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Looking for some hidden gems in Florida? We are here to help!
Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the USA.
Particularly known for its amazing theme parks in Orlando, Florida is also home to stunning natural wonders and historical places!
There is so much more in Florida than just Disney and Miami!
In this article, you will discover the best secret spots in Florida!
Of course, if this is your first time in Florida and you are only staying for a few days, you might not have time to check them out.
But if you are planning on travelling around the sunshine state for a while and want to get away from the crowds, these Florida hidden gems will be perfect for you!
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is one of the least visited national parks in the entire United States, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Located west of Key West in the Florida Keys, the only way to get there is by ferry or seaplane from Key West.
The journey itself keeps the crowds away as it’s not the easiest nor the cheapest thing to do but once you arrive you’ll understand immediately why it’s worth it.
Fort Jefferson is the centrepiece, a huge Civil War-era fortress that was used as a military prison and is one of the largest masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere.Beyond the history, the snorkelling and diving are extraordinary.
The surrounding reef is part of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and the visibility in the water is incredible.
2. Crystal River
Florida has the world’s largest population of West Indian manatees, and Crystal River is by far the best place to see them.
Between January and March, hundreds of manatees leave the Gulf and head to the warm springs at Crystal River, with up to 500 or more gathering on peak days.
This is the only place in the United States where it is legal to swim with them in the wild.
The kayaking and snorkelling here are wonderful even out of manatee season, because the Three Sisters Springs are simply beautiful, the water is an extraordinary shade of turquoise.
Before you visit, call the visitor centre to check how many manatees are in the springs. They count them daily, and if the temperature rises unexpectedly they can leave earlier than expected.
You can book a manatee swim or a clear kayak tour here.
3. Ybor City in Tampa
When people think of Cuban culture in Florida, their minds usually go straight to Little Havana in Miami. But there’s another historic Cuban neighbourhood that’s absolutely worth your time.
Ybor City is Tampa’s Cuban and entertainment district, and it’s loads of fun.
The food scene is brilliant. Grab a Cuban coffee at one of the hand-rolled cigar shops, wander the restaurant strip and try as many things as possible.
There’s live music, great bars and a real energy to the place, especially in the evenings.
If you fancy a drink, Bernini is a must. Their happy hour runs until 7pm and the $4 SKYY martinis are some of the best values in Tampa.
Espresso, chocolate, coconut, they have everything.If you want to learn more about the history and food culture of the neighbourhood, a food tour of Ybor is a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours.
4. Honeymoon Island
Located about 30 minutes from St Petersburg and 20 minutes from Clearwater, Honeymoon Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and it’s my absolute favourite spot in the state.
You can reach it by bridge. Entry is $8 per vehicle and it’s absolutely worth it.
The Osprey Trail is a beautiful 2.5-mile walking loop through the forest where you can spot bald eagles, ospreys and all kinds of wildlife.
From the trail car park, the beach is easy to reach, and what a beach it is. Four miles of soft, white, unspoilt sand with very few people on it.
5. Caladesi Island
If you’re already on Honeymoon Island, you’re already halfway to Caladesi Island so it’s worth going there for the day or afternoon.
There is a ferry that goes from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi. It’s an extra cost but it’s well worth it.
The beaches are breathtaking. Completely unspoilt, white sand, crystal-clear water.
Also, there are plenty of dolphins here so I’m sure you’ll get to see them!
6. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is right next door to Crystal River, only about 30 minutes south, and it’s far less visited despite being genuinely brilliant.
At the visitor centre you’ll pay your entrance fee and then make your way to the wildlife park.
The boat ride along Pepper Creek is a lovely way to get there, though it can sometimes be suspended when water levels are low. Check the official park website before visiting to see what’s running.
Once inside, you’ll see rescued and rehabilitated Florida wildlife including manatees, birds of prey and alligators.
It’s brilliant for families and a genuinely lovely way to spend a few hours.
7. Fort De Soto
This state park is made up of five connected keys: Bonne Fortune, St Jean, St Christopher, Madelaine and Mullet Key.
You reach it via a toll bridge from St Petersburg.
The beaches here are genuinely world-class, and the kayaking is excellent (there is a 2.25-mile canoe trail)
There are seven miles of multi-purpose paved trails which makes it an excellent place for cycling too.
There is camping in the park which is ideal if you want to spend a relaxing weekend here.
8. Big Cypress National Preserve
Most visitors to South Florida head to the Everglades and don’t realise there’s another extraordinary wild area right next door.
Big Cypress National Preserve is perfect for people who want to walk through beautiful wetlands, spot alligators and feel genuinely remote.
9. Big Pine Key
The Florida Keys get a lot of visitors so you might not expect to find any hidden gems there but there are a few.
Big Pine Key is one of those stops most people miss, and it’s genuinely worth a detour.
As you drive through, keep your eyes on the road and the surrounding area. Key deer are everywhere.
These tiny, endangered miniature deer wander freely through the neighbourhood, including through people’s gardens.
They’re the size of a large dog and completely fearless. It’s one of those unexpected wildlife experiences that stays with you.
Drive all the way to the end of the road and you’ll find No Name Pub, one of the most wonderfully eccentric bars in Florida.
Dollar bills pinned to every surface, cold beer and a laid-back atmosphere that’s completely at odds with the tourist buzz elsewhere in the Keys.
10. Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park sits on Big Pine Key and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Florida Keys.
If you love fine, soft, white sand, this is the place.It’s also an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving.
11. Fanning springs
Fanning Springs are a lesser-known alternative to the more famous springs in Florida, and they’re all the better for it.
Located near Gainesville, the water sits at the perfect 72°F year-round and the setting is beautiful.
It’s a great place to walk, swim and observe wildlife. If you visit at the right time of year, you might even spot turtles and manatees in the water.
12. Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a group of islands on the Gulf Coast of Florida, slightly further north than Crystal River, and it’s one of the most genuinely relaxing places in the state.
It’s the standard all good Florida hidden gems are measured against. Remote, characterful, unhurried.
If you’re a foodie, Cedar Key will make you very happy.
The seafood here is extraordinary, particularly the oysters and clams. Head to Steamers Clam Bar and Grill for one of the best meals you’ll have in Florida.
The Cedar Key Museum is also worth a visit. It traces the footsteps of naturalist John Muir, who spent time here in the 1860s during his famous thousand-mile walk to the Gulf.Â
13. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee Springs has nine named springs feeding the Ichetucknee River, and the water is this extraordinary shade of blue-green that looks almost too perfect to be real.
Swimming and snorkelling in the springs are wonderful. So is kayaking and paddling on the river.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are three hiking trails to choose from: Blue Hole Trail, Pine Ridge Trail and Trestle Point Trail.
The park is open every day of the year and entry is $6 per vehicle.
14. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Devil’s Den is one of the most extraordinary natural places in Florida.
It’s an underground prehistoric spring hidden inside a limestone cavern, with just a small opening in the roof letting in a shaft of light.
You descend into a cave where the spring sits in near-darkness below you. The water is crystal clear and a constant 72°F.
It’s privately owned and you can visit any day (except Christmas). You can rent snorkelling or scuba diving equipment on-site.
Note that casual swimming isn’t permitted. You’ll need to snorkel or dive.
15. Garden of Eden Trail
The Garden of Eden Trail is a beautiful 3.75-mile hike in Bristol, Florida, only 50 minutes from Tallahassee by car.
You walk through the forest and end up with beautiful views over the Apalachicola River.
If you love birds and native plants, bring your camera. This trail rewards patient walkers.
16. Sunflower fields at Southern Hill Farm
Southern Hill Farm is located in Clermont, about 40 minutes from Orlando, and on the right days it’s absolutely gorgeous.
The u-pick sunflower fields are a brilliant thing to do if you’re staying in Orlando and want something a little different.
Entry fees apply and you pay per stem for anything you pick. Pricing changes seasonally, so check their Facebook page or website before going to confirm what’s on and what it costs.
They also sometimes offer professional photo shoots in the fields, which makes for some really beautiful pictures.
17. Little Haiti in Miami
Miami is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, and everyone knows about Little Havana. But Little Haiti, just north of downtown, is equally fascinating and far less visited.
This is an authentic Haitian neighbourhood with a real community, brilliant food and a very different energy to the rest of Miami.
The French-influenced Haitian cuisine here is genuinely excellent and hard to find elsewhere in Florida.
A walking tour of Little Haiti is a brilliant way to explore it properly and learn the neighbourhood’s history with a local guide.
18. Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa State Park is in Clermont and is one of the best escapes from Orlando if you want nature without the crowds.
The park has three lakes, Louisa, Dixie and Hammond, and the wildlife is incredible. Deer and bobcats are regularly spotted here.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lakes are brilliant, and there are hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
If you want to see the park from on horseback, horse riding through the trails is something genuinely special.
19. Ocala National Forest
About an hour north of Orlando, Ocala National Forest is home to some of the most beautiful springs in Florida and miles of wonderful hiking trails.
The two stand-out springs are Silver Glen Springs and Juniper Springs, both of which are stunning for swimming and kayaking.
In winter, manatees sometimes make their way into Silver Glen, which makes it even more special.
Rent a kayak, paddleboard or canoe and just go exploring. The water is beautiful and the forest around it is extraordinary.
20. Kelly Park
Kelly Park in Apopka is home to Rock Springs.
The water is a constant 68°F, slightly cooler than most Florida springs, and the Rock Springs Run river flows through a gorgeous forested landscape.
It’s only about 40 minutes from Orlando, which makes it a brilliant day trip.
Swimming, kayaking and tubing are all excellent here. Arrive early on weekends because it does get busy.
21. Florida Caverns State Park
There is nothing else quite like Florida Caverns State Park in the whole state.
Florida is famously flat, so finding a cave system here feels genuinely surprising.
The caverns began forming around 38 million years ago and are filled with incredible geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones.
The caves were developed for visitors in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Roosevelt’s New Deal. Workers literally dug through limestone by hand with picks and shovels to open up the passages.
Inside the caves, the temperature stays at a constant 65°F year-round, which is blissfully cool on a hot Florida day.
