(function() { The spring is a gorgeous place to visit year-round and is free to the public. Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local! 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. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. There are also shallow areas ideal for snorkeling at Elkhorn and Boulder Corals. 3 St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. Be sure to also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network! It is easy to navigate the various areas of the garden, which are separated by name on the map. I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock. Steinhatchee Falls. If you like animals, it is a guarantee that there will be some sort of creature there that you will love. As expected, they have some of the best pastries and cakes you will ever try, but they're only open for lunch. hey Katy, OMG! 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. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. It's a serene retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall. It is considered by many Floridians to be the alligator capital of the world. They also show different animals during the Up-Close Encounters show, in which they have all types of scary creatures. Located in the Florida Panhandle, it's the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public. Explore the nooks and crannies in Florida Caverns State Park. Another intermediate spot is on each side of Jackson Pier. It is a fantastic spot to experience the best of nature and outdoor activities, with the famous bridge and offshore island. Obloy Family Ranch, now known as Romelia Farms, is the perfect destination for family vacations and couples adventures. 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. Many come from far just to eat at the local restaurants in the Ten Thousand Islands area. This center for Japanese culture in Palm Beach County is unique and serene, offering Japanese tea ceremonies, a bonsai garden, festivals, classes, and a superb gift shop and cafe. If you have your own kayak, plan at least 2 hours to go on the dark water to see this magnificent experience. Books line the walls of the three small dining rooms, and most guests rave about the shady courtyard and garden patio. The Gardens are open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily, with no entrance after 4:00 P.M. EST. ACCOMMODATION: An excellent option is the Alfond Inn, a beautiful hotel located in Winter Park with a restaurant serving amazing food, including brunch. It was created by a group of artists and features incredible pieces of arts. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. Blue Spring State Park is the place to be if you want a stunning body of water where you can do a vast array of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, diving, and similar activities. 2. If you are adventure-minded and looking for an off-the-beaten-path in Florida, I will highly recommend camping in Bahia Honda State Park, one of thebest campgrounds in Florida. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. Perfect for a relaxing day on this wild and natural beach. ); You can enjoy the local seafood restaurants, try Hogfish, rent jet skis and kayaks, and enjoy the shops and other experiences and views near or in Key West. 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. Our Top Hidden Gems! 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. That, and of course, the wonderful weather year-round. This offers a breath-taking opportunity to pass them at a closer distance. Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5. I was relieved that I was not selected to volunteer and that the poor woman near us did not throw the spider as I would have done. Miami Hidden Gems and Secret Places to Visit in South Florida. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, a Caladesi Cafe, and showers available on the island. A 65-foot observation tower approximately halfway through the loop allows you to observe the scenic views and meet Grumpy the gigantic alligator from afar, as he does live up to his name. WHAT ELSE DO DO IN FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, TIPS TO VISIT THE FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK. A great perk of the onboard casino is that it offers a variety of chances to try your hand at poker and the slot machines while being served free beverages as long as you are inside. Not really a hidden gem in Florida but no Florida list is complete without a mention of Universal Studios! Featuring a beautiful bridge and offshore island, this state park is an ideal beach destination, complete with fantastic snorkeling or some of the best beachcombing in the state. Visit Rainbow Springs and take a walk through paradise. The seats in the front of the airboat will drench you with swampy water. There are a host of ravishing views visible as you walk around the island and fort. Head out here to be truly impressed by the colorful coral reefs and diverse wildlife, coupled with curious tales of shipwrecks and treasure. Snag a table (if you can) and settle in for a delicious dining experience seating is in high demand!. A tip for those who are frugal and like their drinks is to sit down at a slot machine and put in a few dollars and await your free drink. The airboats are extremely loud. Located near Clearwater and St Petersburg, Honeymoon Island is one of the best off the beaten path in Florida! In the heart of the Everglades and mangrove islands lies the remote, wild Tigertail Beach. Pine Island is the largest island off the Gulf coast of Florida and located just 30 minutes from Fort Myers. Boasting crystal clear waters, a diverse array of marine life, and much more, there's something for everyone at this tourist hotspot. If youre here in March, go to their annual Florida Azalea Festival, right around when 100,000 plants begin to bloom! Parking is just across from the boat ramp. forms: { Crystal River State Park in Citrus County, FL. There are also boats tours offered or kayaks available for rent, should you wish to explore the river. Best of all there is something to do here for everyone, whether looking to tube . Love Florida? Here you can explore natural springs, swim with manatees in the wild, and, explore the second-largest mangrove in the world, the Ten Thousand Islands. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. It is great place for adventurers, . For animal lovers and those who like to try new things, Obloy Ranch/Romelia Farms is a must-see destination. A center for Japanese arts and culture, the grounds are named after George Morikami, a Japanese man who donated his farm to the county to be converted into a park. A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. History buffs visit the shrine to learn about the life of early . Come out here to get away from the crowds of Floridas urban cities and relax! Relax on the beach and nap before heading out to enjoy the chance to relax. But whats really changed over the years is that more of the lesser-known places in Florida have become a draw for visitors. Visit the historic bridge and soak in some sun along their gorgeous beaches. Catherine, I agree with you that Weeki Wachee is one of the best places. 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). The prices are reasonable and discounts can be found on Groupon to make it even cheaper. Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. It serves as a terrific engagement photography area or wedding venue. If you want to venture off the beaten path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we have you covered. Wild Florida: Hidden Gem! A true definition of a hidden gem, many Floridians have never heard of Crystal River. To put it plainly, Florida is known for Florida attractions. It is a wonderful spot for visitors because it is not a high-traffic tourist area. Florida has temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit) at its most common extremes. Check out their amusement rides and farmers market as well, or catch a film on one of the largest drive-in movie theatres in the state! A weekend can see up to 400 people! The park offers express passes that can be purchased online. The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. They offer half-hour booked tours and accept walk-ins. 