The restaurant has a great ambiance that's only matched by high-quality steaks and seafood. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island a real gem in Florida, 3. 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. While you are here, be sure to check out the local farmers market, or explore the waterways on a scenic boat tour. The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. Sited east of Pensacola, this quiet destination boasts a generous white-sand beach snuggled against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico. This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA Explore 26 hidden and unique gems in the Fort Lauderdale area, including the best attractions, farmers markets, dive bars, restaurants and nightlife spots. 4. They often reside partially in the water and partially on land. You can expect a nice drive to the location and a great day-long adventure. 22. on: function(evt, cb) { Thinking of this gives you something to appreciate while out on the mile of Atlantic beach. If you have a phobia of spiders, DO NOT VOLUNTEER. Weeki Wachee, derived from the Seminole name, means Little Spring or Winding River, is a spring located on the Weeki Wachee River. 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 self-guided tour can be taken structurally, going from one garden to the next. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in some parts of its beautiful blue springs. A visit to one of the spookiest hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the family. The State Park is located at 1130 State Park Road Chipley FL 32428, Plan your visit to coincide with the recent heavy rain, so there will be lots of water. 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. Hidden Gems in Florida. 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. Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. So, without further ado, pack your sunscreen and camera and get ready to explore the off-the-beaten path in Florida, and discover some new treasures at the Sunset State! Florida has temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit) at its most common extremes. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Popular are shrimp, oysters, clams, lobster rolls and fish tacos. If you prefer to stay on land, hike the Florida Scenic Trail and spend the night there are several campsites in Ocala National Forest. As expected, they have some of the best pastries and cakes you will ever try, but they're only open for lunch. It helps to fundraise for the animals and is a unique experience, to say the least. Everything moves at a relaxed pace the police even drive around in golf carts instead of cruisers! With 100-foot a deep and 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. On the way back, about 90% of the passengers purchased it. 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. Miami Hidden Gems and Secret Places to Visit in South Florida. Boasting inlets, islands, forests, and backwaters, this state park is a perfect place to explore Floridas rural side! Florida Caverns State Park is the place to go see Florida's natural and historic . Ravine Garden State Park is a truly majestic place, brimming with history and nature. The Cummer Museum of Art is a beautiful art museum in Jacksonville, Florida showcasing over 5,000 pieces of artwork! Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. This hidden gem tucked among Florida's barrier islands, is a small community that brings you back to turn-of-the-century Florida. 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. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the wildlife here or to check out their aquariums, snake exhibits or the diamondback terrapin enclosure. There are greenhouses where various species of butterflies are bred from egg laying through hatching. Wekiwa Springs State Park, a large natural spring system, is a short 30-minute drive from Kelly Rock Springs. Harry P. Leu Gardens is a stunning Botanical Garden found in the heart of Central Florida. Universal Studios is a great adventure if you enjoy an exciting environment and want to have a fun-filled day with constant activities to do. I will definitely consult this post before my next visit to Florida. and is a worthy adventure if you are a night-owl. 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 . Some of the most popular beaches in Jacksonville include American Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. There is a $6 toll charge to get on the island and the Florida SunPass is not valid. Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. Perfect for a relaxing day on this wild and natural beach. Rent canoes at the headsprings to strike off on your own expedition, or swim in the designated areas. 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. You missed Butterfly Dans located in Kissimmee. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is the perfect place to get a great Florida feel. This little restaurant has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made. It is not something that the traditional tourist might go to, but it offers a peaceful environment that allows visitors to take a rest from the hustle and bustle of the tourist locations. 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. As full-time RV'ers, we travel and see a lot. The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! Fort Walton. It is open to the public all year round, so dont miss out when you are in the area! Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. The entry fee ranges from $10.00 to $15.00 with a Military/Veteran discount. The hotel offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. . Having lived nearby in Charleston for many years, Folly Beach holds a special place in my heart. The swirling of your hand or the paddle stroke ignites the bioluminescence. 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. 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. Flickr/psyberartist. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. Better weather would make for a smoother ride. You will find loads of barbecues and picnic tables by the beach. It is located 3-miles north of Marianna on State Road 166 and is a great camping and day trip destination. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. Each turn was a brilliant surprise. