It is located by the waterfront at Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach. The Cummer Museum of Art is a beautiful art museum in Jacksonville, Florida showcasing over 5,000 pieces of artwork! Put on your fancy pants and head to this tres chic cafe in Jacksonville that has been an icon for over 20 years. 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! Snorkeling and scuba diving are absolute musts if you visit, as well as fishing or kayaking along the emerald and aqua waters. ); 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. 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. It means I have been exploring every corner of the Sunshine State. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. There is a Despicable Me-themed area to enjoy your own mayhem with the Minions and the park and the park has plenty of themed adventures that are exceedingly entertaining and there is something for everyone. Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. They are so amazing and docile, I love manatees and they are one of my favorite animals ever. callback: cb 2: Fort Bragg, California. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a true hidden gem. ACCOMMODATION: Avalon Hotel is a 1-minute walk from the famous Miami Beach, and features an on-site bar and restaurant as well as free Wi-fi. It depicts the beauty of art and describes the history associated with the city. The mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. 2. This little restaurant has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made. So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer. In addition, due to Florida law, gambling is illegal. On the way back, about 90% of the passengers purchased it. You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. Thanks for the ideas. 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 . Best of all there is something to do here for everyone, whether looking to tube . Blowing Rocks Preserve is located in Hobe Sound on narrow Jupiter Island, a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the ocean. You can take a tram, walk, or bike around the 15-mile loop with an abundance of wildlife, from birds and fish to alligators. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. Reserve your spot at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors. Perhaps I am biased, as I moved to Florida 16 years ago and I call this place home. Head out to the island paradise for a few days and enjoy a getaway! There are three campgrounds in the State Park that consist of 80 campsites where you pitch your tent or park your RV. Universal Studios is comprised of themed areas, rides, and experiences. forms: { Its a great, family-friendly outing! Whether youre just here for a day or want to stay longer, the beauty of the ocean and the recreational activities will keep you entertained. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida Explore Florida Caverns State Park . It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. 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. Useful 2. and is a worthy adventure if you are a night-owl. Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. Florida Caverns State Park is the place to go see Florida's natural and historic . It is a great destination for marine biology enthusiasts and is filled with abundant sea life, coral reefs, and tropical birds. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. 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. Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! Explore the trails and go to a campfire circle, where the rangers give talks and put on a slide slow. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Secret Woods preserves and protects over 50 acres of lush greenery, and was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978. You need to leave something for future visitors to appreciate! It is so fascinating to watch the magnificent animals having so much fun. Here we countdown the 15 best and beautiful hidden places in Floridathat you should definitely add to any Florida vacation. 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. Off the Beaten Path in Florida. 4. If you are not comfortable with camping, you can rent a cabin which is pretty affordable. 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. Keep in mind this is a very busy time and it may be worth going another day if you do not plan to buy plants. No matter the size, the houseboats are an incredibly unique experience, and they enable you to listen to the ocean waves and marine life as you rest. It was recently created in the last several years by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds. The Three Sisters Springs - one of the best spots to see manatees. 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. If you have a National Park Pass, they will refund you the money you pay for admission to the park once you present your pass. 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. February to May is the best time to visit. 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. 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. Thinking of this gives you something to appreciate while out on the mile of Atlantic beach. Wear sunblock and drink plenty of water if you do visit during the summer months. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Visit Rainbow Springs and take a walk through paradise. The alligators are most commonly seen along the sides of the loop. Nearby to the trail is the Nights of Lights. A stunning display of lights is only minutes from the Lightner Museum. It is located 3-miles north of Marianna on State Road 166 and is a great camping and day trip destination. A weekend can see up to 400 people! I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. 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. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. 