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. Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning place to visit for people of all ages. Miami Beach Cinematheque. The Weeki Wachee is known for its stunning beauty, with the clarity at the headsprings being 68- feet of visibility, ranking with the clearest freshwaters found on Earth! Choosing an amazing destination like the glamour and partying in Miami, or the family fun at Disney World, Orlando is always a great way to go. The Gardens have a self-guided guest guide and map at the Welcome Center. Sign Up 5) Visit the Cute Small Town of Windermere. Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. The temperature is a . Everything moves at a relaxed pace the police even drive around in golf carts instead of cruisers! It is rich with detail and has buildings designed after locations in the movies, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Diagon Alley. On the way back, about 90% of the passengers purchased it. Appreciate the magnitude of these gentle giants without disturbing them and. It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. Winter Park is one of the highlights for adults looking to visit Orlando and find many great things to do in this area. Youll walk away with more knowledge of the area and some great pictures of the waterfalls. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida Explore Florida Caverns State Park . TOP TIPS FOR EXPLORING WEEKI WACHEE RIVER. Make sure to see Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890 and still standing to this day. 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. Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida: Complete Guide + Insider Tips. Juno Beach is one of my favorite places to visit in Florida. 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. Both parks are easy to get to by car and can be toured within a couple of hours. It is just a must-see on your trip to Florida. However, some alligators will sun themselves directly on the pavement. Go birding along the boardwalks of the mangrove forests, or stop in at the nature center to learn about Southeast Florida habitats! Learn how your comment data is processed. I love that it isnt as touristy as other spots and has many interesting activities nearby for those days when its not beach weather. 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. 11 Scrumptious Restaurants In Florida You Never Even Knew Existed From longstanding local landmarks to burger joints and beach dives, this list has something for everyone. The park offers passes with a discount for Florida residents and a discount if you buy annual passes too. Why go: Great camping on a beautiful lake with many options for hiking, biking and paddling. Florida has long been a favorite destination for many travelers, but some cities get a little too much love. The Blueberry Patch is one of the most unique places in St Petersburg, FL. Off the Beaten Path in Florida. Cormorants flutter over you in the mangroves, along with many other extensive types of birds. Florida Vacationers is the #1 place to find everything exciting to do in the Sunshine State from the incredible beaches to the beautiful springs, campgrounds and road trips - we are constantly on the lookout for hidden gems and secret spots! You can easily drive there and park in one of the fields parking lots. This was a fun experience that I had when I visited Florida before I moved there, and it was a blast. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. Stop by next time you are in the area to appreciate the diverse wildlife. Be aware if you have small children or individuals sensitive to hearing. Once you cross it, you will have to pay the state park entrance fee ($8 per vehicle) but its well worth it! Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to surfing there is a break for you in Jacksonville. From hidden coves and dramatic natural features to elaborate gardens and quirky general stores, here is a compilation The Carnival Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great side-trip when visiting Florida. We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community! The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. Caladesi Island is one of the best beaches in the country and one of the few in Florida that have been kept completely natural. The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. 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. Lake Monroe is a charming lake that can be accessed from Sanford, DeBary, and Deltona. Bring your camera because youll want to capture the unique allure of the beach. Photo Credit: Author d4rr3ll from UK. on: function(evt, cb) { Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. The most exciting part about the Shark Valley Loop Trail is traveling past the numerous alligators along the loop. TOP TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BIOLUMINESCENCE: ACCOMMODATION: theMonumental Hotel Orlandois a great option. 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. If you're heading down AIA to the end of the line maybe doing that most famous of all Florida road trips, the Miami to Key West drive and looking for the best sites to see and things to do in Key . Show up early and stay late to enjoy all that the park offers. In addition, due to Florida law, gambling is illegal. This majestic 200-acre garden features a 205-foot singing tower facing a reflecting pool, a bird sanctuary, and acres of oaks, pines, ferns, camellias, jasmine, spider lily, and wetland plants. DeLand. If one of your Florida bucket lists is to swim with these gentle giants, there are plenty of tour operators in Crystal River to choose from. Towards the southern end of the preserve, the rocks are worn into shapes not much higher than the sand and erosion has caused bowl-like holes and swirling lumps. After a few hours, youll also appreciate this little hidden gem. Cow Key is a quiet destination at night, allowing you to listen to the ocean as you relax in your houseboat. The park is open from 8:00 A.M. What To Do We go every year to see my in laws in Florida and we are always looking for new corners of the state to explore. It is located in Kissimmee and is a moderate trip from downtown Orlando. 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! 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. It is a free access location with a lovely view of the lake. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. Even among crowded areas you can find hidden gems and secret spots in . On land, there are often birds and forms of wildlife to observe. You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls. Source: flickr. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. Let's Pin the Planet together! There are so many reasons to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of the hidden gems of the United States. Great you have come to the right place! While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, its the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations. 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. It is recommended to go on a cooler summer day, to use sunscreen, and take a rest in the shaded areas to avoid sunburns. 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. Bring a picnic or do a barbecue. The Deltona access point is near Edgewater Condominiums and it is typically not very busy other than residents who come to enjoy a morning coffee or enjoy the sunshine near the water. It is a great location to visit from any of the areas. 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. 21 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Miami, Florida Updated January 30, 2023 Share Tweet Email The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! Glass Beach is a popular attraction in Fort Bragg and one of the best hidden gems in the US | Flickr/lyssah. Florida is the most southeast state in the US, bordered on the east by the Atlantic and on the west by the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Kayak, plan at least 2 hours to go on the map Secret places to visit in Florida. 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