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. You can see a wide variety of birdlife, coral reefs, and ocean life that are best seen when snorkeling but can also be viewed through the clear water without entering it. Discover The Manatee Park. That, and of course, the wonderful weather year-round. You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. In addition, due to Florida law, gambling is illegal. Respect the environment and enjoy the proximity to the diverse sea life, like the eels, parrotfish, angelfish and nurse sharks, but do your part to continue preserving the environment by not touching the coral or compromising the ecosystem. (function() { Hamilton Pool (Texas) When an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, Hamilton Pool was born. 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. Explore the Honeymoon Island State Park, 2. Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways in Florida. Old Florida Book Shop Back to Top of List. Sarasota is known for its haute cuisine and global fare. Then there's the butterfly garden and reptile habitat, making the Secret Woods fun for nature-loving adults and kids alike. 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! TOP TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BIOLUMINESCENCE: ACCOMMODATION: theMonumental Hotel Orlandois a great option. What an inspiring list! The mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. Visitors come to witness the great architectural structure dedicated to the first colony of Greeks to land in America in 1768. The park is located near an energy plant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, its the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations. 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. There are endless exciting encounters and opportunities to keep the entire family excited. Hi Terri, yes the Ringling Circus is an amazing place and I am so glad you enjoyed this article. 20 Best Breakfast in Orlando You Must Try! 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. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! 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. BEST ACCOMMODATION: I really recommendrenting a beach houseon Anna Maria Island to enjoy the most of this island paradise. Lets start this amazing list of Off the Beaten Paths in Florida with my backyard. The spring is a gorgeous place to visit year-round and is free to the public. On Maui, there plenty of off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems that only the locals know. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. 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. Books line the walls of the three small dining rooms, and most guests rave about the shady courtyard and garden patio. It was recently created in the last several years by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. Parking is just across from the boat ramp. Even among crowded areas you can find hidden gems and secret spots in . 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. Two staff members compete to get their alligator to jump the highest as the crowd cheers them on. 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. 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. Hey Paula, this is an excellent round up. Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction. Another off-the-beaten path in Florida for your bucket list! Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! Go swim with Manatees at Crystal River, 8. 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. This incredible hidden gem in Florida is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, just southeast offshore of the island of Key Largo. Not really a hidden gem in Florida but no Florida list is complete without a mention of Universal Studios! Did you know you can ride a horse at the beach in Florida? 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. - See 3,632 traveler reviews, 2,265 candid photos, and great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor. The Caverns State Park is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! Located in Winter Park is one of the most unexpected but entertaining hidden gems of Central Florida. But whats really changed over the years is that more of the lesser-known places in Florida have become a draw for visitors. It is also a thrilling place for an adventurous date. Gatorland is a park that houses thousands of animals, including birds, wild cats, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and of course, alligators. Universal Studios is comprised of themed areas, rides, and experiences. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. 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! Manatees escape to these warmer waters during periods when the gulf dips below 68 . The ranchers are amusing, welcoming, and approachable. DeLand. Funny 1. 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. The park offers express passes that can be purchased online. TOP TIPS FOR RIDING A HORSE AT THE PALMA SOLA BAY, ACCOMMODATION: Renting a beach houseon Anna Maria Island is the best way to explore the area. This hidden gem boasts over 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and more than 100,000 sprawling acres of parks and conservation lands. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia State Park is off mile marker 37 and spans over 500 acres of lush land. Catherine, I agree with you that Weeki Wachee is one of the best places. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. To really enjoy everything that the Ringling has to offer I would recommend at least 1 full day dedicated to it. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to surfing there is a break for you in Jacksonville. If you are a surfer newbie, there are lots of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach. Are you ready!? One of those happens to be a tarantula. 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. Palma Sola Bay is located on Anna Maria Island. The Blueberry Patch is one of the most unique places in St Petersburg, FL. This Gulf Coast barrier island is a great destination for any beach or nature lover. It goes part way around the fort and allows you to view the fort, island, and gorgeous waters below. You will pay a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10.75 per adult. It is only 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando, Winter Park gained its name after the arrival of the South Florida Railroad in 1880. 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. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Residence Inn By Mariott, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, and lounge. 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