Florida is filled with loads of activities to do ranging from the world class amusement parks down to local springs. If you are planning a visit to the Sunshine State don’t fret, we’re here to help. If you want to take a journey off the beaten path there is still an abundance of things to see and do. Here is a list of the top ten beautiful places that tourists in Florida tend to neglect.
1. Ocala National Forest
If you are visiting the central Florida area to enjoy thrills and waterparks, why not stop by a natural waterpark? Ocala National Forest is located about 80 miles north of the beautiful city of Orlando. The forest boasts over 600 swamps, rivers, and lakes. The park is also home to black bears, a variety of different bird species, alligators, deer, different types of tortoises, and snakes.
There are plenty of activities to do for the entire family while visiting. Swimming in the freshwater springs is a fan favorite. Enjoy a constant temperature year-round, clear water, and some of Florida’s best snorkeling. Picnicking, horse riding, camping, fishing, and scenic driving are also available if swimming isn’t your thing.
2. The Mennello Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Mennello Museum is located in Orlando, Florida. This museum was founded in 1998 to store and exhibit the works of Earl Cunningham. The museum today has a beautiful sculpture garden that is always open to the public. The garden has multiple works of art and leads to a beautiful walking path — the Orlando Urban Trail, a 4.7-mile path.
3. Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida. Located in Southern Florida the lake is over 730 square miles. Lakes of this size are usually very deep, but this lake is exceptionally shallow, measuring only nine feet deep.
Lake Okeechobee is so large that you cannot see across the lake to the other side. People often miss out on visiting this lake since there has been a large amount of concern due to pollution in the water. You can swim and enjoy water sports in the lake if you are aware of the water conditions such as blue-green algae. Be sure to read the local reports before swimming. Furthermore, just because you are not allowed to swim in the lake does not mean that you cannot enjoy other activities around it such as fishing.
Lake Okeechobee offers commercial and game fishing and is said to have some of the best bass fishing. Again, if you are going to fish, be mindful of the algae outbreaks and do not eat the fish if an outbreak is occurring.
Bird watching, natural trails, and cycling are also well-known activities around the lake.
4. St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is located on the Florida Panhandle in Panama City, Florida. With the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, there is something for everyone here at this park.
This state park is an outdoorsman’s heaven. It features activities such swimming, hiking, camping, paddling, scuba diving, etc. It also has some different amenities such as an amphitheater, interpretative exhibit, and a historic World War II site.
There are plenty of photo opportunities here for wildlife from sea turtles to a variety of birds. This relaxing state park has something for the entire family.
5. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is Florida’s largest state park and is often forgotten about. This largest of the state parks is about 20 miles long. There are plants and animals here that can be found nowhere else in the country. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is a marshy swamp located in Copeland, Florida.
This is not your average state park, you cannot swim here but there are different main viewing areas to check out the scenery. There is an observation bridge, a canoe launch, a drive, and a few different trails. Cycling, animal watching, picnicking, and paddling are the main activities here.
6. Dry Tortugas National Park
As we can see from the list so far, people tend to neglect Florida’s natural beauty for mainstream fun like amusement parks and restaurants/bars. However, Dry Tortugas is by far one of my favorite places. Dry Tortugas is actually a group of islands located in Monroe County and can only be accessed by a seaplane or boat. There is no driving here because it is actually located about 70 miles away from Key West.
The island is about 100 square miles and is home to some of the best snorkeling in the continental US. The reason it is so underrated is because of the difficulty of access. It has some of the most beautiful coral, plant life, and creatures, and it even has some shipwrecks as well!
Fort Jefferson is also located here; a military fortress used back in the 1800s to protect the harbor and one of the largest fortresses ever built.
Staying overnight at Dry Tortugas can be tricky. If you visit with your own vessel you are permitted to stay in designated boating areas. There are no hotels, restaurants, fishing, or snorkeling supplies, or anything on the island so please come prepared.
Dry Tortugas is a real natural experience but can be loads of fun with all the exciting wildlife, and gorgeous beaches to see!
7. The Venetian Pool
Cool off in the pool! The Venetian Pool is located in the affluent suburb of Miami, Coral Gables. It is a public swimming pool that was built back in 1924 by architect Phineas Paist. Venetian Pool is registered on the list of historic places and is the only pool on the list.
What makes it so special? The pool was a limestone quarry and is now a Mediterranean-inspired construction. It has a depth range of between two to eight feet at its deepest. The water is retrieved from the Biscayne Bay Aquifer. The pool is a warm 76 degrees all year.
There is no food here aside from vending machines so bring your own snacks and drinks! No alcohol is allowed. If you don’t want to bring food, you are allowed to pick up deliveries at the front. There is swimming and fun for families of all ages here all day.
8. Dinosaur World
Not everything that Florida tourists neglect is a state park or museum. People often overlook amusement-related things that aren’t connected to the mouse! Dinosaur World is located in Plant City — a suburb of Tampa. There are dinosaur exhibits of all sizes. Kids and adults alike love the immersive experience of the Jurassic Age. You can find life-size models of the T-Rex, mammoths, and more! There are over 150 sculptures at Dinosaur World, it covers over 20 acres, and takes about two hours to go through. You visit at your own pace so take as long as you like. You can even dig for fossils!
9. Falling Waters State Park
Falling Waters State Park is home to Florida’s largest waterfall! This 73-foot waterfall is nestled in a spectacular forest. Falling Waters State Park is located in Northern Florida west of the capital city of Tallahassee. To get to the falls take a trail and view some gorgeous, large fern trees and gigantic sinkholes. Falling Waters also has a butterfly garden for you to view native and migrant butterflies. This state park features standard activities like hiking, picnicking, and swimming in the lake. There is also a large amphitheater where different park rangers speak for different programs.
Falling Waters also features camping and a shaded forest so that you won’t be too hot while camping out!
10. Monument of States
Last but certainly not least is the Monument of States located in the Orlando suburb of Kissimmee. This 50-foot monument, created by volunteers via donations, was made as a symbol of unity after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The monument is created with stones from the 50 US States and over 21 countries. On top is a bald eagle and the US flag. Over time, the monument has been restored to beautiful condition. The monument is on the list of national historic places.
