Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA
Fascinated with planning, or reserving, a visit to Florida? Bored with solely listening to about its most well-known locations and prime points of interest and craving one thing slightly extra distinctive and lesser recognized?
We’ve ridden curler coasters at Orlando’s theme parks and partied on Miami’s South Seaside– all of which belong in your Florida Bucket Checklist.
However, as our current Florida travels have proven us, the Sunshine State isn’t nearly Mickey Mouse or bustling cities; it’s additionally house to among the most enchanting hidden gems that promise unforgettable experiences.
Be a part of us as we share six of our favourite hidden wonders in Florida, every providing its personal distinctive appeal, from quaint coastal cities to serene pure escapes.
And to sweeten the deal, we’ve teamed up with VISIT FLORIDA (sponsor) and Priceline to carry you an unique low cost on your lodging, making your Florida journey not simply memorable but in addition price range pleasant.
Priceline is making it simpler so that you can Go to your Blissful Place for a Blissful Worth!
PRICELINE DEAL: 10% off Resort Categorical Offers on prime of the as much as 40% off on Resort Categorical Offers while you e-book by Might 27 at 9 a.m. jap There’s a restricted amount of redemptions, so act now. Click on right here and Use CODE: CAZNCRAIG10
1. Manasota Key, Gulf Coast
Escape the crowds and uncover the pristine fantastic thing about Manasota Key, an 11-mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, midway between Tampa and Fort Myers.
I’ll always remember my first view of Englewood Seaside at Manasota Key (mere steps away from our lodging): pure white sand, calm, turquoise water, palm bushes barely swaying, and solely a handful of individuals.
This was a Florida paradise I hadn’t seen earlier than, and had by no means heard of, making it certainly one of my favourite hidden gems in Florida.
However wait, it will get higher on the southern finish of the island is Stump Move Seaside State Park.
A 1.3-mile sandy nature path winds by means of a low-lying forest, providing glimpses of the wild Gulf Coast on one facet and the serene, luminescent aqua waters on the opposite by means of gaps within the bushes.
It’s flat and mild with solely a handful of individuals passing you by. When you attain the tip of the path, dolphins might even swim by. I used to be jealous of the 2 girls paddle boarding proper subsequent to the place they appeared.
That is additionally a great place to spy a West Indian Manatee or a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (one of the vital concentrated spots for these sightings on the earth).
Manasota Secret is excellent for outside fanatics, providing alternatives for shelling, snorkeling, and shark tooth looking alongside the shorelines of Blind Move Seaside Park. I’d say you’re assured to seek out … loads.
After a day of exploration, take pleasure in scrumptious contemporary seafood at The Waverly the place beautiful sundown Gulf views complement each meal. My prime tip is to order a desk within the upstairs eating room forward of time. Speak about a Florida hidden gem.
The Sand Bar Tiki & Grille has a Key West type of vibe with spicy pineapple margaritas, picnic tables set out on the sand, an in depth and numerous menu and reside music all afternoon and night.
For extra reside music, open air eating, contemporary seafood, sundown gazing, and fireplace pits, dine on the well-liked Lighthouse Grill.
Uncover extra issues to do in Manasota Key
Advisable Lodging: Manasota Key Resort
For a soothing keep, take into account the Englewood Seaside entrance, Manasota Key Resort with its non-public seaside space. It’s additionally situated close to Stump Move State Park. Some rooms have balconies with sea views.
See charges and availability right here.
2. Martin County, Treasure Coast
Tucked away on Florida’s southeastern coast, Martin County is a paradise for each nature lovers and artwork fanatics. This space blends sophistication with Previous Florida appeal, inviting you to kick off your flip-flops and embrace a relaxed Island-Model persona.
Martin County has all the things we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, numerous surroundings, enjoyable outside adventures, charming cities with creative vibes, a slow-paced tempo excellent for vibrant enjoyable, limitless alternatives for mouth-watering seafood and sundown cocktails—usually paired with reside music and laughter—and even nice espresso outlets!
Discover the tranquil waterways of the St. Lucie River on a scenic schooner crusing tour, discover native artwork on a Hobe Sound mural tour, or stroll by means of the colourful galleries and boutiques of downtown Stuart, named in 2016 as Coastal Dwelling’s “Happiest Seaside City.”
Then there are the twenty-two miles of uncrowded, white sandy seashores to play on. Stuart and Jenson are guarded seashores, however locals advocate the hidden Tiger Shores Seaside.
