Are you ready!? Soak in the sun at Bean Point Beach (a real off-the-beaten-path Florida). Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a wild adventure and additional activities suited to children, so it is a worthwhile place to visit for anybody. Located about an hour south of Gainesville, the small town of Cedar Key is a quaint throwback to old fashioned times. In addition, October, November, and December are lovely months to visit due to the lowering temperatures. The park contains several sinkholes which were used as hideouts by Native Americans who fought Andrew Jackson in the Seminole Wars; archeological digs have also revealed Native American artifacts dating back over a thousand years. The temperature is a . Relax and enjoy this untouched stretch of beach. If you have your own kayak, plan at least 2 hours to go on the dark water to see this magnificent experience. DeLand, southwest of Daytona Beach, is a small town with a big city feel and my favorite downtown in Florida. The most exciting part about the Shark Valley Loop Trail is traveling past the numerous alligators along the loop. Cow Key is an offshoot from Key West and is an amazing place to try something new. 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. 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. It is filled with nature and home to 70 parks which host festivals and events year round! This cruise is perfect for those who are visiting Florida and want a little extra time to enjoy the warm weather and the stunning ocean. Follow the mile long path through the gardens, and learn more about them with the accompanying audio guide. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Avenue and is known for showcasing indie films as well as classic films. In addition to the beautiful manatees, the park hosts a variety of other wildlife, including fish, birds, and other creatures. Perfect to stay away from the crowds! It is considered by many Floridians to be the alligator capital of the world. 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. A visit to one of the spookiest hidden gems in South Carolina will sure to please everyone in the family. It is definitely one of the best springs in Florida and a true hidden gem. I try to go as often as I can, and my dogs love there too. When you are visiting the area, dont forget to check out other. Santa Rosa Beach. Folly Beach is one of the best hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast. Check out Pine Island Sound for some of the best fishing in the state or stay back to relax in this small town haven. Located near Clearwater and St Petersburg, Honeymoon Island is one of the best off the beaten path in Florida! Books line the walls of the three small dining rooms, and most guests rave about the shady courtyard and garden patio. Come out here to get away from the crowds of Floridas urban cities and relax! Since the opening of the canoe outfitter at the headsprings, Weeki Wachee is very popular and can be crowded especially on weekends. To get there, hop on the Beaches Trolley bus which runs by all the best beaches in Jacksonville. Sited east of Pensacola, this quiet destination boasts a generous white-sand beach snuggled against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico. The Blueberry Patch is one of the most unique places in St Petersburg, FL. One such site is the natural springs dotted around Crystal River. Chris Cook-Leitz has worked in the travel industry since 2008 and opened her own travel advisor company in 2015. A 4 1/2 mile walk on Pine Island Trail allows for the sightings of these delightful animals. Go Kayak to Caladesi Island a real gem in Florida, 3. 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. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. 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. ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Inn is a great option, with a great location and expresses check-in and check-out. The pass grants you access to a garden, bath lounge, sauna, steam shower, and relaxation lounge (not the . The forests boast versatile and diverse terrain, from palm-filled oases to sand pine flatlands and prairie wetlands. I hope you enjoyed this list of the best off-the-beaten-path Florida. Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia State Park is off mile marker 37 and spans over 500 acres of lush land. Cave tours are availablefrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST,Thursday through Monday. The State Park is located at 1130 State Park Road Chipley FL 32428, Plan your visit to coincide with the recent heavy rain, so there will be lots of water. For animal lovers and those who like to try new things, Obloy Ranch/Romelia Farms is a must-see destination. The Gardens are open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily, with no entrance after 4:00 P.M. EST. An excellent destination during the winter months, Winter Park is filled with arts and culture explore the downtown area yourself for some fun. Go Horse ride at the beach at Palma Sola Bay, Off-The-Beaten-Path Florida for Adventure Lovers, 14. 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. Explore the area around Fort Jefferson. It is a wonderful spot for visitors because it is not a high-traffic tourist area. It is located in Kissimmee and is a moderate trip from downtown Orlando. Jacksonville is the ideal place to try something new and one of the best things to do in Florida. On my trip, approximately 1/3 of the passengers bought Dramamine on the way to the island. 