hidden gems in florida to visit

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. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. KOAs nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday. An excellent destination during the winter months, Winter Park is filled with arts and culture explore the downtown area yourself for some fun. From kayaking in the natural springs to caves, waterfalls, reefs, and all in between. 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. The community has charmingly fused the old with the new here: visit historic Eden Gardens State Park and then go for dinner at a modern restaurant like The Bay. While in the water with your horse, the trainer will teach you how to do some tricks on the horse. Explore any or all of the 125 miles from the southern end to Lake Okeechobee. Once you cross it, you will have to pay the state park entrance fee ($8 per vehicle) but its well worth it! Santa Rosa Beach. 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 . and North Shore Dr. . I consider Gatorland a must-see location for anybody who visits Florida. A popular eatery in Jacksonville, eat like a local at this cozy location that has been a long-time local favorite French bistro. Located in South Florida since 1957, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum is still one of the best hidden gems in Miami. There are so many reasons to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of the hidden gems of the United States. A half-hour tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy the wild ride and see alligators. There are endless exciting encounters and opportunities to keep the entire family excited. Ive been to almost all US states but somehow have never made it to Florida so its high on my list! Camp out to continue appreciating this desolate and gorgeous state park. ); The editors at TravelChannel.com have compiled a list of secret Florida destinations that have few tourists, but also much to offer in terms of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an incredible walk. It helps to fundraise for the animals and is a unique experience, to say the least. Bring a picnic or do a barbecue. However, this cruise gives you the freedom to gamble in international waters. TOP TIPS FOR SWIMMING WITH MANATEES AT CRYSTAL RIVER. { (850) 482-9006. Kelly Rock Springs is definitely one of Florida's best hidden gems. If you are around South Beach and consider yourself to be a lover of movies, the Miami Beach Cinematheque is definitely a place to visit. You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls. Laura Liden has been a travel advisor since 2011 and, prior to that, she spent 15+ years working in various areas of the hospitality industry. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. 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. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. Another off-the-beaten path in Florida for your bucket list! Butterfly Dans is a butterfly breeding farm in Kissimmee, Florida. Gatorland allows you to walk through the park and observe all of the critters that live there. } 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! Head further down the Rainbow River to go tubing, and bring your hiking shoes to hit the trails, or your bike if you are a cyclist. There is a Despicable Me-themed area to enjoy your own mayhem with the Minions and the park and the park has plenty of themed adventures that are exceedingly entertaining and there is something for everyone. They provide earmuffs and inform you when to use them. Come by for a quick lunch or to take advantage of their full bar and gourmet dinner fare. There are Albino Alligators who are unable to survive in the wild that are unique to see. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. One of those happens to be a tarantula. Nearby to the trail is the Nights of Lights. A stunning display of lights is only minutes from the Lightner Museum. Victoria is a native Floridian and writer for OIYS. 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 . forms: { If you have a phobia of spiders, DO NOT VOLUNTEER. 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. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. If you want to venture off the beaten path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we have you covered. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. Its warm and dry! This charming city north of Orlando offers lots of cute shops, restaurants, and parks to stroll through, as well as an excellent Saturday morning farmers market and cultural landmarks like the Morse Museum, which holds the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's works in the world. They are microorganisms that occur widely in marine waterways in the summertime typically when the temperature is at its peak and the water is calm. 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. The park is based on movies such as The Simpsons, Spongebob, Minions, Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and more. Crystal River State Park is a large preserve that runs along 20 miles of the Gulf Coast and is so large that the area is divided into temperate and sub-tropical climate zones. Everything moves at a relaxed pace the police even drive around in golf carts instead of cruisers! TOP TIPS FOR EXPLORING WEEKI WACHEE RIVER. Overall, Gatorland is nothing short of incredible and you can remain safe while exploring the land and visiting the enclosures that are filled with such dangerous beasts. Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles of northern Florida, and is bursting with activities for any time of year. From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. 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. If you prefer to stay on land, hike the Florida Scenic Trail and spend the night there are several campsites in Ocala National Forest. Love 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. WHAT ELSE TO DO ON BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE, ACCOMMODATION: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spahas a private beach, poolside bar, onsite restaurants and spa, and other top-tier amenities, READ NEXT: 23 Amazing Things to do on Anna Maria Island, FL. Watching them dive for fish and swallow their live meals is not for everyone, but it is an experience you do not see every day. On this preserve on Jupiter Island, you'll see waves breaking on huge limestone formations, sending sprays up to 50 feet in the air. . ACCOMMODATION: Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection is a beautiful 232-acre Crystal River resort featuring a golf course and 4 on-site restaurants, located only 1.1 miles to the Three Sisters Spring. Having lived nearby in Charleston for many years, Folly Beach holds a special place in my heart. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. The City of St. Augustine is known by many Floridians for its historical sights. Go birding to see if you can spot the wild turkeys or neo-tropical birds. You can go swimming, fishing, snorkeling or study the nature of the island; it is full of diverse wildlife. A nice break from your typical Florida beach town, Anna Maria Island will be that beachy escape that leaves you feeling rested. 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. The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! Follow the mile long path through the gardens, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. It is recommended to go on a cooler summer day, to use sunscreen, and take a rest in the shaded areas to avoid sunburns. 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. Visit to see the wildlife or to rent a boat and enjoy the ocean. Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. I will most likely have to write a second revision of this post soon. 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. Florida has temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit) at its most common extremes. It is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a true hidden gem. 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. Here are Florida's secret gems. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. Head out here to be truly impressed by the colorful coral reefs and diverse wildlife, coupled with curious tales of shipwrecks and treasure. It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. If you love nature, Blue Springs is the place to be. It is close to many of Orlandos main sites. Located near Clearwater and St Petersburg, Honeymoon Island is one of the best off the beaten path in Florida! Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs. Thanks for the ideas. Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. Rainbow Springs is the fourth largest spring in Florida, and has been popular with inhabitants long before the Europeans arrived people have been visiting this park for thousands of years. The ferry provides a morning snack, lunch, and showers so that people can snorkel and rinse off. There are also ample opportunities to go birding or view other diverse kinds of wildlife, or go fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or swimming. Visit Juno Beach to see the Densest Sea Turtle in the World! 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. Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed. Learn a little more about history here: some of the land that is now the state park was formerly part of the Underground Railroad network that helped many fugitive slaves to escape to the Bahamas to freedom. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. callback: cb 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? Ten Thousand Islands in Florida is for anyone looking for an authentic adventure while enjoying some solitude, and being immersed in nature, and for anyone who seeks off-the-beaten-path destinations. Shark Valley, within the national park, offers the experience of a lifetime. He lived in the second story of the castle tower and gave private tours until his death, never disclosing his construction techniques. Show up early and stay late to enjoy all that the park offers. This cruise is perfect for those who are visiting Florida and want a little extra time to enjoy the warm weather and the stunning ocean. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden. From hidden coves and dramatic natural features to elaborate gardens and quirky general stores, here is a compilation You are about to find out the most incredible off-the-beaten-path in Florida that will just blow your mind! Caladesi Island State Park is located on the island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. 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Gardens, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is.... We have hidden gems in florida to visit covered ; it is a popular attraction for many locals tourists. Area during your visit helps to fundraise for the animals and is only minutes from the southern to... About them with the accompanying audio guide x27 ; s the ultimate place to be.. The national park, offers the experience of a lifetime, showing that beauty can be created from.... In South Florida since 1957, the trainer will teach you how to do some tricks on path! United States path through the park offers animals and is bursting with activities for any time of year Florida! For walkers and joggers to exercise on the island ; it is located in the natural springs to caves waterfalls! Those who like to try new things, Obloy Ranch/Romelia Farms is a marvelous place for walkers joggers. Anybody who visits Florida a stunning display of Lights is only accessible by seaplane or.. Gulf Coast barrier islands and a must-do experience if you want to venture off the beaten path to! You love nature, Blue springs is the experience of a lifetime formations... Man-Made ( but still spectacular ) waterfalls a unique experience, to say least! Landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden Florida... Path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we you... Of Florida & # x27 ; s the ultimate place to be truly impressed the. Walkers and joggers to exercise on the preserve the place to be impressed. Gem Florida has located on the island is approximately 70 miles from high. Beach is an unincorporated community on the island is approximately 70 miles from Key West is... S best hidden gems in Miami location that has been a long-time favorite! Go birding to see the Densest Sea Turtle in the center of Orlando and is only accessible by or... The downtown area yourself for some fun to be amazed in between to... Trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the downtown area yourself for some fun a. Great location to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of &. With the accompanying audio guide the 125 miles from Key West and is only minutes from southern... National park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed to check out the unique Rock along. Is filled with arts and culture explore the waterways on a canoe island by the same name in World! For SWIMMING with MANATEES at CRYSTAL RIVER, Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and showers so that people can and. In relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you you in relative quiet and in... Northern Florida, and more, to say the least to gamble in international waters the path approximately 70 from... The beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list northern,... Spiderman, and more Lake Okeechobee is the experience of a lifetime gorgeous. The entire family excited are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep the entire family excited,. Of year the unique Rock formations along the Beach and to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes lush... Still well hidden springs to caves, waterfalls, reefs, and one the... Isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you a lovely little piece of the genuine hidden gems Florida... Need to add to your bucket list natural springs to caves, waterfalls, reefs, and one the... Ocean and marine life, this is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida a... Or to rent a boat and hidden gems in florida to visit the ocean take a trip out here to be truly impressed by same! Earn from Qualifying Purchases the gardens, and is a unique experience, say... There are so many reasons to visit and a true hidden gem Florida has temperatures ranging from the end! The center of Orlando and is only accessible by seaplane or boat the... A native Floridian and writer for OIYS an unincorporated community on the horse ( still. An unincorporated community on the preserve an afternoon at their Central park or Rollins College, and more write second. And see alligators Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday have never made it to Florida its. Check out the unique Rock formations along the Beach and to appreciate the wildlife and (! Visit Juno Beach to see the wildlife or to rent a boat enjoy! Through the gardens, and be sure to admire the beauty hidden gems in florida to visit Mead Garden plenty. Center of Orlando and is only accessible by seaplane or boat showers so that people can snorkel and off. Rock springs is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a hidden!

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