Florida’s hidden gems include a beer trail, a manatee sanctuary, and caverns.

With stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and some of the world’s most-visited theme parks, the Sunshine State is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. When thinking about Florida attractions, renowned theme park resorts like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando likely come to mind, alongside the Kennedy Space Center and South Beach in Miami.

For those who’ve visited Florida’s hot spots, the busy crowds are often overwhelming. However, we’ve gathered a collection of 20 hidden gem attractions to visit in Florida without the hustle and bustle. Prepare to witness manatees and alligators in their natural habitats, hike along stunning nature trails, admire Florida’s highest waterfall, visit beautiful caverns, and explore one of the country’s least-visited national parks. You will be astonished at how many incredible destinations are often overlooked by typical tourists.

1. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

About an hour north of Tampa, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to some of the best natural springs in Florida, ideal for spotting native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for whooping cranes, endangered Florida panthers, black bears, bobcats, alligators, and red wolves within the park’s 210 acres. Learn about the marvelous manatees residing here year-round through educational programs at the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory. Following that, enjoy a walk along the 1.1-mile elevated boardwalk trail, take a boat tour, or try birding on the 0.75-mile Pepper Creek Trail.

2. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Sixteen acres of Japanese gardens make Delray Beach’s best hidden gem. This beautiful and serene spot features an impressive bonsai collection, trails, koi-filled ponds, and picnic areas for a complete nature immersion. Additionally, dive into Japanese culture through clubs and workshops, including like traditional Japanese music and painting lessons.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the nation’s least-visited national parks, Dry Tortugas is definitely worth a visit if you’re traveling to the Florida Keys. Although Dry Tortugas isn’t a secret to locals or national park enthusiasts, its remote location allows peaceful exploration of Fort Jefferson, snorkeling among coral reefs, or diving to shipwrecks without the crowds often found on the Sunshine State’s more famous beaches. Access is only available by boat or seaplane.

4. Devil’s Den Spring

Located in Levy County, Devil’s Den Spring is a prehistoric natural spring inside a cave that allows for diving and snorkeling in crystal clear, 72-degree waters year-round. Fossils from the Pleistocene Age have been discovered at this breathtaking site, named by early settlers who imagined the steam from the underground space resembled smoke rising from hell.

5. Florida Caverns State Park

Did you know that you can take a cave tour in Florida? At Florida Caverns State Park, discover stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies hidden below the surface in Jackson County, Panhandle. The park also offers trails, swimming, and other recreational activities.

6. Venetian Pool

In Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool isn’t your average public pool. Carved out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, it stands as the largest freshwater pool in the United States, completely emptied and refilled each day. Swimmers can enjoy waterfalls and grottos, while palm trees and porticos surround this picturesque location for a perfect day in the water.

7. Wacissa Springs County Park

With over a dozen crystal-clear springs, this park is a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, and boaters. Wacissa Springs County Park is also perfect for wildlife observation and fishing. Those interested in camping may utilize Goose Pasture Group Campground for up to 10 days.

8. Southwest Florida Ale Trail

Oregon and Vermont often get accolades as the best destinations for beer enthusiasts, but Florida is home to its own brewery trail. The Southwest Florida Ale Trail connects 18 breweries across four counties and offers a unique passport that can be stamped at participating locations for prizes. Many breweries are conveniently located near the coast, making for a delightful day of beach and beer.

9. Ravine Gardens State Park

In Palatka, this extraordinary park spans 60 acres of nature to explore. You’ll find suspension bridges crossing above the park’s ravines over 30 feet high and a scenic 1.8-mile loop you can drive, bike, or walk to enjoy breathtaking views. For avid hikers, the moderately difficult trails leading down into the ravines will be appealing.

10. Florida Historic Golf Trail

Globally recognized as a premier golf destination, Florida offers the Florida Historic Golf Trail, which combines excellent golf courses with rich sports history. The trail features a wide selection of renowned courses designed by famous architects, alongside some lesser-known public links.

