Best Secret Spots in Florida, United States
01 Santa Rosa Beach
Located northwest of Florida’s Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community on the Florida panhandle in South Walton County. It is one of the genuine hidden gems of Florida with its charm, style, and tradition. Here, you can head out to enjoy a vacation spot beloved by so many. You will fall in love with its natural scenic beauty, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The community has charmingly mixed the old culture with the new one. Tourists can visit the historic Eden Gardens State Park and go for dinner at fine-dining restaurants like The Bay.
02 Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park is worth a visit if you are traveling to the Florida Keys. It comprises seven of the most isolated small islands in the Florida Keys. It is one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions, with abundant sea life, colorful coral reefs, and tropical birds, especially for marine biology enthusiasts. The historic Fort Jefferson is the region’s crown jewel. Designated as a national park, this incredible location is only accessible via seaplane or boat to preserve its nature and isolation. Visitors can try Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking along the emerald and aqua waters.
03 Winter Park
Situated near Orlando, Florida, is the charming small city of Winter Park. A perfect place for winter months, Winter Park is filled with arts and culture. It is filled with nature and plenty of outdoor spaces, which host events and festivals year-round. The main streets of Winter Park have many beautiful buildings, art galleries, museums, a park, a train station, a golf course country club, along with a beach and boat launch.
While you are here, be sure to check out the local farmers’ market, or enjoy a scenic boat ride. Spend an afternoon at their Central Park or Rollins College, and be sure to admire the beauty of Mead Garden. Enjoy the relaxed pace and some good food. It also has a butterfly garden, an amphitheater, and a recreation center worth exploring.
04 Swap Shop Flea Market
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, this Swap shop is the largest daily flea market and a 14-screen drive-in theatre that offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience. According to local broadcast advertising, it is considered Florida’s second-biggest tourist attraction.
At the flea market, you can choose from 2,000 vendors selling bargain items and have a delicious meal at one of the many international restaurants located on-site. You can also check out their amusement rides, farmers’ markets, or catch a film at one of the drive-in theatres in the state.
05 Tigertail Beach
In the heart of the Everglades and mangrove islands lies the remote, wild Tigertail Beach. Located on Marco Island, Tigertail has remained preserved and natural as a Collier County park. The beach has one of the best birding sites in Southwest Florida. Species of birds that you might see include pelicans, falcons, piping, bald eagles, osprey, snowy plovers, red knots, etc.
Nature enthusiasts here can also take birding tours and presentations on manatees, sea turtles, and other coastal wildlife. Head out to a two-level Observation Tower that gives stunning views of the Lagoon.
06 Cafe La Buca in Pompano Beach
Located on Pompano Beach, Cafe la Buca is an amazing restaurant tucked right next to a barbershop, and feels like you have just stepped into your home. It is a tiny hole-in-the-wall local secret that only has six tables in the dining room, where its Napolitano owners Chef Marco and Momma, eagerly await their customers. Cafe la Buca is a quaint restaurant with homemade Italian food and is absolutely a gem. The menu here changes daily with a few favorites served every day and fresh daily specials.
You can get authentic Italian cuisine, pasta, and entrees inspired by the owners’ home country. You can bring your bottle of wine as there is no corkage fee. However, be sure to make reservations in advance.
07 Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach, Morikami Museum and Japanese gardens are a hidden gem. It is a center for Japanese arts and culture that features a world-class bonsai collection, ponds filled with koi, trails, and picnic areas so that you can immerse yourself in nature. This spot is unique and serene, offering Japanese tea ceremonies, festivals, and a superb gift shop and cafe. You can also take lessons in Japanese ink painting, traditional Japanese music and learn all about Japanese culture through the clubs and workshops. There are two museum buildings, the original looks like a Japanese villa and is built on its island, surrounded by Zen-like gardens.
08 Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park is located north of Marianna and is a great camping and day trip destination. It is a gem, boasting gorgeous hikes, a swimming hole, and campsites locations. Florida Caverns State Park provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. Make sure to explore and take a cave tour to see the stunning limestone formations, soda straws, and draperies. It also offers bicycling, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
09 Devil’s Den
Another diver’s paradise, Devils Den is a unique experience in a stunning location. Located in Levy County of Williston, FL, this privately owned prehistoric spring has a natural sunroof allowing the sunlight from above to filter into this underground river, also keeping it cool at all times. You can explore all These waters and branch into underwater river systems with your scuba gear. This amazing location is only accessible for divers and snorkelers who want the experience of exploring in a unique environment. While you are submerged, you will see that you are surrounded by fish and turtles that call this place home.
10 Falling Waters State Park
Located south of Chipley in Washington County, Falling Waters State Park is a 171 acres Florida state park and is home to the highest waterfall in the state. The WaterFall stands 74 feet tall and falls into a 20-foot cylindrical pit. Nearby the waterfall there is a lake to take a dip in during summers and room for the whole group to enjoy a picnic in the park.