With a coastline that covers over 1,000 miles and the perfect weather to enjoy an outdoors life, Florida has something for everyone. But I would like to focus on places that are more unusual, so here is a list of recommendations for some of the best kept secrets and hidden gems in Florida.
Florida’s coast stretches along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, along which there is certainly no shortage of beaches and things to do.
An average of 237 days of sunshine a year has earned it the nickname of ‘Sunshine State’, and with two of the most diverse and popular cities in the US, Orlando and Miami, Florida is the place to be.
Whether it be the glitz and glamour of Miami that interests you, or Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, whatever you’re looking to do, Florida most likely has it.
There are a plethora of secret places in Florida, and so many gems to uncover. Welcome to the Sunshine State!
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Hidden gems in Florida
From wildlife and nature to beach beauties and water activities, there is no limit to Florida hidden gems. Here are six unique things to do in Florida that you can add to your bucket list.
Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River National Wild Refuge
While the name of this place is a bit of a mouthful, this little place is one of Florida’s hidden treasures, and it’s full of outdoor adventures for families, couples, or even a solo trip.
The Three Sisters Spring is a wildlife reserve located in Crystal River, where you can find some very cute and, dare I say, cuddly giants, the manatees.
These gentle giants will give you a run for your money, and while you are at this wonderful reserve, you can even take a swim with them!
If you aren’t too excited about swimming with the manatees, Crystal River offers many other worthy experiences. Whether that be an hour’s walk to see the three beautiful springs – which, as the name says, have crystal clear waters – or a solo swim if you are feeling that Florida sun.
This beautiful hidden treasure will leave you with many memories to enjoy.
The Kampong Botanical Garden, Coconut Grove
This is one of the most unique places to visit in Florida, and it will allow you to explore nature in a new way.
The Kampong Botanical Garden is located in Coconut Grove, the oldest neighbourhood in Miami. It is host to many exotic plants and fruits originating in South East Asia and other tropical parts of the world.
If you are into history, you might like to know that this particular garden was founded by David Fairchild, an American botanist and plant explorer who brought these plants and fruits to America. During your visit, don’t miss his old study and laboratory.
If history is not your thing, don’t worry, the garden still has loads to offer.
Taking a walk through these gardens, you might find yourself spotting fruits you didn’t even know existed. You might spot cocoplums, which is not a combination of a coconut and a plum as its name may indicate, egg fruit, and even peanut butter fruit!
A quick getaway to the Botanical Garden is the perfect moment to spend time in nature and to ‘stop and smell the roses’ (or the peanut butter fruits).
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a small group of islands that’s another one of the best hidden gems in Florida. The word ‘tortuga’ means ‘turtle’ in Spanish, and here you will find a large number of sea turtles, after which this park was named.
There is no shortage of things to do and discover at this beautiful hidden treasure in Florida. You can go snorkeling or watch the many birds that fly over this little island during migration season. And if you’re looking for a little bit of a longer stay, you can even camp here.
It is also right by the beach, where unsurprisingly, you might spot a few sea turtles swimming around. All this, under the watchful eye of Fort Jefferson, one of the largest American Civil War forts in the US.
This best-kept secret is a must on your Florida bucket list.
On your way to Dry Tortugas you can visit Curry Hammock State Park, one of Florida’s best state parks, for a bit of kayaking and paddleboarding.
Alternatively, why not visit on day tour by catamaran from Key West?
Caladesi Island
Located very close to Clearwater, Caladesi Island sits within a state park of the same name. It is one of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, and it’s only accessible by boat from Honeymoon Island.
Caladesi Island really feels like you’re a world away from everything. Its pristine whitesand beach will make you feel like you’re in paradise and is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Florida.
But aside from this glorious stretch of sand, this little island has a lot of things to do. You can rent a kayak and explore the mangroves during high tide, or just take to the sea from the beach. You may even see curious and playful dolphins!
You can also take a nature trail walk to the ruins of the historic Scharrer Homestead through the island’s interior. The Homestead was home to Henry Scharrer, a Swiss immigrant that settled in the island in the 1880s, and made protecting Caladesi his life mission.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach
The Morikami Museum was built as a way to incorporate pieces of Japanese culture and arts into the wonderful state of Florida. The gardens act as an extension of this beautiful museum, with Japanese plants and nature.
With many exhibitions, tea ceremonies, outreach programs, and even celebrations of Japanese festivals, you will never get bored when visiting this little piece of Japan.
You can simply come to explore Japanese nature with their large expanse Bonsai collections or quietly sit by the lakeside terraces and admire the simple landscapes.
If you’re looking for something a little more engaging, art classes and language workshops are available, allowing you to take a bit of this Japanese experience home with you.
Miami Design District
Taking a break from the more nature-orientated places, we have this eccentric district full of life, and one of the hidden gems in Miami. The Miami Design District has everything creative, from fashion and design to architecture and art.
If you’re looking for a more vibrant spot, this Miami special has all you could want. If you find yourself hungry, a night out on this district’s streets will offer you delicious food ranging from cafes, sweet treats, cocktails, bistros, and even plant-based restaurants.
In terms of art, everywhere you walk is full of it. The architecture itself can be seen as art in its diversity from your everyday business buildings.
You can join an art tour for a more in-depth look at both street art and museum art. Alternatively, why not join a tour that combines the food, art and culture of the Design District?
While it may be a little busier than your usual hidden treasures in Florida, it’s definitely an overlooked gem.
The Dalí Museum, St Pete
Surprisingly, St Pete has a museum dedicated to the life and work of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí opened its doors in 2011 and is home to over 2,400 works by the Spanish artist.
It is the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Spain, with 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolours and drawings, as well as photographs, sculptures and other pieces of art.
But The Dalí is more than a museum where you can admire the pieces of art. It is one of the most interesting and intriguing hidden gems in Florida, where you can immerse yourself in the paintings through augmented reality.
With the aid of an app, you can travel through the paintings and discover each element and its symbolism, helping you get into the mind of the artist.
There is also a virtual reality experience called Dreams of Dalí, where you can navigate through the paintings and explore the artist’s surrealist world.
And if you are a lover of modern architecture, you will find the museum building worth a visit in itself. Shaped like a simple rectangle with a free-form bubble erupting from it, it is mesmerising to try and make sense of it. Once inside, the helical staircase is a nod to Dalí’s obsession with the shape of the DNA double helix.
If you are visiting St Pete, don’t miss out on this true gem!
Little Havana, Miami
Named after the Cuban capital, Little Havana is a neighbourhood in Miami that is home to many Cuban exiles, as well as many immigrants from Central and South America.
Not really a hidden gem in Florida, but worth mentioning as it’s often bypassed by visitors to Miami.
The best way to explore this vibrant neighbourhood is by joining a guided tour of Little Havana. This way you can discover how to make Cuban coffee, learn all about cigars and rum, and get to know the Cuban cigar ritual itself. You will certainly find yourself immersed in this wonderful culture.
Walk and enjoy the famous landmarks around Little Havana, like Calle Ocho and its Walk of Fame, which includes Latin artists such as Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. You might even get the chance to make a wish at the Sacred Tree.
This little adventure is one of the most unique things to do in Florida and like nothing you’ve ever experienced, which is why it’s the perfect way to spend some time while exploring the hidden gems of Florida.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Located in Flagler Beach, this small state park contains the ruins of what used to be the largest sugar mill in Florida, now a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in Eastern Florida.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida for history lovers.
The ruins are listed in the National Register of Historic Sites, and they include the former plantation, a sugar mill, a unique spring house, several wells, as well as the crumbling foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins – a reminder of the cruel and volatile past of this area of Florida.
To get to the ruins, drive along a single lane dirt track until you get to the parking lot. The ruins are just a short hike away.
You can walk around the ruins and there are plaques telling you about the history of the plantation and how the different buildings were used.
Florida hidden gems FAQs
Depending on whether you’re interested in art, history, cultural experiences or the outdoors, there are a lot of cool places in Florida. This article highlights some of the coolest places in Florida across a wide spectrum of interests – from Calle Ocho in Little Havana, to the historic Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas, and the mind-bending surrealist art of The Dalí in St Pete. There’s something for everyone!
A lot of these Florida hidden gems do not get crowded. From the historic ruins in Burlow Plantation Ruins State Park, to the solitude of Caladesi Island State Park, and the intriguing Morikami Museum.
Locals know the best hidden things to do in Florida, some of which you can find in this article. Some of these best kept secrets include outdoor spaces, cool neighbourhoods and fascinating museums.
Florida has 1,350 miles of coast, 825 of which are accessible beaches. It is the only state that has a coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and you’re never further than 60 miles from the nearest body of salt water.
Exploring Florida hidden treasures
You might want to get out your lists if you’re planning a trip to Florida because finding exciting places to go never ends. With vast amounts of nature, vibrant neighbourhoods, and even a piece of Japan, Florida will leave you more surprised than just your typical Disneyland getaway.
So jot down your ultimate Florida bucket list and maybe add some of these hidden gems. Then when the time comes, you’ll be ready to tick them all off. And hopefully, you’ll go home with loads of memories and amazing photos of Florida, the Sunshine State.
Have you visited any of these Florida hidden gems?
Let me know in the comments!
Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel, and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel.