Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. 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. } The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Cow Key is an offshoot from Key West and is an amazing place to try something new. 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. The swirling of your hand or the paddle stroke ignites the bioluminescence. Boat tours, canoe, and kayak rentals are still available during this time for use in the St. Johns River. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. On land, there are often birds and forms of wildlife to observe. On my trip, approximately 1/3 of the passengers bought Dramamine on the way to the island. Im particularly interested in swimming with manatees! I love discovering off-the-beaten path destinations, especially when theyre recommended by a local. 25 Hidden Gems on East Coast: Vacation Spots in USA 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 2018 The beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island.It stretches for 4 miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. ACCOMMODATION: An excellent option is the Alfond Inn, a beautiful hotel located in Winter Park with a restaurant serving amazing food, including brunch. You can go swimming, fishing, snorkeling or study the nature of the island; it is full of diverse wildlife. Hi Terri, yes the Ringling Circus is an amazing place and I am so glad you enjoyed this article. 2. Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. You will find loads of barbecues and picnic tables by the beach. 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. 3 St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine. I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The best way to explore the Molasses Reef is to join a, Located only Approximately 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando. Sanibel Island, Florida (Photo courtesy of Victoria from Florida Trippers) Sanibel Island, Florida. 22. It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5. Head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many Florida residents. I am about to introduce you to the best-hidden gems in Florida that only some locals know about. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. It was named after the editor of the Miami News, Bill Baggs, who worked at the paper from 1957-1969. They will ask the crowd for volunteers and have a few guests close their eyes while they place a creepy creature beside them or in their hands. Read: Hidden vacation spots in the US. In the early 20 th century, people dumped their trash off the cliffs by the ocean. A visit to one of the spookiest hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the family. Sited east of Pensacola, this quiet destination boasts a generous white-sand beach snuggled against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico. Bring a picnic or do a barbecue. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. Kelly Rock Springs is definitely one of Florida's best hidden gems. The truth is, we live in a vast state, so of course, no single list could gather all of the best hidden gems in Florida. 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. You can easily drive there and park in one of the fields parking lots. 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. . There are also shallow areas ideal for snorkeling at Elkhorn and Boulder Corals. It goes part way around the fort and allows you to view the fort, island, and gorgeous waters below. Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Nature Lovers, 6. 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. 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! Head out here to be truly impressed by the colorful coral reefs and diverse wildlife, coupled with curious tales of shipwrecks and treasure. 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. It is a great destination for marine biology enthusiasts and is filled with abundant sea life, coral reefs, and tropical birds. Read More: The Best Things to do in Orland for Adults. TOP TIPS FOR RIDING A HORSE AT THE PALMA SOLA BAY, ACCOMMODATION: Renting a beach houseon Anna Maria Island is the best way to explore the area. Secret Woods preserves and protects over 50 acres of lush greenery, and was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978. 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. 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! The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. From feeding giraffes to touching stingrays, it's the ultimate place to get close to the most fascinating animals. The best surf spot near Jacksonville is located in Hanna Park. Edward Leedskalnin, according to legend, arrived in the U.S. after being left at the altar. Show off to your friends with a picture holding an alligator. 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. Cummer Museum of Art. Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. However, the park restricts water activities in the spring and spring run, which is effective through April of this year. It stretches for 4 miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways in Florida. The prime months to visit Florida, generally suggested by many Floridians, are March, April, and May, because the weather is not too high or low. Take the kids to see the marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or explore hands-on exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center. 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. One of the most unique attractions in Sarasota is The Ringling the sprawling estate of the kings of the circus, the Ringlings, the owners of Ringling Bros., and Barnum & Bailey Circus that was producing the Greatest Show on Earth from 1871 till 2017. Either way, the kitchen will work its magic and delight you. 12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215. Head to a 1920's era fish house called Star Fish Company where you'll find a dockside, hole-in-the-wall-style eatery and market where the catch of the day was swimming just minutes before hitting your plate. Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. It is so fascinating to watch the magnificent animals having so much fun. A popular eatery in Jacksonville, eat like a local at this cozy location that has been a long-time local favorite French bistro. As such, it boasts hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, wildlife preserves, and sunny, lively cities that are rich in Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Read Next: 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover. An interesting opportunity there that is good for a thrill is the Kiss A Gator booth. The State Park is open from 8a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Cormorants flutter over you in the mangroves, along with many other extensive types of birds. So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer. 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. Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is off mile marker 37 and spans over 500 acres of lush land. 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. 5) Visit the Cute Small Town of Windermere. 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! 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. The median home value is on average $591,500. Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166, and is a great camping and day trip destination. Nearby to the trail is the Nights of Lights. A stunning display of lights is only minutes from the Lightner Museum. Call to reserve your spot as these tours are very popular. The most remote South Florida hidden gem is the Florida Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. Sarasota is a beautiful city to visit on the west coast of Florida. Donated to the state in 1962, Falling Waters is a great nature retreat. Make this a nice afternoon coffee and snack break the next time youre in Jacksonville! Go Horse ride at the beach at Palma Sola Bay, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Adventure Lovers, 14. On the bright side, Blue Springs State Park is not all about water activities. Don't miss these hidden gems in Sarasota Florida to . If one of your Florida bucket lists is to swim with these gentle giants, there are plenty of tour operators in Crystal River to choose from. Settle into the lovely courtyard and get ready for some original food options. 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. 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. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! The Gardens have a self-guided guest guide and map at the Welcome Center. Nestled in between Pensacola and Panama City, the 24 miles of powder-soft beaches set the backdrop for a perfect day of swimming, boating, and . 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. It is rich with detail and has buildings designed after locations in the movies, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Diagon Alley. The Falling Water State Park is home to Floridas tallest natural waterfall, which rushes 73 feet down the wall of a massive sinkhole. ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Inn is a great option, with a great location and expresses check-in and check-out. This little restaurant has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made. If you have your own kayak, plan at least 2 hours to go on the dark water to see this magnificent experience. Ive been to almost all US states but somehow have never made it to Florida so its high on my list! Pack up your sunscreen and camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Florida. 2. You can expect a nice drive to the location and a great day-long adventure. The adventurous ride goes fast and makes a lot of sharp turns, which throw water all over the boat. It is easy to navigate the various areas of the garden, which are separated by name on the map. The editors at TravelChannel.com have compiled a list of secret Florida destinations that have few tourists, but also much to offer in terms of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. Dining venues within the Ringling may be closed during the pandemic but there are 2 picnic facilities available. They often reside partially in the water and partially on land. 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. Let's Pin the Planet together! Located in the center, however, theres a beautiful place that may somehow fall out of the tourist radar Villa Vizcaya and its gardens. Among other exhibits are American art pottery and early 2th century American paintings and graphics. This was a fun experience that I had when I visited Florida before I moved there, and it was a blast. 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. The Caverns State Park is a true gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites for those eager to stay overnight! They have numerous animals to view and learn about, such as baby alligators, turtles, tortoises, lizards, and other marine life. Just make sure you do your research, as sadly, some operators are more ethical and devoted than others. ACCOMMODATION: The Coco Plum is an amazing option, located in the heart of Key West with an amazing made-to-order breakfast and heated outdoor pool. 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. Laura also interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in 1995. The springs provide excellent swimming opportunities, as well as hiking, fishing and camping. Another hidden gem and a surprising one at that. 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. 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