One of the best things about the state of Florida is that no matter how well you think you know it, you will still come across a surprising place or two you never knew existed, every so often. Where else would you find such an eclectic array of attractions? After all, we’re the quirky home of the “Florida Man”, so eclectic and offbeat is kind of our vibe. You’ll want to check out these secret places in Florida as soon as you get the chance:

1. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach
Fragments/Wikimedia
Most people have no idea that a beacon of Japanese culture can be found right here in Florida. Visitors to this museum in Delray Beach can peruse exhibits on Japanese art and customs, sample Japanese food, and stroll through historical gardens with an impressive bonzai collection. You can find information about hours, admission, and programs on the official website.

Address: 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Florida, 33446
2. JFK's Florida Bunker
Venture Minimalists/Flickr
Did you know a fallout shelter was built for President John F. Kennedy in Florida during the Cold War hysteria? This bunker was designed to keep the president safe underground on Peanut Island, near the Kennedy family home in Palm Beach. You can find information about hours, more photos, and how to get there on the TripAdvisor page.
3. Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
Garrick Morgenweck/Flickr
Waterfalls aren't really the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Florida. Our land is so flat that water doesn't usually have far to fall. Falling Waters is home to Florida's tallest and most impressive natural waterfall. Plan your visit for after a heavy rain, so there will be plenty of water rushing down the 73-foot sinkhole. You can find information about hours, admission, and programs on the official website.

Address: 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, Florida, 32428
4. Blowing Rocks Preserve, Hobe Sound
Dudus Maximus/Flickr
Outsiders would never guess this beach with huge limestone formations is in Florida! At the right time, water will go crashing through the outcropping and up to 50 feet in the air. You can find information about this beautiful area on the official website.

Address: 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, Florida, 33455
5. Venetian Pool, Coral Gables
socialBedia/Florida
Leave it to Florida to build the country's largest freshwater swimming pool. We were always in search of new ways to stay cool, even back in the '20s when this gem was built. Most people outside of South Florida have never heard of this hidden gem that was built in a coral rock quarry. It's the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find information about hours and programs on the Coral Gables website.

Address: 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134

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6. The Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach
Rob Oliveara/Flickr
This 12th-century monastery was purchased in the 1920s by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, who originally planned to place it in California. Shipping problems ruined his plans, and it wasn't given a home until it was bought again in the '60s and put together in North Miami Beach. You can find information about hours, admission, history, and ongoing programs on the official website.

Address: 16711 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160
7. Big Shoals State Park, White Springs
B A Bowen Photography/Flickr
Whitewater rafting may seem impossible here in the flattest state in the country, but there are actually several places with small rapids. You can find class III rapids, the largest in our state, at Big Shoals State Park. You can find information about hours, admission, and more on the Florida State Parks website.

Address: 11330 Southeast County Road 135, White Springs, Florida, 32096
8. Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Scott Shawcroft/Flickr
A lot of people don't know we have caves here that aren't underwater. While air-filled caves aren't very common here, this state park in the Panhandle offers tours and has a lovely campground to boot. You can find information about hours, admission, and more on the State Parks website.

Address: 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida, 32446
9. Solomon's Castle, Ona
Steven Miller/Flickr
This hidden gem out in the little town of Ona is definitely off the beaten path. Lovers of art and classic roadside attractions will get a kick out of this artist's home, gallery, restaurant, and bed and breakfast - all fashioned to look like a castle. You can find information about the artist and the installation on the official website.

Address: 4533 Solomon Road, Ona, Florida, 33865
10. Seacrest Wolf Preserve, Chipley
Karsun Designs/Flickr
Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Northwest Florida is a non-profit dedicated to raising public awareness of the perils faced by these incredible animals. You can find information about hours, admission, and programs on the official website.

Address: 3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley, Florida, 32428

Have you been to any of these places? Are there any other secret places in Florida you’d like to share with us? Tell us your favorites in the comments! Need some more hidden gems in Florida? This article might serve up some inspiration.

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More to Explore

Secret Places in Florida

Tori Jane | May 05, 2021

What are some of the most interesting hidden gems in Florida? 

Florida is a huge state with tons to do, from world-famous theme parks to unbeatable beaches and even some island paradises. However, sometimes it’s more fun to walk off the beaten path and enjoy unusual or unknown hidden gems in the Sunshine State. Did you know that Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country? It shouldn’t be; it’s absolutely fascinating. Caladesi Island is an under-appreciated marvel filled with natural beauty, and you can find various springs and natural pools peppered all over the state to enjoy without the crowds. 

What little-known places in Florida should I add to my bucket list?

That depends: how much time you got? But seriously, there’s a ton of things you can put down, all dependent upon your own personal interests. With thousands of miles of shoreline surrounding our beautiful peninsula, there are bound to be beaches that go under-appreciated compared to the more famous ones, like Vilano Beach, and Navarre Beach. This road trip will take you to some of the most criminally underrated beaches in the entire state. Put on your flip-flops and get the sunscreen, you’re gonna need them! 

What are the most underrated Florida attractions? 

While the vast majority of tourists in Florida tend to flock to the Keys, famous beaches, amusement parks, and the Everglades, locals know that there’s so much more to our beautiful state than just those things. Florida can be a totally weird place sometimes (hello, “Florida Man” stories!), but sometimes it’s a lot of fun to embrace the odd and check out the more underrated attractions that don’t get the love they should. For example, have you ever heard of Weeki Wachee? Well, if you haven’t, you should know: it’s where you can spot living mermaids. No, seriously. In Ochopee, they’ve got the skunk-ape research facility, which you totally have to see to believe. Beat the crowds at any of Florida’s weird places - you won’t regret it!

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Featured Addresses
4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA
Peanut Island, Florida, USA
1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, USA
2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, USA
3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32448, USA
4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA
3449 Bonnett Pond Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA