Vacation doesn’t exactly feel relaxing when you’re in the middle of a dense, noisy crowd on the beach. Florida’s major cities, theme parks, and tourist hotspots are notorious for being full of gimmicks.
Discover underrated outdoor areas, quirky museums, and immersive cultural experiences throughout the Sunshine State.
Escape the mainstream and at these Florida hidden gems.
Little Havana
Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood is a fabulous example of Cuban art, food, and music. Unfortunately, the historic area is at risk of being lost forever due to increased urban development. Support this vibrant community by indulging in classic Cuban fare, savoring a hand-rolled cigar, or attending a cultural festival.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach are fabulous places to spend an afternoon or weekend morning. This expansive arts and culture center opened in 1977 to educate visitors on centuries-old Japanese traditions. Six expertly designed garden areas and an informative museum allow guests to immerse themselves in Japan’s diverse culture.
Dry Tortugas National Park
As one of the least-visited U.S. national parks, Dry Tortugas provides the perfect escape from Florida’s tourist crowds. The remote park off the coast of Key West is only accessible by boat or seaplane.
Dry ground comprises less than 1% of Dry Tortugas, making it a premier destination for boating, snorkeling, and diving. Leave the hustle and bustle behind to reconnect with nature on an unforgettable national park adventure.
Bean Point
Head to Anna Maria Island to discover the underrated Bean Point. This peaceful beach is famous for its pristine coastline and clear waters. From wildlife spotting to sunbathing and fishing, there are many family-friendly activities to fill your time at Bean Point.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens near Lake Wales is a fascinating and unique attraction. Its main highlight is the Singing Tower, an over 200’ structure with 60 bells that ring daily. The gardens also offer miles of walking trails, manicured gardens, and a children’s play area.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Venture off the beaten path at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The park is famous for its live mermaid shows and boasts the country’s deepest freshwater cave system.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy boating or paddling down the Weeki Wachee River and swimming in Buccaneer Bay. Spending a day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is an unforgettable Florida experience.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Consider Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge if you want a quiet alternative to the chaos of Florida’s more popular outdoor areas. There are over 5400 acres of marshes, mangroves, and lagoons to explore.
Plan your trip between fall and spring to glimpse the white and brown pelicans that call the refuge home. Other activities include kayaking, walking, and photographing the striking natural environment.
The Dalí Museum
Learn more about one of the world’s most famous artists at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. This innovative arts center honors the life and career of Salvador Dalí, a Spanish painter known for his distinct, surrealist style.
It features an impressive permanent collection of Dalí’s works and rotating seasonal exhibits. The Dalí Museum is ideal for strolling in the air-conditioning on a hot Florida day.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is stunning above and below the water. Home to the country’s first undersea park, its coral reefs and mangrove swamps are natural habitats for tropical fish, lobsters, turtles, dolphins, and more. Embark on a tour aboard a glass bottom boat or dive beneath the surface to see the park’s iconic Christ of the Deep statue.
The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden
Just five miles from downtown Miami lies the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden, an urban oasis. The garden’s nine acres of lush palms, fruits, trees, and shrubs create a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Bring the entire family to spend several hours admiring this stunning display of tropical plants.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is a small but mighty Florida vacation spot. It has everything you need for a fun family trip, including delicious restaurants, historic landmarks, and miles of picturesque coastlines. Unplug and unwind by spending a day lounging on the beach or hit the town for an exciting array of bars and breweries.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Don’t miss Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park next time you’re in Florida. The star of its one-of-a-kind landscape is an over 100’ deep sinkhole revealing numerous distinct rock layers. Hike into the sinkhole to learn about the park’s history and spot native plants and animals.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Get up close and personal with Florida’s official marine animal at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Hundreds of manatees migrate to the refuge every winter, allowing visitors to observe these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat. You can even paddle or swim in Three Sisters Springs to gain a unique perspective on Florida manatees.
Florida is so much more than a retirement destination
Florida has something for everyone, from postcard-worthy beaches to exciting coastal towns. Experience the state’s best cities offering fun in the sun at any age.
17 Florida Cities That Don’t Feel Like a Retirement Home
Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure in the Florida Keys
Florida is a fantastic place to snorkel in crystal-clear waters while admiring marine plants and animals. Head to the Florida Keys for some of the state’s most renowned snorkeling spots.
Best Snorkeling in the Florida Keys: 13 Can’t-Miss Spots
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
