They include Perdido, Pensacola Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Henderson Beach, State Park, Inlet Beach (next to Panama City Beach), Rosemary Beach, and others mentioned below. 1) Kayaking in the Crystalline Waters of Wekiva State Park. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. Stop by next time you are in the area to appreciate the diverse wildlife. It features stunning white sandy beaches and is a great place to go to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. Stop by to see some breathtaking nature and appreciate the history of the area. If youre here in March, go to their annual Florida Azalea Festival, right around when 100,000 plants begin to bloom! There are Albino Alligators who are unable to survive in the wild that are unique to see. You need to plan your visit ahead, due to the parks remote location and limited transportation options. 4. For example, starting at the Garden House Welcome Center, moving to the Tropical Stream Garden, and continuing to follow the map to the endpoint at the Camellias.. 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. Sanibel Island, Florida (Photo courtesy of Victoria from Florida Trippers) Sanibel Island, Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of my favorite places to bring the kids; the mermaids are back! Pairing a quaint ambiance with innovative meal offerings, we recommend dinner reservations if you are planning on stopping by. Boasting crystal clear waters, a diverse array of marine life, and much more, there's something for everyone at this tourist hotspot. 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. 05 of 10. Today, Winter Parks highlight is Park Avenue, a tree-lined, cobblestone street bursting with eateries, museums, and some of Orlandos best areas for shopping. The Lake Monroe Boat Ramp area in Deltona has a small clearing with the boat launch, as well as picnic tables and benches to observe natures beauty. But if you happen to know of a spot that we missed above and you think your fellow Floridians would love to hear about it, then shout it out in the comments section below! Chincoteague, VA. Put on your fancy pants and head to this tres chic cafe in Jacksonville that has been an icon for over 20 years. Here you can explore natural springs, swim with manatees in the wild, and, explore the second-largest mangrove in the world, the Ten Thousand Islands. The community has charmingly fused the old with the new here: visit historic Eden Gardens State Park and then go for dinner at a modern restaurant like The Bay. Meet The Disney Experts. This beautiful and serene spot features a world-class . Best of 30A Florida: Travel Guide to South Walton - Florida's Best-Kept Secret (2023) September 4, 2022 February 15, 2023 Updated on February 15, 2023. . The park is free and is open from 6:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. Swan Boat rentals are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. To ensure you get a chance to rent a swan boat, be sure to arrive earlier in the day. Come on back to this heavenly park and pick up another smiley! The mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. 14 Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations! Youll fall in love with the white sand beaches and blue waters and extend your stay just a little longer. Overall, St. Augustine offers such an immense display of beauty and activity that has something for everyone. Ten Thousand Islands boat tour is the highlight of your visit, as you can see the islands and the wildlife, and I recommend. Located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Molasses Reef is a popular coral reef destination for scuba divers. It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. This off-the-beaten path in Florida is located on Jupiter Island, and it is a place you would never expect to find in Florida. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Walt Disney World, and being the ultimate vacation destination. Cow Key is a quick drive into the more popular areas of Key West, and there are almost unlimited activities. The park offers many activities, including swan boat rentals, concerts, movies, and plays in the Amphitheater. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. Fort Walton. There are numerous other activities within the national park, but this was the highlight of the trip for my husband and me. Just make sure you do your research, as sadly, some operators are more ethical and devoted than others. Courtesy of Florida Tourism 3. . 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. While many people visit Florida for classic attractions like Miami or Disney World, there are many secluded beaches, nature attractions and parks outside the cities that are beautiful and not as well-known as Orlando or Fort Lauderdale. Gatorland also sells alligator snacks that enable you to feed the alligators. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! The swirling of your hand or the paddle stroke ignites the bioluminescence. Another off-the-beaten path in Florida for your bucket list! Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local! 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. 1. ACCOMMODATION: Waterfront Beach Home is a wonderful 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom house on the water. Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida Explore Florida Caverns State Park . The park reaches capacity quickly. They offer half-hour booked tours and accept walk-ins. On Maui, there plenty of off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems that only the locals know. Source: flickr. The ancient ravines on this land have been transformed into a rustic, tropical garden for all to enjoy. { The most exciting part about the Shark Valley Loop Trail is traveling past the numerous alligators along the loop. I highly recommend listening to the suggestions from the staff as it was a rough ride in January when I went. There is a 0.9-mile sidewalk that enables guests to stroll around the lake and view the swans, turtles, and abundance of life. Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! Edward Leedskalnin, according to legend, arrived in the U.S. after being left at the altar. It is best to go during warmer months to avoid feeling too chilly when the water fills the boat. Almost 100 years ago, Opa-Locka Florida popped up in Miami as a fantasy town modeled after Arabian Nights. This is the most beautiful beach on Anna Maria Island in my opinion. It is ideal to arrive as early as possible. Ten Thousand Islands in Florida is for anyone looking for an authentic adventure while enjoying some solitude, and being immersed in nature, and for anyone who seeks off-the-beaten-path destinations. 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. Cummer Museum of Art. This is certainly an off-the-beaten path in Florida you need to add to your bucket list. Secret Woods preserves and protects over 50 acres of lush greenery, and was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978. The key lime icebox cup is amazing, made with whipped cream, cream . 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. What an inspiring list! This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. KOAs nearby: St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday. Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166, and is a great camping and day trip destination. 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. on: function(evt, cb) { There are also boats tours offered or kayaks available for rent, should you wish to explore the river. Now a state park, there is a wide array of wildlife to be found here, such as sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! Having lived nearby in Charleston for many years, Folly Beach holds a special place in my heart. Located in South Florida since 1957, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum is still one of the best hidden gems in Miami. Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the off season Rainbow Springs is only accessible on the weekends. Another intermediate spot is on each side of Jackson Pier. Miami Beach Cinematheque. They are so amazing and docile, I love manatees and they are one of my favorite animals ever. The ferry provides a morning snack, lunch, and showers so that people can snorkel and rinse off. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Parking is just across from the boat ramp. Located near Clearwater and St Petersburg, Honeymoon Island is one of the best off the beaten path in Florida! You can take a tram, walk, or bike around the 15-mile loop with an abundance of wildlife, from birds and fish to alligators. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a day of explore the caves and appreciate natures. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. They are open year-round, but summer months are particularly hot so you wont see as much wildlife. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. . Visit Juno Beach to see the Densest Sea Turtle in the World! Come put your feet up here and get away from the stress of big city life. Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. Wild Florida: Hidden Gem! 2. Go Horse ride at the beach at Palma Sola Bay, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Adventure Lovers, 14. Its warm and dry! 2. The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. } 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. Once youre inside the state park, youll feel as though youve stepped into a different world. Park rangers are along the loop to ensure the safety of visitors. Pine Island is also home to three aquatic preserves, providing ample day trips or activities for nature enthusiasts. Harry P. Leu Gardens is a stunning Botanical Garden found in the heart of Central Florida. The Rose Garden is central and you can spiral out from there. Whether you're taking an educational tour around the . The Cummer Museum of Art is a beautiful art museum in Jacksonville, Florida showcasing over 5,000 pieces of artwork! 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. 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. 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. From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. There is a $6 toll charge to get on the island and the Florida SunPass is not valid. I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! The park offers reservations for festivals, events, and weddings at different locations in the park. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. ); Another one of our favorite unusual things To Do In Fort Myers is visit the Manatee Park. Perhaps I am biased, as I moved to Florida 16 years ago and I call this place home. If you dont have your own horse, you can go on a. The blue-green water stretches out before you in relative quiet and isolation in a paradise seemingly created just for you. It is a great destination for marine biology enthusiasts and is filled with abundant sea life, coral reefs, and tropical birds. 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. If youre planning a trip to Florida, the best time to visit Florida is between October and May. 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. It is recommended to ask questions about the variety of animals at the ranch. There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. Hey Paula, this is an excellent round up. Rainbow River State Park is one of the best places to visit on the west coast of Florida for those seeking a serene outdoor oasis featuring 10,000 year old sapphire-blue waters, ornamental gardens, waterfalls, and mossy covered trees. From May through October, Juno Beach is the densest sea turtle nesting ground in the world. The Singing Tower was constructed next to a reflection pool and is surrounded by a koi pond moat. The prices at the BBQ are fair, and the airboat ride fees range depending on age, time, and season. The prices were reasonable, and the staff was super knowledgeable and friendly. The statue of Juan Ponce de Leon is located in downtown St. Augustine that is home to many historical monuments and memorials. DeLand, southwest of Daytona Beach, is a small town with a big city feel and my favorite downtown in Florida. It is filled with nature and home to 70 parks which host festivals and events year round! Distinctly separate from Orlando's theme parks or Miami's thumping nightlife, this is where quiet stretches of sandy beaches line calm, turquoise waters; hidden state parks shelter shorebirds that are counted by the flock; and where local fishers gather over a few cold beers to talk of the one (or . Ravine Gardens State park is located in Palatka, Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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