You might remember our first list of hidden gems in Florida, but we thought we could do better. The truth is, there are just so many places in Florida to visit, we can keep making lists upon lists. These gems are even better and brighter than before. See for yourself some more of the best hidden gems in Florida all in one list.
1. Fort De Soto Park
Located in Pinellas County, Fort De Soto Park is made up of five keys connected by bridges or causeways. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, shallows, piers for fishing, and the remnants of Fort De Soto.
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Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL 33715
2. Coral Castle
Editor's Note: Coral Castle is temporarily closed.
Coral Castle in Homestead, FL, was built by a lovelorn Latvian man by hand as a tribute to unrequited love. He lived in the formations made of stone he sourced and built all by himself, giving tours to the public until he died. Was he crazy or romantic?
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Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
3. Stetson Mansion
The famous hatmaker's 10,000-square-foot, three-story mansion sits on two acres in DeLand, FL. This remnant of the Gilded Age blends many different architectural styles and claims to be Florida's first luxury home.
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Address: 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720
4. Cayo Costa Island State Park
This paradise may be popular, but it has remained relatively unknown to those outside the area. This gorgeous park is accessible only via a private boat or a ferry from Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, or Captiva Island. Be sure to make reservations, because this park is every camper's dream.
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Address: Captiva, FL 33924
5. Flagler College
This college in St. Augustine was once the Hotel Ponce de Leon and has to be one of the most beautiful campus buildings in the country, complete with 79 Tiffany stained glass windows, chandeliers, hand-painted ceilings and murals, and a 68-foot domed ceiling with ornate carvings. This is a college you will want to tour even if you're not interested in a degree.
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Address: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
6. Bob's River Place
Editor's Note: Bob's River Place is temporarily closed.
This swimming hole in Branford, FL, is like a water park on the Suwannee. Its rope swings and impressive water slides make it perfect for thrill-seekers.
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Address: 2878 Co Rd 340, Branford, FL 32008
7. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
This park in Citrus County is a local favorite and a great place for viewing all kinds of Florida wildlife, including manatees.
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Address: 9350 W Fishbowl Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448
8. Koreshan State Historic Site
In the late 1800s, Cyrus Reed Teed founded the Koreshan Unity in Estero, FL. as the "New Jerusalem," centered around his belief that the Earth was hollow and humanity lived on the inside of its shell. When the celibate community finally came to an end in the '60s, the last of the followers donated the well-preserved buildings to create this park. Tours, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and camping are available at the site.
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Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
9. Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock near Sebring, FL, is one of the oldest parks in Florida and features beautiful old hammock and oak trees and wildlife that can be viewed from the historic catwalk.
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Address: 5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872
10. Venetian Pool
This historic 1924 public swimming pool located in Coral Gables will give you a very unique swimming experience. With consistently cool water from a natural spring source, enjoy this incredible swimming hole in South Florida.
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Address: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
11. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Stunning formal gardens and a shoreline dotted with coquina formations make this park in Palm Coast, FL, an instant favorite among many visitors.
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Address: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
12. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
This museum in Sarasota is a must-see that features fine art housed in the circus magnate's unique winter mansion and gardens.
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Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
13. Dry Tortugas
This small group of islands at the end of the Keys is home to the never-completed Fort Jefferson. Enjoy the stunning views of the sweeping water at this historical spot.
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Address: Dry Tortugas, FL
14. Tarpon Springs
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Visiting this Greek community in Pinellas County feels like vacationing in a faraway land without ever leaving Florida. Enjoy the small mom-and-pop shops, delicious food options, and local businesses.
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Address: Tarpon Springs, FL
What do you think of our list of the best hidden gems in Florida? Tell us in the comments below! Or if you have your own hidden gem that you think we should've included, make sure to drop us a line.
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