Posted in Florida May 22, 2015 by

These 18 Hidden Gems In Florida Will Blow You Away

For anyone sick of hearing that visiting Florida is solely about exploring Walt Disney World, this list is for you. We’ve made a comprehensive list of some of the best hidden gems in Florida, including state parks where you can explore caverns or swim with manatees, quiet beaches where you can actually relax, verdant gardens, and top-notch restaurants. Sound like a dreamy way to escape your staycation rut?

So gas up the car and start exploring everything our beautiful state really has to offer.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL
Flickr/Ricymar Photography
This majestic 200-acre garden features a 205-foot singing tower facing a reflecting pool, a bird sanctuary, and acres of oaks, pines, ferns, camellias, jasmine, spider lily, and wetland plants.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
2. Crystal River State Park in Citrus County, FL
Flickr/psyberartist
Crystal River not only has some of the clearest water in Florida, it is also the only place you can legally swim up close with endangered manatees.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3266 N Sailboat Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
3. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon, FL
Flickr/Greg Workman for Florida Fish and Wildlife
Visit Rainbow Springs and take a walk through paradise. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in some parts of its beautiful blue springs. You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
4. Winter Park, FL
Flickr/Meagan Perosha for U.S. Department of Agriculture
This charming city north of Orlando offers lots of cute shops, restaurants, and parks to stroll through, as well as an excellent Saturday morning farmers market and cultural landmarks like the Morse Museum, which holds the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's works in the world.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: Winter Park, Florida
5. Falling Waters State Park
Flickr/Scott Ball for Florida Fish and Wildlife
Falling Waters near Chipley, FL, is home to the tallest waterfall (and one of very few, period) in the state of Florida. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428
6. Santa Rosa Beach
Flickr/David Reber
This beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and upscale dining, but visitors should also check out the nearby artist colony, Gulf Place. Santa Rosa Beach also touches Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve for an alternative to beach days.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: Walton County, Florida
7. Swap Shop Flea Market and Drive-In Theater in Fort Lauderdale, FL
modartmbafashion.wordpress.com
Swap Shop has over 2,000 vendors for 180,00 square feet of shopping, restaurants, farmers markets with tons of local produce, and one of the world's largest drive-in movie theaters. Whatever you're looking for, Swap Shop probably has it. There are also locations in Tampa and Lake Worth.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3291 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
8. The French Pantry in Jacksonville, FL
Facebook/The French Pantry
Put on your fancy pants and head to this tres chic cafe in Jacksonville that has been an icon for over 20 years. As expected, they have some of the best pastries and cakes you will ever try, but they're only open for lunch.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217
9. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island, FL
pixabay.com
A beach in Florida where you can actually get some alone time is rare indeed. Enjoy the lagoon or the beach for emerald Gulf waters and bright white sand.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: Marco Island, FL
10. Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, FL
Flickr/Sandy Auriene Sullivan
Ravine Garden State Park is a truly majestic place, brimming with history and nature. The ancient ravines on this land have been transformed into a rustic, tropical garden for all to enjoy. Come spend the day in nature, under the Florida sunshine. The best hidden gems in Florida don't get much better than this.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177
11. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Flickr/Ines Hegedus-Garcia
This park on Key Biscayne is home to the Cape Florida Light (the oldest standing structure in Miami), was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and has one of the best beaches in the country.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
12. Cafe La Buca in Pompano Beach
Facebook/Cafe La Buca Inc
This little restaurant has Italian food as good as you wish your mama made. 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.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 451 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
13. Caladesi Island, Dunedin, FL (offshore)
wikimedia
Caladesi Island is one of the best beaches in the country and one of the few in Florida that have been kept completely natural.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
14. Secret Woods Nature Center, Dania Beach, FL
commons.wikimedia.org
This Urban Wilderness Area features a great many different trees native to Florida, including cypress, maple, mangrove, and a laurel oak hammock. Then there's the butterfly garden and reptile habitat, making the Secret Woods fun for nature-loving adults and kids alike.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
15. Blowing Rocks Preserve, Hobe Sound, FL
commons.wikimedia.org
On this preserve on Jupiter Island, you'll see waves breaking on huge limestone formations, sending sprays up to 50 feet in the air. Don't miss the educational center, plant nursery, boardwalk, and butterfly garden.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
16. The Goblin Market Restaurant in Mount Dora, FL
thegoblinmarketrestaurant.com
The Goblin Market is an eclectic bistro that is a must-visit for anyone near the charming town of Mount Dora. The restaurant has a great ambiance that's only matched by high-quality steaks and seafood. Books line the walls of the three small dining rooms, and most guests rave about the shady courtyard and garden patio.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mt Dora, FL 32757
17. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, FL
commons.wikimedia.org
This center for Japanese culture in Palm Beach County is unique and serene, offering Japanese tea ceremonies, a bonsai garden, festivals, classes, and a superb gift shop and cafe.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
18. Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna, FL
commons.wikimedia.org
This park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. The park also offers bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. This spot is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida.
Click here to find out more about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446

The truth is, we live in a vast state, so of course, no single list could gather all of the best hidden gems in Florida. Plus, the very best ones are probably still well hidden. 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!

Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Address: 3266 N Sailboat Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Address: Winter Park, FL, USA
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Address: Walton County, FL, USA
Address: 3291 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, USA
Address: 6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217, USA
Address: Tigertail Beach, 430 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA
Address: 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
Address: 451 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060, USA
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA
Address: 2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
Address: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, USA
Address: 330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hidden Gems In Florida

January 17, 2021
Marisa Roman

What are the most unique things to do in Florida?

Florida has tons of attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and no, we’re not talking about Disney World. Some of the most unique things to do in Florida are often right under our noses! Take a look at this list of 14 things you can only find in Florida and prepare to be amazed.

How has Florida changed over the years?

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. But what’s really changed over the years is that more of the lesser-known places in Florida have become a draw for visitors. While still many people come to explore the more touristy spots, it’s the hidden gems throughout Florida that have become the must-visit destinations.

What is Florida known for?

To put it plainly, Florida is known for Florida attractions. It might sound simple, which in reality, it is! Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Walt Disney World, and being the ultimate vacation destination. At its core, the attractions in Florida are a huge draw for visitors. That, and of course, the wonderful weather year-round.

Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Address: 3266 N Sailboat Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Address: Winter Park, FL, USA
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Address: Walton County, FL, USA
Address: 3291 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, USA
Address: 6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217, USA
Address: Tigertail Beach, 430 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA
Address: 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
Address: 451 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060, USA
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA
Address: 2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
Address: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, USA
Address: 330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA