Reserve your spot at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors. { Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. Probably you will answer no. 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. The park also offers bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. But if you happen to know of a spot that we missed above and you think your fellow Floridians would love to hear about it, then shout it out in the comments section below! The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. Visit to see the wildlife or to rent a boat and enjoy the ocean. 1. Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. You are about to find out the most incredible off-the-beaten-path in Florida that will just blow your mind! From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. The Three Sisters Springs - one of the best spots to see manatees. A weekend can see up to 400 people! It serves as a terrific engagement photography area or wedding venue. Snorkeling and scuba diving are absolute musts if you visit, as well as fishing or kayaking along the emerald and aqua waters. Swap Shop has over 2,000 vendors for 180,00 square feet of shopping, restaurants, farmers markets with tons of local produce, and one of the world's largest drive-in movie theaters. In addition to the beautiful manatees, the park hosts a variety of other wildlife, including fish, birds, and other creatures. Dry Tortugas is a great destination that combines the beautiful coastlines of Florida with a splash of history, and it is home to some great snorkeling exploration in the United States. Explore the Honeymoon Island State Park, 2. Flickr/psyberartist. 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. Go Horse ride at the beach at Palma Sola Bay, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Adventure Lovers, 14. I am about to introduce you to the best-hidden gems in Florida that only some locals know about. In addition, due to Florida law, gambling is illegal. Florida has long been a favorite destination for many travelers, but some cities get a little too much love. It gets cold when you are speeding and soaked, so it was an ideal time slot for my husband and me. we just happen to be in the neighborhood she showed us around even gave us some small free vegetables please come and visit them true Florida people real locals. If they offer Dramamine, you will likely need it unless you are used to extremely rough waters. Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction. It is a great experience for animal lovers, kids, and anybody to learn more about endangered animals because it is geared towards educating people and helping rehabilitate animals that are unable to be safely released into the wild. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. 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. The Juno Beach Pier is the main hub of activity in town, and you can find a Pier House with a bait shop, snack bar, and pole rentals. The alligators are most commonly seen along the sides of the loop. 4. Im not sure how that is even possible though as it is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with wild manatees. It is great place for adventurers, . If you are not comfortable with camping, you can rent a cabin which is pretty affordable. 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. Make this a nice afternoon coffee and snack break the next time youre in Jacksonville! Did you know you can ride a horse at the beach in Florida? 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. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a wild adventure and additional activities suited to children, so it is a worthwhile place to visit for anybody. The desserts are especially scrumptious, especially the cheesecake! It is rich with detail and has buildings designed after locations in the movies, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Diagon Alley. 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. Universal Studios is comprised of themed areas, rides, and experiences. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Walt Disney World, and being the ultimate vacation destination. 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). Try one of their variations on bruschetta or the sandwiches served on their fresh bread. ACCOMMODATION: Fairfield Inn & Suites Marianna is a great option if you are visiting the State Park, with a pool and breakfast included. Perfect to stay away from the crowds! Street murals, many with locals painted in them, decorated the streets long before it was trendy. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! Kelly Rock Springs is definitely one of Florida's best hidden gems. Distinctly separate from Orlando's theme parks or Miami's thumping nightlife, this is where quiet stretches of sandy beaches line calm, turquoise waters; hidden state parks shelter shorebirds that are counted by the flock; and where local fishers gather over a few cold beers to talk of the one (or . In the heart of the Everglades and mangrove islands lies the remote, wild Tigertail Beach. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. WHAT ELSE DO DO IN FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, TIPS TO VISIT THE FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK. The spring can easily be accessed from near the Lake Monroe Boat Launch. I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! 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. If youre here in March, go to their annual Florida Azalea Festival, right around when 100,000 plants begin to bloom! The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! This spot is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. 2: Fort Bragg, California. It is a great destination for marine biology enthusiasts and is filled with abundant sea life, coral reefs, and tropical birds. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, this flea market and theatre offer you a unique shopping and entertainment experience the next time you are in the area. Read: Hidden vacation spots in the US. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. Make sure to see Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890 and still standing to this day. 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. It has on-street parking, so be sure to factor that into your plans. From May through October, Juno Beach is the densest sea turtle nesting ground in the world. Boasting inlets, islands, forests, and backwaters, this state park is a perfect place to explore Floridas rural side! Ten Thousand IslandsNational Wildlife Refuge (NWR), is one of the most hidden paradises in Florida. Drive iconic scenic coastal highway 30A to discover a variety of the coolest Florida beach towns. ! You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls. By Victoria from Florida Trippers. Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Cool 2. Hidden Gems in Florida. After a few hours, youll also appreciate this little hidden gem. It can also be roamed freely, which I found to be the most exciting approach. It is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! I highly recommend listening to the suggestions from the staff as it was a rough ride in January when I went. Visit the historic bridge and soak in some sun along their gorgeous beaches. This is a great thing to do on Anna Maria Island, especially if you are traveling with kids. Even among crowded areas you can find hidden gems and secret spots in . 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. Rent canoes at the headsprings to strike off on your own expedition, or swim in the designated areas. 2) Alligator Kayaking Safari in Rocks Springs Run. You will receive your first email soon. 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. What To Do KOAs nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday. Lake Monroe is a charming lake that can be accessed from Sanford, DeBary, and Deltona. It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. It is a fantastic spot to experience the best of nature and outdoor activities, with the famous bridge and offshore island. If you like animals, it is a guarantee that there will be some sort of creature there that you will love. Walk the mile of interpretive trail and watch out for the land crabs that might be crossing the road! 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. Lake Eola Park is a spectacular location to enjoy quality time with loved ones or roam solo. The seats in the front of the airboat will drench you with swampy water. Another tree makes the list of hidden gems in St. Augustine. We go every year to see my in laws in Florida and we are always looking for new corners of the state to explore. Enjoy the lagoon or the beach for emerald Gulf waters and bright white sand. 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. 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 key lime icebox cup is amazing, made with whipped cream, cream . Explore the area around Fort Jefferson. Bring your sunblock and prepare for a whole day of fun in the sun! The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. Navarre Beach is a little off of the beaten path- and that's one of the best things about it. This river makes you a sense of enchantment, as the mild 5-mile-per-hour current carries your kayak downstream, and each winding curve reveals a vista of lush greenery in the middle of magnificent nature. ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Inn is a great option, with a great location and expresses check-in and check-out. If you are a surfer newbie, there are lots of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach. Thanks for this inspiration! Explore any or all of the 125 miles from the southern end to Lake Okeechobee. A 4 1/2 mile walk on Pine Island Trail allows for the sightings of these delightful animals. The fee for entering the park is $25.00 per vehicle, which is surprisingly affordable considering it includes entrance to the park for up to seven days. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. If you love nature, Blue Springs is the place to be. 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. Stop by to see some breathtaking nature and appreciate the history of the area. In addition, October, November, and December are lovely months to visit due to the lowering temperatures. The prices were reasonable, and the staff was super knowledgeable and friendly. It's around 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, but feels worlds apart with its lush landscape. Better weather would make for a smoother ride. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. Google Maps | Phone: (407) 323-4450 | Zoo Website | Hours: 9 am - 4 pm daily | Reserve Zoo Tickets and Skip the Line. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. When you head out here, remember to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburns since youll be out under the sun all day! Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a day of exploring the caves and appreciating nature. Located along the California coast in Mendocino County lies the historic town of Fort Bragg. Caladesi Island is one of the best beaches in the country and one of the few in Florida that have been kept completely natural. 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 . The truth is, we live in a vast state, so of course, no single list could gather all of the best hidden gems in Florida. Additionally, there is a Plant Sale on March 12th and 13th, and entry is free for the weekend. Come by for a quick lunch or to take advantage of their full bar and gourmet dinner fare. In fact, this area is the most significant winter refuge from Manatees in the entire world. Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! This off-the-beaten-path in Florida is a cluster of 7 islands about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. It was created by a group of artists and features incredible pieces of arts. Get more stories delivered right to your email. I spent a lot of my time on the boat enjoying the scenery. The city of Gainesville is located in north-central Florida, a little less than two hours from Orlando. The Gardens also offer numerous services. 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