If you happen to can time your go to with a full moon, we advocate the distinctive sundown full moon rise up paddle board tour. Paddle out to Disappearing Island, in the midst of the St Lucie River Inlet, to observe a tangerine sundown, adopted by the moon rise, and return paddle by its mild! And sure, that island does disappear with tidal actions! We launched our paddleboards from the Sandspirit Park in Stuart.
When starvation strikes, head to the Bunkhouse Espresso Bar in Jensen for excellent smoothie bowls. Observe that up with espresso to recollect at The Roasted File in Stuart (store for vinyls whereas there).
Take pleasure in lunch or dinner with a view at quite a few eating places alongside the waterfront. We will advocate TideHouse or the Stuart Boathouse.
If you happen to’re on the town on a Thursday, Jenson has Jammin Jenson, a avenue competition with reside music, artwork markets and meals!
Uncover much more enjoyable issues to do in Martin County, Florida.
Advisable Lodging: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa combines low-key luxurious with an impeccable Jensen Seaside setting.
Non-public balconies have sweeping ocean views and friends have entry to resort fashion facilities comparable to outside swimming swimming pools, on web site eating places, wellness spa and personal seaside entry.
See charges and availability right here on Priceline
3. Monticello, North Florida
Step again in time and uncover the timeless appeal of Monticello, a historic city nestled within the coronary heart of Jefferson County in Pure North Florida. The county is called Keystone County for its unspoiled magnificence and gentle local weather providing the ‘keys to high quality residing.’
Discover the quaint downtown space lined with vintage outlets and native eateries, embark on a tour of the majestic Monticello Opera Home, or go to surrounding orange and bee farms.
An unmissable exercise close to Monticello is air boating by means of slender channels canopied by Spanish moss cypress and oak bushes on the Wacissa River. This primary magnitude clear, spring-fed stream is fed by about twenty springs on the headwaters (you’ll cease at swimming holes alongside the best way).
Observe that up with a kayak paddle by means of the rapidly shifting water and slender areas of the Slave Canal, which connects the Wacissa to the Aucilla River.
We cherished this a lot it made our checklist of prime household adventures within the USA. You may learn extra about our Wacissa River journey (with plenty of photographs and movies)
For a style of Southern hospitality, dine at Tupelo’s Bakery & Cafe, recognized for its scrumptious baked items and homestyle dishes. The gluten free cupcake right here was the most effective I’ve had. And pizza lovers, will take pleasure in Pappa & Nonna’s Pizzeria for terribly scrumptious pizzas.
Click on right here for extra tips about issues to do in Monticello, Florida
Advisable Lodging: 1872 Denham Inn
The award-winning 1872 Denham Inn, situated within the coronary heart of scenic Monticello, provides six elegantly appointed rooms that includes comfy king beds, non-public baths, and distinctive interval antiques.
This superbly restored instance of Italianate structure, listed on the Nationwide Historic Register, showcases conventional Victorian magnificence in each room, making it an ideal retreat in pure north Florida.
4. Wakulla Springs, North Florida
Immerse your self in the fantastic thing about Florida’s pure springs at Wakulla Springs in Pure North Florida, one of many largest and deepest freshwater springs on the earth.
The eerie ambiance of the majestic cypress mangroves rising out of the swamp might really feel acquainted to you; Tarzan and the Creature of the Black Lagoon had been filmed right here, chosen for its primeval setting.
Wakulla Springs’ sapphire waters are plentiful with wildlife together with manatees, alligators, turtles, deer, and birds.
You may see many of those on a leisurely glass backside boat tour alongside the Wakulla River.
The springs have a roped off part for swimming with a diving platform children of all ages will love. The jungled canopied views provide a Florida swimming vibe you gained’t discover on its well-liked seashores.
After your journey, take pleasure in a meal on the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, the place traditional Southern and seasonal farm to desk dishes are served in a captivating classic setting.
Children will love the traditional 70 ft marble unique Soda Fountain constructed by Edward Fall, and recognized for its root beer floats, ginger yips, and sundaes.
Advisable Lodging: The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
One of many highlights of a go to to Wakulla Springs is staying on its doorstep at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Every of the lodge’s 27 rooms overlook the springs.
It was in-built 1937 by industrialist Edward Ball and is called North Florida’s fortress.
See charges and availability right here.
