The state of Florida is known for its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and theme parks. It’s fun to hit the popular destinations, but Florida is so much more than the modern-day attractions that call the state home.
The following are twelve interesting and unique destinations that deliver on Florida’s promise of a great time while offering unique slices of culture, Florida history, and down-home Americana.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – Delray Beach
The Morikami brings a 16-acre slice of Japan to Delray Beach with its sculptured gardens and museum that offer an insight into Japanese culture. Wander around the gentle trails in the gardens and stop to watch the koi in the ponds, then see the latest exhibits in the museum.
The center was opened in 1977 with a mission to bring Japanese culture to South Florida by offering activities such as tea ceremonies, educational outreach programs, and live theater and musical performances.
Venetian Pool – Coral Gables
The Venetian Pool is a historic pool that’s operated by the city of Coral Gables and is open to the public for a fee. Originally opened in 1923, the pool is filled by an underground aquifer that drains and refills daily for a clean and fresh swimming experience.
There are two waterfalls for visitors to splash around under, and grottos that deliver the feeling of being in a cave as well as a sandy island located at one end of the pool.
Dinosaur World – Plant City
Dinosaur World offers an alternative to the theme parks located in nearby Orlando with its life-like dinosaurs situated in settings throughout the property. The park is designed to deliver fun and education to visitors of all ages through displays of dinosaur statues, casts of dinosaur skeletons, and real fossils.
The main theme of the park revolves around paleontology, but it also has attractions for budding geologists in the form of a gem mine and the opportunity to pan for real gemstones.
Falling Waters State Park – Chipley
Falling Waters State Park is home to the highest waterfall in the state which drops 73 feet from its top to a sinkhole at the bottom.
The park offers the opportunity to experience the lush foliage of North Florida while walking along a trail system that runs alongside fern-covered sinkholes and large trees.
The Dalí Museum, St Pete
Discover The Dalí Museum in St. Pete, a place where art comes to life in exciting ways. Located in sunny Florida, this museum is a tribute to the eccentric genius Salvador Dalí.
Step into a world of surreal visions and mind-bending creativity as you explore his masterpieces. From melting clocks to dreamlike landscapes, every corner holds surprises that make you think and smile. The museum isn’t just about paintings – it’s an experience. With interactive exhibits and immersive displays, you can dive into Dalí’s imagination like never before.
Bok Tower Gardens
Step into the peaceful world of Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida. With beautiful gardens, calm water spots, and a tall singing tower, it’s a place to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Listen to birds and feel the gentle breeze as you explore colorful gardens. Bok Tower Gardens is a special place where art and nature come together, giving you a peaceful and inspiring experience.
Florida Historic Golf Trail (various)
Florida is full of historic golf courses that were originally built alongside hotels and followed the newly laid railroads that brought visitors and residents to the state.
The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a map that acts as a guide to the historic courses that are still in existence and open to the public. All the courses on the trail have been in existence for at least 50 years.
Wacissa Springs County Park – Wacissa
Wacissa Springs looks like a body of water in the middle of the wilderness, but it’s actually a state-run old-fashioned swimming hole.
The crystal-clear waters form the start of the Wacissa River and is fed by over a dozen springs. Visitors are encouraged to unleash their inner child and enjoy a day of swimming until the sun sets.
Florida Caverns State Park – Marianna
Florida Caverns State Park offers the opportunity to get underneath the state and look at the natural formations created by mineral deposits. It’s the only cave system in the state that’s open to the public.
Tours are offered daily with guides showing visitors how the caves were made accessible in the 1930s and enabled generations to view the incredible natural wonders on display.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida Keys
Dry Tortugas is located near the Florida Keys, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It’s worth making the effort to the park for the opportunity to snorkel around a shipwreck or the coral reefs.
The island is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic military fort that was installed to defend the region. Visitors are allowed to picnic and camp on the island.
Florida Domes
Located on the shores of Marco Island, Florida, the Dome Houses stand as a testament to architectural ingenuity and coastal living at its finest. These distinctively designed structures, with their curved forms and resilient construction, offer a mesmerizing blend of artistry and functionality.
The six geodesic domes were built strong to handle strong winds and big waves that would destroy regular homes.
Ravine Gardens State Park – Palatka
Ravine Gardens owes its existence to the New Deal that was enacted in the 1930s. The gardens were created by landscaping the ravines and installing a 1.8-mile paved trail system for ease of traversing the park by foot, vehicle, or bicycle.
The trail takes visitors to points of interest in the park and dramatic views as well as multiple picnic sites for taking a break or enjoying a meal with family and friends.