With hundreds of miles of coastline, acres of wetlands, and an array of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, it’s no wonder why Florida is a hot spot for travel writers. From the crystal-clear springs and secluded beaches to the wildlife preserves and unique cities – there’s something here for everyone.
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We asked travel writers to share the often-overlooked locations in Florida! With insider tips on must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and local favorites – you’ll be sure to find your own hidden gem in this sun-soaked state.
Ten Thousand Islands
Contributed by Lori of Naples Florida Travel Guide
Florida is a land of many hidden gems — some off the beaten path and others an easy day trip.
One such place is the remote Ten Thousand Islands and exploring them is one of the most unique things to do in southwest Florida. This uninhabited ecosystem stretches south along the coast from the city of Marco Island to Lostman’s River near the southern tip of Florida encompassing over 35,000 acres.
In 1996, in the northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established with the southern portion being part of Everglades National Park.
These mangrove islands and waterways draw catch-and-release fishermen hunting elusive bonefish on the flats. Birders come to observe the amazing number of wading, shore, and sea birds nesting in the mangroves. Manatees, several species of sea turtles, and dolphins are all frequently seen throughout the islands.
With proper planning, camping is also possible in designated areas.
An adventure into the Ten Thousand Islands is only possible by boat, but if you don’t have your own, tour operators offer drop-off/pick-up kayaking, stops for beach combing and shelling, and nature-spotting eco trips.
Outdoor and nature lovers should definitely book a tour to experience and learn all that this pristine gem has to offer.
Kayak Overnight Camping Trip in the Everglades National Park
Contributed by Patricia Pagenel of Ze Wandering Frogs
Everglades National Park is the most iconic park in Florida, thanks to its extensive mangroves, swamps, and incredible wildlife, like on the famous Anhinga Trail, where you can find alligators, birds, and turtles! Of course, kayaking is one of the popular things to do, but an overnight camping kayaking trip is definitely the way to discover hidden Everglades.
Rent a kayak and head to the 11-mile round-trip Hell’s Bay, which will take you through narrow waterways to a series of mangrove campsites on platforms called Chickee campsites. Be ready for a gorgeous sunset, a quiet night under the stars nestled among the mangroves.
Given the remoteness of the campsites and the tight pathway through the mangroves, such an overnight camping trip requires a permit from the park and is best reserved for self-reliant advanced kayakers equipped with proper camping gear.
Ginnie Springs
Contributed by John Behrns of Florida Wanders
When you think about Florida you might imagine a beach-dotted coastline with tropical drinks. However, there is more to Florida than just beaches.
Gennie Springs is a hidden gem inside the sunshine state. Located in Springs, Florida it is a beautiful location you won’t want to miss. With seven gorgeous clear natural spring pools, the abundance of marine life is crystal clear. Rent or bring your own gear and enjoy the freshwater springs.
It is the perfect romantic getaway in Florida. You can swim with turtles, catfish, and bass. When you feel comfortable dive down and pop your head inside the flowing cave entrances underneath.
If you are a TECH-certified SCUBA Diver you will enjoy the long tunnels system stemming under the Ginnie Springs campgrounds, but you need to know what you are doing if you are going to scuba there. Not a certified diver? No problem, there is still plenty for you to do in Ginnie Springs. Enjoy a nice float down the Santa Fe River, or even rent a paddleboard and give that a try.
You will also enjoy camping on the riverfront and listening to the sounds of the flowing water at night.
When you are ready to ditch the theme parks of Florida behind and try something a little more natural, Ginnie Springs will make it to the top of your list.
Caladesi Island
Contributed by Candice of Exploring the Gulf
Caladesi Island is one of Florida’s hidden gems. Much less flashy than Tampa and Clearwater, Caladesi Island is full of opportunities for relaxing. Whether you traverse the island’s nature trails, spend the day on the shore shelling, or soak up the sun with a nice long swim, the place is a wonder to behold. It’s sure to become one of your favorites among beaches in Florida.
Caladesi Island is best accessed via ferry departing from Honeymoon Island State Park. The ferry runs hourly, starting at 10 am. There is only a small gift shop on the island, so be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy.
The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! After a day spent in paradise, you’ll likely be hungry as you make your way back to the mainland. There are lots of great restaurants in Clearwater. Wrap up your beach day with a delicious bite to eat!
Tarpon Springs
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Tarpon Springs offers a unique place to experience Greek culture in America. As you roam the streets, traditional Greek music plays over speakers on light posts and every street sign has Greek lettering with an English translation. Greek Ya-Ya’s (grandmothers) set out their wares for sale and the sweet aroma of baklava fills the streets. This historic town nestled on the Spring Bayou was once referred to as the “Venice of the South” and it showcases many examples of Victorian architecture.
