It’s safe to say that you will never run out of things to do in Florida. As one of the top tourist destinations in America, we have a little bit of something for everyone. If you enjoy hiking, there are over 150 state parks to explore, not to mention our local and national parks with miles of hiking trails. Of course, we have plenty of beaches and natural springs for water enthusiasts, and I can’t forget our themed and amusement parks for families and daredevils.
History buffs, Florida has you covered too, with museums like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which was just named the top attraction in the US. Naturally, there are some undiscovered gems in Florida that locals like to keep to themselves, and I am here to let you in on some of our secret spots. Here is my list of places locals love in Florida for folks in search of a unique experience in the Sunshine State.
1. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee
Florida isn’t known for stargazing, but the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is where amateur astronomers go to marvel at the celestial heavens. This secluded haven is located about 100 miles outside of Orlando, but remains one of the most underrated state parks. As Florida’s first Dark Sky Park, this remote gem is worth a trip. Not only can you gaze at the cosmos, but you can also hike, ride horseback, picnic, and view wildlife. Locals also enjoy watching the sunsets and camping at this unspoiled, hidden gem in Florida.
2. Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe, Ochopee
Florida is no stranger to hole-in-the-wall dive bars. These local treasures are the kind of places where the bartenders know your name — you know, like Cheers. And the food is always cooked to perfection. You can find that and more at Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe. This old-school Florida joint beckons you to kick back and stay a while. The food? Expect delicious fried platters of blue crab, shrimp, gator, frog legs, and more. Also, don’t skip the key lime pie. If you find yourself on a road trip through the Everglades, step back in time for an old Florida experience unlike any other. You’ll find locals as well as tourists here, exchanging stories about their adventures in the Everglades.
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3. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
Did you know that we have bison in Florida? Tucked away in the old town of Micanopy, just south of Gainesville, is Paynes Preserve. Here you can experience a wild, untouched safari in Florida with rare sightings of bison, wild horses, gators, and hundreds of species of birds. This 21,000-acre haven is so underrated that even locals don’t know it exists, making it one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Gas up the car, grab your binoculars, and camera for this magical excursion in Florida. This trip is for those seeking a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure.
4. Whimzeyland, Safety Harbor
What can I say about Whimzeyland? It’s a psychedelic wonderland of brightly colored artwork that will have you believing you’re in a dreamland. Also known as the Bowling Ball House, you’ll find hundreds of colorful bowling balls around the property. Hidden in plain sight in a quiet community near Tampa, the Instagram-worthy house is the brainchild of artist Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda. This eclectic, 20-year project is an explosion of colors and ideas from their quirky and perhaps overactive imaginations. There is something fantastically wonderful around every turn. Although this roadside attraction in Florida has been featured on national TV shows, it remains a favorite spot that locals can’t get enough of.
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5. King’s Landing, Apopka
Lauren Parker – stock.adobe.com
Beyond our beautiful beaches, the natural springs in Florida are where locals go to experience nature. And we have no shortage of these crystal-clear waterways flowing through the state. One of my favorite spots is King’s Landing. Although this gorgeous haven is where locals cool off on sun-drenched days, it remains fairly unknown to visitors in Florida. If you ever want to spend a day away from the theme parks or beaches, grab your kayak and paddle through this rainforest in Central Florida. You’ll run into lots of locals here, so be sure to say hello to them.
What do you think of my list of places locals love in Florida? Were you surprised by any of the destinations? What are some of your picks for undiscovered gems in Florida? Share them with us on our nomination page.
And when you’re feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to personalize your list of hidden gems in Florida.
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