It seems like everyone visits Florida exclusively for Disney World or the beach, while so many incredible places fly under the radar.  Next time your friends or relatives come to visit, take them to some of the more underrated places in Florida. There’s so much that can be found off the beaten path, and you’ll both have fun discovering new places.

1. Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
Wilsilver77/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Waterfalls aren't really the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Florida, but Falling Waters is home to Florida's tallest and most impressive natural waterfall. Plan your visit for after a heavy rain, so there will be plenty of water rushing down this 73-foot sinkhole. To plan your trip, visit the Falling Waters State Park webpage.
2. Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft
Here in Florida, most of our caves can be explored underwater. The Florida Caverns are the only air-filled caves in Florida that offer tours for visitors. Even better, this park in the Panhandle is a short drive from Falling Waters State Park, so you can see both on the same trip. For more information, head to the Florida Caverns State Park webpage.
3. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Flickr/Ricardo Mangual
The Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida are like something out of a fairy tale. The intricately decorated 205-foot tower is not only a work of art, it also holds some of the world's finest carillon bells. Guests can spend hours strolling in the surrounding gardens of what may be considered one of the most magical hidden gems in Florida. This is one attraction your visitors will never forget. To learn more, visit the Bok Tower Gardens website.
4. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast
Flickr/oliver.dodd
This state park is truly a hidden gem. Not only is it home to gorgeous formal gardens and mightly live oak trees, but its shoreline is also decorated with coquina formations. Your friends will leave with a new appreciation for a side of Florida they never knew existed. Visit the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park webpage for more information.
5. Solomon's Castle, Ona
Flickr/Sam Howzit
Unbelievably, this quirky castle was built by a single individual, an artist, to house tons of his very unique artwork. Guests will definitely have some great stories to take home. To plan your tour, visit the Solomon's Castle website.
6. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, Williston
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring/Facebook
This underground swimming hole in Williston (near Gainesville), is a rare natural wonder that will blow your guests away (if they know at least the basics of diving). It's only open for scuba diving or snorkeling. For more information, visit the Devil's Den website.

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7. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
This park in Dunellon has been drawing visitors for decades with its crystal clear waters. The man-made waterfalls at this park are just lovely. For more information, visit the Rainbow Springs State Park webpage.
8. The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Fans of the surreal will go gaga for this unique museum, which houses the largest Dali collection outside of Europe. For more information, visit The Dali Museum website.
9. Tarpon Springs
Flickr/Mark D L
Most visitors can't help but fall in love with the old-world charm of this Greek sponging town located about 45 minutes from Tampa. Historic buildings, antique stores, and a scenic waterfront make this town a must-see. If you looking to plan some day trips in Florida, you should add this town to your list! To plan your trip, visit the Tarpon Springs webpage.
10. Myakka River State Park, Sarasota
VISIT FLORIDA/TripAdvisor
A local favorite, this park near Sarasota has a river and two lakes, so water-related opportunities are plentiful. It's home to many diverse environments and has something for everyone. Additionally, it's one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. For more information, visit the Myakka River State Park webpage.
11. Venetian Pool, Coral Gables
Flickr/socialBedia
This lovely oasis is the country's largest freshwater swimming pool---and the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the '20s in a coral rock quarry in the style of Venice, Italy. To plan your trip, visit the Venetian Pool webpage.
12. The Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach
SoBe8889/TripAdvisor
How cool would it be to take your friends to a 12th-century Spanish monastery...in Florida? This monastery was purchased in the 1920s by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, whose plans of moving it to California were sidetracked by shipping complications. It ended up in storage for decades until it was purchased again in the '60s and moved piece by piece to its current location. For more information, visit The Ancient Spanish Monastery website.
13. Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
Flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
If you're headed to the Keys, don't overlook Dry Tortugas National Park. This unfinished island fort sits about 70 miles west of Key West. The masonry combined with the stunning natural surroundings give this place a haunting quality your visitors will never forget. It's also a great place for camping---especially for stargazers. Visit the Fort Jefferson webpage to learn more.

Visiting the top attractions in Florida is fun but, as you can see, the state offers so much more in the way of hidden gems. Have you been to any of these underrated places in Florida? What are your favorite spots to take out-of-towners? Please share your comments with us below!

And if you’re looking for more underrated places in Florida, check out these hidden gems in our beautiful state.

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More to Explore

Underrated Places In Florida

Melissa Mahoney | March 10, 2021

What are some hidden gems in Florida?

Best known for its white sandy beaches and theme parks, Florida is a popular tourist destination. However, there are many hidden gems around the state that should be taken into consideration, and these places will not be overrun with tourists. As one of the oldest parks in the state, Highlands Hammock in Sebring has a scenic forest and plenty of wildlife. It’s an ideal place to go to immerse yourself in nature. If you prefer learning history about a place that’s surrounded by acres of land, head to the Koreshan State Historic Site. This former commune sits along the Estero River and is worthy of a visit. You can find these and more in our article, 14 More Hidden Gems In Florida That Are Worthy Of A Visit. And if you’re looking for an incredible restaurant that’s off the beaten path in a rural setting, try Cherry Pocket which sits along the shores of Lake Pierce.

What are the best day trips I can take in Florida?

With sunshine, sandy beaches, and subtropical climate, you can take a day trip any time of year in Florida. From Key West to Disney World, from sandy beaches to natural springs, the Sunshine State has endless day trip options. To help you decide where to go on your next adventure, we put together a list of 12 Unforgettable Day Trips that you may want to check out.

What are the top attractions in Florida?

When we think of Florida, Walt Disney World is usually the first thing to come to mind, but there are many other top attractions everyone loves to visit. There are plenty of theme parks like Universal Studios, Epcot Center, Busch Gardens, and Sea World, just to name a few. Kennedy Space Center and Everglades National Park are also quite popular and unique places to spend some time. You will surely have a fun, memorable time at any attraction you visit in the Sunshine State!

 

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Featured Addresses
1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137, USA
4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA
5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA
19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA
2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
Key West, FL 33040, USA