5. Cedar Key, Gulf Coast
Slip into your flip-flops, launch your pent-up stresses, and embrace a slower tempo. We’re journeying again to the times of Previous Florida, harking back to the Key West you dreamed of throughout Hemingway’s period. It’s uncooked and genuine, free from glamor, and synthetic vacationer points of interest.
The tranquil fishing village of Cedar Key, nestled among the many Cedar Islands and lengthening 4 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, radiates a real, heat, and unhurried appeal.
Arriving throughout a sequence of bridges and scenic salt marshes, you’ll discover a numerous neighborhood the place artisans, nature lovers, and people looking for a extra relaxed life-style coexist harmoniously.
Spend your days kayaking to the small close by islands of the Cedar Keys Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, swimming on the small seaside, or absorbing beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
For a style of native flavors, don’t miss eating at Steamers Clam Bar and Grill on the Huge Dock provides prime place for Gulf Views over Atsena Otie, the barrier island offshore of Cedar Key, and among the finest clams – and clam chowder – on the island.
Cedar Secret is a significant producer of clams nationwide, raking in additional than $34 million yearly.
On the slender deck, there are a number of non-public nooks to really feel the balmy breeze in your pores and skin and luxuriate in dolphins frolicking in entrance of you.
Locals say you can not beat the sundown and quirky vibes from the Tiki Bar situated simply exterior the bridge into city.
See extra issues to do in Cedar Key, Florida
Advisable Lodging: Harbour Grasp Suites
There’s no higher place to remain in Cedar Key than on stilts over the water with 270-degree expansive views over close by islands. Dawn is magnificent from your individual non-public deck.
We cherished our spacious, two-bedroom Sea Pearl Suite at Harbour Masters with a residing space and full kitchen. And inside straightforward strolling distance to all over the place – the Cedar Key Method!
6. Sebring, Central Florida
In Central Florida’s Sebring, ranchers and citrus growers mingle with farm-to-table eating places, whereas locals benefit from the firm of alligators, turtles, and birds in historic forests, plentiful lakes, and cypress swamps.
Identified for its scenic magnificence and outside recreation, Sebring provides loads of alternatives for climbing, fishing, and {golfing} amidst breathtaking landscapes.
That is one other place to take pleasure in an airboat experience – this time on Arbuckle Creek and Lake Istokpoga zipping over the water lilies and thru backwater nation creeks previous farmlands, grazing cows, and big oaks dripping with Spanish moss over the banks.
What we cherished about this airboat experience is our driver, Captain John from Airboat Wild Adventures additionally took us scooting over dry land. It was wild enjoyable!
Don’t miss a boardwalk hike over the cypress swamps of the beautiful Highlands Hammock State Park.
1000-year-old oak bushes present shade as you stroll previous big cypress, hardwood swamps, evergreen flatwoods, ferns, and different habitats. There’s likelihood you’ll see alligators right here as properly.
After a day of exploration, dine at Chicanes Restaurant & Bar, situated within the Inn on the Lakes, an area favourite recognized for its scrumptious delicacies and panoramic views of Little Lake Jackson, particularly at sundown.
The flocks of ibis flying to the small island throughout from the restaurant nearly steal the highlight from the splendor of the setting solar.
Excellent news. After you’ve completed the sundown present with cocktails at Chicanes, you’ll be able to simply stroll a number of steps to your room on the Inn on the Lakes.
Uncover extra issues to do in Sebring
Advisable Lodging: Inn on the Lakes
The Inn on the Lakes provides a luxurious informal expertise in a sublime atmosphere. It’s near historic downtown, but in addition invitations you to decelerate on the resort with spa remedies and an attractive swimming pool surrounded by palm bushes.
Closing Ideas
These favourite hidden gems of ours provide a glimpse into the varied fantastic thing about Florida, from its pristine coastlines to its historic cities and pure wonders. I’m prepared to find extra lesser recognized locations in Florida.
With Priceline’s Resort Categorical Offers, you may make these unforgettable journeys much more reasonably priced. For a restricted time, take pleasure in a further 10% low cost on prime of financial savings as much as 40% off while you e-book your lodging by means of Priceline e-book by Might 27 at 9 a.m. jap.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the hidden treasures of Florida with out breaking the financial institution. E-book your journey at this time and prepare to create reminiscences that may final a lifetime. Click on right here and use CODE: CAZNCRAIG10
Now you’ll be able to go to your Blissful Place for a Blissful Worth!
The place in Florida are you going to go?
