Do you think you explored Florida from top to bottom?
Perhaps you want to visit the Sunshine State to check out more of its offerings. Here, you can find five hidden gems in Florida that might not be on your radar.
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park may not be in your initial itinerary because of its remote location. In particular, you have different options to travel to that site. Some examples are a ferry, a seaplane, or a tour boat.
It takes approximately 2-1/2 hours to reach the park if you take the Yankee Freedom ferry. But the price for each ticket is $190, which is still less expensive than going to the park by seaplane or a private charter.
Once you arrive, you can feast your eyes on the wondrous view of a 19th-century fort, now home to different amenities, features, and even wildlife. Visitors also have different options to explore the park, such as camping, swimming, snorkeling, and touring the island by renting a bike.
If you’re still thinking about visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, watch this video by TikTok user, lizncasey, and what she has to say about the trip:
@lizncasey Day 75: Dry Tortugas #travel #roadtrip #florida #drytortugas #nationalparks ♬ Somewhere over the Rainbow (Instrumental Version) - Instrumental Pop Songs & Soft Background Music
2. Seaside, FL
Although Florida has no shortage of beaches, Seaside might not immediately catch your attention. But checking out its many offerings from a seemingly quaint appearance could change your mind.
In this "30A" town [County Road 30A], Seaside has many things to offer to both locals and tourists. It has sun-sprawled beaches with some stretching far and wide. Time your trip right, and you can also visit the area’s farmers market to satiate your cravings with local treats.
You can also find unique shops around town. Prepare yourself as some retailers dazzle you with items that can be tough to resist. For example, check out this video of TikTok user, newinteriordesigners, when they visited one of the Seaside shops:
@newinteriordesigners I can’t fit much in my suitcase, but I bring home so much inspiration when I travel! The Art of Simple in Seaside, FL had the most creative displays and I love how they mixed their colors, patterns, and textures. The whole town of @seasidefl is so charming and has some of the best shopping! Have you been yet? #seasideflorida #seasidefl #homedecorshopping #homedecorinspiration #coastalgrandmother #coastalgranddaughter #coastalfinds #coastalliving #coastalhome ♬ Dream Kitchen - Hans Zimmer
Here, you can enjoy the simplicity of living while still enjoying life itself. Watch this TikTok clip from user, engelvolkers30a, to take a look at what it’s like to visit Seaside:
@engelvolkers30a everyone needs to experience this life at least once (or once a year!) #seaside #seasideflorida #beachtown #beach #fyp #30a #30aflorida ♬ original sound - Phoebe
Florida is a popular destination any time of year. Want to warm up your winter, check out: "What’s The Warmest Place To Visit In Florida In December?"
3. St. Augustine
Say, “Hello,” to the oldest city in the US. St. Augustine is over 450 years old and is still thriving to this day. If you’re a fan of US history and culture, this place should be part of your next itinerary.
For starters, this city has a myriad of offerings for people of all ages. For instance, you can watch the floating performance aboard the Black Raven Pirate Ship. Otherwise, you can indulge in the many wines and spirits in the St. Augustine Distillery.
Hotels and lodgings are also available in the city if you wish to remain for an extended visit. In St. Augustine, you should be able to find something that you can enjoy, regardless of whether you're a night owl or an early bird.
Watch this video of TikTok user anaflorentyna to gain additional insights into visiting St. Augustine:
@anaflorentyna 3 Things To Do in St Augustine 🌴 #staugustine #staugustinefl #traveltiktoks #visitflorida #staugustineflorida #floridatok #thingstodoinflorida ♬ Suns - Official Sound Studio
4. Amelia Island
If you’re still looking for beautiful, clean, and white sandy beaches to visit in Florida, you should also take a trip to Amelia Island.
This stunning location has 13 miles of different beaches with crowds spread thin so you can sunbathe virtually undisturbed.
Walking around the area will let you experience the place’s many offerings. For instance, enter the Perfect Wick, which is a bar and candle makery in one establishment. Is making candles not to your liking? Then head to the Paisley Grace to create pottery instead.
Amelia Island is also home to many restaurants. One ideal candidate is the Omni Amelia Island Resort, wherein you can satisfy your food options that came from Mother Nature. Another option is to gratify your desire for wine and spirits by visiting the Winter Sip & Shop.
It’s also a prime destination for spring breakers because of the fewer crowds. Watch this TikTok clip from user amomexplores to see what it looks like to visit the island during spring break:
@amomexplores We love a spring break destination with fewer crowds and lots of beaches! Amelia Island is a good mix of unspoiled beaches and resorts, relaxation and outdoor activities, and there’s even a cute downtown area. Tons of easy day trips nearby if you rent a car, or want to road trip along A1A on Florida’s First Coast (or even into the Space Coast). One of our top family-friendly spring break ideas! #familyvacation #ameliaisland #florida #visitflorida #travelwithkids #springbreak #momsoftiktok ♬ Paradise - Bazzi
5. Bok Tower Gardens
Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is the physical embodiment of the award-winning editor and author Edward Bok. Walk inside to tour the establishment’s vintage yet historical and cultural appearance.
If you're in the area for an extended period, you may also take part in certain activities in and around the property.
One example is by going to the garden's grounds in the morning to help recharge your mind and body with Tai Chi.
Take a quick look at the Bok Tower Gardens by watching the video below posted by TikTok user, visitcentralfl:
@visitcentralfl Hidden gem in Central Florida: Bok Tower Gardens located in Lake Wales, FL.🍊 📸: @linalunamar #hiddengem #centralflorida #boktower #boktowergardens #visitcentralfl #visitcentralflorida #familyvacation #spring #vacation #lovefl #visitflorida #floridavacation #florida @BokTowerGardens ♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazy
Looking for Florida's "wild side?" Check out: "Where To See Alligators In Florida: 6 Surefire Locations"