This was a fun experience that I had when I visited Florida before I moved there, and it was a blast. Gatorland allows you to walk through the park and observe all of the critters that live there. Stunning flower beds can are along the path and there are plenty of local restaurants. When you enter the Gardens, it feels like a whole different planet. South Florida's Funkiest Architecture. In addition to being home to some of the best beaches in Florida's Panhandle, Fort Walton also boasts an array of world-class attractions and family complexes. Blowing Rocks Preserve is very unique, You will find here miles of sandy beaches, with craggy limestone shore that looks like it belongs in Maine or Hawaii. 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. { })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Go swim with Manatees at Crystal River, 8. Marathon, Florida: A Hidden Gem on Forbes' Best Places to Travel in 2023 List Discover the vibrant community, natural beauty, and diverse culinary scene of Marathon, Florida, a top travel destination for 2023. . Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. WHAT ELSE DO DO IN FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, TIPS TO VISIT THE FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK. Located in the middle of the pine woods on the Suwannee, in Dixie County, is what many locals call the best swimming hole in Florida: Bobs River Place. To get the best experience in this historical area, tour the Braille Trail. Santa Rosa Beach also touches Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve for an alternative to beach days. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. Don't miss these hidden gems in Sarasota Florida to . The ferry provides a morning snack, lunch, and showers so that people can snorkel and rinse off. One of the most unique attractions in Sarasota is The Ringling the sprawling estate of the kings of the circus, the Ringlings, the owners of Ringling Bros., and Barnum & Bailey Circus that was producing the Greatest Show on Earth from 1871 till 2017. It means I have been exploring every corner of the Sunshine State. Miami Hidden Gems and Secret Places to Visit in South Florida. Youll fall in love with the white sand beaches and blue waters and extend your stay just a little longer. No need to take a ferry, there is a bridge! However, you should bring sunglasses or something to shield your eyes. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. 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. This location cannot be beat when it comes to a peaceful place to birdwatch, have lunch, and enjoy the Florida sunshine. 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. Walk the mile of interpretive trail and watch out for the land crabs that might be crossing the road! As expected, they have some of the best pastries and cakes you will ever try, but they're only open for lunch. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter Series, the Harry Potter portion of the park is a must-see experience. Hurricanes, age, neglect, and other factors destroyed most of the structures but there are still some to see. Private rides are available for 30 or 60 minutes, and this is where you can get a customized experience. Snag a table (if you can) and settle in for a delicious dining experience seating is in high demand!. I will definitely consult this post before my next visit to Florida. Come by for a quick lunch or to take advantage of their full bar and gourmet dinner fare. A beach in Florida where you can actually get some alone time is rare indeed. Stop by next time you are in the area to appreciate the diverse wildlife. The temperature is a . Surprise! 2. Its warm and dry! Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. Obloy Family Ranch, now known as Romelia Farms, is the perfect destination for family vacations and couples adventures. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! Roadside Rusted Ford Trucks, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA. and North Shore Dr. They provide earmuffs and inform you when to use them. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. Plus, there's over 8000 acres of trails and gardens! forms: { This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the "Off the Beaten Path" of every . 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. I love your hidden gems. Explore 26 hidden and unique gems in the Fort Lauderdale area, including the best attractions, farmers markets, dive bars, restaurants and nightlife spots. There are greenhouses where various species of butterflies are bred from egg laying through hatching. 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. Sign Up He claimed that magnets had helped heal him from tuberculosis, and spend over 28 years building the Coral Castle. 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. 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.. The statue of Juan Ponce de Leon is located in downtown St. Augustine that is home to many historical monuments and memorials. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. No one knows how he moved the stones, as he allowed no one to watch him work (there were rumors he had learned how to manipulate magnetic fields). Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! 1) Kayaking in the Crystalline Waters of Wekiva State Park. Address: 4923 20th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States. 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. From hidden coves and dramatic natural features to elaborate gardens and quirky general stores, here is a compilation What are the most unique things to do in Florida? Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. ! Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. Some of the caves are tall enough to stand in, with natural benches formed by the erosive power of the tides. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located in Lake Wales, Florida. Located in Crystal River, The Three Sisters Springs is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Florida and is an ideal place for swimming, canoeing or kayaking. The ideal place to be is on the top deck of the ship, where they have one of several bars and offer rum buckets and a full bar. Caladesi Island State Park is located on the island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. Go birding to see if you can spot the wild turkeys or neo-tropical birds. Cow Key is a quick drive into the more popular areas of Key West, and there are almost unlimited activities. Read Next: 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover. One of the best indoor activities in Miami for sure. Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! The desserts are especially scrumptious, especially the cheesecake! When you arrive, there may be a line of vehicles already waiting. Either way, the kitchen will work its magic and delight you. The ranchers are amusing, welcoming, and approachable. In the warm and dark bay waters of some places in Florida lies a natural phenomenon of glowing blue waters alive with an activity called bioluminescence. Gatorland has numerous activities that take place throughout the day. Designated as a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt, this incredible destination is only accessible via seaplane or boat, preserving its nature and isolation. Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166, and is a great camping and day trip destination. This surf spot is called the poles and is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Not really a hidden gem in Florida but no Florida list is complete without a mention of Universal Studios! This list was prepared with some of the top Florida things to do and to give you some inspiration for your Florida bucket list. It is a great place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a low-key afternoon in the sun. You will want to swim and relax on the beach. The park also offers bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. The Carnival Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great side-trip when visiting Florida. It features stunning white sandy beaches and is a great place to go to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. Come visit to see if you can figure out how he managed to move these tons of rock, or simply to enjoy the curious features of the property: a sundial, stone furniture, obelisk and fountain. 3) Winter Park: For Food, Shopping & Museum Hopping. But whats really changed over the years is that more of the lesser-known places in Florida have become a draw for visitors. There are a host of ravishing views visible as you walk around the island and fort. 2) Alligator Kayaking Safari in Rocks Springs Run. There are so many places I could recommend for a road trip in Florida, but one of the weirdest, most beautiful, and unique has to bethe Manatee Swim in Crystal River, Florida. Be aware if you have small children or individuals sensitive to hearing. Have a relaxing picnic here surrounded by nature, or go jogging, hiking or biking along the gardens to cover more ground. 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. This beautiful and serene spot features a world-class . With 24 miles of picturesque coastline, it offers plenty of activities in the summer. Once on shore, Dry Tortugas Island displays stunningly clear blue waters and the opportunity to explore Fort Jefferson and its history. Another tree makes the list of hidden gems in St. Augustine. One of those happens to be a tarantula. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of my favorite places to bring the kids; the mermaids are back! Tropical Palms RV Resort: Hidden Gem - See 2,079 traveller reviews, 342 candid photos, and great deals for Tropical Palms RV Resort at Tripadvisor. On Maui, there plenty of off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems that only the locals know. The Sunshine State has much more to offer with many other great choices, including that Florida is home to the best killer key lime pie on the whole Planet! Follow the mile long path through the gardens, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide. 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? This Gulf Coast barrier island is a great destination for any beach or nature lover. Being so far removed from the mainland can be a good experience from time to time. The city of Gainesville is located in north-central Florida, a little less than two hours from Orlando. Enjoy the relaxed pace and some good food while here. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. Once you cross it, you will have to pay the state park entrance fee ($8 per vehicle) but its well worth it! You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. Visitors come to witness the great architectural structure dedicated to the first colony of Greeks to land in America in 1768. 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. Photo Credit: Author d4rr3ll from UK. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden. 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. It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. Be sure to also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network! The Rose Garden is central and you can spiral out from there. Great post, Paula! Standing in the parking lot, protected by a small fence and framed by several benches, the historic tree lives just a short distance from historic . 2. Gatorland is a park that houses thousands of animals, including birds, wild cats, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and of course, alligators. There are three cozy dining rooms lined with books, or a lush, green courtyard and patio. Located near Clearwater and St Petersburg, Honeymoon Island is one of the best off the beaten path in Florida! Ive been to almost all US states but somehow have never made it to Florida so its high on my list! Pine Island is also home to three aquatic preserves, providing ample day trips or activities for nature enthusiasts. Juno Beach sits between Jupiter and West Palm Beach, and it is home to the unspoiled coastline, blissfully laid-back vibes, and home of the most beloved residents, sea turtles! Off the Beaten Path in Florida. ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Inn is a great option, with a great location and expresses check-in and check-out. There are also ample opportunities to go birding or view other diverse kinds of wildlife, or go fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or swimming. Great you have come to the right place! If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Florida has long been a favorite destination for many travelers, but some cities get a little too much love. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Hampton Inn in Juno Beach, within walking distance of the beach and near many recreational activities. Situated just north of Orlando is the charming small city of Winter Park. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Florida. Thank you! In addition, due to Florida law, gambling is illegal. 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. Cave tours are availablefrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST,Thursday through Monday. 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. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the springs is to bring a lunch and sit down on a bench or picnic table, wear bug spray and take in the sights and sounds of nature. The worst of the rainfall typically hits during the hottest months of the year: June, July, and August. 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. ACCOMMODATION: The best place to stay is at Everglades City at the Ivey House an eco-friendly hotel only 15 minutes walk from the main attractions. It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. The Hawaiian island is home to many known gorgeous and fascinating attractions that draw travelers from all over the world, but it's worth digging deeper. Located in Winter Park is one of the most unexpected but entertaining hidden gems of Central Florida. 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. The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. TIPS TO VISIT THE SINKHOLES IN GAINESVILLE. A nice break from your typical Florida beach town, Anna Maria Island will be that beachy escape that leaves you feeling rested. Miami Beach Cinematheque. This hidden gem tucked among Florida's barrier islands, is a small community that brings you back to turn-of-the-century Florida. If youre planning a trip to Florida, the best time to visit Florida is between October and May. 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