Hidden gems that are worth the trip, according to a longtime resident.
lighthousesand prehistoric caves to authentic dude ranches, wineries, and historic limestone pools, off-the-beaten-track Florida adventures beckon travelers away from the crowds.
statepark spans roughly 1,450 acres and draws outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy canoeing, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. But the shining star here is the incredible cave system. As the only Florida state park where visitors can take a guided cave tour, Florida Caverns offers dry caves flanked by spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstone. The tour takes you down 35 steps and winds you through a dozen cave rooms where an expert guide will share the cave’s history, talk about its early uses, and describe the incredible geological formations you see along the way. With the cave’s cool temps and calmly dripping water, the 45-minute tour provides a comfortable respite on a hot Florida day. These popular cave tours often sell out (especially on weekends and holidays), so get your tickets in advance.
Venetian Pool delivers an incredible sensory experience. Its emerald waters feature stone bridges, cave-like grottos, and waterfalls, with palm trees and bougainvillea flowers dotting the perimeter. Closed in December and January, the pool charges an entrance fee ranging from $11-$21 per person.
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Courtesy of Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau
As the jewel of Ocala, this 500-acre multi-use park appeals to equestrian enthusiasts as well as upscale travelers, outdoor athletes, animal lovers, history buffs, and campers. The property’s fields, which sit upon bedrock of limestone, provide the perfect foundation for a variety of equine events, including stadium jumping, dressage and cross-country competitions. In fact, the Florida Horse Park serves as an official training site for the US Equestrian Team. But with roughly 250 events on the calendar in any given year, you might also be able to participate in (or watch) a variety of activities ranging from dog shows to obstacle course competitions and 5-K runs. And with the newly opened, luxurious Equestrian Hotelyou can also stay in style.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse in Southeast Florida. After ascending the spiraling, cast-iron staircase (105 steps, in case you’re counting), you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views at the top. To the north and west, you’ll spot the Atlantic Ocean as it flows into the inlet and then splits into the Indian and Loxahatchee Rivers. And you’ll be mesmerized by the 120 acres of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area surrounding this landmark structure, with scenic hiking trails to explore when you’re back on the ground. Afterwards, dive into 5,000 years of history at the Lighthouse Keeper’s Workshop and the World War II US Naval Housing Building.
Courtesy of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Glamp it up at this 1,700-acre authentic dude ranch, located one hour south of Orlando, with accommodations ranging from Luxury Glamping to Luxe Conestoga Wagons. You’ll get a taste of Old Florida (before Mickey Mouse moved in) to experience the beautiful Florida wilderness. Overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, the property packs in tons of outdoor fun, so no need to even leave the property. Go horseback riding (obvi!), enjoy the award-winning rodeo every Saturday night, go on a hayride, take the kids to the petting farm, try bungee jumping, play a round of golf, cast your line to fish in the river, take an airboat road to spot alligators, or try your hand at archery. Plus, in 2022, the resort debuted a “ranch chic” steakhouse using locally sourced ingredients and dishing out steaks and seafood, naturally.
Stetson Mansion is Florida’s most historic home and only Gilded Age mansion. Dubbed “the house that hats built,” this carefully restored property has changed hands over the years and is actually a private estate (not a museum) today, where the current owners still reside. Take a guided, small-group tour (reservations required) to walk through the three-story, nearly 10,000-square-foot mansion, which blends a mix of cottage, Tudor, Gothic, Polynesian, and Moorish architectural details. Inside, you’ll find an original Edison-installed fuse box, more than a dozen mosaic parquet wood floors, 10,000 panes of antique glass, period furnishings, and intricate, hand-carved wood embellishments. Outside, explore the serene gardens, fountains, gazebos, pool, patios, and a quaint guest house (located in the property’s original on-site school). Visit November through January for the annual Christmas Spectacular.
Lakeridge Winery pioneered the growth of hybrid and native muscadine grapes, including Noble (red) and Welder and Carlos (white) varieties that thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate. Complimentary, daily winery tours (about 45-minutes) and tastings attract more than 160,000 wine enthusiasts annually. Check out their year-round weekend events, too, ranging from the family-friendly grape stomping festival and upscale food court to live entertainment.
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