Florida’s Hidden Gems: Explore the Sunshine State’s Most Underrated Treasures

Do you want to have a different view of one of the most famous and incredible states in all of the U.S.? Let’s head to the warm and cozy Atlantic and see some hidden gems in Florida.

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People have many misconceptions about Florida, which discourages many travelers from visiting the state. First of all, Florida is not only beaches and alligators. Yes, the beaches are great, and alligators are pretty common, but there’s so much more. It boasts a vast subtropical wilderness, a vibrant culture and history, and unforgettable experiences off the beaten path. It’s a place full of influences from different countries, with a lively Cuban culture in Miami, Greek heritage in Tarpon Springs, and Native American sites in the Everglades! You just have to venture off the beaten path and search for unique places.

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Hidden Gems in Florida

Breaking Stereotypes

Let’s start our journey with a few comments you might hear when you decide to travel to Florida in search of hidden gems and authentic experiences.

• Florida is just theme parks and beaches: Sure, it has Disney and a beautiful coast, but that’s only the beginning. Inland, there is so much more, with small historic towns, forests, springs, and swamps, as you’ll see soon enough.

• Florida is always hot and sunny: It actually is, for most of the year. But central Florida can get cold snaps in winter, and there are hurricanes and storms.

• Florida is full of crazy people: The “Florida Man” meme, a fun Google search if you haven’t heard the term. But those are only arrest records, and not the full reality, as most locals are friendly and chill.

• Florida is only for retirees and party people: Florida attracts a wide variety of tourists, but it depends on the area. Miami and Tampa are more enticing for the younger and vibrant folk, but that’s just a part of the state.

Weird and Wonderful Hidden Gems in Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs

This is one of Florida’s most charming and surreal places, and is just 45 minutes away from Tampa, in Hernando County. Near these springs, you’ll find one of the oldest attractions in Florida, the Weeki Wachee State Park, opened in 1947. The park in itself is a fun experience, and you can kayak down the Weeki Wachee River with its crystal-clear waters. But the reason most travelers decide to make the detour and go is the mermaid show.

You heard right, a mermaid show! Very talented women perform an underwater ballet completed with mermaid tails. They’ve been performing since the 1940s, but the quality of it has increased a lot over the years, and now they do look like true mermaids. Kids adore the shows, but even adults like the novelty and uniqueness.

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Cassadaga

Another quiet and unique place in Florida, and one of the most mystical places in the U.S., is also known as the “Psychic Capital of the World”. It’s actually a tiny, tucked-away town like no other, where almost all of its inhabitants practice one brand or another of spiritualism.

It was founded in 1894 by George P. Colby, a self-declared medium with a vision of giving a spiritual guide to the South. And still today, the community is flourishing, with 50-60 working psychics and mediums. If you want a place to have your fortune read, be it with cards, runes, or your hand, it’s right there. And, if you don’t believe in the arcane, you can still join the tours, hear about the local ghosts, and see it as the unique place that it is. For more hidden gems, you can explore the Fairy Trail, a whimsical trail filled with tiny fairy houses, crystals, and gnome statues.

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Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring

One of the most surreal natural wonders that you’ll find in Florida, and certainly a hidden gem. The Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is a deep, ancient sinkhole filled with crystal-clear spring water. But you won’t find it out in the open, oh no. It’s hidden inside an opening similar to a cavern. And the prehistoric part of the name is not a joke. Archaeologists have found prehistoric animals and human remains there.

Popular activities in the Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring:

• Snorkeling: It’s nice and refreshing, as the water is extremely cold even in the middle of the summer. But it’s also really beautiful, with natural light beams illuminating the submerged rock formations.

• Scuba diving: If you’re a certified diver, you can rent equipment and explore the full depth of the spring. Don’t forget a camera to take photos of one of the most unique freshwater diving spots in the U.S…

Old Florida Gems

Cedar Key

Right now, Florida is a very popular tourist destination, but it wasn’t always like that, and there are still places where you can see the old charm of the area. One of those places is Cedar Key, in the Nature Coast. It’s a peaceful place, full of quirky charm and very few tourists. There’s actually no big resorts or chain stores there. Just historic buildings, weathered docks, and locals who have spent their whole life there and know every bird and every rock.

