7 Florida Road Trips To Explore Abandoned Resorts And Forgotten Escapes

Florida’s sunny landscape hides a secret world of abandoned resorts and forgotten getaways just waiting to be discovered. These once-glamorous destinations now stand as eerie time capsules, offering glimpses into the Sunshine State’s vibrant tourism past.

Grab your camera, pack some snacks, and fuel up your car for these fascinating road trips to Florida’s most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places.

1. The Ghostly Remains Of Suncoast Palms Resort

Hidden among overgrown palmettos near Tampa Bay, this once-luxurious 1960s resort now stands frozen in time. The crumbling main building still features faded murals of flamingos and palm trees.

Weathered poolside cabanas slowly surrender to nature’s reclamation project. Locals whisper about celebrities who once lounged by the now-empty Olympic-sized pool during the resort’s heyday.

2. Journey To The Forgotten Keys Getaway

Accessible only by a narrow causeway, this abandoned island retreat was once the playground for wealthy northerners escaping winter’s grip. Hurricane damage in 1992 forced its closure, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful ruins.

Moss-draped walkways lead to collapsed bungalows where tropical birds now nest. The partially submerged restaurant pier offers an otherworldly photo opportunity for adventurous explorers.

3. The Mysterious Suwannee River Resort Ruins

Would you believe this remote riverfront property once hosted elaborate hunting parties for industrial tycoons? After mysterious fires in the 1970s, nature quickly reclaimed the sprawling lodge and guest cottages.

Stone fireplaces stand like sentinels among the pines. The cracked tennis courts now host wildflowers instead of matches. Bring sturdy shoes—the terrain is uneven and sometimes muddy.

4. The Deserted Astronaut’s Retreat

If walls could talk, these concrete structures near Cape Canaveral would tell tales of space race celebrations and NASA legends. Built specifically for astronauts and their families in the 1960s, this exclusive getaway closed after budget cuts in 1974.

The space-themed pool still features faded rocket mosaics. Concrete bungalows with distinctive circular windows resemble retro-futuristic space pods. Always respect the no trespassing signs here.

5. Everglades Safari Lodge’s Decaying Grandeur

Though alligators now patrol the grounds where tourists once sipped cocktails, this abandoned safari-themed resort maintains an eerie charm. The massive thatched-roof main building surprisingly stands despite decades of hurricane seasons.

Faded murals of African wildlife adorn crumbling walls. The elevated boardwalk offers glimpses of actual wildlife reclaiming their territory. This remote location requires proper planning and bug spray!

6. The Forgotten Beachfront Paradise

Hurricane Andrew’s devastating path left this once-glamorous Panhandle resort in ruins, creating an accidental monument to nature’s power. Concrete foundations peek through sugar-white sand like archaeological discoveries.

The Olympic-sized pool now resembles a small lagoon teeming with coastal life. Staircases lead to nowhere, creating surreal photo opportunities against Gulf sunsets. Early mornings offer the best lighting for photography enthusiasts.

7. The Lost Lake Okeechobee Fishing Lodge

Fishing enthusiasts once flocked to this rustic lodge before environmental regulations and water quality issues forced its closure. The main building’s weathered timber frame stands defiant against decades of tropical storms.

Antique fishing gear still hangs on some walls like ghostly decorations. The collapsed dock extends into lake waters where massive bass still swim. Sunrise casts an ethereal glow across the property, making early visits worthwhile for photographers.