Florida is known for its abundance of world-famous destinations, from the lively attractions in Miami to the theme park action in Orlando and funky streets in Key West. What many travelers don’t know, is that the Sunshine State is also full of under-discovered destinations, where travelers can find a mix of historic landmarks, picturesque beaches and Old Florida vibes without the crowds of tourists. Travel beyond the big cities and explore some of the state’s best-kept secrets, from old fishing towns to quiet barrier islands. Perfect for travelers who want to go somewhere different for a change, read on to discover some Florida’s most off-the-beaten-path trip ideas.
Visit the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village in Destin
Destin is an underrated vacation destination, as this sleepy fishing village boasts perfect sugar-white beaches nestled against an array of exciting outdoor attractions. The colorful city is where families can explore the pristine Emerald Coast and spend a day indulging in its abundance of fun-filled things to do, from walks along the action-packed boardwalk to the inflatable slides at Crab Island Water Park. Try your hand at fishing or indulge in fresh seafood from beachside eateries before biking, picnicking and birdwatching in unspoiled Henderson Beach State Park.
Indulge in Fresh Seafood in Apalachicola
Rustic charm at its best, Apalachicola is located in a quiet area of North Florida where most tourists don’t venture to. Known for its friendly locals and world-renown seafood, this small fishing village supplies over 90% of Florida’s tasty oysters, and is the perfect place to taste its straight-off-the-boat delicacies. With over 900 historic listings, days can be spent meandering through the area’s lovely waterfront parks and soaking in views of stained glass churches and small cottages that line this Old Florida city. Traffic and noise are nowhere to be seen, and if you’re up for some beach time, head to St. George Island for miles of pristine beach.
Hunt for Sharks Teeth in Amelia Island
A combination of Spanish moss, quaint B&B’s and picturesque beaches, Amelia Island is dripping with small-town charm. Located on Florida’s northernmost eastern border, learn about the area’s 4,000 years of history and heritage found in the historic Fernandina Beach area. Stop by for a drink at Florida’s longest operating saloon, or stroll the sand along the beach and search for unique treasures, from seashells to shark teeth. Take a sunset sail through the salt marshes to spot dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, or catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming free on Cumberland Island.
Shop for Antique Treasures in Mount Dora
A charming 100-year-old village, Mount Dora is a historic city is located in the heart of Central Florida near the beautiful Lake Dora in the Harris Chain of Lakes. Lined with 19th-century clapboard houses, antique shops, and outdoor cafes, the most popular activity in Mount Dora is strolling along the quaint downtown area and shopping for antiques. Home to a variety of nationally known annual festivals including the popular Mount Dora Craft Fair, this “Bass Capital of the World” is also a great place to get out of the city and go fishing and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Visit the Sun-Kissed Beaches on Caladesi Island
Home to three miles of unspoiled beaches, get away from the tourist crowds at one of the world’s best beaches at the off-the-grid Caladesi Island. Spend time in nearby Dunedin, a waterfront community where you’ll find scenic parks and impressive architecture that highlight a unique Celtic heritage. Honeymoon Island is also nearby, a natural barrier island with nature trails and diverse wildlife. Explore Dunedin’s easy-to-navigate downtown area, where travelers can visit an array of art galleries, antique shops, and Florida’s oldest craft brewery at the Dunedin Brewery.
Explore Greek Culture in Tarpon Springs
Only 20 minutes north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is one of Florida’s under-the-radar small towns, celebrated for its heavily influenced Greek culture, scenic waterfront and pleasant mix of antique stores and art galleries. With 51 miles of waterfront allure, it is the “Sponge Capital of the World” and known for its famous Sponge Docks and charming downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll along brick streets and visit specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s and pick up unique souvenirs along the way.
Soak in Natural Beauty of Anna Maria Island
With speed limits that never exceed 35 mph, Anna Maria is a charming 7-mile barrier island where time stands still. Full of cyclists and kayakers exploring the area’s beautiful landscapes, visitors are often lured in by the island’s turquoise waters that pairs well with its laid-back personality. Surrounded by scenic nature parks and trails, outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, parasailing, and fishing are popular throughout the year. Those who want a day off from the beach can also explore a variety of art galleries, museums, and aquariums in the area.
Visit the family-friendly Hollywood Beach
Not the Hollywood you’re thinking of, Hollywood Beach in Florida is known as one of Florida’s most family-friendly areas to explore. While its beautiful beach is the biggest draw, visitors also love this area for its 2.5 miles of beachside Boardwalk, giving cyclists of all ages a chance to enjoy charming cafes, restaurants, and shops along the water. Visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center to explore a variety of walking and paddle trails through the mangroves, climb the Observation Tower for a panoramic view of the area, and indulge in delicious ice cream at one of Florida’s most famous retro dessert spots, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant.
Take a Sunset Cruise on the river at Steinhatchee
Located in Florida’s Big Bend region, Steinhatchee bills itself as “The Gateway to Florida’s Nature Coast.” A charming fishing town with some of Florida’s first settlements, it’s where visitors go to soak in untouched nature, as it is filled with quiet country roads, diverse wildlife, and abundant fishing opportunities. Victorian homes are nestled under towering live oaks covered in Spanish moss, while many deem the area to be the best-kept secret in Florida for its white sandy beaches and lack of resorts, where picturesque scenery and romance go hand in hand. While a sunset cruise on the river is the most romantic excursion in the area, visitors can also explore the town by bicycle, take a horse-drawn carriage, or rent a pontoon boat.
Visit the Underrated City of Cortez
About as undiscovered as they come in Florida, Cortez is like an outdoor living museum, an old fishing village that presents a well-preserved look into its Old Florida ambiance and unique Florida Gulf Coast Heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can stroll through this historic fishing village near Bradenton and discover old fish houses that date back to the original founding families, where grouper and shrimp are still sold to local restaurants. A big draw to the area is the popular Star Fish Company & Restaurant, where locals and visitors alike dine on fresh grouper sandwiches and soak in undisturbed sunset views.
Dig your toes in a picture-perfect beach in Seaside
Made famous by the movie The Truman Show, Seaside is an idyllic town on Florida’s Panhandle with an array of pastel-colored houses and white picket fences. Its postcard-worthy beaches are a must-see, and the area is perfect for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Panama City Beach. Play in the gentle surf of the shores or soak in the sunshine under a canopy of magnolias, hickories, and pines at Seagrove Beach. Head to the palm-lined square on the brick-paved pedestrian streets to find a mix of beautiful architecture and plenty of opportunities to purchase a souvenir.
Go swimming in emerald waters in Navarre
Located just east of Pensacola on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Navarre is an alluring barrier island with over 12 miles of pristine white sand coastline. A perfect place for travelers who want complete solitude, this underrated gem is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the state. Relaxation might be the biggest attraction to Navarre, where travelers of all ages will find a day of swimming in its emerald waters worthy of a trip alone. Enjoy a picnic in the park, take a cruise along the area’s scenic bike paths or fish from the coast’s longest pier. Fantastic snorkeling and diving excursions through the area’s colorful underwater marine life are also available at the nearby Navarre Beach Marine Park.
