Florida’s famous theme parks might steal the spotlight, but the Sunshine State hides some fantastic family treasures far from the tourist crowds. I’ve spent years exploring Florida’s lesser-known corners with my kids, discovering magical places where memories are made without the long lines and hefty price tags. Ready for an adventure that won’t have you elbow-to-elbow with other tourists? Let’s explore these hidden gems that’ll have the whole family talking for years to come!
1. Weeki Wachee Springs: Where Real Mermaids Swim
Would you believe me if I told you mermaids are real? At Weeki Wachee Springs, they’ve been performing underwater since 1947 in one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions. My kids’ jaws literally dropped when they saw these graceful swimmers perform in the crystal-clear spring water.
Beyond the mermaid shows, we paddled kayaks down the vibrant blue river, spotting turtles and fish beneath us in water so clear it seems like they’re floating in air. The water park section, Buccaneer Bay, offers waterslides that splash right into the natural spring – a refreshing 74 degrees year-round.
If you’re lucky like we were, you might spot manatees who occasionally visit during winter months. The park’s old-Florida charm makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when roadside attractions ruled vacation plans.
2. Solomon’s Castle: A Quirky Medieval Masterpiece
Hidden in the backwoods of Ona, Florida stands a gleaming castle built entirely by one man’s hands. Howard Solomon, a sculptor with a wicked sense of humor, constructed this full-sized castle from discarded aluminum printing plates that shimmer in the sunlight like medieval armor.
My family couldn’t stop laughing during our tour as our guide pointed out Solomon’s hundreds of metal sculptures and punny artwork crafted from recycled materials. Each room reveals new surprises – from a boat-shaped restaurant called ‘The Boat in the Moat’ to whimsical bedroom suites where you can actually stay overnight.
Though Howard passed away in 2016, his family keeps his artistic legacy alive. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the moat or grab lunch in the restaurant. The remote location means you’ll need good directions, but that’s part of what keeps this place wonderfully uncrowded.
3. Three Sisters Springs: Crystal Canoe Adventures
Imagine gliding in a clear kayak over water so transparent you can count the scales on fish swimming beneath you. That’s exactly what my family experienced at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. Unlike the crowded manatee tours nearby, exploring these springs on your own feels like discovering a secret aquatic wonderland.
Winter brings dozens of manatees seeking warm waters, creating magical encounters with these gentle giants. My daughter squealed with delight when a curious juvenile manatee approached our canoe for a closer look! During summer months when manatees head to sea, the springs become a peaceful swimming hole with water so clear it seems nonexistent.
Arriving early is key – the boardwalk access can get busy by midday. For the full experience, rent transparent kayaks from local outfitters who’ll guide you to hidden alcoves where the best wildlife viewing happens away from the crowds.
4. Gilchrist Blue Springs: Nature’s Perfect Swimming Hole
When Florida’s summer heat becomes unbearable, my family heads to Gilchrist Blue Springs – a natural oasis that became Florida’s newest state park in 2017. Unlike the famous – and often packed – Ichetucknee Springs, this lesser-known gem offers the same crystal-clear 72-degree water without battling crowds for swimming space.
My kids never tire of jumping from the wooden platform into the sapphire-blue spring basin, then floating lazily down the short run that connects to the Santa Fe River. The spring pumps out 44 million gallons of water daily, creating a natural lazy river experience through a corridor of cypress trees.
Though amenities are simple (changing rooms, picnic tables, and basic restrooms), that’s exactly what preserves its unspoiled charm. Bring water shoes for navigating the limestone bottom and snorkel gear to spot freshwater fish and turtles gliding through underwater caves and crevices.
5. Grayton Beach’s Underwater Museum of Art
How about taking your family to the only underwater art museum in America? Just off the coast of Grayton Beach in the Florida Panhandle lies a collection of sculptures that doubles as an artificial reef. My teenage sons, who normally roll their eyes at “educational” activities, couldn’t wait to don snorkel gear and explore this submerged gallery.
Located about a mile offshore in 60 feet of water, large concrete sculptures create both art and marine habitat. Fish dart between massive installations while coral and sea life gradually transform each piece. For families with certified divers, it’s an unforgettable experience, but even snorkelers can glimpse some sculptures on clear days.
Not ready to get wet? The pristine white sand beaches of Grayton Beach State Park offer perfect shoreline relaxation. Local tour companies offer glass-bottom boat excursions over the museum site for those preferring to stay dry while still experiencing this unique cultural treasure.
6. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring: Underground Swimming Adventure
Forget ordinary swimming pools – how about plunging into a prehistoric underground cavern? Devil’s Den near Williston offers exactly that thrill. When my family descended the narrow staircase into this ancient sinkhole, we felt like we’d discovered another world hidden beneath Florida’s flat landscape.
Sunlight streams through the ceiling opening, creating ethereal blue light beams that dance through the crystal-clear 72-degree water. Ancient rock formations and fossil beds dating back 33 million years surround you as you swim or snorkel through this geological wonder. Though relatively unknown to tourists, this spot is popular with locals, so arriving when they open at 9am ensures the most magical experience.
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent on-site to spot tiny fish and ancient formations. For families with older kids who scuba dive, underwater passages reveal even more wonders. The on-site cabins and camping area make this a perfect overnight adventure away from Florida’s typical tourist trail.
7. Cedar Key: Time-Capsule Island Getaway
Imagine a Florida beach town that time forgot – where golf carts outnumber cars and the pace slows to match the gentle Gulf waves. Cedar Key, a cluster of small islands about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, transported my family back to Old Florida the moment we crossed the long causeway connecting it to the mainland.
Instead of high-rise hotels and chain restaurants, we found colorful clapboard houses on stilts, family-owned seafood shacks, and art galleries tucked into historic buildings. My kids traded their usual theme park excitement for simple pleasures: catching crabs off the public pier, kayaking through mangrove tunnels, and collecting shells on uncrowded beaches.
The Cedar Key Museum State Park reveals the area’s fascinating history as a pencil manufacturing center and railroad terminus. Don’t miss Tony’s award-winning clam chowder or sunset from Dock Street where pelicans perch on weathered pilings while fishing boats return with the day’s catch.
8. Falling Waters State Park: Florida’s Tallest Waterfall
Most visitors don’t associate Florida with waterfalls, which is exactly why Falling Waters State Park remains such a delightful surprise. Tucked away in the Florida Panhandle near Chipley, this park features a 73-foot waterfall that plunges dramatically into a cylindrical sinkhole – the state’s highest waterfall and a geological marvel.
My children were mesmerized watching the water disappear into the mysterious limestone cavity. No one knows where the water eventually emerges! The boardwalk trail leading to the falls offers excellent viewing platforms while keeping little ones safely behind railings.
Beyond the main attraction, we discovered fern-covered sinkholes, a butterfly garden that had my daughter chasing painted ladies with her camera, and a small lake perfect for cooling off after hiking the park’s nature trails. The campground sits atop one of Florida’s highest hills, offering uncharacteristically rolling terrain and cooler breezes than coastal areas – a welcome relief during summer months.
9. Sweetwater Wetlands Park: Safari-Style Wildlife Watching
Who needs an African safari when you can spot alligators, birds, and wild horses just minutes from Gainesville? Sweetwater Wetlands Park transformed what was once a water treatment facility into a 125-acre wildlife haven that my nature-loving family ranks among Florida’s best-kept secrets.
Walking the three miles of crushed gravel paths, we spotted more wildlife in one afternoon than during entire vacations elsewhere. Alligators bask openly on banks while purple gallinules step delicately across lily pads. The raised boardwalks provide safe viewing areas where even toddlers can safely spot wildlife without parental panic.
Though created primarily for water filtration before it enters the Floridan Aquifer, this engineered wetland has become an ecological treasure. The educational signage taught my kids about water conservation while they were having too much fun to realize they were learning. Bring binoculars, wear closed-toe shoes, and arrive early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.
10. Micanopy: Florida’s Secret Small-Town Time Machine
Just 15 minutes south of Gainesville lies Micanopy (pronounced mick-ah-NO-pee), a town so perfectly preserved it regularly serves as a movie set. Walking down Cholokka Boulevard feels like stepping through a time portal – ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss shade antique shops housed in buildings dating back to the 1800s.
My children, normally glued to their devices, became treasure hunters here, sifting through curiosities in the town’s famous antique stores and trading ghost stories about the historic Herlong Mansion. We spent a delightful afternoon browsing shops filled with everything from Civil War artifacts to vintage toys while shop owners shared tales of the town’s colorful history as Florida’s second-oldest settlement.
Hungry explorers should grab homemade pie at the Old Florida Café or browse local produce at the weekend farmers’ market. Nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve offers wildlife viewing where wild horses and bison roam free – a surprising sight in Florida that perfectly complements this authentic old-Florida experience.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
