With all its oddities and giant mouse-themed commercialism, Florida truly is one of a kind. Whether you’re new here or are looking for a spring break getaway, the state is full of crazy experiences essential to Florida residency.
Here is a list of Florida’s wackiest and wildest spots that are worth a drive from Orlando.Devil’s Den
2 hours from Orlando
This Instagram-worthy North Central Florida spring gets its name from the steam (fiery smoke?) that was seen radiating off the water when it was first discovered. Now you can swim, scuba dive or snorkel in this prehistoric watery cave. Credit:Photo via Devil’s DenRetirement Home for Horses
2 hours from Orlando
The nonprofit equine sanctuary Mill Creek Farm acts as a final home for retired horses. For an admission price of just two carrots, you can spend a day getting to know the gentle giants and enjoy activities available on the farm. Open to the public every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Credit:Photo via Retirement Home for Horses Inc./FacebookSt. Augustine Ghost Tours
1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
On top of the essential historical sights and kitschy shopping, St. Augustine is also home to some killer ghost tours. Ranging from family-friendly to scary and boozy, there’s a ton of ways to get in touch with the other side. Credit:Photo via Ghosts and Gravestones St. Augustine/FacebookZiplining
1 hour and 12 minutes from Orlando
Who knew Florida is home to some actually cool ziplining? Zip the Canyons, located in Ocala, takes its bravest guests flying over natural springs as (they say) Florida’s only true canopy zip tour. The adventure park offers a variety of ziplining packages, including a late-night ride, as well as horseback riding and kayaking. Credit:Photo via Zip the Canyons/FacebookDinosaur World
1 hour and 23 minutes from Orlando
Tampa Bay’s own prehistoric playground is the perfect place to wander around hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in natural settings. The attraction offers a dino-themed play area, a massive interactive boneyard and a museum featuring a collection of animatronic beasts. Credit:Photo via Dinosaur World/FacebookSilver Springs State Park
1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
Take a step into true Florida nature with Silver Springs State Park’s iconic glass-bottom boat rides. The immersive rides have been a staple attraction of the park since the 1800s, when the tourism boom first started. They also may just be the perfect opportunity to spot the rogue monkey population that calls the park home today. Credit:Photo via Silver Springs State Park/FacebookCoral Castle
3 hours and 58 minutes from Orlando
After his beloved Agnes left him a day before their wedding, early-1900s sculptor Ed Leedskalnin spent 30 years hand-cutting gigantic pieces of stone into these works of art. Today, visitors can mosey through the picturesque sculptures and gardens. Credit:Photo via Morse Museum/FacebookButterfly World
3 hours from Orlando
Florida, known for many things, is also home to the largest butterfly park in the world. The tropical oasis-like zoo is filled with more than 20,000 exotic butterflies and insects all in one place. Credit:Photo via Butterfly World/FacebookCrystal River
3 hours from Orlando
Crystal River is home to one of the best spots on Florida’s coast to see and swim with manatees. It’s also home to the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, dedicated to the protection and conservation of the area’s manatee populations. Credit:Photo via DiscoverCrystalRiver.comWhimzeyland
1 hour and 57 minutes from Orlando
What started as an eclectic collection of art and knickknacks turned into one of Florida’s most recognizable local landmarks. The totally decked-out “Bowling Ball House” called Whimzeyland is covered with recycled materials, art projects and, yeah, bowling balls. Credit:Photo via Whimzeyland/FacebookDalí Museum
2 hours and 9 minutes from Orlando
A massive collection of works by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí lives right here in Florida at the Dalí Museum. Stroll through the iconic works from his melting clocks to visual illusions like the large-scale masterwork “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea.” The museum rotates through temporary exhibitions on top of the permanent ones, plus it offers the Dalí Cafe for a quick bite in between all the artistic contemplation. Credit:Photo via Dali Museum/FacebookSolomon’s Castle
2 hours and 20 minutes from Orlando
Tucked away in the Florida woods is one man’s dream: a giant medieval castle made of metal. The structure is filled with galleries and artworks by its late builder Howard Solomon, plus the Boat-in-the-Moat restaurant open Tuesday through Sunday. Credit:Photo via Solomon’s Castle/FacebookPlayalinda Beach
1 hour and 6 minutes from Orlando
Playalinda is known for its low-key atmosphere and picturesque views — and for being one of Florida’s most popular nude beaches. There’s also a ton of shops and local eateries nearby which are not-so nude-friendly. Credit:Photo via Canaveral National Seashore/FacebookWeeki Wachee Springs Springs State Park
1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
Florida, the only state with very, very real mermaids and an iconic state park to visit them in. The springs also offer a great place for swimming, kayaking and all the other Central Florida waterside fun you can imagine. Credit:Photo via Weeki Wachee/FacebookKennedy Space Center
50 minutes from Orlando
Visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center for a glimpse into the world beyond our own, with plenty of historical exhibits, IMAX theaters and spacecraft tours. Thrill-seekers, try your hand at the shuttle launch experience and test your zero-gravity skills. Credit:Photo via Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex/FacebookMount Dora
40 minutes from Orlando
The quaint town of Mount Dora is home to beautiful natural sights, an expanse of local artistry and some wacky. Stop by Wave Mount Dora to grab astronomical portions of sushi pizza, Flamin Hot Cheeto-topped sushi burritos or a giant bento box. Credit:Photo via Wave Mount Dora/FacebookSt. Petersburg Sunken Gardens
1 hour and 51 minutes from Orlando
This 100-year-old botanical garden is the city’s oldest living museum, and it’s located right in the heart of St. Pete. Visitors can enjoy and admire thousands of tropical plant species, cascading waterfalls and flamingos on site. Credit:Photo via St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens/FacebookTiffany Chapel
18 minutes from Orlando
This attraction may be right here in Orlando (well, Winter Park), but it remains a less “touristy” sight well worth seeing. The Morse Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. Credit:Photo via St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens/FacebookFalling Waters State Park
5 hours and 21 minutes from Orlando
Maybe surprisingly, Florida is home to several secret natural waterfalls. Falling Waters State Park in the Panhandle offers some of the best views and trails for waterfall sightseeing. Credit:Photo via FloridaStateParks.orgSeacrest Wolf Preserve
5 hours and 30 minutes from Orlando
Experience the “call of the wild” with the wolves at Seacrest Wolf Preserve. This rare experience allows its guests to get up close and personal with the wolves on site, as it aims to preserve wild populations through education and exposure. Credit:Photo via Seacrest Wolf Preserve/FacebookDaytona Beach Pier
58 minutes from Orlando
Aside from its made-for-spring-break beaches and allure to international bikers, Daytona Beach offers an active pier for springtime strolling. There’s plenty to see, eat and drink on this band of very Florida fun in the sun. Credit:Photo via Daytona Beach/Facebook
