They often reside partially in the water and partially on land. An aviary with birds, fish, a turtle, a tortoise and a bunny named Cotton are also on the farm as is a gopher tortoise named Charles Xavier. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. It is a master-planned community that is located outside Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. A nice break from your typical Florida beach town, Anna Maria Island will be that beachy escape that leaves you feeling rested. I love that it isnt as touristy as other spots and has many interesting activities nearby for those days when its not beach weather. Here are Florida's secret gems. Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is off mile marker 37 and spans over 500 acres of lush land. Stop by in January for the Oshogatsu Festival, in April for the Hatsume Fair, or in October for their Lantern Festival. Come experience the elegance and grandeur of the Biltmore by taking a tour of America's largest home. Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and the National Park is well-knowing for the magnificent Fort Jefferson, the stunning blue waters, the incredible coral reefs, and the rich marine life. 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. Chincoteague, VA. You will pay a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10.75 per adult. Winter Park is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, including a robust park system and a gorgeous chain of lakes. Click here to find out more about this Florida hidden gem. Sign Up { 2. Universal Studios is comprised of themed areas, rides, and experiences. From the shops, restaurants, galleries and a wide array of activities, there is no shortage of things to do. Stunning flower beds can are along the path and there are plenty of local restaurants. Besides selling a diverse selection of quilts hand-stitched on . 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. Universal Studios in Florida is a thriving and active place to go for family fun. Caladesi Island State Park is located on the island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa Beach. Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. Located in South Florida since 1957, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum is still one of the best hidden gems in Miami. The self-guided tour can be taken structurally, going from one garden to the next. Villa Vizcaya is a private mansion and estate belonging to the wealthy businessman James Deering, completed in 1923. The top deck is a fabulous place to soak in the sunshine and enjoy a cold beverage. 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. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is the perfect place to get a great Florida feel. Surprise! Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County. If you love this article, I also recommend: If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. ACCOMMODATION: An excellent option is the Alfond Inn, a beautiful hotel located in Winter Park with a restaurant serving amazing food, including brunch. The temperature is a . The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. It is just a must-see on your trip to Florida. Now children and adults in the area alike come out here on hot summer days. Drive iconic scenic coastal highway 30A to discover a variety of the coolest Florida beach towns. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. 2: Fort Bragg, California. 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! This is a great thing to do on Anna Maria Island, especially if you are traveling with kids. forms: { Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! If you dont have your own horse, you can go on a. 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. 4. It was named after the editor of the Miami News, Bill Baggs, who worked at the paper from 1957-1969. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter Series, the Harry Potter portion of the park is a must-see experience. The Goblin Market is an eclectic bistro that is a must-visit for anyone near the charming town of Mount Dora. version 2.0. Youll walk away with more knowledge of the area and some great pictures of the waterfalls. Read More: The Best Things to do in Orland for Adults. Relax on the beach and nap before heading out to enjoy the chance to relax. Cormorants flutter over you in the mangroves, along with many other extensive types of birds. Make sure to see Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890 and still standing to this day. Many locals can be found jumping into the water from the large overhanging trees. Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. Soak in the sun at Bean Point Beach (a real off-the-beaten-path Florida). I hope you enjoyed this list of the best off-the-beaten-path Florida. Crystal River State Park in Citrus County, FL. What are the most unique things to do in Florida? Make this a nice afternoon coffee and snack break the next time youre in Jacksonville! You can easily drive there and park in one of the fields parking lots. 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. There are camping cabins onsite and beaches, boat slips and hiking trails. He lived in the second story of the castle tower and gave private tours until his death, never disclosing his construction techniques. Tours are by appointment only. There are three cozy dining rooms lined with books, or a lush, green courtyard and patio. Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, a Caladesi Cafe, and showers available on the island. It is a great location to visit from any of the areas. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of my favorite places to bring the kids; the mermaids are back! It means I have been exploring every corner of the Sunshine State. It's located in Florida, United States.Melbourne's Hidden Gem it back in action!! 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. It is easy to navigate the various areas of the garden, which are separated by name on the map. There are a lot of parks to spend leisure evening and also very liberal society. Appreciate the magnitude of these gentle giants without disturbing them and. ); 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. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. 1. Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways in Florida. Sarasota is a beautiful city to visit on the west coast of Florida. 3) Winter Park: For Food, Shopping & Museum Hopping. Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. You need to plan your visit ahead, due to the parks remote location and limited transportation options. While in the water with your horse, the trainer will teach you how to do some tricks on the horse. The Rose Garden is central and you can spiral out from there. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( 2. This Bed & Breakfast has continental and a la carte breakfast and rooms with a terrace. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. You need to walk across the muddy lagoon and through some water to reach the beach, but it is so worth it. Powered by Mai Theme, 19 Best Day Trips From Tampa Worth The Effort, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock. Going kayaking to this paradise is considered one of the best things to do in Florida. 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 mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. 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. Enjoy the lagoon or the beach for emerald Gulf waters and bright white sand. The ferry provides a morning snack, lunch, and showers so that people can snorkel and rinse off. 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. Florida Caverns State Park is the place to go see Florida's natural and historic . From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. 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. on: function(evt, cb) { The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! While in the neighborhood, stop at Alma Sue's Quilts.. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Florida. Come put your feet up here and get away from the stress of big city life. The waters are stunningly clear and offer a fantastic first-time opportunity for snorkeling and a vast area for experienced snorkelers. This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the "Off the Beaten Path" of every . There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. . It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. The parking is ample, if the oceanfront lot is full, you can park across the street at the education center, Pets are not allowed at the Blowing Rocks Preserve. Either take a passenger ferry or rent your own private boat from the dock at Honeymoon Island to reach this magical place. It was created by a group of artists and features incredible pieces of arts. With 24 miles of picturesque coastline, it offers plenty of activities in the summer. Manatee Sanctuary Park. Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed. There are also boats tours offered or kayaks available for rent, should you wish to explore the river. Another hidden gem and a surprising one at that. It is also great for spotting the many manatees in the area. Laura also interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in 1995. 05 of 10. Hidden Gems in Florida. Go swim with Manatees at Crystal River, 8. It is surprising to see such stunning sights right in the city of Orlando. 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. At its core, the attractions in Florida are a huge draw for visitors. This surf spot is called the poles and is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Cow Key is a quick drive into the more popular areas of Key West, and there are almost unlimited activities. 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. It is ideal to arrive as early as possible. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. Once on shore, Dry Tortugas Island displays stunningly clear blue waters and the opportunity to explore Fort Jefferson and its history. Roadside Rusted Ford Trucks, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA. 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. The horses and ponies for the trail rides are in good condition and are very well-behaved. 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. Explore 26 hidden and unique gems in the Fort Lauderdale area, including the best attractions, farmers markets, dive bars, restaurants and nightlife spots. It is recommended to go on a cooler summer day, to use sunscreen, and take a rest in the shaded areas to avoid sunburns. Among other exhibits are American art pottery and early 2th century American paintings and graphics. Gasparilla Island State Park is separated from the Florida Mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. However, this cruise gives you the freedom to gamble in international waters. For the best conditions, head to either spot in the winter. Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. Not really a hidden gem in Florida but no Florida list is complete without a mention of Universal Studios! On the bright side, Blue Springs State Park is not all about water activities. One of those happens to be a tarantula. Formed in a hurricane in 1921, sand and earth formed a beautiful beach that boasts a 3 mile nature trail, marina, pavilions and concession stand. Amish Community. And you'll find no buildings over three stories. We go every year to see my in laws in Florida and we are always looking for new corners of the state to explore. Also a major environmental protectionist, he worked to protect the key and preserve some of its natural state, such as the land of Bill Baggs State Park. Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the off season Rainbow Springs is only accessible on the weekends. There are also ample opportunities to go birding or view other diverse kinds of wildlife, or go fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or swimming. Juno Beach is one of my favorite places to visit in Florida. You will receive your first email soon. I highly recommend listening to the suggestions from the staff as it was a rough ride in January when I went. Cummer Museum of Art. The city of Gainesville is located in north-central Florida, a little less than two hours from Orlando. Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. It is open to the public all year round, so dont miss out when you are in the area! There are no traffic lights, no chain restaurants or hotels. It is also a thrilling place for an adventurous date. Blowing Rocks Preserve is very unique, You will find here miles of sandy beaches, with craggy limestone shore that looks like it belongs in Maine or Hawaii. The beauty of Honeymoon Island is that its very well preserved, and you can easily spend the whole day here. ! Off-the-Beaten-Path Orlando Hidden Gems Things to Do. This Gulf Coast barrier island is a great destination for any beach or nature lover. Once you arrive, the fee is $6.00 per vehicle, and you can stay until sundown. This hidden gem tucked among Florida's barrier islands, is a small community that brings you back to turn-of-the-century Florida. The centerpiece of the Circus Museum is a 3,800 square-foot operational Circus Model, a 44,000-piece re-creation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baileys Circus combined shows from 1919 to 1938. I want to swim with a manatee!!! Why go: Great camping on a beautiful lake with many options for hiking, biking and paddling. This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. Juno Beach sits between Jupiter and West Palm Beach, and it is home to the unspoiled coastline, blissfully laid-back vibes, and home of the most beloved residents, sea turtles! It is best to avoid going in the evening because that is the time that most of the kids come to jump in and sometimes smoke. he ranch has a wildlife sanctuary, petting farm, horseback trail riding, and it serves as a venue for events. This small but lively beach town offers the perfect getaway if you're looking to unwind. Additionally, there is a Plant Sale on March 12th and 13th, and entry is free for the weekend. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. Explore the Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refugee, 7. Great post, Paula! If you love nature, Blue Springs is the place to be. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island a real gem in Florida, 3. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach to go visit Caladesi Island. Ravine Gardens State park is located in Palatka, Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. They offer half-hour booked tours and accept walk-ins. What an inspiring list! 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. Almost 100 years ago, Opa-Locka Florida popped up in Miami as a fantasy town modeled after Arabian Nights. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . This beautiful and serene spot features a world-class . Its a great, family-friendly outing! Be sure to also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network! Useful 2. Edward Leedskalnin, according to legend, arrived in the U.S. after being left at the altar. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, its the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations. 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