The sun-drenched state of Florida needs no introduction – especially to anyone who visits this website. Jam-packed full of world-class tourist hotspots like Disney World in Orlando and the famous Miami Beach, it’s a box waiting to be ticked on every globe traveller’s bucket list. When the time comes for you to tick that box, though, do you really want to go and have the same holiday as millions of people who’ve come before you and millions more who’ll come after?
The problem with Florida’s most famous tourist destinations – if it can be called a problem – is that they’re so famous they’ve become cliches. Disney World is the ultimate package holiday, but package holidays can be generic. Miami is so famous as a party city that it’s become a brand. The name is so ubiquitous that it’s even used to draw people to online casino sites in the UK. If you don’t believe us, pick from any of the UK sister sites and search for “Miami.” You’ll find slots games with names like “Miami Multiplier,” “Miami Glow, “Miami Nights,” and “Miami Dice.” Las Vegas might think it’s a casino city, but Miami might have its number if the UK online casino scene is anything to go by.
With no disrespect to Miami, Disney or Orlando, let’s consider other options. Did you know that Florida is a treasure trove of lesser-known hidden gems, each one more charming than the last? If you’re hungry for offbeat adventures and happy to explore beyond the beaten path, we invite you to discover the Florida unknown.
First, let’s start off our journey in the quaint town of DeFuniak Springs, tucked in the heart of the Florida Panhandle. This charming locale is home to one of the two almost perfectly round spring-fed lakes in the world, Lake DeFuniak. Its Victorian architecture is a sight to behold, with the annual “Christmas Reflections” event lighting up the town with over 6 million lights. You don’t have to visit DeFuniak Springs at Christmas to get the best out of it – it’s a stunning locale all year round – but if you have the option to see it at Christmas, why wouldn’t you take it?
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Next, let’s head south to the small coastal town of Matlacha. Hidden away on a tiny island, this vibrant artist enclave, often called “The Bermuda of Florida,” will stimulate your senses. Walk along the colourfully painted buildings, discover local art galleries, and indulge in some of the best seafood in the state. Don’t forget to try your hand at fishing, as Matlacha is renowned for being one of the most concentrated fishing areas in the world!
Fancy stepping back in time? The serene city of Micanopy, often referred to as “The town that time forgot,” is your answer. Built beneath Spanish moss-draped oaks, this antique-laden town is the epitome of Old Florida charm. Micanopy Historic District is a sight to behold, with several buildings dating back to the 1890s. And who knows, you might find a forgotten relic or two in the numerous boutique vintage shops lining the streets. Small-town America doesn’t get much more small-town than this; at the time of the last census, Micanopy had barely over six hundred permanent residents.
Next, we travel to Bok Tower Gardens, a peaceful sanctuary that can be found in Lake Wales. This hidden gem offers a harmonious blend of art, nature, and music. The centrepiece, a 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco “Singing Tower” carillon, bellows out daily concerts that ripple through the tranquil gardens. But the allure doesn’t stop there. Explore the lush landscapes, historic mansion, and the enchanting ‘Window by the Pond’ — a covert wildlife viewing area. We wouldn’t go quite so far as to say it feels like an American safari, but there are few places like it in the USA. Come to think of it, there aren’t all that many places like it anywhere else in the world, either.
Our next stop takes us to the mystical Devil’s Den in Williston. This prehistoric underwater spring inside a dry cave is an underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers. Fossils from the Pleistocene Age – that’s a whole two million years ago – can be seen in abundance, adding a dash of history to your underwater adventure. You might be wondering, with some justification, why such a beautiful place is called “Devil’s Den.” The answer lies in the natural chimney that rises out of the cave, emitting steam into the air. It was the area’s early settlers who came up with the name, but there have never been any suggestions of nefarious goings-on within the cave.
After your dive, venture to Cassadaga, the self-proclaimed “Psychic Capital of the World.” Founded in 1894 by a renowned spiritualist, this quirky town is a hub for mediums and healers. Take a spiritual healing tour, join a paranormal investigation, or simply wander and enjoy the positive energy that swirls around this intriguing locale. If you believe in the supernatural, get a reading or two and see how accurate it is. If you’re a sceptic, get a reading or two anyway and see if you surprise yourself!
Finally, we’d be remiss if we went through this entire article but didn’t mention the vibrant and enchanting Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. Though perhaps not as “hidden” as the other entries on this list, it’s certainly worth your attention. Home to the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe, the architecture of the museum is a work of art in itself, designed to mimic Dalí’s surreal style. There was only ever one Salvador Dali, and the museum is a perfect tribute to him.
The places we’ve mentioned above represent only the briefest of peeks into Florida’s less famous offerings. With a tapestry woven from Old Florida charm, historical sites, mystical locales, and nature’s hidden sanctuaries, these hidden gems remind us that Florida’s magic extends well beyond theme parks and sandy beaches. So, why not chart your own course and embark on an adventure to the parts of Florida the rest of the world never sees?
