It’s usually the people that don’t reside in Florida that have some misconceptions regarding what the state is really about. They might picture theme parks in Orlando or the bustling nightlife in Miami before really diving deep into the attractions offered in the Sunshine State. Truthfully, there is so much history and natural beauty throughout the state, you have to start with the hidden gems in Florida to really get a feel for what we are all about. Here are a few of the best day trips in Florida that are definitely worth the trip.

1. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
3100 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA
Flickr/Jeff Kraus
This campsite at Flagler Beach, FL, is a gorgeous stretch of beach that is adored by campers with both tents and RVs. You can stay right on the beach and watch the sunrise over the ocean. Out of all the underrated places in Florida, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area still remains much of a hidden gem.
2. Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Flickr/Rick Schwartz




Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales in Central Florida is right out of a fairy tale. The 205-foot tower is not only a work of art, it holds some of the world's finest carillon bells. The surrounding gardens are lush and expansive. This is one of the most relaxing and romantic places in Florida.
3. Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
Flickr/Steven Martin
This 12th-century Spanish 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 North Miami Beach.
4. Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon




The water at Rainbow Springs is such a gorgeous crystal blue! It's ideal for canoeing, swimming, and kayaking all year round, but if you are more of a land lubber, never fear there are tons of hiking trails with waterfalls to admire and even a designated birding area.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Flickr/Mike
People who don't live in Florida usually think of the our bigger cities like Orlando and nightlife Miami and don't seem to realize the oldest city in the country is right here. There's so much to see in St. Augustine , including the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Alligator Farm (opened in 1893), Anastasia Island, plus lots of great shops and restaurants.

Related Stories

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Florida Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Florida Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 Visit The Heart of Horse History In Florida With Farm Tours of Ocala

Visit The Heart of Horse History In Florida With Farm Tours of Ocala

 Places To Stay Near Hard Rock Stadium In Miami, Florida

Places To Stay Near Hard Rock Stadium In Miami, Florida
6. Solomon's Castle
4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA
Flickr/Sam Howzit
Solomon's Castle in Ona, FL, is one of those wacky roadside attractions Florida was once famous for. Built by a single individual from found materials, Solomon's Castle stands as a testament to what a person can do when equipped with creativity and determination.
7. Paynes Prairie
100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA
Flickr/Meredith Leigh Collins




Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy (near Gainesville) is a National Natural Landmark with winding trails for walking and cycling. Come and check out the alligators, wild horses, and even bison up close at one of the best hidden gems in Florida.
8. Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm
37543 Pappy Rd, Dade City, FL 33523, USA
Facebook Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm
Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farms in Florida offers up a chance for guests to explore the wild and wonderful world of alpacas. Take a farm tour and lunch opportunity and get up close and personal with these gentle creatures.
9. Caladesi Island State Park
South Beach Pavillion Cafe, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA
Flickr/Pinellas County
As one of our few completely natural islands, Caladesi Island is perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds and rapid development of our ever-expanding state.
10. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
10901 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156, USA
Flickr/Kim Seng
Located on 83 acres in Coral Gables, FL, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens has an extensive collection of rare and unique tropical plants and fascinating exhibits. They also offer education for plant lovers of all ages.

Have you been to any of these little-known places in Florida? What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Florida? Please share your comments with us below. Thank you!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Underrated Places In Florida

Marisa Roman | October 04, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Florida?

There are plenty of uncrowded places in Florida that are well worth the visit, many of which happens to be outdoors. If you want to get out in nature and clock some miles, we have a few epic hikes in Florida to consider:

Which Florida parks should I visit in Florida?

Florida parks can be pure heaven on earth, so if you really want a great day out, then explore these parks in Florida for a more unique vantage point of the state:

What are the best little known attractions in Florida?

Ahh, hidden gems in Florida. You can’t beat those places that are underrated and don’t have tons of people out and about. Maybe you can only find them by word of mouth or maybe you need to talk to locals to really get the in on these places. Either way, you can also check out these little known places in Florida that are off the beaten path but well worth the trip:

Related Articles