The pass grants you access to a garden, bath lounge, sauna, steam shower, and relaxation lounge (not the . Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. 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. An environmental preserve on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the east coast of Florida. Add a touch of culture to your next trip to Florida! Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. Blowing Rocks Preserve is located in Hobe Sound on narrow Jupiter Island, a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the ocean. Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The most interesting part of the Ringling is the Circus Museum where you can see many circus props, performers costumes, and even train cars that were used to transport the circus. This is a real off-the-beaten path in Florida, even for us, locals. { 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. 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA There are numerous other activities, including the gator zip lines, adventure hour where you get up close and personal with the alligators, and other shows where you can see the alligator wrangler catch and control an alligator, holding its jaw up with his chin. Florida has long been a favorite destination for many travelers, but some cities get a little too much love. South Florida's Funkiest Architecture. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. Boasting inlets, islands, forests, and backwaters, this state park is a perfect place to explore Floridas rural side! Santa Rosa Beach. It is just a must-see on your trip to Florida. A tip for those who are frugal and like their drinks is to sit down at a slot machine and put in a few dollars and await your free drink. 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! 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. No one knows how he moved the stones, as he allowed no one to watch him work (there were rumors he had learned how to manipulate magnetic fields). With 24 miles of picturesque coastline, it offers plenty of activities in the summer. The median home value is on average $591,500. 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. This is the most beautiful beach on Anna Maria Island in my opinion. There are so many places I could recommend for a road trip in Florida, but one of the weirdest, most beautiful, and unique has to bethe Manatee Swim in Crystal River, Florida. Filled with good fishing spots, spectacular natural preserves and lush beaches, Cedar Key might be a small town, but it is a much-loved getaway destination for Floridians. Perfect for a relaxing day on this wild and natural beach. 2. The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. Make this a nice afternoon coffee and snack break the next time youre in Jacksonville! An interesting opportunity there that is good for a thrill is the Kiss A Gator booth. on: function(evt, cb) { Inside, you'll find an authentic retro atmosphere with music from the 1930s and . Miami Hidden Gems and Secret Places to Visit in South Florida. 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. 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. 1. Its a great, family-friendly outing! Flickr/psyberartist. BEST ACCOMMODATION: Meranova Guest Inn is located very close to the Dunedin Marina, with an outdoor swimming pool and bar and stunning views. The morning or early afternoon is ideal to enjoy Green Springs, the connected walking/biking trails, and all that it has to offer. Address: 4923 20th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States. Boat tours, canoe, and kayak rentals are still available during this time for use in the St. Johns River. Explore any or all of the 125 miles from the southern end to Lake Okeechobee. Ive been to almost all US states but somehow have never made it to Florida so its high on my list! To get there, hop on the Beaches Trolley bus which runs by all the best beaches in Jacksonville. If you own or rent a boat, you can also travel the waters and encounter the wildlife. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Walt Disney World, and being the ultimate vacation destination. The spring can easily be accessed from near the Lake Monroe Boat Launch. Houseboats can be found for rent on many popular rental websites. Check out our list of the best hidden gems in Florida and start planning your next getaway! Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. However, exploring something off the beaten path can be so much more rewarding. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. This is the smallest little organic farm but Susie runs a tight ship . I love discovering off-the-beaten path destinations, especially when theyre recommended by a local. This guide is packed with insider tips on how to visit the best off-the-beaten-path in Florida. Rent a cabin and spend a few nights here, or stay at the campgrounds if youre a fan of beach camping and want to get to know this seaside park a little better. 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. When you head out here, remember to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburns since youll be out under the sun all day! This Urban Wilderness Area features a great many different trees native to Florida, including cypress, maple, mangrove, and a laurel oak hammock. 21 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Miami, Florida Updated January 30, 2023 Share Tweet Email This little restaurant has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made. Many locals can be found jumping into the water from the large overhanging trees. So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer. Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. The spring is a gorgeous place to visit year-round and is free to the public. 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! You can take a tram, walk, or bike around the 15-mile loop with an abundance of wildlife, from birds and fish to alligators. There are a host of ravishing views visible as you walk around the island and fort. 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. There are so many of these little treasures that youll never be bored. They are microorganisms that occur widely in marine waterways in the summertime typically when the temperature is at its peak and the water is calm. 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. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. I love that it isnt as touristy as other spots and has many interesting activities nearby for those days when its not beach weather. 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. Now children and adults in the area alike come out here on hot summer days. The park allows pets and is a marvelous place for walkers and joggers to exercise on the path. It is considered by many Floridians to be the alligator capital of the world. The trail is paved and has a wide variety of options for people of any activity level. 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. The park is based on movies such as The Simpsons, Spongebob, Minions, Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and more. Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning place to visit for people of all ages. The well-known landmark Mickey Pylon can be found in Celebration Florida is another hidden gem Florida has! To really enjoy everything that the Ringling has to offer I would recommend at least 1 full day dedicated to it. Santa Rosa Beach also touches Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve for an alternative to beach days. The entry fee ranges from $10.00 to $15.00 with a Military/Veteran discount. They are open year-round, but summer months are particularly hot so you wont see as much wildlife. It goes part way around the fort and allows you to view the fort, island, and gorgeous waters below. This Bed & Breakfast has continental and a la carte breakfast and rooms with a terrace. Manatees escape to these warmer waters during periods when the gulf dips below 68 . A weekend can see up to 400 people! If you want to venture off the beaten path so to speak and discover some of Floridas secret treasures we have you covered. Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles of northern Florida, and is bursting with activities for any time of year. Its easy to miss this Florida gem, hidden under a canopy of mangroves and off the junction of I-95 with I-595. Stop by to see some breathtaking nature and appreciate the history of the area. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs. Stop by in January for the Oshogatsu Festival, in April for the Hatsume Fair, or in October for their Lantern Festival. Sarasota is known for its haute cuisine and global fare. You missed Butterfly Dans located in Kissimmee. When you are visiting the area, dont forget to check out other. I will most likely have to write a second revision of this post soon. Or, if you find yourself on the other end at Clearwater Beach, simply walk all the way out to Caladesi Island, as it technically connected to the mainland at this point at a narrow juncture. It is best to go during warmer months to avoid feeling too chilly when the water fills the boat. Best Places to Stay. TOP TIPS FOR SWIMMING WITH MANATEES AT CRYSTAL RIVER. And you'll find no buildings over three stories. 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. February to May is the best time to visit. 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 Carnival Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great side-trip when visiting Florida. Located in the Florida Panhandle, it's the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public. 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. However, this cruise gives you the freedom to gamble in international waters. Located along the California coast in Mendocino County lies the historic town of Fort Bragg. Some of the caves are tall enough to stand in, with natural benches formed by the erosive power of the tides. Snag a table (if you can) and settle in for a delicious dining experience seating is in high demand!. Really? ACCOMMODATION: Waterfront Beach Home is a wonderful 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom house on the water. ACCOMMODATION: Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection is a beautiful 232-acre Crystal River resort featuring a golf course and 4 on-site restaurants, located only 1.1 miles to the Three Sisters Spring. For anyone sick of hearing that visiting Florida is solely about exploring Walt Disney World, this list is for you. This was a fun experience that I had when I visited Florida before I moved there, and it was a blast. It is open to the public all year round, so dont miss out when you are in the area! Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to surfing there is a break for you in Jacksonville. It is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! . From May through October, Juno Beach is the densest sea turtle nesting ground in the world. I love your hidden gems. The area is filled with artifacts and remnants of ships that ran aground here, making it a visually interesting dive experience filled with lots to see. Chincoteague, VA. 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. The temperature is a . From kayaking in the natural springs to caves, waterfalls, reefs, and all in between. Cool off later with a dip at the Blue Hole Spring, or go for a hike. Read: Hidden vacation spots in the US. A visit to one of the spookiest hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the family. It serves as a terrific engagement photography area or wedding venue. Hurricanes, age, neglect, and other factors destroyed most of the structures but there are still some to see. Explore the trails and go to a campfire circle, where the rangers give talks and put on a slide slow. Click here to find out more about this Florida hidden gem. It is run by Bob Hawkins, who originally started the swimming hole for his children and later retired and began managing it as more and more children heard of his fantastic rope swings and river access. It is a great place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a low-key afternoon in the sun. 2: Fort Bragg, California. Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local! Youll find everything from one-on-one lessons to group lessons, and surf packages. I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! Once you arrive, the fee is $6.00 per vehicle, and you can stay until sundown. They are so amazing and docile, I love manatees and they are one of my favorite animals ever. If you love the ocean and marine life, this is the experience of a lifetime. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! However, some alligators will sun themselves directly on the pavement. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, and one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. One of those happens to be a tarantula. Surprise! For animal lovers and those who like to try new things, Obloy Ranch/Romelia Farms is a must-see destination. 6. In the early 20 th century, people dumped their trash off the cliffs by the ocean. he ranch has a wildlife sanctuary, petting farm, horseback trail riding, and it serves as a venue for events. From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the "Off the Beaten Path" of every . Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a day of explore the caves and appreciate natures. He lived in the second story of the castle tower and gave private tours until his death, never disclosing his construction techniques. This Gulf Coast barrier island is a great destination for any beach or nature lover. Some of the most popular beaches in Jacksonville include American Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. From the shops, restaurants, galleries and a wide array of activities, there is no shortage of things to do. Funny 1. Children love the swing ropes and waterslides, or taking a raft out on the river. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! (function() { Laura Liden has been a travel advisor since 2011 and, prior to that, she spent 15+ years working in various areas of the hospitality industry. Whether you're taking an educational tour around the . 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