Regarding roadside attractions, Florida has quite a few memorable spots. There is something about Florida roadside landmarks that brings out both weirdness and wonderfulness. For example, did you know that on the way down to Key West, you’ll find Big Betsy, a giant lobster off of Overseas Highway? However, at the other end of the size spectrum, there’s a small town with something so small it happens to be the smallest of its kind in America. Head to Ochopee, Florida, to visit America’s smallest post office.
As you head down US Hwy 41, the famed Tamiami Trail, mile marker 72 in Ochopee. Here, you’ll find a unique roadside attraction as long as you keep your eyes peeled!
St. Augustine is not only the oldest town in Florida, it's the oldest town in the country. As you might guess, there's plenty to do here, with more than 450 years of history to explore. Though it's historic, it's not stuck in the past. St. Augustine has lots of happening restaurants, shops, and nightlife to experience. It would be impossible to detail everything in one post, but we'd love to give you a glimpse at just one possible way to spend a day in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida:
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There's a lot of history here, but St. Augustine also knows how to cater to tourists (especially foodies). So let's start the day at one of the best breakfast spots in town, The Blue Hen Cafe.
If you've ever tried to explore the city by car, you know that parking can be a problem. Tours like those offered by Old Town Trolley remove all of the stress and time wasted searching for parking spots, so you can actually have an enjoyable time learning about the city.
Tours like this one allow you to get off and on as you please, so you can still walk these historic streets and peruse the many shops, restaurants and museums in our nation's oldest city.
You'll be transported back in time from the minute you set foot on the narrow streets of this city founded way back in 1565.
Time for lunch, and we know just the place. Head to the Uptown Scratch Kitchen for delicious, upscale meal from an unexpected place, this humble food truck.
Now that we've sampled some of the best food in town, there's time for one or two more stops. If you're visiting with kids, they will love a trip to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which has the largest authentic collection of pirate artifacts available for public viewing.
For a more grown-up date, check out a tour at San Sebastian Winery. Tours are free, and there are so many Florida-grown varieties to sample, you'll definitely want to take home a few bottles.
If you're looking for a relaxed dinner spot, try Gas Full Service Restaurant. This local favorite serves up fresh and tasty American fare in charming retro digs.
There are many creative dishes to choose from, from the Jalapeno popper burger with homemade chips to the shrimp and grits. No matter what you choose, you won't leave hungry.
If you're not ready for your St. Augustine adventure to be over (and you want to wake up to a sunrise like this the next day), stay at Anastasia State Park. This beautiful park will make you feel miles away from civilization, yet it's still close to everything you'll want to see and do.
Have you ever visited St. Augustine? What are your favorite things to do in our nation's oldest city?
If you love spots like St. Augustine, you might want to take our road trip to the most charming small towns in Florida. Our handy road trip packing list is here to help make sure you don't forget anything critical to your journey.
All over Florida (and the rest of the country), we have abandoned structures that sit like giant time capsules, slowly creeping back into the earth. Whether you find them beautiful (like we do) or creepy, there is something strangely fascinating about each one. These are some of our favorite abandoned places in Florida that are being reclaimed by nature. Some of these places are not open to the public, some may be structurally unstable, while others have been transformed or removed, so these images are the perfect way to view these abandoned Florida places.
The Miami Marine Stadium, built in 1963 on Virginia Key, Miami, was used for water sports, concerts, and other events until it was deemed unsafe after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
This photo shows an aerial view of some of the stadium's 6,566 seats. Recent plans to rehabilitate the structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, have fallen through. So it remains one of the most fascinating abandoned places in South Florida.
Editors Note: This restaurant experienced extensive damage from a hurricane and has now been demolished. This old restaurant in Cedar Key looks like it was once a pretty interesting place to eat.
This roadside attraction in Palm Beach County once offered travelers a glimpse of live alligators. This abandoned place makes me wonder where the alligators went when the attraction closed its doors.
Some of you might remember the so-called home of the future, Xanadu, in Kissimmee, that has been torn down for years now. Apparently, this sign for the attraction still stands.
Editors Note: This once-abandoned building is now an open and thriving hotel. It is called Hotel Greystone and you can book a night's stay today.
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It seems like a shame that this Art Deco building in South Beach had been boarded up and painted white. Still, it was oddly captivating, especially at night. As one of the most fascinating abandoned places in South Florida, it's good to know it's been given new life.
Among other things at the motel, the photographer found an old souvenir shop, holes punched in the walls, stacks of television sets, and an open Bible by a window.
What do you think of these abandoned places in Florida? Please share your comments with us!
Want to see something truly creepy? Check out this haunted speakeasy that is rated among the top 10 haunted places in our country!