Entry to the park is $5 per vehicle. Cave tours are ticketed separately on the day of your visit.
There’s also plenty to do above ground, including hiking trails, fishing, swimming and camping.
22. The Kampong
The Kampong is one of the most beautiful and unexpected places in Miami.
Nestled in the Coconut Grove neighbourhood, this extraordinary tropical garden was the home of David Fairchild, one of the most important plant explorers in American history.
Fairchild spent decades travelling the world collecting seeds and plants to introduce to American agriculture. The breadth of what he brought back is staggering. Avocados, soybeans, mangoes, nectarines and hundreds of other species can be traced back to his work.
His wife Marian was the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell, which adds another remarkable layer to this already remarkable place.
When you walk into the garden today, exotic and tropical plants surround you at almost every step. It’s genuinely transportive.
Advanced reservations are required. You can book here.
Discounts are given if you arrive by public transport or rideshare rather than by car.
23. The Black Hammock
If you want to see alligators in the wild, The Black Hammock is the place to do it.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Jessup, just northeast of Orlando, The Black Hammock is home to the largest concentration of alligators in Florida.
Open airboat rides depart regularly throughout the day, Tuesday through Sunday, and you’ll almost certainly see gators up close. These are big animals in their natural habitat, and the experience is genuinely thrilling.
After the ride, grab a bite at the Black Hammock Restaurant or the Lazy Gator Bar. If you’re feeling adventurous, the fried gator tail is apparently the best in town.
24. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The name doesn’t tell you much, but what’s inside this museum is extraordinary.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum in Winter Park holds the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world.
Not his father Charles Tiffany of Tiffany and Co. the jeweller. Louis Comfort Tiffany, the artist who created those iconic stained glass lamps, art nouveau windows and extraordinary decorative objects that defined an era.
The collection includes ceramics, glass, paintings, jewellery and architectural elements.
The absolute highlight is the Tiffany Chapel, designed by LCT for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. There’s genuinely nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
It’s only 15 minutes from Orlando by car, or 25 minutes on the SunRail. Absolutely worth a half-day.
25. Harry P Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre tropical oasis in the heart of Orlando, and it’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re in a city.
Harry P. Leu and his wife Mary Jane bought the estate in 1936 and spent decades travelling the world and bringing back exotic plants, especially camellias, of which they cultivated over 240 varieties.
In 1961 they gifted the entire estate to the city of Orlando, and it’s been open to the public ever since.
The gardens are beautiful at any time of year. You’ll find 200-year-old oaks, a butterfly garden and the largest rose garden in the state of Florida.
They also host wonderful seasonal events including Halloween nights and a Christmas garden experience from December through January.
26. Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most peaceful places in Florida and one of the most underrated.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (son of the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York) and William Lyman Phillips, the gardens were conceived as a sanctuary, and that’s exactly what they feel like.
The centrepiece is the Singing Tower, a striking Gothic and Art Deco carillon tower that contains 60 bells. Hearing them ring out across the gardens is a genuinely lovely experience.
When the gardens were dedicated in 1929, President Coolidge attended and called the tower “a sanctuary to rest and think in the quieting influences of nature.”
Next door, make sure to visit Pinewood Estate, a beautiful Mediterranean-style mansion built in 1932 that’s as impressive as the gardens themselves.
27. Falling Waters State Park
Falling Waters State Park is home to something that feels almost impossible in flat, flat Florida: the state’s tallest waterfall.
It’s a 73-foot drop into a cylindrical limestone pit, and it’s genuinely dramatic to stand at the edge and look down.
Whether it’s a roaring cascade or a trickle depends on recent rainfall, but either way it’s fascinating.
Beyond the falls, the park has three scenic trails, fishing, swimming and camping.
It’s in the Florida Panhandle, about an hour from Tallahassee and just under an hour from Panama City.
28. Blowing Rocks Preserve
Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Barrier Island is one of those coastal spots that looks completely unlike anything else in Florida.
At high tide, waves crash into the Anastasia Limestone coastline and send jets of water spraying up through natural holes in the rock. On the right day, it’s spectacular to watch.
At low tide, you can walk out across the rocks themselves, which feels almost otherworldly.
The preserve is also home to nesting sea turtles and native Florida plant species, all protected by decades of conservation work.
It’s easy to drive to, and once you’re there it’s a genuinely memorable place to spend an afternoon.
Map of Hidden Gems in Florida
I hope you’ll enjoy discovering these beautiful hidden gems in Florida!
The Sunshine State has so much to offer!
Nature is beautiful in Florida.
We often forget that it’s not all about theme parks and hopefully, after reading this article, you will want to discover what Florida is really about!
You may also be interested in:
- Things to do in St Petersburg, Florida
- Best bachelorette party destinations in Florida
- 11 Places to Go in Florida on Your Honeymoon
- Fun and Unique Things to do in Clearwater Beach, FL
- Where to stay in St Petersburg, Florida
- Glamping in Florida
- Things to do in the Florida Keys
- Things to do in Tampa, Florida
- Fun facts about Miami
- The most beautiful beaches in Florida
