You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls. This hidden gem tucked among Florida's barrier islands, is a small community that brings you back to turn-of-the-century Florida. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. Grab a rope and get ready to plunge into the water and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun at this swimming hole. 3. There are so many reasons to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of the hidden gems of the United States. 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. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. By Victoria from Florida Trippers. The Everglades National Park offers some of the most unique experiences in Florida. 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. 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 . All the restaurants are owned by a local who has resided here for years. On land, there are often birds and forms of wildlife to observe. A 4 1/2 mile walk on Pine Island Trail allows for the sightings of these delightful animals. Drive iconic scenic coastal highway 30A to discover a variety of the coolest Florida beach towns. Boasting inlets, islands, forests, and backwaters, this state park is a perfect place to explore Floridas rural side! A trail of statues, memorials, and monuments is in the downtown city of St. Augustine. This was a fun experience that I had when I visited Florida before I moved there, and it was a blast. Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. 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. Another hidden gem and a surprising one at that. Caladesi Island is considered a wild oasis in Florida, this hidden gem in Florida was elected the number one beach in the U.S. in 2018The beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island. The Blueberry Patch is one of the most unique places in St Petersburg, FL. Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. hey Katy, OMG! Thanks for this inspiration! This is the smallest little organic farm but Susie runs a tight ship . 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. This off-the-beaten-path in Florida is a cluster of 7 islands about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. Great post, Paula! If they offer Dramamine, you will likely need it unless you are used to extremely rough waters. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Additionally, there is a Plant Sale on March 12th and 13th, and entry is free for the weekend. This is the most beautiful beach on Anna Maria Island in my opinion. The Rose Garden is central and you can spiral out from there. It is a fantastic spot to experience the best of nature and outdoor activities, with the famous bridge and offshore island. 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. 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! In the heart of the Everglades and mangrove islands lies the remote, wild Tigertail Beach. Google Maps | Phone: (407) 323-4450 | Zoo Website | Hours: 9 am - 4 pm daily | Reserve Zoo Tickets and Skip the Line. There's no menu, no listed prices, and no tap water (only bottles for sale), but guests will be just fine if they bring their own wine and a few people to share the family-style food (and the bill) with. 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. 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. TripAdvisor Cindy R. While Florida might not have too many waterfalls worth checking out, Steinhatchee Falls is a hidden gem that outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy. You need to leave something for future visitors to appreciate! Blowing Rocks Preserve is located in Hobe Sound on narrow Jupiter Island, a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the ocean. Bahia Honda can be visited at any time of the year, however for the best beach weather, visit in the months of March, April, and December. It is best to go during warmer months to avoid feeling too chilly when the water fills the boat. Relax on the beach and nap before heading out to enjoy the chance to relax. Its easy to miss this Florida gem, hidden under a canopy of mangroves and off the junction of I-95 with I-595. The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. If you own or rent a boat, you can also travel the waters and encounter the wildlife. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! Going kayaking to this paradise is considered one of the best things to do in Florida. Located on Pompano Beach, this unpretentious restaurant is tucked right next to a barber shop, and feels like youve just stepped into your grandmothers house. One such site is the natural springs dotted around Crystal River. Wekiwa Springs State Park, a large natural spring system, is a short 30-minute drive from Kelly Rock Springs. 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. ACCOMMODATION: Waterfront Beach Home is a wonderful 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom house on the water. After a few hours, youll also appreciate this little hidden gem. Plus, there's over 8000 acres of trails and gardens! Old Florida Book Shop Back to Top of List. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. { Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. Spend some time getting to know the works of American designer, Louis Comfort Tiffany this museum boasts the worlds most comprehensive collection of his art. Stop by to see some breathtaking nature and appreciate the history of the area. There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. 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.. Photo Credit: Author d4rr3ll from UK. On my trip, approximately 1/3 of the passengers bought Dramamine on the way to the island. History buffs visit the shrine to learn about the life of early . I love discovering off-the-beaten path destinations, especially when theyre recommended by a local. Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. Palma Sola Bay is located on Anna Maria Island. Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. This is a great thing to do on Anna Maria Island, especially if you are traveling with kids. 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. Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. It's around 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, but feels worlds apart with its lush landscape. Bring your own bottle of wine (there is no corkage fee) and be sure to make reservations in advance to be sure that you dont miss out on this dining experience. 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. This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. An interesting opportunity there that is good for a thrill is the Kiss A Gator booth. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park extends over approximately a third of Key Biscayne Island and is home to a remarkably beautiful beach. } Pairing a quaint ambiance with innovative meal offerings, we recommend dinner reservations if you are planning on stopping by. 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. An environmental preserve on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the east coast of Florida. 9. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. During these months, be prepared to bring a rain jacket and umbrella because the rain can be fierce. Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles of northern Florida, and is bursting with activities for any time of year. They have numerous animals to view and learn about, such as baby alligators, turtles, tortoises, lizards, and other marine life. Every year in Florida, as soon as the animals sense the coming winter, they seek out warm locations. Just make sure you do your research, as sadly, some operators are more ethical and devoted than others. 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. A weekend can see up to 400 people! Encompassing more than 200 acres, this garden also features the Singing Tower, a 205 foot structure built on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points on the Florida Peninsula. Bring a picnic or do a barbecue. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida Explore Florida Caverns State Park . This is displayed well in the Jumparoo Show, where the alligators are enticed to jump out of the water to grab a raw chicken that is hanging above them on a rope controlled by the staff. 5) Visit the Cute Small Town of Windermere. It is ideal to arrive as early as possible. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! Flickr/Greg Workman for Florida Fish and Wildlife, Flickr/Meagan Perosha for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr/Scott Ball for Florida Fish and Wildlife. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! Walk the mile of interpretive trail and watch out for the land crabs that might be crossing the road! The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. TOP TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BIOLUMINESCENCE: ACCOMMODATION: theMonumental Hotel Orlandois a great option. 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. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. Soon as the animals sense the coming winter, they seek out warm locations Myers visit... The very best ones are hidden gems in florida to visit still well hidden the animals sense the winter. 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