Crystal blue waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and lots of sunshine! Those are probably the first things that come to your mind when you think about Florida and with good reason so. The great weather year-round makes Florida the perfect US destination for a getaway. The Sunshine State is a very popular vacation spot, but you should visit the many hidden gems in Florida on your next trip! Florida is more than just Disney World and Miami Beach and Key West. Check out these hidden gems in Florida you need to visit!
Map of the Best Hidden Gems in Florida
Hidden Gems in Florida
1. Cummer Museum of Art
The Cummer Museum of Art is a beautiful art museum in Jacksonville, Florida showcasing over 5,000 pieces of artwork! The museum also has stunning gardens that you have to explore. You wouldn’t believe you were in Florida while strolling through these historic gardens. The riverfront gardens are heavily influenced by English and Italian-styled gardens and are an expansion of the former grounds owned by one of Jacksonville’s most prominent families.
2. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Located in northeast Florida, Devil’s Den is a pre-historic spring and one of the most unique diving spots in the US. With crystal clear waters, ancient rock formations with stalactites, and fossil beds dating back 33 million years, you’re sure to have a memorable expeirence at this historic spring. The temperature is also kept at 72 degrees year round. Devil’s Den is privately owned and you can either dive or snorkel in this cavern. You need to make appointments online and can rent scuba and snorkel equipment on property.
3. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park has some of the clearest waters I’ve ever seen! This state park contains a collection of natural springs and it is only $6 to visit. It is one of Florida’s newest state parks and swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding are all very popular here. The state park is also a campground and there are 23 campsites here.
4. 30A and Alys Beach
The entire South Walton area of the Florida panhandle is seriously stunning. I love this entire area of Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside! The waters are so clear and blue and it is much quieter than other beaches in Florida. There are also amazing rentals and amenities in this area. Perhaps my favorite spot is 30A and Alys Beach with its whitewashed buildings! It reminds me of Greece and is certainly one of Florida’s best hidden gems.
5. The Howey Mansion
Howey Mansion is a beautiful historic home located near Orlando, Florida! It has been recently restored and serves primarily as a wedding and event venue today. The good news is that you can still visit this breathtaking mansion. Schedule a historic tour to see this home and explore the grounds for yourself. The historic tours are approximately an hour long and you get to experience a brief history of the area as you tour the mansion and grounds.
6. Rock Springs Kelly Park
Also located in Orlando, Rocks Springs in Kelly Park is a natural lazy river! It is one of Florida’s most beautiful springs with its crystal blue waters. The water here is 68 degrees year-round and provides relief on a hot summer day yet still warm enough for swimming on a warm winter day. You can go tubing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding here!
As it is a nature preserve, the park limits the amount of visitors per day. Be sure to go early or check the website to see if the park has reached maximum capacity.
7. Bok Tower Gardens
Doesn’t this look like something straight out of a fairytale! Rapunzel anyone?
This ia actually Bok Tower Gardens! Located in central Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary that features a singing tower. You can find the schedule of when the carillon plays from the tower on their website. Plus, there are daily concerts at 1 PM and 3 PM!
8. Fort de Soto State Park
Fort de Soto State Park is a beautiful state park located near St. Petersburg, Florida. It is quite a hidden gem as this Florida beach is very quiet and peaceful. You won’t find crowds at this beach. The waters are crystal blue and the sunset from here was gorgeous. There are even fort ruins for you to explore here! Entrance to the state park is free but parking is $5/vehicle.
9. Ringling Museum
Can you believe this is in Sarasota? The Ringling Museum of Art is such a gem! The grounds are so massive here that you have to plan an all-day visit. Today, the Ringling is comprised of several buildings including the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, Historic Asolo Theater, and Education Center. This property also provides sweeping ocean views.
The Ringling was the former residence of John Ringling of the famed Ringling Brothers. John Ringling built a Venetian Gothic-styled mansion on this waterfront property known as “Ca’ d’Zan“. He also had an affinity for art and started building his art collection while traveling through Europe in search of acts for his circus. Soon after the completion of Ca’ d’Zan, he built a 21-gallery museum modeled after the Uffizi Gallery to house his treasure trove of paintings and sculptures.
Everyone can visit the Ringling and explore its impressive grounds today!
10. Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is a historic estate in West Palm Beach! The museum used to be the former home of Henry Flagler, a prominent businessman who was a founder of Standard Oil. Named “Whitehall”, the estate has been praised that it is more wonderful than any palace in Europe. Today, the estate is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. The Flagler Museum offers self-guided tours, changing exhibitions, and special programs.
11. Vizcaya Gardens
When I first saw a photo of this estate, I thought it was in Italy!
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a breathtaking Italian Renaissance estate on Biscayne Bay in Miami that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is well worth a visit! This villa is absolutely stunning and each room is going to take your breath away. I can’t decide whether the interior or the gardens are more impressive!
12. Dry Tortugas National Park
Welcome to one of the most beautiful yet least visited US National Parks! Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West and it is made up of seven small islands, boasting one of the best ecotourist destinations. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. You have to visit Dry Tortugas National Park! Come explore a 19th-century fort and snorkel in crystal clear water. It is also home to magnificent coral reefs and marine life.
You can take a public ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park and it costs approximately $190 per adult.
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