Florida is famous for its spring break destinations and crowded theme parks, but there’s more to our beautiful Sunshine State than tourist traps. Here are a few of Florida’s hidden gems you’ll find when you look beyond the House of Mouse and boozy beach bars.
Wynwood Walls
2520 NW Second Ave., Miami, (305) 531-4411
These uniquely artistic walls feature colorful paintings that are always in rotation, so every time you visit, you’ll find another masterpiece to enjoy.
Photo via smilejdh/InstagramDry Tortugas
Key West, FL 33041, (305) 242-7700
This old fort used to be a federal prison during the Civil War, but now the only thing that’ll keep you prisoner is the outstanding 360-degree ocean views.
Photo via lilmeowjing/InstagramVizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S Miami Ave., Miami, (305) 250-9133
This National Historic Landmark and accredited museum with beautiful gardens, artwork and furniture fit for royalty.
Photo via lara_naka/InstagramVenetian Pools
2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, (305) 460-5306
Created from a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, these crystal-clear pools will definitely have you feeling like you’re Italian royalty.
Photo via freezingthelight/InstagramBlowing Rocks Preserve
574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, (561) 744-6668
Florida’s very own Old Faithful will have you jumping and weaving trying to dodge these giant waves.
Photo via gil_noboa/InstagramTiffany Chapel
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, (407) 645-5311
After it was left abandoned and decaying, careful reconstruction work at the Morse Museum allowed the Tiffany Chapel to return to its former glory, giving every Orlandoan a chance to step into a work of stained glass art.
Photo via Charles Hosmer Morse Museum/FacebookSt. George Island Lighthouse
2 E Gulf Beach Drive, Eastpoint, (850) 927-7745
First built in 1833, this lighthouse has been destroyed and reconstructed multiple times throughout its history. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the great view from the top.
Photo via vespertinet/InstagramAncient Spanish Monastery
16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, (305) 945-1461
Brought to Miami brick by brick, this beautiful wonder from a bygone era showcases stone statues, wooden-cast doors and stain-glass windows that make perfect Instagram backdrops.
Photo via liznek_sanches/InstagramSeacrest Wolf Preserve
3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley, (850) 773-2897
It’s hard to think of many things more awesome than hanging out with a pack of wolves in their natural habitat. These pups might even give you the perfect souvenir—a slobbery wolf kiss.
Photo via danventure/InstagramJohn and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 359-5700
There’s a little bit of everything at this estate: You can tour walls and walls of artwork, stroll across sprawling bayfront gardens or learn more about the famous Ringling circus.
Photo via pm.lawrence/InstagramRavine Gardens State Park
1600 Twigg St., Palatka, (386) 329-3721
The uncharacteristic hilly terrain of this part of Florida calls for a hike, complete with a suspension bridge nestled in the canopy of the surrounding forest.
Photo via sxvgejeremy/InstagramNaples Pier
25 12th Ave. S, Naples, (239) 213-3062
A historic landmark that jets out over the Gulf of Mexico, this pier offers fishermen a great place to cast a line and sightseers a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Photo via nicolasampson/InstagramMorikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, (561) 495-0233
Find your inner serenity while walking through these Japanese gardens lined with bamboo, sprawling greenery and detailed rock arrangements.
Photo via andresrios90/InstagramLittle Talbot Island State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, (904) 251-2320
As one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida, Little Talbot offers you a truly natural relaxation destination, complete with white sandy beaches dotted with twisted driftwood.
Photo via krrenee/InstagramKanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville, (352) 372-4981
This botanical haven is home to all things green and good under the sun, from giant lily pads to a gigantic live oak perfect for picnicking under.
Photo via sanitation.stormtrooper/InstagramGasparilla Island State Park
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande, (941) 964-0375
This tropical paradise is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands, providing a serene getaway for anyone who likes to swim, snorkel and just chill out.
Photo via floridawandering/InstagramFalling Waters State Park
State Park Road, Chipley, (850) 638-6130
In a place as flat as Florida, waterfalls are pretty rare, so it isn’t every day you’ll get to see wonders like this 73-foot beauty cascade into a sinkhole.
Photo via tessa_lations/InstagramJules’ Undersea Lodge
51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, (305) 451-2353
You might have to scuba dive to your room, but it’s not everyday you get to wake up 21 feet deep in ocean water. While the room is more outdated submarine than posh Ritz Carlton, it definitely offers a view unlike any other.
Photo via brittnoellecarlsen/InstagramDevil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, (352) 955-2008
Follow the stairs 120-feet down into one of Florida’s oldest limestone sinkholes and search for the fossilized treasures researchers have been finding in this park for decades.
Photo via jennnnhall/InstagramDevil’s Den
5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston, (352) 528-3344
One of the most beautiful cave diving spots in the country, this natural wonder might look pretty, but it’s a little chilly: You might want to soak in the heated pools aboveground after your swim.
Photo via apmhops/InstagramSalvador Dalí Museum
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, (727) 823-3767
This museum features over 2,100 works from every moment and in every medium of Dalí’s artistic activity. What better way to spend an afternoon than digging through the works of a genius?
Photo via _clocked_in/InstagramCoral Castle
28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, (305) 248-6345
It took 30 years to handcut these gigantic pieces of stone into the whimsical shapes and designs, but it only takes one afternoon trip to enjoy them.
Photo via sabrinahelisa/InstagramFlorida Caverns State Park
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, (850) 482-9598
This glorious cavern features everything—limestone stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones— that you never thought could exist in Florida. You know, with the being at sea level thing
Photo via 2_buckchuck/InstagramBok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, (863) 676-1408
This historic landmark isn’t called “the singing tower” for nothing: Every day, it graces guests with a 60-bell carillon concert. Who doesn’t like a little background music with their natural ambiance?
Photo via keriweezie/Instagram
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