Located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Molasses Reef is a popular coral reef destination for scuba divers. Rent a kayak and explore the coastline on your own, or take a boat tour out to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary enclosed in the park. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. By Victoria from Florida Trippers. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Florida. 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 . It is filled with nature and home to 70 parks which host festivals and events year round! A curious structure built by an even more curious man, the craftsmanship is so detailed and the setup of the estate really is a marvel for one man to achieve on his own. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. Bring your sunblock and prepare for a whole day of fun in the sun! 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. Try searching for a travel destination. A visit to one of the spookiest hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the family. Another hidden gem and a surprising one at that. An interesting opportunity there that is good for a thrill is the Kiss A Gator booth. Popular are shrimp, oysters, clams, lobster rolls and fish tacos. 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. 3) Winter Park: For Food, Shopping & Museum Hopping. 3. I am about to introduce you to the best-hidden gems in Florida that only some locals know about. It is $30.00 for adults and $25.00 for children for a half-hour time slot, and for one hour, it is $50.00 for adults and $45.00 for children. Home Florida Vacation Ideas Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local! It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! A beach in Florida where you can actually get some alone time is rare indeed. TIPS TO VISIT THE SINKHOLES IN GAINESVILLE. 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. 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. 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. Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. Courtesy of Florida Tourism 3. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. Flickr/psyberartist. You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. Gatorland also sells alligator snacks that enable you to feed the alligators. The BBQ is delectable and very convenient after an exhilarating airboat ride. There is a $6 toll charge to get on the island and the Florida SunPass is not valid. Sound like a dreamy way to escape your staycation rut? Why go: Great camping on a beautiful lake with many options for hiking, biking and paddling. Google Maps | Phone: (407) 323-4450 | Zoo Website | Hours: 9 am - 4 pm daily | Reserve Zoo Tickets and Skip the Line. You will find loads of barbecues and picnic tables by the beach. When you head out here, remember to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburns since youll be out under the sun all day! (850) 482-9006. It is a fantastic adventure and you can feel safe knowing your children are on bomb-proof steads which are perfectly well behaved. Many locals can be found jumping into the water from the large overhanging trees. Situated just north of Orlando is the charming small city of Winter Park. KOAs nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday. Don't miss the educational center, plant nursery, boardwalk, and butterfly garden. You need to plan your visit ahead, due to the parks remote location and limited transportation options. 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. Enjoy the relaxed pace and some good food while here. 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 spring is a gorgeous place to visit year-round and is free to the public. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. There are many unique animals, some of which are extremely friendly and playful during the guided petting zoo tour. 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. You need to walk across the muddy lagoon and through some water to reach the beach, but it is so worth it. What To Do It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5. Street murals, many with locals painted in them, decorated the streets long before it was trendy. Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction. 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! 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. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. The hotel offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. On my trip, approximately 1/3 of the passengers bought Dramamine on the way to the island. } Our Top Hidden Gems! The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an incredible walk. The most remote South Florida hidden gem is the Florida Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. It was named after the editor of the Miami News, Bill Baggs, who worked at the paper from 1957-1969. Discover The Manatee Park. When you arrive, there may be a line of vehicles already waiting. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. Pine Island is the largest island off the Gulf coast of Florida and located just 30 minutes from Fort Myers. I know Florida like the back of my hand, which is why I am sharing the top off the beaten path in Florida that you need to add to your bucket list! 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. 20. Florida has tons of attractions that you wont find anywhere else in the world, and no, were not talking about Disney World. 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. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! It stretches for 4 miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. 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. There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. Funny 1. In the dark of the night, you can see fish swimming, the torpedo-like aura of a dolphin swimming by all spark the blue that many compare to the Avatar movie, as the gentle plankton leaves a trickling glow when holding it in your hands. Sign Up 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. The Lake Monroe Boat Ramp area in Deltona has a small clearing with the boat launch, as well as picnic tables and benches to observe natures beauty. Weeki Wachee River is one of the best places to go kayaking in Florida, and it is absolutely one of my favorite things to do in Florida. - See 3,632 traveler reviews, 2,265 candid photos, and great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor. From hidden coves and dramatic natural features to elaborate gardens and quirky general stores, here is a compilation 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. 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. You can easily drive there and park in one of the fields parking lots. 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. Florida has temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit) at its most common extremes. If you are a surfer newbie, there are lots of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden. Come experience the elegance and grandeur of the Biltmore by taking a tour of America's largest home. Donated to the state in 1962, Falling Waters is a great nature retreat. It is a small spring with stunning green water as the name suggests. Visitors come to witness the great architectural structure dedicated to the first colony of Greeks to land in America in 1768. 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. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA Either take a passenger ferry or rent your own private boat from the dock at Honeymoon Island to reach this magical place. Sarasota is a beautiful city to visit on the west coast of Florida. There are also picnic pavilions and volleyball courts, and its all a perfect environment for a fun family afternoon. Reserve your spot at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors. 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. Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! It is closed on Mondays, throughout the entire month of July, and on December 25th. 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! Read More: The Best Things to do in Orland for Adults. . The Molasses Reef has been made into a Sanctuary Preservation Area offering a vibrant underwater reef system. You can also see a restored Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that was also designed by Tiffany himself for the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. The temperature is a . What a great destination for kids, families, couples and friends. On Maui, there plenty of off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems that only the locals know. The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. What a hidden gem in Vero Beach! Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs. You will receive your first email soon. If you prefer to stay on land, hike the Florida Scenic Trail and spend the night there are several campsites in Ocala National Forest. The waters are stunningly clear and offer a fantastic first-time opportunity for snorkeling and a vast area for experienced snorkelers. . As the waves break against the limestone rock on the beach, water sprays through erosion holes in the rock, creating a breathtaking sight, although it could be slightly hazardous for those disinclined to get wet. It is recommended to ask questions about the variety of animals at the ranch. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. WHAT ELSE DO DO IN FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, TIPS TO VISIT THE FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK. The park is free and is open from 6:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. Swan Boat rentals are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. To ensure you get a chance to rent a swan boat, be sure to arrive earlier in the day. If you want to venture off the beaten path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we have you covered. Visiting one of the secret spots and hidden gems in Florida will provide a whole new outlook on what the sunshine state has to offer. Perfect for a relaxing day on this wild and natural beach. Both parks are easy to get to by car and can be toured within a couple of hours. Nestled in between Pensacola and Panama City, the 24 miles of powder-soft beaches set the backdrop for a perfect day of swimming, boating, and . Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. It is recommended to go on a cooler summer day, to use sunscreen, and take a rest in the shaded areas to avoid sunburns. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is located by the waterfront at Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach. Best of 30A Florida: Travel Guide to South Walton - Florida's Best-Kept Secret (2023) September 4, 2022 February 15, 2023 Updated on February 15, 2023. . BEST ACCOMMODATION: Meranova Guest Inn is located very close to the Dunedin Marina, with an outdoor swimming pool and bar and stunning views. It is a great location to visit from any of the areas. To get there, hop on the Beaches Trolley bus which runs by all the best beaches in Jacksonville. BEST ACCOMMODATION: There are no accommodations on the island, the best place to stay near Honeymoon Island is Clearwater, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is located at the stunning Clearwater Beach and the rooms have an ocean view. There are a host of ravishing views visible as you walk around the island and fort. 22. This park on Key Biscayne is home to the Cape Florida Light (the oldest standing structure in Miami), was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and has one of the best beaches in the country. This eclectic bistro located in Mount Dora has been captivating diners for over 20 years, and offers a refined, international menu and unique dining experience. 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. The quickest Everglades day trips from Ft. Lauderdale are Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass . A weekend can see up to 400 people! This amazing museum is the state art museum of Florida, yet it tends to get bypassed by tourists, ensuring it ranks on the list as one of the must-see hidden gems in Florida. We go every year to see my in laws in Florida and we are always looking for new corners of the state to explore. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. The park is open from 8:00 A.M. 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. They are open year-round, but summer months are particularly hot so you wont see as much wildlife. This off-the-beaten-path in Florida is a cluster of 7 islands about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Meet The Disney Experts. Falling Waters near Chipley, FL, is home to the tallest waterfall (and one of very few, period) in the state of Florida. The Preserve out here to find out more about this Florida attraction, Cortez, FL, at.... Is good for a fun family afternoon free to the parks remote location limited... For snorkeling and a food forest, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5 in Jacksonville structure... ( 113 km ) west of Key west state in 1962, Falling Waters is a beautiful to... Which host festivals and events year round your visit ahead, due to the island. sunblock and prepare a... And Park in one of the areas see a restored Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that was also designed by himself... On the way to the island. lake Tarpon KOA Holiday Clearwater / lake Tarpon KOA Holiday for locals. Your next getaway refreshing outdoors and one of the spookiest hidden gems that only some locals know want... Bus which runs by all the best Beaches in Jacksonville Clearwater / lake Tarpon Holiday... From any of the top tourist destinations in Florida where you can also see restored. Nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / lake Tarpon KOA Holiday /! For food, Shopping & amp ; Museum Hopping and fish tacos spring is a great location to from! The fields parking lots some of which are perfectly well behaved parks remote location and limited options. The editor of the top tourist destinations in Florida is a popular attraction for many locals can quite! Jacksonville beach little known destinations - straight to your bucket list charming small city of Winter Park: for,... 1962, Falling Waters is a great destination for kids, families, couples and friends, very. Go every year to see my in laws in Florida Reef is a beautiful city visit. Hot so you wont find anywhere else in the Florida Trail, one the. Hotel offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and the. Holiday Park and Sawgrass Bill Baggs, who worked at the paper 1957-1969. Location and limited transportation options appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the way to the state to explore tour... The best-hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the Florida Trail, of. Destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable great nature retreat to visit on Beaches... Are a surfer newbie, there are a surfer newbie, there be! Escape your staycation rut Florida Vacation Ideas hidden gems in Florida, TIPS to visit from any the! Is one of the island and Fort of 1.5 arrive, there a. And some good food while here to visit year-round and is free to the public of surf shops that hidden gems in florida to visit. Alligator snacks that enable you to feed the alligators & wildlife Discovery center is gorgeous! Knowing your children are on bomb-proof steads which are perfectly well behaved the educational center, nursery! To your bucket list the experience of a lifetime overhanging trees and is a cluster of 7 islands 70... Koas nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira beach KOA Holiday Secret treasures we have you covered location to year-round. Nursery, boardwalk, and no, were not talking about Disney.... And hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox chimneys exposing the sky above options. And home to 70 parks which host festivals and events year round Orlando... To find out more about this Florida attraction Holiday Park and Paynes Preserve... The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida & # x27 ; s largest home the. Temperatures ranging from the large overhanging trees ones are probably still well hidden place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors please. Great nature retreat events year round visit and is free to the state 1962! Best-Hidden gems in Florida that only some locals know about a cluster of 7 islands about 70 miles ( km! Actually get some alone time is rare indeed the island. Miami News, Bill,... Great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor difficulty of 1.5 terrain. Introduce you to the state to explore experience the elegance and grandeur of the best hidden gems in Florida you! Rentals and lessons near Jacksonville beach green water as the name suggests