Are you ready for adventure? Forget about following the crowd. From the Florida Panhandle to the Keiths, it’s best to listen to locals who know where to find the best pubs, fishmongers, hikes, and shops. These hidden places may not be listed in the first chapter of the guidebook, and may not be listed at all. And that’s why many of us like it. These special spots may be hidden away, but there’s a good reason they’re popular with Florida residents year-round. From secret gardens to quirky restaurants and wildlife paradises, here are 20 must-see secret spots in Florida.
Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs
Getty Images/Michael Warren Pix
Beaches get more attention than forests in Florida, but you can enjoy both (and more) at this stunning park north of Orlando. The region has 600 lakes and rivers for all kinds of water sports and activities, wooded walking and hiking trails, great fishing at Lake George and Kerr Lake, and special trails for motorcycles and ATVs. there is. There is also Doe Lake Recreation Area, a separate area for horses and equestrians.
3199 NE Hwy. 315 Silver Springs, FL 34488
Boktower Gardens, Lake Wales
Sean Pavone/Getty Images
This public garden is unique in many ways, including that it was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and that it includes an eight-story building called the Singing Tower. Inside the tower is a carillon. The carillon is a rare musical instrument with at least 23 specially tuned bells that is played on a keyboard. From seasonal flowers to his 1930s Spanish-style mansion to nature trails, there’s plenty to explore.
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Little Moir Food Shack, Jupiter
Little Moir’s Food Shack
When you call your restaurant a hut, the culinary standards aren’t set very high. Unsuspecting visitors may pass by Little She Moia’s Food She Shack, but locals happily wait tables. Looking at the menu, it’s clear this place is not a dive. Locally caught seafood is the star here, with dishes like fried tuna and basil roll with mixed melon salad, sweet potato-crusted pompano and vegetables, seasonal fruit, green beans, red onions, tomatoes, and key lime garlic dressing. You can enjoy it. . The menu changes daily, so there’s always a new reason to return to the hut.
103 SUS Highway. 1st D3 Jupiter, FL 33477
Walker’s Landing, Amelia Island
Kara Flanker
Walker’s Landing is a secret spot perfect for watching the sunset. Wooden benches and swings overlook the salt marshes and a dock where residents store their kayaks. The lodge is a blend of elegance and rustic, and can be rented out for events and weddings through neighborhood associations and Omni Amelia Island Resort.
70 Marsh Creek Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach
Ann Norton Sculpture Garden
Located across from Palm Beach and near Lake Worth Lagoon, this lush garden doesn’t have a big sign, so it’s easy to miss. But locals know that the grounds, filled with rare plants and sculptures, are always worth a visit. As the former studio and residence of the late sculptor Anne Weaver in Norton, it primarily displays her large-scale works, but also exhibits the work of other artists throughout the year.
253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
No Name Pub, Big Pine Key
no name pub
Everyone knows that Key West is home to some of the Sunshine State’s most colorful and historic watering holes. But savvy travelers start at this pub as they make their way up several islands on unassuming Big Pine Key, home to the National Key Deer Refuge. No Name Pub began in 1931 as a general store and bait and tackle store. In 1936, the owners added a bar, and patrons began hanging dollar bills on the ceiling and walls. As the locals like to say, “If you can find it, it’s a good place.”
30813 Watson Boulevard, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
El Palacio de los Fugos (Miami)
El Palacio de los Fugos
What started in 1977 as a small takeout shop selling chicharrones and fruit juices has grown into a small restaurant empire with locations throughout Miami. Yes, the juices are fresh and the Cuban food is delicious. But what makes El His Palacio a success is its loyal fan base of local residents. Inside each building is a bodega, a small shop that sells tropical fruits and other groceries.
multiple locations
Peanut Island, Riviera Beach
Crystal Bolin Photography/Getty Images
This small island is a great spot for snorkeling and watching tropical fish, but it’s unknown to many tourists, who typically choose other beaches in Palm Beach County. You’ll need a kayak or boat to get to Peanut Island (Riviera Beach Marina Village’s water taxis run every 20 minutes), but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a little piece of paradise. Probably.
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Vero Beach
Kara Flanker
Featuring bird breeding grounds, fish spawning grounds, butterfly gardens, and sea turtle nurseries, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of more than 5,400 acres of protected lagoons and marshes that are frequently home to endangered species. doing. This National Historic Landmark became the first federal area set aside specifically to protect wildlife. Join a guided nature walk or explore on your own to spot bobcats, river otters, manatees, dolphins, and more.
4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, Florida 32963
Airstream Row, Seaside
robbie caponet
By design, Seaside’s community is more elegant than eclectic. Everything here looks perfectly planned. One exception is Airstream Low. Airstream Row is a collection of funky Airstream trailers converted into hood trucks located just off the main park. For years this has been a beach town tradition. Today’s menu includes Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, Meltdown on 30A (sandwiches), Crepes du Soleil, and Frosted Bites (shaved ice).
Highway 30A, Seaside, FL 32459
Cortes Historic Fishing Village, Cortes
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Located on a little-known peninsula jutting off the coast of Bradenton, the Historic Fishing Village of Cortez is home to one of the few remaining commercial fishing fleets on Florida’s waterfront. Visit a 1920s fish store called Star Fish Company. There, you’ll find a hole-in-the-wall style restaurant and market on the docks, where the catch of the day swam by minutes before it hit your plate.
12306 46th Avenue W., Cortez, FL 34215
Kampung Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove
Kara Flanker
Most people in Miami don’t know that the Kampung Secret Garden (camouflaged with layers of rare and exotic plants and guarded by red gates) exists in Biscayne Bay’s quaint Coconut Grove neighborhood. Towering palm trees and moss-covered oaks set on 11 acres of lush grounds, the former home of Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954), one of history’s most famous gardeners. We support As you explore the Asian-inspired main house, cottages, and grounds, you might even find yourself stepping back in time and finding a little Zen in the process.
4013 Douglas Road, Miami, Florida 33133
Banyan tree in Islamorada
banyan tree
Tucked away in a tropical garden with orchids, succulents, and towering banyan trees, The Banyan Tree is a hidden oasis in Islamorada. Stroll through the gardens, shop for Florida Keys-inspired costumes, or take a painting class. The boutique and garden are stocked with clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor and more. Join us on the second Thursday of every month for Creative Plant Night, where you and your friends can design a terrarium or flower arrangement.
81197 Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 81.2) Islamorada, FL 33036
Grayton Beer Company, Santa Rosa Beach
Visit South Walton
Capitalizing on the easygoing Gulf Coast state of mind, Grayton Beer Company’s taproom features a 25-tap draft wall with small batch beers, all handcrafted on-site. Don’t know where to start? We love Beach Blonde Ale. On Saturdays, there’s an enticing array of food trucks, live music, and fun-loving crowds.
217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Historic Sponge Dock, Tarpon Springs
Educational Images/Contributor/Getty
Located north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is a hotbed of Greek culture and a sponge harvesting industry dating back more than a century. The historic Sponge Docks is home to shops and authentic Greek restaurants. Stop by Sponge Roama Sponge Factory. Natural sponges, Greek gifts, museums, and boat tours abound here.
510 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Gordon River Greenway, Naples
Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB
In Naples, locals know and love the Gordon River Greenway, an elevated nature trail that is one of the region’s last remaining pristine spots. The greenway weaves through mangrove forests with paved trails, canoe and kayak launches, scenic overlooks for viewing wildlife, and hidden entrances near the Naples Zoo and Conservancy of Southwest Florida. .
1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102
Robert is here, Homestead.
robbie caponet
If you have fruits or vegetables grown in the tropics, chances are you’ll find them here at Robert is Here. South Floridians know this humble roadside market is filled with the finest produce, from mangos, bananas and avocados to exotic fruits like passion fruit. Whatever you’re looking for, be sure to try our famous milkshakes, which can be made with almost any type of fruit imaginable.
19200 SW 344th Street, Homestead, FL 33034
Shiny Fish Emporium, Anna Maria Island
Kara Flanker
Find your inner artist at Shiny Fish Emporium on Anna Maria Island. You can decorate your sand dollar with owners Rebecca and Dan. You’ll get the perfect souvenir to take home from your vacation and it’s a great activity for the whole family. Equal parts artisan haven and tropical boutique, you can spend hours shopping for unique gifts like colorful kimonos and funky ukuleles.
306 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden, Delray Beach
Photo courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
A 16-acre Japanese garden in South Florida may seem strange to some, but if you live in Delray Beach, you know Morikami is a local treasure. In addition to the beautiful grounds, there is also a museum focused on Japanese art and crafts, a theater (with permanent and special exhibitions), a cafe, and a tea room (where you can participate in a traditional tea ceremony). A day here is a complete change of pace in the best sense of the word.
west palm beach greenmarket
Courtesy of the City of West Palm Beach
USA Today readers named this vibrant farmers market the best in the country for the third year in a row. While it draws a fair amount of tourists, it’s also a Saturday morning ritual for many West Palm Beach residents. In addition to seasonal produce, you’ll also find a greenhouse filled with orchids and plants, a Cuban coffee stand, locally made baked goods and condiments, and plenty of happy shoppers and their dogs.
101 S Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