The town was founded in 1887, and shortly after the sponge industry brought in many Greek immigrants in the 1890s. This booming industry helped to make Tarpon Springs the “Sponge Capital of the World”. Today, the town is home to the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US.
Ocala
Contributed by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
One of the hidden gems of Florida is the city of Ocala. Located in Central Florida, it’s about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. You can easily fly into many nearby cities such as Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville. If you’re driving, Ocala is right off of I-75.
Even though it’s not a large city, there are a lot of fun things to do in Ocala. Did you know Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World”? Ocala/Marion County is home to more horses and ponies than any other county in the United States. This makes it the perfect place to go horseback riding.
The city also has a very nice historic downtown area with great restaurants and bars. From September through May, First Fridays are held downtown as well. It’s a free event with local artists lining the streets with their work, family activities, and live music.
History and art lovers will also appreciate the many museums in Ocala. Some of the most popular are the Appleton Museum of Art and the Silver River Museum.
Ocala also offers a lot of outdoor activities. There are beautiful parks and natural springs within a short drive. And if you’d like to have an adrenaline rush, Ocala also has one of the best zipline courses in Florida!
If you’d like to stay overnight in Ocala, consider the Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown. It’s right on the square so you’ll be able to walk to restaurants and shops.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Contributed by Erin of Super Simple Salty Life
For a true hidden gem in Florida with a mythical past, visit Weeki Wachee Springs. This state park is located on Florida’s beautiful west coast and contains the deepest natural spring in the U.S. For the past 70 years, the Weeki Wachee Mermaids have been entertaining guests with choreographed underwater performances, being viewed inside a large underwater amphitheater. The park also houses the only spring-fed waterpark in Florida, with giant waterslides, a sandy beach, and areas for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing.
The Weeki Wachee River flows 12 miles downstream from the headspring inside the park into the Gulf of Mexico. The crystal clear water and slight current create the perfect scene for paddling a kayak or paddleboard through “Old Florida”. Paddlers will pass untouched landscapes filled with palm and pine trees, water birds such as herons, anhingas, and osprey, and wildlife like turtles, manatees, and alligators.
Largo Park
Largo, Florida, USA
Contributed by Cynthia Mackintosh of Mackintosh Travels
Nestled in a thriving downtown community is Largo Central Park located in Largo, Florida. This park has something for everyone. It has an expanse of playground, water features, shelter rentals for special occasions, beautiful landscaping with year-round blooming flowers, walking/running trails, and large grassy fields big enough to play flag football or soccer. However, what makes this park unique is the train that runs throughout the park. The first full weekend of every month train rides for children, or children at heart, are free or by donation. The train is solely cared for and maintained by volunteers of the community. Special events are also held here throughout the year such as movie nights in the park.
Visiting Largo Central Park is great visiting any time of the year. However, at Christmastime, that’s when it really comes to life! The park is totally decked out with lights, displays, a Ferris wheel, a “snow” sled, and a fire pit for smores. On one Saturday evening in December, they include food vendors and a stage with musical guests/dancers in which you bring your own lawn chairs. By the way, the freshly popped on-the-spot kettle popcorn is divine and is always a must-have with our family!
Sunken Gardens
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
For more than 100 years, Sunken Gardens has been a popular roadside attraction in St. Pete, Florida. Founded by George Turner Sr. in 1903 and was once a simple sinkhole. The gardens descend below street level to take you into an oasis near downtown St Pete. The historic gardens are home to more than 50,000 tropical plants, meandering paths, cascading waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos
Mount Dora
Contributed by Kyleen of The Bonnie Traveler
Mount Dora is one of the most charming hidden gems of Florida. Located only 40 minutes from Orlando and an hour from either coast, Mount Dora is the perfect location to base your central Florida adventures. Mount Dora is close to many attractions, but relaxing and exploring this little town is worth your time. Visitors can step back in time as they casually stroll the three blocks of shops and cafes on the way to the historic Lakeside Inn. Renninger’s Antique Market offers visitors a chance to hunt for vintage antiques or fresh produce. For an intimate, romantic dinner, head to the Goblin Market. This elegant restaurant serves award-winning dishes in a cozy, book-lined alcove.
The best way to explore the ‘real’ Florida is to take a pontoon boat tour of Lake Dora. This guided tour shares the history and nature of the area. Guests will see turtles, herons, and possibly alligators while cruising through the tree canopy of the Dora Canal. Another way to see Florida is by seaplane. These single-engine pontoon planes take off from the water and fly at low altitudes for a bird’s eye view of the towns, lakes, and wetlands below.