What to do in Cedar Key:

• Kayak remote Islands: It’s a great place to rent a kayak and go on an adventure to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. You could also paddle to Atsena Otie Key, a ghost town island with shell-covered beaches.

• Go fishing: It might sound simple, but what’s a vacation if not a time to relax and spend time in the activities you truly enjoy? And you can choose between pier fishing and charter fishing.

• Visit local art galleries: There’s a surprising number of art galleries in Cedar Key, like Island Arts and Cedar Keyhole Artists Co-op. Maybe the relaxed ambiance of the island helps with your creativity, too.

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Micanopy

Another small town to visit, and a charming one. Micanopy, also called “the town that time forgot”, is a small treasure with Southern Gothic vibes, lots of antiques, and massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The whole downtown is a National Historic District, with almost all of its buildings dating all the way back to the 1800s. It’s a perfect place if you enjoy slow travel, as well as perusing unique shops.

Best stores and places to visit in Micanopy:

• Antique City Mall: If you’re looking for something old and unique, chances are that you’ll find it here. Be it a vintage book, glassware, furniture, old tools, or thingamabobs! Even if you don’t buy anything, think of it as a fun museum where you can touch the exhibits.

• Brisky Books: A gem in the form of a bookstore. It specializes in history, philosophy, religion, and rare finds. The local has a labyrinthine feel to it, where you can get lost for hours and hours.

• Shady Oak Gallery & Cafe: It used to be Pearl Country Store & Gallery, but times have changed. Now it’s a mix of art, gifts, and tasty southern eats, so it’s the best place to cool off and recharge.

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The swamp cowboys

They’re mainly from the city of Okeechobee, but people also call them the cracker cowboys or Florida Cow Hunters. They’re not like the valiant cowboys we see in movies, with more guns and heroic acts than actual cows, but gritty and resourceful cattlemen. They wrangle cattle through the diversity of Florida’s terrains, from wetland to hammocks, and often in airboats or swamp buggies, not horses.

How to experience their culture:

• Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo: An event that only occurs in March, but you can see a real working cowboy competition.

• Florida Cracker Trail Ride: Another seasonal event, only in February, you can join a weeklong ride across Florida! Complete with reenactors and modern-day ranchers.

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Culinary Gems in Florida

Ybor City, Tampa

Let’s explore another side of Florida and enjoy the incredible and varied food that you can find in Florida. Starting in Ybor City, the historic Cuban-Spanish-Italian neighborhood. There’s over a century of immigrant culture there, and from cultures with incredible taste. One of the most recommended is Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905, and owned by the same family for five generations.

You can try iconic dishes like the 1905 salad, iconic and tasty, the chicken and yellow rice “Ybor”, a traditional Cuban dish, paired with a sangria, with the same recipe from the start of the restaurant. And, for the seafood lovers, there’s snapper “A la Rusa” and Paella Española.

Rocca

Rocca does offer a more upscale experience, that’s for sure, but also pricier, as the Michelin-starred restaurants always are. It’s a modern Italian place with serious craftsmanship, all handmade pasta and elevated ingredients to make a perfect dish.

Top recommendations include the truffle tajarin, their signature dish, with house-made egg pasta with shaved truffles. But there’s also the burrata with local honey, a creamy perfection, and the lemon olive oil cake, for the perfect Italian dessert.

Final Thoughts About Florida’s Hidden Gems

Florida is a very interesting place to visit, with many, many more hidden gems to explore and find. Just ask the locals about their favorite spots, as well as for weird stories tied to the places. You just have to be brave, curious, and open-minded to go and rediscover Florida on your own terms. Embrace the diversity and unpredictability, and start planning your own unforgettable journey through Florida’s hidden side.