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. Check out their amusement rides and farmers market as well, or catch a film on one of the largest drive-in movie theatres in the state! Go swim with Manatees at Crystal River, 8. 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. Take a trip out here to appreciate the quiet, laid-back vibes and lush nature. This beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and upscale dining, but visitors should also check out the nearby artist colony, Gulf Place. 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. Rent canoes at the headsprings to strike off on your own expedition, or swim in the designated areas. Because of its location, there are a lot of fun things to do in Gainesville, including visiting multiple sinkholes. Private rides are available for 30 or 60 minutes, and this is where you can get a customized experience. } Meet The Disney Experts. Chincoteague, VA. There are also stunning natural attractions to interest outdoors lovers. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Walt Disney World, and being the ultimate vacation destination. Devil's Den is a hidden gem in Florida and is one of the country's prehistoric underground rivers. 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. The Alligators & Wildlife Discovery Center is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. The most remote South Florida hidden gem is the Florida Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. On this preserve on Jupiter Island, you'll see waves breaking on huge limestone formations, sending sprays up to 50 feet in the air. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. By Victoria from Florida Trippers. TOP TIPS FOR SWIMMING WITH MANATEES AT CRYSTAL RIVER. You can expect a nice drive to the location and a great day-long adventure. Weeki Wachee River is one of the best places to go kayaking in Florida, and it is absolutely one of my favorite things to do in Florida. Hurricanes, age, neglect, and other factors destroyed most of the structures but there are still some to see. However, the park restricts water activities in the spring and spring run, which is effective through April of this year. (850) 482-9006. Fort Walton. 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. It is a free access location with a lovely view of the lake. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. 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. 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. Head out to the island paradise for a few days and enjoy a getaway! Founded by Jeannette McKean in 1942, she built this now impressive collection over a period of 50 years prepare to be dazzled as you stroll through the museum galleries. Im particularly interested in swimming with manatees! 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. Meet my friend Rafiki at the giraffe feeding station. Enjoy some time at this true Florida gem, showing that beauty can be created from storms. ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Hampton Inn in Juno Beach, within walking distance of the beach and near many recreational activities. Gatorland also sells alligator snacks that enable you to feed the alligators. 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. The statue of Juan Ponce de Leon is located in downtown St. Augustine that is home to many historical monuments and memorials. 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. The Hawaiian island is home to many known gorgeous and fascinating attractions that draw travelers from all over the world, but it's worth digging deeper. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the springs is to bring a lunch and sit down on a bench or picnic table, wear bug spray and take in the sights and sounds of nature. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. If youre here in March, go to their annual Florida Azalea Festival, right around when 100,000 plants begin to bloom! The seats in the front of the airboat will drench you with swampy water. 23 miles west of Austin, you can find it off of Highway 71, one of the best hidden gems in the south USA. 2. Parking is just across from the boat ramp. They also show different animals during the Up-Close Encounters show, in which they have all types of scary creatures. Ten Thousand Islands boat tour is the highlight of your visit, as you can see the islands and the wildlife, and I recommend. 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. Dont disturb the animals, especially the manatees. For the best conditions, head to either spot in the winter. 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. 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. Green Springs is a popular location for locals in Volusia County, Florida. While in the neighborhood, stop at Alma Sue's Quilts.. They are open seven days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. EST. 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. There are more things to discover like a bug camp and a food forest. The area is home to many diverse types of coral, like brain or star coral. Cool off later with a dip at the Blue Hole Spring, or go for a hike. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! 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. Come here for authentic Italian cuisine, pastas and entrees inspired by the owners home country. Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. Read Next: 30 Amazing Dream Destinations for Adventure Lover. Located in the middle of the pine woods on the Suwannee, in Dixie County, is what many locals call the best swimming hole in Florida: Bobs River Place. It was created by a Latvian-American, Edward Leedskalnin, and is comprised of numerous megalithic stones, limestone made from coral. However, the water is not clear enough to see the bottom, and many signs warn against swimming or jumping into the water due to the risk of alligators and snakes. Two places to see sinkholes are Devils Millhopper Geological State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. 4) Shop at a Local Farmer's Market. 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. A popular eatery in Jacksonville, eat like a local at this cozy location that has been a long-time local favorite French bistro. 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. Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles of northern Florida, and is bursting with activities for any time of year. In addition, October, November, and December are lovely months to visit due to the lowering temperatures. 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. 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! It is a great location to visit and a must-do experience if you are nearby to this area during your visit. Secret Woods preserves and protects over 50 acres of lush greenery, and was the first designated urban wilderness area back in 1978. It is easy to navigate the various areas of the garden, which are separated by name on the map. Cow Key is a quick drive into the more popular areas of Key West, and there are almost unlimited activities. You can then take your drink to the upper or lower deck and enjoy the sunshine again, as it is cold inside the casino part of the ship. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a historic staple in Orlando. There are left and right-hand breaks. I cant believe how much there is to do in Florida! Having lived nearby in Charleston for many years, Folly Beach holds a special place in my heart. Access is not guaranteed, and given the popularity of this destination, arriving several hours before opening is advisable. Being so far removed from the mainland can be a good experience from time to time. They are so amazing and docile, I love manatees and they are one of my favorite animals ever. These coastal states are located on the Atlantic Ocean, spread from Maine to Florida, all unique in their way, from UNESCO World Heritage sites, beaches to charming small towns, and landmarks. 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. Funny 1. The Bean Point Beach is located at the furthest north point on Anna Maria Island, and you can enter it at a crossroad on North Bay Blvd. It is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a true hidden gem. Come experience the elegance and grandeur of the Biltmore by taking a tour of America's largest home. Stop by to check out the unique rock formations along the beach and to appreciate the wildlife and diverse landscape on the preserve. Read: Hidden vacation spots in the US. Virtually all have natural chimneys exposing the sky above. The mornings are beautiful, and from the houseboat, I could eat my breakfast while watching the pelicans eat theirs. I want to swim with a manatee!!! However, near the boat launch is the quietest location. 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. Sixteen acres of Japanese gardens are Delray Beach's best hidden gem. Reserve your spot at the campground in advance to make sure you have a place and enjoy the refreshing outdoors. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the wildlife here or to check out their aquariums, snake exhibits or the diamondback terrapin enclosure. If you are not comfortable with camping, you can rent a cabin which is pretty affordable. Santa Rosa Beach also touches Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve for an alternative to beach days. The island is approximately 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. 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. The prices were reasonable, and the staff was super knowledgeable and friendly. Every year in Florida, as soon as the animals sense the coming winter, they seek out warm locations. Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the off season Rainbow Springs is only accessible on the weekends. 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. Ebyabe CC by SA 3.0. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. 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.. Our Top Hidden Gems! It is a fantastic spot to experience the best of nature and outdoor activities, with the famous bridge and offshore island. Shelling is popular on Gasparilla Island during the winter months, and there are plenty of other activities to interest you any time of year. Either way, the kitchen will work its magic and delight you. Go birding to see if you can spot the wild turkeys or neo-tropical birds. South Florida's Funkiest Architecture. Discover The Manatee Park. 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. 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. Palma Sola Bay is located on Anna Maria Island. The desserts are especially scrumptious, especially the cheesecake! Villa Vizcaya is a private mansion and estate belonging to the wealthy businessman James Deering, completed in 1923. It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. . And you'll find no buildings over three stories. This Bed & Breakfast has continental and a la carte breakfast and rooms with a terrace. version 2.0. Nearby to the trail is the Nights of Lights. A stunning display of lights is only minutes from the Lightner Museum. 3. Santa Rosa Beach. Come out for a day trip of watersports and hiking, or bring your camping gear to spend a few days in this paradise. The ranchers are amusing, welcoming, and approachable. 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. Winter Park is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, including a robust park system and a gorgeous chain of lakes. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! The hotel offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. I was relieved that I was not selected to volunteer and that the poor woman near us did not throw the spider as I would have done. Explore the Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refugee, 7. Some of the rock formations are sharp and prickly; others are smooth and wave-worn. The Gardens also offer numerous services. A horse-pulled wagon ride brings you near to the rear of the property that houses the wildlife sanctuary and petting farm. Manatee Sanctuary Park. Chincoteague is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is on a shared stretch of land called Assateague Island National Seashore. In addition to being home to some of the best beaches in Florida's Panhandle, Fort Walton also boasts an array of world-class attractions and family complexes. What an inspiring list! Perfect to stay away from the crowds! Are you ready!? It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. Once you cross it, you will have to pay the state park entrance fee ($8 per vehicle) but its well worth it! ACCOMMODATION: A great option is the Residence Inn By Mariott, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, and lounge. 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. Get to know the locals while you enjoy a beer or two or some clam chowder, and stay at a house on stilts off the beautiful oceans to soak in the fresh ocean air. The horses and ponies for the trail rides are in good condition and are very well-behaved. You need to leave something for future visitors to appreciate! This list was prepared with some of the top Florida things to do and to give you some inspiration for your Florida bucket list. 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 . 4. The temperature is a . Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! I traveled via the Yankee Freedom Ferry which is roughly a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, pun intended. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. It is ideal to bring an extra set of clothes and towels if you plan on exploring more or dining at Boggy Bottom BBQ. Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! Roadside Rusted Ford Trucks, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA. Both parks are easy to get to by car and can be toured within a couple of hours. A beach in Florida where you can actually get some alone time is rare indeed. Photo Credit: Author d4rr3ll from UK. Thinking of this gives you something to appreciate while out on the mile of Atlantic beach. You will receive your first email soon. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. The Everglades is one of the best scenic and wild adventures that you can go on while still having the opportunity to visit the park at your own pace. Pop it in your convenient map system and it will bring you right there. Dry Tortugas National Park. It was recently created in the last several years by the strong Hurricane Wilma winds. Cool off later with a dip at the Blue Hole Spring, or go for a hike. The Rose Garden was the most impressive sight for me by far. 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