Insider Tip: Mount Dora hosts two of the country’s top arts and crafts festivals each year. The unique, handcrafted art is not to be missed!
Dry Tortugas
Contributed by Vince DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
While Dry Tortugas National Park may be the least-visited and most remote national park, it should be on the top of your list. You have a couple of choices to arrive on the island. You can charter a private boat, take the ferry or fly in a small seaplane. The waters surrounding the island greet you with their turquoise blue hues against the reddish brick of the fort as you slip into island time.
History lovers will enjoy the fort tour including the holding cell for Dr. Mudd. Dr. Mudd was housed here for his accused role in the assassination of President Lincoln. Nature lovers will enjoy the clear waters, abundant marine life, birdwatching, and snorkeling. Book a full-day excursion on the seaplane and you will have time to enjoy both!
American Space Museum
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto
Tucked away in an unassuming downtown Titusville building is the American Space Museum, a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of space exploration. Established in 1996 with a mission to preserve the history of the American Space Program, the museum offers a walk through historic relics from early space exploration through the space shuttle days.
Take a self-guided or docent-led stroll through the relics to spur childhood memories of watching in awe.
Lakeland
Contributed by Destiny Snyder of Guided by Destiny
As one of the most beautiful cities in central Florida, Lakeland has so much to offer, making it a hidden gem that you must experience. From the delicious restaurants and bakeries to the plethora of outdoor activities, Lakeland is the ideal location to unwind.
Dining is a top priority here, as there are many delightful eateries located around the city. The variety of delicious food options will leave your taste buds more than satisfied. Be sure to check out local restaurants such as Good Thyme (get their chicken biscuit for breakfast), Nineteen61 (their calamari is amazing), or Mojo Federal for some delicious BBQ.
Aside from its many restaurants, Lakeland also has several fantastic outdoor attractions. Take a nature walk at Circle B Bar Reserve, one of the most iconic parks in the city. You’ll find amazing bird-watching, picnicking, and paddling opportunities, plus various species of wildlife. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll, then visit Lake Mirror Park. Here, you’ll find historic buildings, a picturesque lake, an amphitheater, and the famous Hollis Garden—all situated around the scenic park.
Lakeland has so much to offer, and it truly is a hidden gem. With all of its incredible restaurants and outdoor activities, you can find the perfect escape.
Bok Towers
Contributed by Lanie van der Horst of Make More Adventures
Located in Lake Wales in Central Florida, there is a 250-acre garden with hiking trails, a natural playground, and a singing tower where carillon music is performed daily. This hidden gem is open daily and easily accessible as a day trip from Tampa Bay and Orlando. Most Florida locals don’t have a reason to visit Lake Wales, and unless you know that Bok Tower Gardens is there, chances are you wouldn’t even notice it if you drove by. Bok Tower Gardens truly is one of Florida’s hidden gems.
Visitors can bring a picnic and eat on the grounds or enjoy a meal at the cafe. The 60-bell carillon is performed multiple times daily in the Singing Tower, a unique highlight at Bok Tower Gardens. El Retiro, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion also known as The Pinewood Estate was built in the 1930s and Bok Tower Gardens visitors are able to tour the estate.
Art, yoga, cooking classes, and concerts take place at Bok Tower Gardens. Whether you are visiting Bok Towers for a special event or just exploring, you will find that Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful place to spend the day. Starting with a small museum in the visitor’s center, listening to the carillon music with a view of the Singing Tower, walking around the gardens and on the nature paths, and exploring the children’s garden Hammock Hollow, there are many things to do at Bok Tower Gardens.
Chart Room
Contributed by Vince DiLoreto
Legendary yet tucked away into the corner room of a hotel, the Chart Room bar of Key West may only be known to those who stumble across it while leaving their room at the Pier House hotel or by die-hard fans of Jimmy Buffet.
This hotel room turned bar is the result of necessity. After all, every hotel needs a bar. Necessity turned to legend when Jimmy Buffet, Tom Cochran, and Mel Fisher began using the spot as their early days hangout.
While the liquor supply is limited the Key West stories are limitless in this old-timer Key West spot!
Dunedin
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto
Delightful and picturesque are two of the words often used to describe Dunedin. This small town is itself the hidden gem. The wooded subtropical setting, miles of waterfront paths, great craft beer and quaint downtown eateries leave even the biggest city people saying, “how much is real estate here.”
Before heading downtown be sure to stop at nearby Honeymoon Beach State Park for a shell-filled stroll on the beautiful white sand beach.
Florida has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Our recommendation is to take some time and plan your trip to visit these and discover your own!