Florida Hidden Gems: 7 Underrated Spots, Based on a Native

Some components of the US may nonetheless be within the peak of winter, however down within the sunnier states, persons are already bringing out their bathing fits.

As a Florida native of practically a decade, a few of my favourite days are those once I decelerate, bask within the solar, and breathe in recent air whereas tubing down a crystal-clear spring, surrounded by the peaceable sounds of nature.

Not like the rowdy vacationer seaside cities or overcrowded theme parks, that is the Florida I’ve come to know and love.

Away from vacationer scorching spots similar to Disney World or Miami Seaside, Florida presents hidden gems for all tastes, whether or not you are extra nature-inclined or wish to discover cities that can make you’re feeling such as you’re in Europe.

After dwelling within the state for practically a decade, I discovered that the perfect journey locations within the state are removed from essentially the most well-known.

Whether or not you are escaping from chilly climate or planning a summer season journey to Florida, listed below are seven cities you must go to.

Ponte Vedra Seaside

When picturing a Florida seaside trip, you may consider Miami Seaside or perhaps Clearwater Seaside if you happen to’re aiming for the Gulf Coast. When you’re trying to keep away from vacationers, nonetheless, I like to recommend visiting the seashores close to Jacksonville.

The North Florida shores in Ponte Vedra are principally lined with single-family homes alongside the A1A highway and might be removed from downtown areas, making it the proper escape if you happen to’re trying to calm down reasonably than celebration.

Many of those homes, which are sometimes winter houses for his or her house owners, might be rented as Airbnbs, making them superb for household or group holidays.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Nationwide Estuarine Analysis Reserve, a 73,000-acre stretch of untamed nature, can also be the proper spot to hike and kayak saltwater marshes whereas exploring Florida’s wildlife.

St. Augustine

The oldest city within the US, St. Augustine, was based in 1565 by Spanish settlers. Right now, town presents a picturesque vacation spot for these searching for historical past and appeal.

Whether or not you are having fun with its close by seashores or immersing your self in medieval Spanish tradition within the metropolis’s historic district, St. Augustine presents a variety of actions for households and historical past fans.

Throughout your time right here, ensure that to tour the Castillo de San Marcos Nationwide Monument, the oldest fort within the US, and stroll alongside the cobblestoned streets of the historic downtown, like St. George Avenue, which encompasses a 1716 schoolhouse and dozens of eating places and boutiques.

Each vacation season, from November to January, the historic district is illuminated for town’s “Nights of Lights” showcase. Strolling via it looks like strolling via a Christmas postcard, solely with palm bushes and Spanish castles as an alternative of snow.

Cedar Key

Initially settled within the 1840s, this tiny neighborhood in Florida’s Nature Coast — the stretch of the Gulf Coast between Tampa and Pensacola — is probably not in your journey radar, however if you happen to take pleasure in recent seafood and fewer crowded areas, it must be.

Cedar Key is a small island positioned a few 2 1/2-hour drive from Orlando and is among the largest producers of farm-raised clams within the nation. You may take pleasure in recent, scrumptious seafood whereas sitting on the shore of Florida’s undiscovered coast.

The quiet city is commonly in comparison with the extra touristy Key West, which was Jimmy Buffett‘s house and inspiration. In Cedar Key, you may as well take pleasure in among the signature Key West points of interest — similar to key lime pies and small native boutiques — with out coping with the crowds.

As a foodie myself, I can solely inform you how superb the seafood in Cedar Secret is. The remainder you’ll have to expertise for your self.

Ocala

When you’re extra of a nature particular person, head over to Ocala to take pleasure in clear freshwater springs and Florida forests.

The springs close to Ocala are superb for kayaking or simply for taking a dip. Whereas kayaking within the river streams, you may spot some alligators, manatees, and even monkeys.

Moreover, the realm is house to certainly one of America’s solely elephant rescue farms, Two Tails Ranch, and the longest ziplines within the state on the Canyons Zip Line and Journey Park.

Sarasota

Among the finest seashores in Florida — and the world — are in Sarasota.

Siesta Key, which has been named because the finest seaside within the US and fourth finest on the earth, is a pristine white-sand, turquoise-water seaside excellent for households or for enjoyable.

The town additionally presents quite a lot of artwork sightseeing, similar to Ca’ d’Zan, the Mediterranean-inspired mansion on the Ringling Museum.

When you’re driving from Tampa, put together to cross the tallest bridge within the state, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At its peak peak, I felt like I used to be flying on an airplane wanting down.

Cocoa Village

Close to the space-themed points of interest at Kennedy Area Middle in Cape Canaveral is Cocoa Village, a small historic downtown stuffed with native distributors and loads of artwork.

The small coastal city additionally has quite a lot of meals spots for each event, together with an English tavern, a French bistro, and a completely vegan New American restaurant.

And if you happen to’re searching for a novel expertise, you possibly can kayak or paddle the bioluminescent waters of the Indian River Lagoon — you may see a number of dolphins, too.

Sombrero Seaside

When you’re making your approach down the Florida Keys, it’s possible you’ll as properly cease to go to a few its beautiful seashores.

Whereas Key West deserves the hype it receives as a journey vacation spot, among the different spots within the Florida Keys are sometimes missed.

South of Marathon Key and north of Key West is Sombrero Seaside, probably the most underrated seashores within the US. On this white-sand seaside, you possibly can take pleasure in among the calmest waters in Florida, excellent for households or for enjoyable.

It is also a turtle-nesting spot, so that you may even see a number of loggerhead turtles throughout nesting season.

For a enjoyable historic sight, head a couple of minutes down the Abroad Freeway, and you may see among the remnants of the once-active Abroad Railroad in Bahia Honda Key.