In this article, we will introduce 25 hidden places to visit in Florida. We will also discuss Florida’s tourism industry, its contribution to the state’s economy, and the major companies in the industry. To skip the detailed analysis and get a quick overview of the top 10 places, read “10 Hidden Places to Visit in Florida.”
Known for its sunny beaches, vibrant cities and world-class attractions, Florida attracts millions of tourists from all over the world each year.
According to VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing agency, Florida attracted approximately 137.4 million tourists in 2022. This contributed approximately $121 billion to the state’s economy and created 2 million jobs in the state. In 2023, tourist numbers dropped to 135 million, but that’s still 3% higher than the number of tourists in 2019. If Florida were an independent country, it would be the most visited country in the world, 45 million more than the current leader.
“Faced with challenges including rising travel costs and widespread inflation, Florida’s tourism sector has not only held up, but thrived (in 2023),” Dana Young, CEO and president of VISIT FLORIDA, said in a recent news release.
The agency estimates that international visitor numbers will reach 8.3 million in 2023, up 18.3% from 2022. In the fourth quarter alone, about 2.3 million international travelers visited the state.
Florida’s importance as a top tourist destination was further highlighted when Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB) reported that Airbnb rentals in Florida generated the most tourism tax revenue in the U.S. According to a new report from Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB) released this month, Florida’s tourism tax revenue will reach $387 million in 2023, surpassing all U.S. states. This represents 17.5% of the U.S.’s total annual tourism tax revenue of $2.2 billion, as reported by Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB).
In response to a surge in tourism in Florida, Merlin Entertainment, one of the largest amusement park companies, acquired Icon Park’s Orlando Wheel on March 25. The company renamed the wheel the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall illuminated wheel that is the tallest observation attraction on the East Coast of the United States.
“We are proud that Merlin recognized the attraction’s global appeal and ICON Park as a destination and selected us as the expansion site for their popular brand in Central Florida,” ICON Park President and CEO Chris Jaskiwith said in a March 24 announcement.
Not only is Marlin important, other major companies in the hospitality and theme park industries also have a strong foothold in Florida.
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For example, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is a leading company in the tourism industry in the state of Florida. The Walt Disney World Resort, owned by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), has generated an astounding $40 billion in economic impact for the state of Florida. Additionally, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has created approximately 263,000 jobs across the state. The company has also generated $3.1 billion in tax revenue for the state.
Similarly, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) with its various branches also has a significant presence in the state. In January 2024, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) celebrated the opening of the first Studioless branded hotel in Fort Myers, Florida. Studioless is designed as a budget-friendly option for tourists looking to stay for 20 nights or more, with an estimated cost of $80 per night. The branded hotel by Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is expected to open in spring 2025.
What are the most beautiful places to visit in Florida?
Florida is home to a variety of stunning landscapes and attractions. Some of the most famous and beautiful places include:
Where are the best things to do in Florida?
The state has plenty of places to enjoy a variety of activities, from thrilling amusement parks to exploring hidden gems. Here are some popular tourist spots.
Orlando
Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Tampa
Naples
Panama Beach City
Siesta Key
So let’s take a look at some of the best kept secret places to visit in Florida.
25 Hidden Gems to Visit in Florida
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methodology
To find the best hidden places in Florida for our article “25 Hidden Places to Visit in Florida,” we turned to Reddit. Specifically, we searched for keywords like “secret places” and “hidden places” in the r/florida subreddit. After browsing through several threads, we selected the most recent threads with the highest level of user activity and engagement.
From this thread, we compiled a list of the most recommended places and attractions. These were ranked based on how often they were mentioned by the Reddit community and the number of upvotes. The place with the most recommendations and upvotes took the top spot on the list, while the least mentioned place came in at number 25.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investment website that tracks the activities of company insiders and hedge funds. It uses a similar consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of over 900 hedge funds that invest in U.S. stocks. The top 10 hedge fund consensus stock picks have outperformed the S&P 500 index by more than 140 percentage points over the past decade (more here). Whether you’re a novice investor or a pro looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge fund and company insiders.
For those of you wondering what the best kept secret places in Florida are, we have listed the least touristy places in Florida in descending order from #25 to #1.