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. There are plenty of biking or hiking trails to keep you active, or you can also explore the waterways on a canoe. Explore the beach dunes and mangrove wetlands, and learn more about the local ecosystem at the Hawley Environmental Center. No matter the size, the houseboats are an incredibly unique experience, and they enable you to listen to the ocean waves and marine life as you rest. It serves as a terrific engagement photography area or wedding venue. Gasparilla Island is a lovely little piece of the Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands and a genuine Florida gem. Laura also interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in 1995. If you are walking along the beach, make sure you are wearing shoes as there are mangroves and some roots might be sticking out of the sand. Wear sunblock and drink plenty of water if you do visit during the summer months. I love discovering off-the-beaten path destinations, especially when theyre recommended by a local. Show off to your friends with a picture holding an alligator. Have a relaxing picnic here surrounded by nature, or go jogging, hiking or biking along the gardens to cover more ground. It is home to the University of Florida, but its a lot more than your typical college town. 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. - See 3,632 traveler reviews, 2,265 candid photos, and great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor. If you have ever wanted to see one of these gentle giants come to Manatee Park during the winter months. Old Florida meets the 21st century in Seminole County, a hidden gem in Florida. There are also boats tours offered or kayaks available for rent, should you wish to explore the river. While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, its the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations. 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. 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. This Urban Wilderness Area features a great many different trees native to Florida, including cypress, maple, mangrove, and a laurel oak hammock. Universal Studios in Florida is a thriving and active place to go for family fun. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! It is recommended to ask questions about the variety of animals at the ranch. Discover 15 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Tampa from Dysfunctional Grace Art Co. to Two-Headed Gator of Seminole Heights. The BBQ is delectable and very convenient after an exhilarating airboat ride. Perfect for a relaxing day on this wild and natural beach. The property is located in Merritt Island, Florida, about one hour from Orlando. 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! Rent a House Boat in Cow Key, one of the best secret getaways 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. Blowing Rocks Preserve is located in Hobe Sound on narrow Jupiter Island, a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the ocean. Gasparilla Island State Park is separated from the Florida Mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Florida has truly grown over the years, from being an empty, swampland of a state to a bustling place where people come from all over to get away. Explore the Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refugee, 7. 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. I highly recommend listening to the suggestions from the staff as it was a rough ride in January when I went. There are also locations in Tampa and Lake Worth. South Florida's Funkiest Architecture. Either way, the kitchen will work its magic and delight you. Founded by Spaniards who came to the New World, they founded fishing ranches out on islands like Cayo Costa, which was settled by Tervio Padilla in the 1870s until the government claimed his land. Based on the temperature you prefer, you can select the ideal time of year to visit. The park offers express passes that can be purchased online. Make this a nice afternoon coffee and snack break the next time youre in Jacksonville! However, near the boat launch is the quietest location. When you head out here, remember to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburns since youll be out under the sun all day! Sitting atop the cruise ship presents stunning views of the ocean, wildlife, and if you look closely you may be able to observe basking sharks and other marine life. If they offer Dramamine, you will likely need it unless you are used to extremely rough waters. It can also be roamed freely, which I found to be the most exciting approach. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County. Santa Rosa Beach. The median home value is on average $591,500. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. 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. Swimwear is a must on Honeymoon Island! 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. 7908 Three Rivers Park Rd, Sneads, FL 32460. Located on Marco Island, a relatively developed suburban community, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. Hey Paula, this is an excellent round up. Nearby to the trail is the Nights of Lights. A stunning display of lights is only minutes from the Lightner Museum. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, a Caladesi Cafe, and showers available on the island. Performances are still offered, and real-live mermaids, professional swimmers using fins, continue to delight guests. Settle into the lovely courtyard and get ready for some original food options. It's a serene retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall. 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