From fine art and history to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, Florida has it all. Most people don’t even realize we have so many little-known destinations all around us. Whether you’re a resident of the Sunshine State or simply passing through on a vacation, you’ll love exploring the following list of hidden gems in Florida.

1. Naples Botanical Garden
Flickr/Carol VanHook
Our list of hidden gems in Florida begins at Naples Botanical Garden. If you've never been to the Naples Botanical Garden, now is the time. This renovated garden features a stunning collection of plants from all over the world in six different cultivated gardens and a 90-acre preserve. It's a true plant lover's paradise. Learn more about the stunning paradise that is the Naples Botanical Garden.
2. Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Visit this Buddhist Thai temple on the Palm River in Tampa on Sundays for an open-air market and authentic Thai food in a uniquely serene environment. Learn more about this fascinating temple in Florida.
3. Myakka River State Park
Flickr/Walter
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is a favorite among many Floridians for its scenic views, tons of wildlife, hiking trails, airboat rides, and much more. There's even a treetop canopy at Myakka River State Park!
4. Gatorland
Flickr/Dave Campbell
Gatorland is a piece of Florida history on the Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Come see thousands of alligators and crocodiles, and for the truly brave, take the zip line over the park. Here's more on why you should plan a trip to the iconic Gatorland in Florida.
5. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Photo by PugCake via www.tripadvisor.com
This aquarium in Sarasota is perfect for families that want to see manatees and sea turtles up close.

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6. Castillo de San Marcos
Flickr/David Ellis
I bet a lot of people don't know that the oldest fort in the country is located in Florida. Visitors can tour this picturesque fort and then spend the rest of the day enjoying the rest of historic St. Augustine. This 17th-century castle in Florida is positively fascinating -- and it might be haunted!
7. Brevard Zoo
Flickr/Rusty Clark - hotnfunkyradio.com
Features like the treetop trek, kayak adventure through the zoo, and a splash park where kids can cool off make this zoo in Melbourne a notch above most, but at a reasonable price. It's easy to see why Brevard Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the country.
8. Wynwood Walls
www.tripadvisor.com
If you think it would be cool to visit an outdoor art gallery of jaw-dropping murals and street art, you will love Wynwood in Miami. Artists from all over the world have left their mark here in a big way.
9. Morean Arts Center
Flickr/CityofStPete
Flickr/Joe Bielawa
The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg not only features world renowned glass artists, they offer the opportunity to watch glass-blowing and even hands-on classes in this and other media.
10. Zoological Wildlife Foundation
www.tripadvisor.com
If you've ever felt like you just couldn't get close enough to big cats and monkeys at the zoo, or you just want some of the cutest selfies ever, Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami is the place for you. These hands-on tours are definitely more expensive than the typical zoo, but they're also a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Check out our previous hidden gems in Florida here: Part One and Part Two. Do you have any other hidden gems in Florida we haven’t covered? Please share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

hidden gems in Florida

Beth C. | July 26, 2021

What are some little-known state parks in Florida?

There are so many beautiful state parks in Florida, and each offers something special. Of course, some of Florida's parks are more visited than others. Today, we'd like to focus on some of the best little-known state parks in Florida. These destinations include Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park, Cayo Costa State Park, Cedar Key Museum State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Letchworth-Love Mounds State Park, and O'Leno State Park. How many of these little-known state parks in Florida have you visited?

What are the most unique attractions in Florida?

When it comes to unique attractions in Florida, there's a seemingly endless supply. However, there's one destination in particular that may just take the cake. Butterfly World in Florida is home to the largest butterfly house and maze in the entire state. This gorgeous destination features thousands of beautiful butterflies just waiting to be admired. The attraction opened in 1988 and was the first park of its kind in the U.S. In addition to butterflies, the park also features over 600 unique bird species to admire. Couldn't you spend all day admiring the beautiful creatures at Butterfly World in Florida?

Is there a hidden garden in Florida?

Yes! Few people realize that Florida has its very own secret garden, and it's positively enchanting. Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is a beautiful oasis that dates back over 100 years. Wandering down pathways, you'll encounter breathtaking landscapes filled with exotic plants. Established in 1903, these gardens make up one of the oldest roadside attractions in the country. Before the building of Florida's theme parks, the Sunken Gardens were once considered to be the state's most popular attraction. Learn more about the fascinating Sunken Gardens in Florida.

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Featured Addresses
Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112, USA
Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple, 741 Mayflower Ave, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, USA
Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA
Gatorland Drive, Gatorland Dr, Orlando, FL 32837, USA
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA
Wynwood Walls, 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, USA
Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
ZWF Miami, 16225 SW 172nd Ave, Miami, FL 33187, USA