25 Hidden Gems to Visit in Florida
25. St. Cloud
Located in central Florida, St. Cloud is a charming city known for its small-town atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Explore Lakefront Park, which offers beautiful views of East Tohopekaliga Lake, and explore the peaceful walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing piers.
24. Kenansville
Tucked away in the countryside of Osceola County, Kenansville is one of the best hidden places to visit in Florida. Kenansville’s Forever Florida Wildlife Refuge is a must-see, as it features a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, forests, and grasslands. It’s the perfect place for outdoor adventures, including treetop ziplining, horseback riding on scenic trails, and encounters with native wildlife.
23. Walking past the grill
This beach town’s clean white sand beaches offer stunning views of the Gulf Coast and a laid-back atmosphere. Stroll through a charming historic district dotted with colorful cottages, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. Plus, unique accommodations range from beachfront cottages to boutique hotels with stunning views, making this one of the unique places to stay in Florida.
22. Tarpon Springs
This coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico is also one of Florida’s best-kept vacation spots. Explore historic Sponge Docks, take a boat tour or enjoy water sports at scenic waterfront parks. Sample authentic Greek cuisine at seafood restaurants and check out cultural attractions like the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum.
21. Crescent City
This quaint town is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of freshwater fishing spots within town, and visitors can explore beautiful parks, such as Ralph M. McLean Park and Dunn’s Creek Preserve, for hiking, picnicking and wildlife watching.
20. New Smyrna
New Smyrna’s low crowds and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place for a quiet getaway: soak up the sun on soft sandy beaches, explore Flagler Avenue’s charming boutiques and art galleries, and dine on fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
19. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is America’s oldest city and is brimming with historic charm and cultural attractions. St. George Street is a vibrant strip of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants housed in colonial buildings. It’s also one of Florida’s best kept secrets for romantic couples. Stroll hand in hand along the cobblestone streets, visit historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and dine at romantic restaurants housed in historic buildings.
18. Micanopy
Nicknamed the “Antique Capital of Florida,” Micanopy boasts a charming downtown area filled with antique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Explore local attractions like the Herlong Mansion Historic Inn and the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s fascinating history.
17. Cedar Key
Cedar Key’s downtown area, lined with colorful waterfront buildings, art galleries and seafood restaurants serving fresh local fare, is one of the best hidden gems to stay in and explore in Florida. The island is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a variety of activities including bird watching, hiking, kayaking and fishing in the surrounding waters. Nature trails at Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge allow you to experience the region’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
16. Lakeland
Lakeland is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lake, historic district and cultural attractions. Lake Mirror Park offers beautiful views of the iconic Hollis Gardens. The city is also home to the Polk Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of works by local and international artists.
15. St. George Island
Located off the Florida Panhandle, this tranquil barrier island is popular for its pristine beaches and natural beauty. Relax on the island’s sugar-white sands, swim in the clear emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the horizon.
14. Old Smar
Known for its scenic waterfront parks, recreational facilities and family-friendly attractions, Oldsmar is one of the best places to visit in Florida. You can visit RE Olds Park, which features a fishing pier, playground and picnic areas overlooking Tampa Bay. Oldsmar’s historic downtown area also offers vibrant shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, providing visitors with a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
13. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a beautiful coastal town on Florida’s Gulf Coast known for its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear waters and unique shark tooth hunting opportunities. Explore the Venice Fishing Pier, swim in the warm gulf waters or relax in the sun on the sand.
12. Dunedin
Dunedin is a charming coastal city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its Scottish heritage and natural beauty. Dunedin is one of the best hidden gems to visit in Florida for couples and families. Enjoy biking or walking on the Pinellas Trail, and the Dunedin Causeway provides access to beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park.
11. Safety Harbor
Located on the western shore of Tampa Bay, this beautiful waterfront community is one of Florida’s hidden gems for families, known for its natural hot springs, historic sites and cultural attractions. Relax at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, enjoy the beautiful scenery at Phillip Park or hike the oak hammocks and mangrove forest trails.
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Disclosures: None. The post 25 Secret Places to Visit in Florida originally appeared on Insider Monkey.
