Explore the Sunshine State: Uncover Hidden Gems with Our Unique Florida Guide
Thursday 25th April 2024
There are countless guides promising to make your trip to Florida unforgettable, but we’re taking a different approach. Let our local experts, who know the Sunshine State from the inside out, guide you to its hidden gems and lesser-known attractions. Dive into the unique wonders of Florida through the eyes of those who know it best and uncover secrets that typical guides don’t reveal. Get ready for a truly unique exploration that goes beyond the usual tourist spots!
The Forgotten Coastline
Apalachicola Bay, nestled in Florida’s Forgotten Coast, offers a serene and relatively untouched getaway that stands out as a hidden gem for several compelling reasons. Unlike more commercialized Florida beaches, Apalachicola Bay’s shores are pristine and peaceful, with sweeping views of unspoiled sand and sea. This area’s natural beauty is preserved by its distance from major tourist hubs, offering a tranquil escape from crowded beachfronts. The bay’s waters are calm and inviting, ideal for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
The park is named after its most notable feature, a massive sinkhole that plunges 120 feet deep. The inside of the sinkhole is a miniature rainforest, with a lush canopy and small streams that cascade down its steep slopes, creating a stunning micro-ecosystem that contrasts sharply with the surrounding terrain. Despite its proximity to Gainesville, Devil’s Millhopper offers a tranquil retreat from city life. The park’s natural beauty and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for those looking to enjoy peace and solitude in a unique natural setting.
Solomon’s Castle
Nestled in the lush Florida woodlands near Ona, is truly one of the state’s most unique and whimsical hidden gems. Built by the late artist Howard Solomon, the castle is a testament to creative spirit and recycled artistry, making it a fascinating destination for visitors of all ages. Constructed almost entirely from reclaimed and recycled materials, Solomon’s Castle design features towers, moats, and a plethora of quirky sculptures and artworks. The castle is set in a tranquil, undeveloped part of Florida, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the busier tourist paths.
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp in Volusia County, Florida, stands out as a truly unique hidden gem, known for its deep spiritual roots and its status as the “Psychic Capital of the World.” This historic community, founded in 1894, is dedicated to the practice of spiritualism, attracting visitors from all over who are curious about the paranormal and seeking spiritual guidance. Visitors come to connect with deceased loved ones, gain insight into their lives, or find spiritual guidance, all in a supportive and sacred environment.
The Underwater Hotel in Key Largo
Officially known as Jules’ Undersea Lodge, this hotel offers one of the most unusual and enchanting accommodation experiences in Florida, if not the world. Originally built as a research laboratory for the exploration of the continental shelf off the coast of Puerto Rico, this lodge is submerged 21 feet beneath the surface in the protected waters of Key Largo Undersea Park. Guests must scuba dive down to their rooms making it a completely immersive experience, with certified diver training offered on the same day. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the underwater world through 42-inch round windows in each room, providing an up-close look at the aquatic life in a natural coral reef environment. Guests often see angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas, and even the occasional visiting dolphin, all from the comfort of their underwater room.
Bok Tower Gardens
A visit to Bok Tower is a must for those looking for a more secluded location to visit. Edward W. Bok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and humanitarian, created the gardens in the 1920s as a gift of gratitude to America, his adopted homeland. The tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons, with 60 bells that ring every half hour and during daily concerts, filling the gardens with beautiful music. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers educational tours that provide insights into the tower’s history, the carillon, and the gardens’ ecological practices.
