It is a wonderful spot for visitors because it is not a high-traffic tourist area. It has on-street parking, so be sure to factor that into your plans. Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. Matlacha Pass waterways offer excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities, or you can head off to explore the mangroves or palms that stretch for acres. Great you have come to the right place! Caladesi Island State Park is located on the island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. 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. A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. TIPS TO VISIT THE SINKHOLES IN GAINESVILLE. Try one of their variations on bruschetta or the sandwiches served on their fresh bread. Going kayaking to this paradise is considered one of the best things to do in Florida. 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. Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! 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. Two staff members compete to get their alligator to jump the highest as the crowd cheers them on. The prices are reasonable and discounts can be found on Groupon to make it even cheaper. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. It's a serene retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall. It is a fantastic spot to experience the best of nature and outdoor activities, with the famous bridge and offshore island. There are so many reasons to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of the hidden gems of the United States. There are no traffic lights, no chain restaurants or hotels. Make sure to see Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890 and still standing to this day. Its very easy to reach Honeymoon Island from the mainland. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. Its easy to miss this Florida gem, hidden under a canopy of mangroves and off the junction of I-95 with I-595. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. 1) Kayaking in the Crystalline Waters of Wekiva State Park. Based on the temperature you prefer, you can select the ideal time of year to visit. Amish Community. Edward Leedskalnin, according to legend, arrived in the U.S. after being left at the altar. 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. The property is located in Merritt Island, Florida, about one hour from Orlando. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways in Florida. 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. Gatorland is a park that houses thousands of animals, including birds, wild cats, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and of course, alligators. Flickr/psyberartist. The Leu House Museum is inside the Welcome Center and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. EST. Each campsite has an electric and water facility and offers a fire ring, grate, and picnic table. You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. The park offers many activities, including swan boat rentals, concerts, movies, and plays in the Amphitheater. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park extends over approximately a third of Key Biscayne Island and is home to a remarkably beautiful beach. Come experience the elegance and grandeur of the Biltmore by taking a tour of America's largest home. It serves as a terrific engagement photography area or wedding venue. 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. There are greenhouses where various species of butterflies are bred from egg laying through hatching. It is a master-planned community that is located outside Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island - a real gem in Florida Caladesi Island was elected the #1 Beach in 2018. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. You can take a tram, walk, or bike around the 15-mile loop with an abundance of wildlife, from birds and fish to alligators. The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. Powered by Mai Theme, 19 Best Day Trips From Tampa Worth The Effort, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. You will pay a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10.75 per adult. 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. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. Tours are by appointment only. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. Located in the center, however, theres a beautiful place that may somehow fall out of the tourist radar Villa Vizcaya and its gardens. 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. The ranchers are amusing, welcoming, and approachable. 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. Manatee Sanctuary Park. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. 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. It is so fascinating to watch the magnificent animals having so much fun. A 4 1/2 mile walk on Pine Island Trail allows for the sightings of these delightful animals. 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. 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. Street murals, many with locals painted in them, decorated the streets long before it was trendy. A popular eatery in Jacksonville, eat like a local at this cozy location that has been a long-time local favorite French bistro. 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA 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! The pass grants you access to a garden, bath lounge, sauna, steam shower, and relaxation lounge (not the . The most interesting part of the Ringling is the Circus Museum where you can see many circus props, performers costumes, and even train cars that were used to transport the circus. 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. Since the opening of the canoe outfitter at the headsprings, Weeki Wachee is very popular and can be crowded especially on weekends. Many locals can be found jumping into the water from the large overhanging trees. Don't miss the educational center, plant nursery, boardwalk, and butterfly garden. The quickest Everglades day trips from Ft. Lauderdale are Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass . To get there, hop on the Beaches Trolley bus which runs by all the best beaches in Jacksonville. This off-the-beaten path in Florida is located on Jupiter Island, and it is a place you would never expect to find in Florida. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in some parts of its beautiful blue springs. Florida has truly grown over the years, from being an empty, swampland of a state to a bustling place where people come from all over to get away. You will receive your first email soon. Head to a 1920's era fish house called Star Fish Company where you'll find a dockside, hole-in-the-wall-style eatery and market where the catch of the day was swimming just minutes before hitting your plate. If you have a phobia of spiders, DO NOT VOLUNTEER. They also show different animals during the Up-Close Encounters show, in which they have all types of scary creatures. The best way to explore the Molasses Reef is to join a, Located only Approximately 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando. I love your hidden gems. Pairing a quaint ambiance with innovative meal offerings, we recommend dinner reservations if you are planning on stopping by. 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. Near the Georgia border, this way out-of-the-way park is located where the Flint River and the Chattahoochee combine to form Lake Seminole above a dam. I love that it isnt as touristy as other spots and has many interesting activities nearby for those days when its not beach weather. Put on your fancy pants and head to this tres chic cafe in Jacksonville that has been an icon for over 20 years. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. There are numerous other activities within the national park, but this was the highlight of the trip for my husband and me. Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed. The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. Snorkeling and scuba diving are absolute musts if you visit, as well as fishing or kayaking along the emerald and aqua waters. 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. For anyone sick of hearing that visiting Florida is solely about exploring Walt Disney World, this list is for you. 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.. 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. Another intermediate spot is on each side of Jackson Pier. 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. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. Fish can be prepared blackened, grilled or fried, your choice. Inside, you'll find an authentic retro atmosphere with music from the 1930s and . Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. Stop by if youve always been a mermaid fan and see a show at the submerged theatre, or to take a few rides at the Buccaneer water park. Cayo Costa State Park is located south of Boca Grande, and is only accessible via boat, ferry or helicopter. Really? Another off-the-beaten path in Florida for your bucket list! 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. Explore the nooks and crannies in Florida Caverns State Park. Even among crowded areas you can find hidden gems and secret spots in . 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. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . It is ideal to bring an extra set of clothes and towels if you plan on exploring more or dining at Boggy Bottom BBQ. This location cannot be beat when it comes to a peaceful place to birdwatch, have lunch, and enjoy the Florida sunshine. The unique experience allows you to enjoy all of the perks of a medium-sized cruise ship. Its open from 8AM to sundown every day, and is beautiful in the early morning when the birds are awake and chirping, filling this gem of a park with their songs. Couples love it because of the lack of amenities, it makes a tranquil beach. Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Hampton Inn in Juno Beach, within walking distance of the beach and near many recreational activities. Lake Eola Park is a spectacular location to enjoy quality time with loved ones or roam solo. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. You do not have to kiss it because holding it can be scary enough. The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an incredible walk. Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. It is a tiny hole-in-the-wall local secret that only has six tables in the dining room, where its Napolitano owners eagerly await their customers. Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock. Home to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida, be sure to explore and take a cave tour to see the stunning limestone formations, soda straws and draperies. During these months, be prepared to bring a rain jacket and umbrella because the rain can be fierce. What are the most unique things to do in Florida? 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. . The area is home to many diverse types of coral, like brain or star coral. 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. These coastal states are located on the Atlantic Ocean, spread from Maine to Florida, all unique in their way, from UNESCO World Heritage sites, beaches to charming small towns, and landmarks. The desserts are especially scrumptious, especially the cheesecake! It is surprising to see such stunning sights right in the city of Orlando. 3) Winter Park: For Food, Shopping & Museum Hopping. Settle into the lovely courtyard and get ready for some original food options. At its core, the attractions in Florida are a huge draw for visitors. Top off your relaxing visit with a stroll along the Pine Ridge Trail to fully appreciate this magical place, and dont forget your camera. I consider Gatorland a must-see location for anybody who visits Florida. Besides selling a diverse selection of quilts hand-stitched on . Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to surfing there is a break for you in Jacksonville. What To Do 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. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. BEST ACCOMMODATION: Meranova Guest Inn is located very close to the Dunedin Marina, with an outdoor swimming pool and bar and stunning views. Houseboats can be found for rent on many popular rental websites. Ive been to almost all US states but somehow have never made it to Florida so its high on my list! This beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and upscale dining, but visitors should also check out the nearby artist colony, Gulf Place. The self-guided tour can be taken structurally, going from one garden to the next. Reserve your spot at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors. callback: cb On the bright side, Blue Springs State Park is not all about water activities. Once youre inside the state park, youll feel as though youve stepped into a different world. Im particularly interested in swimming with manatees! Amaze of mangroves,where the waters of the Everglades meet the Gulf Coast, forming a labyrinth of water, and it is the second-largest mangrove forest in the world, only surpassed by Bangladesh. Why go: Great camping on a beautiful lake with many options for hiking, biking and paddling. The prime months to visit Florida, generally suggested by many Floridians, are March, April, and May, because the weather is not too high or low. Sarasota is a beautiful city to visit on the west coast of Florida. The restaurant has a great ambiance that's only matched by high-quality steaks and seafood. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. Lets start this amazing list of Off the Beaten Paths in Florida with my backyard. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. The City of St. Augustine is known by many Floridians for its historical sights. The elegance and grandeur of the best things to do in Florida you to... Welcome Center and is a beautiful city to visit on the Island by the same name in Gulf. Self-Guided tour can be scary enough unique experience allows you to enjoy all of the and. Trail allows for the sightings of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park the... And Finding Beer can Island Caladesi Island was elected the # 1 beach 2018! This list is for you # x27 ; s largest home Island, Florida, even for us locals. Of these delightful animals with I-595 selection of quilts hand-stitched on diverse types of coral, like or. 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