13 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Florida Before You Die

It’s no secret that there are practically a million incredible things to do in Florida, from some of the best theme parks in the world to some of the best parks in the U.S. Each of these attractions is certainly worth checking out, but many of them are very well known and popular with both residents and tourists. In that spirit, we wanted to highlight a few must-see places you might not have heard of before. Without further ado, here’s a list of Florida hidden gems that we think will impress every explorer out there. Ready for some under-the-radar adventures? Let’s go!

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA

Jor-on Boothe / Google Reviews

It sounds a little creepy, but there's really nothing devilish about this park in Gainesville. A dozen springs run down the limestone walls to the pond at the bottom of this massive sinkhole. It measures 500 feet wide and 120 feet deep, with a boardwalk winding down to an observation deck for visitors. Learn more about Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park. You can take a brief tour and learn more about this incredible Florida park when you watch the brief video below:

Coral Castle, 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, USA

Flickr/Milan Boers

This impressive outdoor castle is sometimes called Florida's Stonehenge. These multi-ton monoliths were sourced, carved, and placed by a single person -- a small Latvian man who claimed to know mysterious secrets that helped him achieve this incredible feat.

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Tarpon Springs, FL, USA

Flickr/Walter

One of Florida's most charming small towns, Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans in the country. This town is like a little slice of Greece in Florida, with authentic Greek food and shops, and a long tradition of sponge diving.

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Bok Tower Gardens, Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL, USA

Flickr/Lawrence Crovo

One of the most enchanting spots in the state is this Singing Tower and its surrounding gardens and bird sanctuary. It sits atop Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida. This National Historic Landmark is the perfect peaceful oasis for a day trip. There are so many reasons to plan a trip to the famous Bok Tower Gardens in Florida. Catch a glimpse of the otherworldly beauty of Bok Gardens when you watch the video below:

Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA

Flickr/Lorenia

Florida's oldest restaurant can be found in Tampa's historic Ybor City neighborhood. Not only does it have roots going back to 1905, but over the years it has grown into one of the largest Spanish restaurants in the world. Columbia also serves Cuban specialties and features flamenco dancers almost every day of the week. There are now several locations throughout Florida, but this is the original.

Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, FL 33924, USA

Jupiterimages / Getty Images

If you want to escape the crowds and visit a natural beach that feels like a private island, you will love Cayo Costa. This island is the real deal, a glimpse of Florida as it appeared long before modern times. It can only be reached by boat or ferry, so it's never crowded. This is an unspoiled coastal wilderness, so this is not your typical beach, but it's the perfect place to unwind in solitude. Plus, you can camp right near the beach at this Florida state park!

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West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Flickr/Patrick Emerson

In this garden in Key West, the plants are taking over a Civil War-era fortification. The brick pathways and unique architecture of the structure make a fascinating and romantic backdrop for this tropical oasis. Learn more about planning your visit to the fascinating West Martello Tower in Key West.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve, 3449 Bonnett Pond Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA

Flickr/Karsun Designs

This non-profit preserve in Northwest Florida is one of the only places where visitors can come in contact with gray wolves and other wild animals like arctic foxes. When it comes to Florida hidden gems, Seacrest Wolf Preserve definitely qualifies as a must-visit.

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Wat Mongkolratanaram, 5306 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619, USA

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

If you love Thai food, there's a truly amazing place in Tampa that you must visit. The Wat Mongkolratanaram is the closest you can get to Thailand without a plane ticket. Check out the Sunday market for delicious and authentic Thai specialties. Grab a plate and enjoy your meal picnic-style on the river.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA

Flickr/Maria Renee Bastile Castillo

This museum shares Japanese art and culture, with exhibits, festivals, and an on-site restaurant. A stroll through the serene gardens at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will melt away all of your stress.

The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

At times, living in Florida can be a surreal experience, so maybe it's appropriate that the largest collection of this surrealist painter's work outside of Europe can be found in this museum in St. Petersburg. Whether you're an art buff or completely new to the art world, the Salvador Dalí Museum is one museum that is anything but boring.

Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA

Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife

This park has a long history as a site for phosphate mining and many years as a private attraction before it became a state park. Popular activities include camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The scenery at Rainbow Springs State Park is enhanced with several man-made waterfalls. See what makes this state park so enchanting when you watch the YouTube footage below:

Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669, USA

Flickr/anoldent

This real working farm shows the evolution of farming over 100 years, from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. The farm features 18 historic buildings, including a farmhouse, which still has its original furnishings. Staff dressed in period clothing bring history to life, performing daily duties and running various events throughout the year. Visiting hours for the farmstead are 9:00 to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Learn more about why this is an underrated state park in Florida.

Looking for more amazing things to do and see in the Sunshine State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate Florida natural wonders road trip for the adventure of a lifetime. (And take a look at our road trip essentials packing list before you hit the road!)