30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida Explore Florida Caverns State Park . Once you arrive, the fee is $6.00 per vehicle, and you can stay until sundown. and North Shore Dr. They often reside partially in the water and partially on land. Pop it in your convenient map system and it will bring you right there. A popular eatery in Jacksonville, eat like a local at this cozy location that has been a long-time local favorite French bistro. It was created by a group of artists and features incredible pieces of arts. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! It means I have been exploring every corner of the Sunshine State. 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. Click here to find out more about this Florida hidden gem. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is certainly not one of Miami's most popular but that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting. While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, its the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations. Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the off season Rainbow Springs is only accessible on the weekends. The statue of Juan Ponce de Leon is located in downtown St. Augustine that is home to many historical monuments and memorials. 4. To really enjoy everything that the Ringling has to offer I would recommend at least 1 full day dedicated to it. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. Cormorants flutter over you in the mangroves, along with many other extensive types of birds. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. It is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a true hidden gem. Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways in Florida. . When you arrive, there may be a line of vehicles already waiting. 9. However, some alligators will sun themselves directly on the pavement. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. There are also shallow areas ideal for snorkeling at Elkhorn and Boulder Corals. Chincoteague, VA. If you love nature, Blue Springs is the place to be. Thinking of this gives you something to appreciate while out on the mile of Atlantic beach. Sarasota is a beautiful city to visit on the west coast of Florida. If they offer Dramamine, you will likely need it unless you are used to extremely rough waters. The Cummer Museum of Art is a beautiful art museum in Jacksonville, Florida showcasing over 5,000 pieces of artwork! The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a historic staple in Orlando. 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. Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. Visit to see the wildlife or to rent a boat and enjoy the ocean. Because of its location, there are a lot of fun things to do in Gainesville, including visiting multiple sinkholes. Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock. You can also follow the signs at the Indian River Lagoon boardwalk to learn more about the nature that calls Blowing Rocks Preserve home. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. 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. 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. } 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. The menu changes frequently, but there are always delicious antipasti, entrees and pastas offered that will delight any diner. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! Vacation rentals abound for you to choose from: large beach houses and cozy beachfront cottages, enhanced by a friendly beach community awaiting your visit with open arms. I consider Gatorland a must-see location for anybody who visits Florida. When you enter the Gardens, it feels like a whole different planet. 3. 3 St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine. Manatee sightings are very common during Manatee season when water activities are restricted. Camp out to continue appreciating this desolate and gorgeous state park. It is a great destination for marine biology enthusiasts and is filled with abundant sea life, coral reefs, and tropical birds. The median home value is on average $591,500. So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. The adventurous ride goes fast and makes a lot of sharp turns, which throw water all over the boat. This is a perfect diving expedition for trained scuba divers. The prices at the BBQ are fair, and the airboat ride fees range depending on age, time, and season. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole. Kayak To See the Bioluminescent is an Off Beaten Path in Florida, 15. Fort Jefferson is also a part of the national park, a massive coastal stone fortress that was never completed. 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. Today, the site has become a museum and is open to the public. Most of the coral reefs in the Keys exhibit a large amount and variety of marine life due to protections in place, ACCOMMODATION: You will love the Almond Tree Inn is only 14-min from the beach and features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast. You will find loads of barbecues and picnic tables by the beach. Near the Georgia border, this way out-of-the-way park is located where the Flint River and the Chattahoochee combine to form Lake Seminole above a dam. Marathon may not be as well-known as other tourist destinations in Florida, but it's a hidden gem that's definitely worth . What an inspiring list! Show up early and stay late to enjoy all that the park offers. Sarasota is known for its haute cuisine and global fare. Thanks Lina this list could be super long if I would continue writing about all the off-the-beaten path I have and continue finding in Florida. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park extends over approximately a third of Key Biscayne Island and is home to a remarkably beautiful beach. 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. I spent a lot of my time on the boat enjoying the scenery. 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. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. The villa is located less than 3 miles away from Downtown Miami, and it can be reached by taking the metro to the Vizcaya Station, with a short 10-minute walk. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. South Florida's Funkiest Architecture. Pine Island is the largest island off the Gulf coast of Florida and located just 30 minutes from Fort Myers. If you are adventure-minded and looking for an off-the-beaten-path in Florida, I will highly recommend camping in Bahia Honda State Park, one of thebest campgrounds in Florida. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Let's Pin the Planet together! The Sunshine State has much more to offer with many other great choices, including that Florida is home to the best killer key lime pie on the whole Planet! What a great destination for kids, families, couples and friends. Head out to the island paradise for a few days and enjoy a getaway! Shelling is popular on Gasparilla Island during the winter months, and there are plenty of other activities to interest you any time of year. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! He was the only member of the Yamato Colony, a small community of Japanese farmers, to stay in the area after World War II, and the compound was created in his honor. Come visit to see if you can figure out how he managed to move these tons of rock, or simply to enjoy the curious features of the property: a sundial, stone furniture, obelisk and fountain. Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166, and is a great camping and day trip destination. It was named after the editor of the Miami News, Bill Baggs, who worked at the paper from 1957-1969. 22. 20. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is the perfect place to get a great Florida feel. An environmental preserve on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the east coast of Florida. - See 3,632 traveler reviews, 2,265 candid photos, and great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor. 7908 Three Rivers Park Rd, Sneads, FL 32460. There are also locations in Tampa and Lake Worth. The ferry provides a morning snack, lunch, and showers so that people can snorkel and rinse off. If you are a surfer newbie, there are lots of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons near Jacksonville Beach. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. It is located in the center of Orlando and is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Residence Inn By Mariott, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, and lounge. An excellent destination during the winter months, Winter Park is filled with arts and culture explore the downtown area yourself for some fun. With 24 miles of picturesque coastline, it offers plenty of activities in the summer. Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. 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! This off-the-beaten-path in Florida is a cluster of 7 islands about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. The Three Sisters Springs - one of the best spots to see manatees. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. 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. ACCOMMODATION: Fairfield Inn & Suites Marianna is a great option if you are visiting the State Park, with a pool and breakfast included. Our Top Hidden Gems! There are two museum buildings, the original looks like a Japanese villa and is built on its own island, serene and beautiful surrounded by the Zen-like gardens. The park is open from 8:00 A.M. Designated as a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt, this incredible destination is only accessible via seaplane or boat, preserving its nature and isolation. Its a great, family-friendly outing! 4. Boasting crystal clear waters, a diverse array of marine life, and much more, there's something for everyone at this tourist hotspot. Ravine Gardens State park is located in Palatka, Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Going kayaking to this paradise is considered one of the best things to do in Florida. DelacaSeas Cafe: Great hidden gem - See 218 traveler reviews, 112 candid photos, and great deals for Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, at Tripadvisor. It's around 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, but feels worlds apart with its lush landscape. Are you ready!? Being so far removed from the mainland can be a good experience from time to time. The shrine is located steps away from St. Augustine's historic city gates at St. George Street, Florida. 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. Florida Caverns State Park is the place to go see Florida's natural and historic . You can also see a restored Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that was also designed by Tiffany himself for the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition. Explore the nooks and crannies in Florida Caverns State Park. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island a real gem in Florida, 3. Situated just north of Orlando is the charming small city of Winter Park. You will receive your first email soon. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. WHAT ELSE TO DO ON BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE, ACCOMMODATION: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spahas a private beach, poolside bar, onsite restaurants and spa, and other top-tier amenities, READ NEXT: 23 Amazing Things to do on Anna Maria Island, FL. It is a fantastic adventure and you can feel safe knowing your children are on bomb-proof steads which are perfectly well behaved. Best Places to Stay. What To Do Snorkeling and scuba diving are absolute musts if you visit, as well as fishing or kayaking along the emerald and aqua waters. The park offers many activities, including swan boat rentals, concerts, movies, and plays in the Amphitheater. 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. Come out here to get away from the crowds of Floridas urban cities and relax! There is a 0.9-mile sidewalk that enables guests to stroll around the lake and view the swans, turtles, and abundance of life. Boat tours, canoe, and kayak rentals are still available during this time for use in the St. Johns River. No need to take a ferry, there is a bridge! 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA Street murals, many with locals painted in them, decorated the streets long before it was trendy. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. Cow Key is a quiet destination at night, allowing you to listen to the ocean as you relax in your houseboat. DeLand touts one of the first Mainstreet U.S.A. award-winning towns. Perfect to stay away from the crowds! Great you have come to the right place! 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. One such site is the natural springs dotted around Crystal River. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles of northern Florida, and is bursting with activities for any time of year. The property is located in Merritt Island, Florida, about one hour from Orlando. What are the most unique things to do in Florida? There are so many reasons to visit gorgeous Chincoteague, Virginia and it definitely is one of the hidden gems of the United States. Try one of their variations on bruschetta or the sandwiches served on their fresh bread. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. 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 . Tours are by appointment only. Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed. The Swap Shop stretches over 180,000 square feet, so why not make this a whole day shopping and outing extravaganza? Secret Woods preserves and protects over 50 acres of lush greenery, and was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978. Its easy to miss this Florida gem, hidden under a canopy of mangroves and off the junction of I-95 with I-595. Great post, Paula! This center for Japanese culture in Palm Beach County is unique and serene, offering Japanese tea ceremonies, a bonsai garden, festivals, classes, and a superb gift shop and cafe. There is no rush, as the entire garden can be covered easily in one day. The swirling of your hand or the paddle stroke ignites the bioluminescence. Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. Bring your sunblock and prepare for a whole day of fun in the sun! 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. Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. This beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and upscale dining, but visitors should also check out the nearby artist colony, Gulf Place. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter Series, the Harry Potter portion of the park is a must-see experience. Miami Beach Cinematheque. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. Roadside Rusted Ford Trucks, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA. Florida is a Dream Destination, because of its diversity. Visit what might be the only cave painting in Florida, and enjoy the waterfalls at the Falling Waters Sink, where the water cascades down into a 100ft sinkhole. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! Laura also interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in 1995. Gatorland has numerous activities that take place throughout the day. . You need to plan your visit ahead, due to the parks remote location and limited transportation options. This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the "Off the Beaten Path" of every . The Leu House Museum is inside the Welcome Center and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. EST. Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. 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. Towards the southern end of the preserve, the rocks are worn into shapes not much higher than the sand and erosion has caused bowl-like holes and swirling lumps. 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. DeLand, southwest of Daytona Beach, is a small town with a big city feel and my favorite downtown in Florida. 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 beauty of Honeymoon Island is that its very well preserved, and you can easily spend the whole day here. A Small Town In Florida, Grayton Beach Is One Of The Coolest Places In The U.S. 14 Secret Spots In Florida Where Nature Will Completely Relax You, Try These 10 Florida Restaurants For A Magical Outdoor Dining Experience. This majestic 200-acre garden features a 205-foot singing tower facing a reflecting pool, a bird sanctuary, and acres of oaks, pines, ferns, camellias, jasmine, spider lily, and wetland plants. Folly Beach, South Carolina. Rainbow River State Park. Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. Explore the Honeymoon Island State Park, 2. Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. Located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Molasses Reef is a popular coral reef destination for scuba divers. However, this cruise gives you the freedom to gamble in international waters. The most exciting part about the Shark Valley Loop Trail is traveling past the numerous alligators along the loop. 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. 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.. Sixteen acres of Japanese gardens are Delray Beach's best hidden gem. The only way to access Dry Tortugas is by seaplane or ferry, The ferry will take about 2 hours, and once you are on the island you are free to roam for 4 hours to tour the fort and take in the beach activities. A trail of statues, memorials, and monuments is in the downtown city of St. Augustine. Ten Thousand Islands boat tour is the highlight of your visit, as you can see the islands and the wildlife, and I recommend. You will pay a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10.75 per adult. It was recently created in the last several years by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. Settle into the lovely courtyard and get ready for some original food options. 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. ); 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. } A half-hour tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy the wild ride and see alligators. Huge sinkhole minutes from Orlando or you can only find in Florida is a quiet destination at,! Definitely one of the best hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations late to the!, so why not make this a whole day of fun things to do in Florida but... Afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and tropical birds a rain... 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