Things to Do in Florida: Roadside Attractions & Hidden Gems
Florida brings the weird in full force—underwater hotels, mermaid shows, and the world’s largest alligator building. Some of these we’ve visited, others are still on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our photo page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to their official site (assuming one exists—sometimes that’s half the adventure).
Things To Do in Florida
Christmas
World’s Largest Alligator Building – Jungle Adventures Animal Park.
Daytona Beach
Angell & Phelps Chocolates – Watch chocolate-making through cottage windows. Free samples!
Daytona International Speedway Tour – Behind-the-scenes racing experience.
DeLeon Springs
Old Methuselah – Florida’s ancient cypress tree.
Fort Pierce
Maverick Boat Company Tours – Factory tours available Friday afternoons by reservation.
Gainesville
The Repurpose Project – Creative reuse center worth exploring.
Holly Hill
The Holly Hill Gnome Tree – A tiny neighborhood tree turned gnome wonderland.
Homestead
Coral Castle – Hand-carved coral stone structure completed by one man.
Homosassa
Monkey Island – Nature preserve accessible by boat.
Jacksonville
Sally Dark Rides – Animatronics factory (tours currently suspended).
Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop & Tour – Candy factory tours and samples.
Key Largo
Jules’ Undersea Lodge – World’s only underwater hotel.
Lake Wales
Florida’s Natural Growers – Visitors center with history and free samples.
Madeira Beach
World’s Largest Buffalo Chicken Wing – Located on second floor of Johns Pass Boardwalk.
Merritt Island
Kennedy Space Center – Space exploration museum and tours.
Saint Augustine
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – A chilly, funny, genuinely spooky night walking through the city’s haunted history.
Nights of Lights – The 32nd-year holiday lights display that turns downtown into a glowing spectacle.
Whetstone Chocolate Tour & Tasting – Local chocolate factory experience.
Tampa
Raymond James Stadium Tour – Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
St. Augustine Beach
Salt Life Food Shack – The wave tank restaurant from Tanked, complete with a bar with a wave tank behind it.
Weeki Wachee
Mermaids of Weeki Wachee – Live mermaid shows in natural springs.
Florida’s just the start! Check out our Things To Do in South Carolina page for more Southern strange, get tips for traveling with pets, or browse our Homepage for road trip resources and budget travel hacks. Ready for your next adventure?
Click below to see all locations on Google Maps!