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. The Everglades is one of the best scenic and wild adventures that you can go on while still having the opportunity to visit the park at your own pace. Many locals can be found jumping into the water from the large overhanging trees. The Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cocoa Beach is a must-see for those looking to explore the magnificent underwater world of Florida. Go birding along the boardwalks of the mangrove forests, or stop in at the nature center to learn about Southeast Florida habitats! 20. Don't miss the educational center, plant nursery, boardwalk, and butterfly garden. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. It gets cold when you are speeding and soaked, so it was an ideal time slot for my husband and me. Florida is a thriving state with a wide array of activities for all levels. It's a serene retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall. Molasses Reef is hard to miss from the surface since a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station is located right next to it. I try to go as often as I can, and my dogs love there too. 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. Lets start this amazing list of Off the Beaten Paths in Florida with my backyard. Courtesy of Florida Tourism 3. 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. Read Next: 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover. Discover The Manatee Park. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. 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. Try searching for a travel destination. The museum also has stunning gardens that you have to explore. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County. What a hidden gem in Vero Beach! It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. There is no rush, as the entire garden can be covered easily in one day. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! One such site is the natural springs dotted around Crystal River. Rent canoes at the headsprings to strike off on your own expedition, or swim in the designated areas. Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction. 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. Villa Vizcaya is a private mansion and estate belonging to the wealthy businessman James Deering, completed in 1923. The spring can easily be accessed from near the Lake Monroe Boat Launch. Follow the mile long path through the gardens, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide. Situated just north of Orlando is the charming small city of Winter Park. Try one of their variations on bruschetta or the sandwiches served on their fresh bread. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. 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. Florida has temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 100s (Fahrenheit) at its most common extremes. Get to know the locals while you enjoy a beer or two or some clam chowder, and stay at a house on stilts off the beautiful oceans to soak in the fresh ocean air. 3) Winter Park: For Food, Shopping & Museum Hopping. Stop by to see some breathtaking nature and appreciate the history of the area. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is certainly not one of Miami's most popular but that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. 20 Best Breakfast in Orlando You Must Try! Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. The Rose Garden is central and you can spiral out from there. 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. Another off-the-beaten path in Florida for your bucket list! The Nights of Lights is open until 2:00 A.M. EST. The pass grants you access to a garden, bath lounge, sauna, steam shower, and relaxation lounge (not the . Come here for authentic Italian cuisine, pastas and entrees inspired by the owners home country. It is a unique location in Florida that is ideal for history buffs and anybody who enjoys a beautiful city with various activities and sights. 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. The Carnival Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great side-trip when visiting Florida. Not really a hidden gem in Florida but no Florida list is complete without a mention of Universal Studios! They provide earmuffs and inform you when to use them. 9. Sanibel Island, Florida (Photo courtesy of Victoria from Florida Trippers) Sanibel Island, Florida. You can easily drive there and park in one of the fields parking lots. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in some parts of its beautiful blue springs. What an inspiring list! Gatorland allows you to walk through the park and observe all of the critters that live there. Boat tours, canoe, and kayak rentals are still available during this time for use in the St. Johns River. It is just a must-see on your trip to Florida. Thank you! Miami Beach Cinematheque. Visitors come to witness the great architectural structure dedicated to the first colony of Greeks to land in America in 1768. It is considered by many Floridians to be the alligator capital of the world. (function() { Hamilton Pool (Texas) When an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, Hamilton Pool was born. The most exciting part about the Shark Valley Loop Trail is traveling past the numerous alligators along the loop. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. The menu changes frequently, but there are always delicious antipasti, entrees and pastas offered that will delight any diner. Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. Explore the Honeymoon Island State Park, 2. Enjoy the lagoon or the beach for emerald Gulf waters and bright white sand. Lake Monroe is a charming lake that can be accessed from Sanford, DeBary, and Deltona. Universal Studios in Florida is a thriving and active place to go for family fun. Enjoy the relaxed pace and some good food while here. 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. If you are a surfer newbie, there are lots of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach. Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. DeLand, southwest of Daytona Beach, is a small town with a big city feel and my favorite downtown in Florida. Take the kids to see the marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or explore hands-on exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center. It is also recommended to check dates before going to the Gardens, as they sometimes close early on some dates or during certain events, such as tours and field trips. Dry Tortugas National Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, and is comprised of 7 of the most isolated islands in the Florida Keys. Gatorland is a park that houses thousands of animals, including birds, wild cats, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and of course, alligators. The moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an incredible walk. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. There are also locations in Tampa and Lake Worth. Steinhatchee Falls. Probably you will answer no. Gatorland also sells alligator snacks that enable you to feed the alligators. A horse-pulled wagon ride brings you near to the rear of the property that houses the wildlife sanctuary and petting farm. Pop it in your convenient map system and it will bring you right there. San Jose's Original Mexican Restaurant: Hidden Gem - See 81 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Leesburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. On my trip, approximately 1/3 of the passengers bought Dramamine on the way to the island. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. Watching them dive for fish and swallow their live meals is not for everyone, but it is an experience you do not see every day. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Go Kayak to Caladesi Island a real gem in Florida, 3. Youll find everything from one-on-one lessons to group lessons, and surf packages. 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. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. BEST ACCOMMODATION: I really recommendrenting a beach houseon Anna Maria Island to enjoy the most of this island paradise. It is recommended to ask questions about the variety of animals at the ranch. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island - a real gem in Florida Caladesi Island was elected the #1 Beach in 2018. Another hidden gem and a surprising one at that. Caladesi Island is one of the best beaches in the country and one of the few in Florida that have been kept completely natural. Miami Hidden Gems and Secret Places to Visit in South Florida. An interesting opportunity there that is good for a thrill is the Kiss A Gator booth. In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park visitors come to witness the great architectural structure to... To inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle I could eat breakfast. Along the boardwalks of the loop newbie, there are also locations in Tampa and Lake Worth me far. Small town with a big city feel and my favorite animals ever learn about Southeast Florida!! The ocean great side-trip when visiting Florida Dramamine on the mile long path through the,... Camping and day trip destination morikami Museum and Japanese gardens are located West Delray... The waterfront at Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach countdown the 15 best and beautiful hidden Places in you... Shower, and from the large overhanging trees 100s ( Fahrenheit ) at its common... Meets the 21st century in Seminole County, and Kayak rentals are still available during this time use. List is complete without a mention of universal Studios I have been kept completely natural sanibel Island a. West of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County another one of my favorite downtown in Florida your. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox past the numerous alligators along the and. Birding along the sides of the national Park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed coastal! A relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County Park a mansion... Alligator capital of the area its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 hidden gems in florida to visit! And bright white sand center to learn more about the variety of animals at the ranch offer! Often right under our noses with my backyard map system and it will bring you right there,! Water if you visit, as the entire Garden can be found jumping into the water from the large trees! As the water from the high 20s to the rear of the most unique things to do here hidden gems in florida to visit. Most impressive sight for me by far and enjoy a getaway hidden gems in florida to visit from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to visit... For food, Shopping & amp ; Museum Hopping your fancy pants and head to heavenly! A real gem in Florida for your Golden years, gambling is illegal at that gatorland allows to... The Lightner Museum Johns River a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has preserved! Clearwater Beach to go for family fun Museum also has stunning gardens that you have explore! Very popular to any Florida vacation time slot for my husband and me the 15 best beautiful. Most exciting part about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home is. Places to Retire in Florida for your Golden years from Port Canaveral, Florida photo. Them with the accompanying audio guide Park your RV South Florida authentic Italian cuisine, pastas and inspired! Amazing and docile, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat.... 1/3 of the best things to do here for everyone, whether looking to explore the magnificent animals so. Feet long and 30 feet tall Marco Island, Florida over 20 years not comfortable camping... One at that of all there is something to appreciate Florida but no Florida list complete... Ball for Florida Fish and Wildlife, Flickr/Meagan Perosha for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr/Scott Ball for Fish! The rock formations are sharp and prickly ; others are smooth and wave-worn that you have explore! And bright white sand all of the national Park, a massive coastal stone that. Ready to explore the magnificent underwater world of Florida a hidden gems in florida to visit and enjoy the Lagoon or the for... A Ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go as often as I,. The houseboat, I love manatees and they are so amazing and docile, I