Anyone who has been to Florida on vacation knows that it is impossible to visit all the top locations in one trip. There are so many famous attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Gulf Shores that it’s impossible to run out of fun things for you and your family to do. But what about the hidden gems located inside of Florida that many tourists have never noticed? If you would like to go somewhere new and exciting on your next visit to Florida, you must travel to one of these secret locations.
Where Should You Go on Your Next Trip to Florida?
While there are popular excursions such as Destin Beach and Venice Beach that every tourist should visit at least once in their lifetimes, there are many hidden gems inside Florida that very few individuals know about, even those people who have lived in the area their entire lives. Before you plan your next trip to Florida and go to your usual destinations, check out these little-known treasures overlooked by most tourists.
The 10 Little Known Places to Visit While Vacationing in Florida
1. Cedar Key
If you would like to escape the stress of the big city life, then you deserve to take a trip to beautiful Cedar Key located just North of Tampa, Florida. Cedar Key is along the west coast of the state. This location serves as a quiet getaway where you can sit back and enjoy the view in peace. The community of Cedar Key is not for those hoping to stay in Florida’s entertainment destination. It doesn’t have any stoplights, but it is the ideal place to visit if you are craving some authentic clam chowder. If this sounds like the perfect getaway for you, you can find a spot for your next vacation in Cedar Key.
2. Bahia Honda State Park
If you want to enjoy the fun of the beach while staying in the Florida Keys, but don’t want to deal with the crowds and typical beach scene, Bahia Honda State Park is the perfect place for you. Hosting one of the most amazing landscapes in the Florida Keys, this park is just 35 miles east of Key West. The park has a beach that offers visitors a calming tropical paradise to enjoy. There is also plenty to do on the mainland located nearby. Make plans to stay for several days in the picture-perfect state park.
3. Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is the perfect gem that many tourists have yet to discover. It features pure clean water that is excellent for diving, swimming, and snorkeling. You get to enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys without the big crowd. This forest has more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs to explore. It’s located north of Orlando and it is the southernmost forest in the continental United States.
4. Destin Beach, FL
Destin is an upscale resort town located in the Florida Panhandle. While it may not be as unknown as some of the other attractions on the list, it is one of the best places to visit if you are planning a Florida vacation. Featuring pure green water and soft sandy beaches, you’ll feel like you are staying on an island instead of a beach. There are activities available for all ages including scuba diving, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. Destin is also one of the few locations in the world where you can take Sandcastle lessons!
5. Weeki Wachee River
If you would like to visit an area that offers clear waters and an amazing landscape, Weeki Wachee River is the place for you. This location offers some of the most beautiful views of Floridian waters you will ever see. There are also all types of wildlife residing in this area, including amazing manatees. If you are looking for something that is outside of the norm, and you don’t want to stay at a beach, be sure to consider Weeki Wachee River for your next holiday.
6. Caladesi Island
Surround yourself in beauty on this secluded island where most areas can only be reached by ferry or a private boat. This island includes as many as three miles of undeveloped beaches, making it the ideal place for a private getaway such as a honeymoon or anniversary trip. Visitors to Caladesi Island get to take in the fantastic views as they have a picnic on the beach or sunbathe by the shore.
7. Gasparilla Island
Nestled on a small strip of land inside the northwest area of Fort Myers, Gasparilla Island is a serene location hidden on the Gulf of Mexico and known by very few tourists. If you are interested in checking out the local wildlife while staying in Florida, this is the best place to do so. Fishing enthusiasts also love the area for its epic tarpon fishing opportunities. Gasparilla Island is a must-see location for those who believe that they have seen everything Florida has to offer.
8. Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef is the ideal place for experienced scuba divers. Found just six miles off Key Largo and it is the only living coral reef located on the continent, which provides divers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are also plenty of colorful tropical fish to see, all thanks to the generous conservation efforts that have allowed the various species to populate the area.
9. Venice Beach, FL
Another location that may be well-known, but still a beautiful place to visit in Florida is Venice Beach. There are plenty of things to do in the area aside from sunbathing and building sand castles, and it’s the perfect beach for visitors of all ages. Kids who visit the area love to look for colorful shells and hunt for shark’s teeth that are easy to discover along the shore. Golf enthusiasts enjoy trying out the bounty of courses located in Venice, and the downtown area has remarkable Italian architecture that you can’t find anywhere else.
10. Blowing Rocks Preserve
Blowing Rocks Preserve another location in Florida that’s unknown to the locals. Found just north of West Palm Beach and east of Lake Okeechobee, this area features limestone rocks that the large waves crash against during high tide. It has more of a West Coast beach appearance than the ones you typically see in Florida. Include this place on your next visit to the Gulf Coast.
Things to Remember When Planning Your Florida Trip
It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Florida’s top spots such as Disney World, or intend to go to one of the unknown areas mentioned above, it always helps to plan your trip, and especially if this is the first time you are visiting The Sunshine State. The climate varies from humid subtropical in the north to true tropical in the south. There are also severe weather conditions throughout the year so be sure to stay away from the rainy season which is between mid-June and September.
Florida has a rich culture and history that people of all ages may appreciate. There’s incredible architecture, impressive Everglades filled with local wildlife, and plenty of other exciting activities that help make Florida one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The state welcomes more than 50 million visitors each year. Will you be one of them?
Author Bio:
This guest article has been written by Henry Williams on behalf of Venice Beach Villas, Florida. If you’re planning a trip to Florida and are on the lookout for hotels near Venice Beach, Florida, Venice Beach Villas would indeed be the perfect choice to have an unforgettable experience out of your vacation.