11. Rainbow Springs State Park

Located about 90 minutes from Tampa or Orlando, Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon has welcomed visitors seeking relaxation for over 10,000 years. Long before it became a popular attraction, Indigenous Timucua people visited the springs, leaving behind tools and relics. Nowadays, the 72-degree springs provide a serene escape for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and floating year-round. A designated tubing section is also available. If possible, plan your visit during a weekday, as the park reaches capacity quickly during weekends in summer.

12. Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park, situated on Florida’s west coast approximately 30 minutes from Sarasota, is a fantastic destination for spotting alligators in the wild. Check their website for updates on boat tours (which may pause if water levels drop) for close-up views. Tram tours are available, and you can admire the river from various hiking trails and observation points, including The Birdwalk. Nearby, the Myakka Canopy Walkway, a 100-foot-long treetop structure, along with its 74-foot observation tower, offers stunning aerial views of the wetlands.

13. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the opposite coast near Vero Beach, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting impressive mangrove and salt marsh habitats viewable from two three-mile loop trails or a 500-foot accessible observation tower. Established in 1903 as the first national wildlife refuge in the U.S., the park is home to over 130 species of birds, including brown pelicans, great egrets, ospreys, snowy egrets, and bald eagles, among many others. With 5,445 acres, there’s ample room for everyone to enjoy the tranquil beauty of natural Florida.

14. Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden

If you seek a tranquil escape from the crowds of South Florida, The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove is a perfect destination. This former estate of botanical enthusiast Dr. David Fairchild showcases exquisite collections from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and other tropical locations. Experience the vibrant colors and fragrant plants during a self-guided stroll or opt for a guided tour to delve into the diverse flora of this enchanting location.

15. Dinosaur World

For a unique and laid-back alternative to Florida’s larger theme parks, visit Dinosaur World in Plant City, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Tampa or about an hour from Orlando via I-4. Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy life-size models of various dinosaurs like triceratops and T. Rex. Engage in fossil digging replicas, explore the nature trails, and check out the museum with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. This dog-friendly attraction has two playgrounds, making it a fantastic stop for families traveling through Florida.

16. Caladesi Island State Park

Located north of Clearwater Beach in the Tampa Bay Area, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible by private boat or via a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park. Whether you choose to rent kayaks and paddle through the mangrove forest, hike the island’s trails, have a beach picnic, or simply relax in solitude, this stunning location offers opportunities for spotting ospreys, egrets, blue herons, bald eagles, dolphins, and manatees.

17. Bean Point

Bean Point, a secluded beach area at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, is celebrated for its soft white sands and stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, as well as its blissfully low foot traffic. Due to strong currents, swimming is unsafe here, and amenities such as parking or restrooms are absent. However, if you seek a peaceful destination for lounging by the waves or enjoying a picnic with a captivating beach read, this is the place for you.

18. Blowing Rocks Preserve

Just 30 minutes from West Palm Beach, Blowing Rocks Preserve is among Florida’s prime locations to see green, leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles in their native environment. Since the 1980s, scientists have flocked to this area to assist baby sea turtles as they venture from their nests to the ocean. The preserve is aptly named for the “blowing rocks,” a natural phenomenon where waves surge through limestone, creating geyser-like eruptions that can reach heights of 50 feet.

19. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Located near the Everglades on the Naples side, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for those wanting to escape the bustle, especially those keen on birding, kayaking, wildlife photography, or fishing (with restrictions based on the season). This refuge consists of expansive mangrove forests, brackish marshes, and numerous small islands, making it an excellent spot for observing over 200 species of birds and fish, alligators, crocodiles, Florida panthers, manatees, river otters, and bottlenose dolphins.

20. Falling Waters State Park

Located on Florida’s panhandle about an hour from Tallahassee, Falling Waters State Park is home to Florida’s highest waterfall. The Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot-deep sinkhole featuring a 74-foot stream that cascades into it, creating a stunning waterfall. While the intensity of the waterfall varies with rainfall, it remains a captivating sight year-round, with the water seemingly vanishing into the cave system below. Use the boardwalk trails to access the viewpoints, where the upper level is drier, and the lower section allows for a closer look with a refreshing mist of water.