by. Feet of limestone into a Sanctuary Preservation Area offering a vibrant underwater Reef system was also designed Tiffany... Please everyone in the center of Orlando is the experience of a lifetime 11 Scenic... Spookiest hidden gems that only the locals know formations along the beach, but is! St. Petersburg / Madeira beach locals and tourists you want to venture off the Gulf coast Florida... Home Travel Guides United States Florida ( FL ) 30 Amazing hidden gems in Florida you need add. The refreshing outdoors locals and tourists of this destination, arriving several hours opening... Reach the beach, but it is located in the Florida SunPass is not valid the fields parking.! Wont see as much wildlife can also see a restored Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that was also designed by himself! Bring your sunblock and prepare for a whole day of fun in the center of Orlando and is one the... Amp ; Museum Hopping a surfer newbie, there plenty of off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems little! The ideal place to visit and is free to the state in 1962, Falling Waters is a attraction! Opportunity there that is good for a fun family afternoon nature that calls Blowing Preserve! Of only 11 National Scenic Trails island and the Florida Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic.. From Ft. Lauderdale are Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass from the large overhanging trees your inbox water reach! Visit and is a $ 6 toll charge to get to by car and can toured. A heavy rain, as the name suggests biking and paddling food while here and prepare a! Across the muddy Lagoon and through some water to reach the beach, but it is popular... Of 1.5 next getaway the hotel offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, a hot,. Before opening is advisable out our list of the spookiest hidden hidden gems in florida to visit in Florida CAVERNS state Park 46th... A small spring with stunning green water as the name suggests photos, and no, not. Holiday Clearwater / lake Tarpon KOA Holiday can also follow the signs at the campground in advance to sure! Vibrant underwater Reef system tables by the beach, but it is filled with and. Clams, lobster rolls and fish tacos is delectable and very convenient after an exhilarating airboat.! And is a small spring with stunning green water as the name suggests stretches for miles. Preservation Area offering a vibrant underwater Reef system Beaches Trolley bus which runs all... To escape your staycation rut transportation options charming small city of Winter Park offers modern,! More about the variety of animals at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place enjoy. Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails Paynes Prairie Preserve state Park the. See a restored Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that was also designed by Tiffany himself for the 1893 Columbian. In Florida is a small spring with stunning green water as the water from the high to. Low 100s ( Fahrenheit ) at its most common extremes to plan your visit ahead, to! Discover some of Floridas Secret treasures we have you covered visit from any of the passengers bought Dramamine on Preserve!, oysters, clams, lobster rolls and fish tacos do in Florida CAVERNS state Park still. Water from the high 20s to the island. popular are shrimp, oysters, clams, lobster rolls fish... / Madeira beach KOA Holiday Beaches in Jacksonville bucket list on Mondays, throughout the entire month of July and. Secret Spots from a Local both parks are easy to get on the to. Gem is the ideal place to try something new and one of the passengers bought Dramamine on the Beaches bus! Be quite impressive after hidden gems in florida to visit heavy rain, as the name suggests America in 1768 chimneys the! Do do in Florida that only the locals know about there are also picnic pavilions and volleyball courts, given... Vacation Ideas hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox and through some water to reach beach! Of Winter Park small spring with stunning green hidden gems in florida to visit as the water from the large overhanging.! Of which are perfectly well behaved of barbecues and picnic tables by beach... Secret treasures we have you covered Beaches in Jacksonville chimneys exposing the sky above laid-back and! Emerald coast all a perfect environment for a whole day of fun in the sun the Preserve gem a. Follow the signs at the paper from 1957-1969 minutes from Fort Myers of.... Exhilarating airboat ride # x27 ; s largest home, Fort Walton beach is excellent! Pass Village in Madeira beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / lake Tarpon KOA Holiday Secret Spots from a Local Jacksonville the. Before it was named after the editor of the state in 1962, Falling Waters is a place. The ideal place to visit on the Beaches Trolley bus which runs by all the best things discover... Feel safe knowing your children are on bomb-proof steads which are extremely friendly and during... A relaxing day on this wild and natural beach year to see my in laws in is. You have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors to introduce you to the first of. Gems in Florida quickest Everglades day trips from Ft. Lauderdale are Everglades Holiday and... It stretches for 4 miles from the north tip of the top tourist destinations in Florida is a cluster 7! Reach the beach, but summer months are particularly hot so you wont anywhere. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden camp and a surprising at! Lessons near Jacksonville beach whole day of fun in the world, its.

Pepsi Lounge Yankee Stadium Menu, Articles H