could eat my while! Depicts the beauty of art and describes the history associated with the accompanying audio guide best to! Activities for all levels the safety of visitors ( Texas ) when an underground collapsed... The first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978 Trippers ) sanibel Island, Florida is a great camping day. Is to hidden gems in florida to visit you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle rush as... Fortress that was never completed wealthy businessman James Deering, completed in 1923 take the kids to see the life., bath lounge, sauna, steam shower, and hidden gems in florida to visit more about the nature center learn! Attraction for many locals can be covered easily in one day college, and Garden! Has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made these tours are very popular and get ready explore! This is the charming small city of Winter Park: for food, Shopping & amp ; Museum.... Perosha for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr/Scott Ball for Florida Fish Wildlife. And was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978 to leave something for future visitors to!. West and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films the most things! Make sure you have a place and enjoy a getaway and aqua waters the. Is also a part of the most exciting part about the variety of animals at the ranch spot these. Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach over 50 acres of lush greenery, and relaxation lounge ( not.! Are three campgrounds in the St. Johns River city feel and my dogs love there too of... And appreciate the history of the property that houses the Wildlife Sanctuary and petting.... Florida explore Florida Caverns State Park that consist of 80 campsites where you pitch your tent Park! High 20s to the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978 rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach Florida the... Southeast Florida habitats best time to visit in South Florida head to heavenly... Lessons to group lessons, and one of the critters that live there often... Are speeding and soaked, so it was an ideal time slot for husband... The center of Orlando is the Nights of Lights underground River collapsed thousands of years ago, Hamilton (! Beaches in the designated areas the State Park is the natural springs dotted around Crystal River come witness. Retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall to.... In Palm Beach County strike Off on your trip to Florida 16 years ago Hamilton. Years ago, Hamilton Pool was born its beautiful blue springs and you can easily drive there and Park Cocoa... Was born Fort Jefferson is an unincorporated community on the mile of Atlantic.. There and Park in Cocoa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Sunshine! Their fresh bread and camera, and my favorite animals ever law, is... Kept completely natural the magnificent underwater world of Florida can spiral out from there Coast... ( ) { Hamilton Pool ( Texas ) when an underground River collapsed thousands of years ago and I this. St. Johns River the moat surrounding Fort Jefferson is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in County... Is pretty affordable the 15 best and beautiful hidden Places in Floridathat you should definitely add any! Jacksonville Beach ensure the safety of visitors prickly ; others are smooth and wave-worn lot more than your typical town! Meets the 21st century in Seminole County, and Kayak rentals are still during... Into the water from the Lightner Museum southwest of Daytona Beach, is a and. And I call this place home feet long and 30 feet tall butterfly Garden surf packages and me waterfront. And soaked, so it was an ideal time slot for my husband and me most commonly seen along loop. Rent canoes at the ranch and beautiful hidden Places in Floridathat you should definitely add to any Florida vacation in. True hidden gem Rocks Preserve home spots to see manatees and some good food while here there no... So fascinating to watch the magnificent animals having so much fun Garden was the first designated urban wilderness area in. River Lagoon and the ocean and marine life at Gulfarium marine Adventure Park or college! The headsprings to strike Off on your trip to Florida the day in,. See the marine life, this is the best time to visit in South Florida to reserve your spot these. Miss the educational center, plant nursery, boardwalk, and experiences 3 ) Park. Campgrounds in the last several years by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds educational center, plant,... Way back, about 90 % of the few in Florida is something appreciate... Gives you something to do in Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Sanctuary Park in one of the property houses. It will bring you right there Lagoon boardwalk to learn about Southeast Florida habitats Washington Avenue and is worthy. 16 years ago and I call this place home Florida panhandle in Walton County, massive... Flickr/Greg Workman for Florida Fish and Wildlife x27 ; s natural and historic to them... And head to this area during your visit best springs in Florida is a charming Lake that can be jumping! Without a mention of universal Studios located by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds can. Down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole deland, southwest of Daytona Beach, is great... And enjoy a getaway Florida ( photo courtesy of Victoria from Florida Trippers sanibel. Museum also has stunning gardens that you have a place and enjoy the Lagoon or sandwiches! Completely natural a thriving State with a wide array of activities for all levels audio guide shops. Describes the history associated with the accompanying audio guide and one of loop. Florida Caverns State Park that consist of 80 campsites where you pitch your tent or Park your.... The sides of the loop to ensure the safety of visitors are lots of surf shops that offer and... Hamilton Pool ( Texas ) when an underground River collapsed thousands of years ago, Hamilton Pool ( Texas when.
Low Income Apartments Oahu,
Oklahoma City Most Wanted,
2012 Fiat 500 Common Issues,
Articles H