, oysters, clams, lobster rolls and fish tacos. As full-time RV'ers, we travel and see a lot. The swirling of your hand or the paddle stroke ignites the bioluminescence. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Besides selling a diverse selection of quilts hand-stitched on . After a few hours, youll also appreciate this little hidden gem. As such, it boasts hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, wildlife preserves, and sunny, lively cities that are rich in Latin American and Caribbean cultures. 3 St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine. Stretching 59 acres, it was constructed by the Works Progress Administration and boasts cypress buildings, rock gardens and fieldstone terraces. When you arrive, there may be a line of vehicles already waiting. Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia State Park is off mile marker 37 and spans over 500 acres of lush land. Gatorland is a park that houses thousands of animals, including birds, wild cats, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and of course, alligators. What a great destination for kids, families, couples and friends. Off-the-Beaten-Path Orlando Hidden Gems Things to Do. It is a great location to visit from any of the areas. The park is based on movies such as The Simpsons, Spongebob, Minions, Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and more. Old Florida Book Shop Back to Top of List. Most of the coral reefs in the Keys exhibit a large amount and variety of marine life due to protections in place, ACCOMMODATION: You will love the Almond Tree Inn is only 14-min from the beach and features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast. Copyright 2023 Paula Pins The Planet - All Rights Reserved, It is great to watch the sunrise and sunset and take pictures, How to explore Ten Thousand Islands in Florida, How to explore Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida, How to explore Caladesi Island State Park in Florida, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Beach Lovers, 1. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. The worst of the rainfall typically hits during the hottest months of the year: June, July, and August. Caladesi Island State Park is located on the island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. 2. Manatee sightings are very common during Manatee season when water activities are restricted. He was the only member of the Yamato Colony, a small community of Japanese farmers, to stay in the area after World War II, and the compound was created in his honor. Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. In the early 20 th century, people dumped their trash off the cliffs by the ocean. But for my money, the best eating can be found in a quiet little neighborhood known as Pinecraft, home to an Amish-Mennonite community and its delicious home-cooking restaurants famous for their pies.. From May through October, Juno Beach is the densest sea turtle nesting ground in the world. Today, the site has become a museum and is open to the public. This surf spot is called the poles and is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. - Opting Out of Normal. Florida is a thriving state with a wide array of activities for all levels. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. One of the best indoor activities in Miami for sure. The horses and ponies for the trail rides are in good condition and are very well-behaved. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. 1. ACCOMMODATION: The Coco Plum is an amazing option, located in the heart of Key West with an amazing made-to-order breakfast and heated outdoor pool. Our Top Hidden Gems! Located in the Florida Panhandle, it's the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. 4) Shop at a Local Farmer's Market. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. That, and of course, the wonderful weather year-round. Be sure to also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network! Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to surfing there is a break for you in Jacksonville. Pine Island is also home to three aquatic preserves, providing ample day trips or activities for nature enthusiasts. Ten Thousand IslandsNational Wildlife Refuge (NWR), is one of the most hidden paradises in Florida. As the waves break against the limestone rock on the beach, water sprays through erosion holes in the rock, creating a breathtaking sight, although it could be slightly hazardous for those disinclined to get wet. The prices are reasonable and discounts can be found on Groupon to make it even cheaper. Gatorland has numerous activities that take place throughout the day. It is considered by many Floridians to be the alligator capital of the world. Easily one of the best islands in Florida, Sanibel island is without a doubt one of the best hidden gems to visit in the USA in spring.. It's a trip you'll be eager to make since Sanibel Island sits on the Gulf Coast of Fort Myers and is known for its . WHAT ELSE DO DO IN FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, TIPS TO VISIT THE FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK. There are greenhouses where various species of butterflies are bred from egg laying through hatching. The Lake Monroe Boat Ramp area in Deltona has a small clearing with the boat launch, as well as picnic tables and benches to observe natures beauty. Weeki Wachee River is one of the best places to go kayaking in Florida, and it is absolutely one of my favorite things to do in Florida. I know Florida like the back of my hand, which is why I am sharing the top off the beaten path in Florida that you need to add to your bucket list! Winter Park is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, including a robust park system and a gorgeous chain of lakes. If you love this article, I also recommend: If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. Visit the historic bridge and soak in some sun along their gorgeous beaches. There are some stunning public beaches (with free parking), and it felt like a hidden gem on it's own. At more than 600 years old, The Old Senator, a glorious live oak, is located on the grounds of the courtyard of Villa 1565 on San Marco. No matter the size, the houseboats are an incredibly unique experience, and they enable you to listen to the ocean waves and marine life as you rest. Tucked away along the Atlantic Coast of South Florida, Martin County offers an authentic slice of paradise, blending seaside allure with a dash of Key West whimsy and true "Old Florida" charm. Powered by Mai Theme, 19 Best Day Trips From Tampa Worth The Effort, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Siesta Key Palms Resort, featuring 2 outdoor pools and on-site BBQ facilities, and it is only 9.6 mi from the Ringling Museum. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. 2) Alligator Kayaking Safari in Rocks Springs Run. Dry Tortugas National Park. The top deck is a fabulous place to soak in the sunshine and enjoy a cold beverage. Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! Caves in Florida? Best of 30A Florida: Travel Guide to South Walton - Florida's Best-Kept Secret (2023) September 4, 2022 February 15, 2023 Updated on February 15, 2023. .