10+ Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Florida, USA

Last Updated on 4th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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As one of the most visited states in the USA, you may be surprised to discover that there’s still an array of well-kept secrets worth discovering in Florida, if only you know where to look! From forgotten national parks to historic fishing towns, here’s your ultimate guide to the best of hidden gems and secret spots in Florida.

Florida spans an impressive 170,312 km² and has a population of over 21 million residents, which is more inhabitants than the entire population of the country of the Netherlands in Europe.

Though many people head to Florida in order to experience the party city of Miami or Disney, there’s many more things to discover in Florida, as you will soon realise…

Best hidden gems of Florida

Discover the Hemingway Cats, Key West

Though somewhat less of a hidden gem than some of the other things mentioned on this list, the Hemingway cats nevertheless deserve a mention. One of the best things to do in Key West is visiting Hemingway’s former home (the famous author lived on the island for fourteen years).

Though better-known now thanks to the rise of social media, the cats remain just as adorably cute. While the cats may simply be adorable, visitors are advised not to pick them up, though it is permitted to photograph the cats and pet them.

The Hemingway cats are unusual in that they’re polydactyl, meaning that they have six toes! Ernest received a kitten named Snowdrop in the 1930s and today all of the Hemingway Museum’s cats are descended from her.

Though Key West can be visited as a day trip from Miami, the most Southerly point of the mainland USA is well worth a visit in its own right and so is best explored over the course of several days.

Florida Domes

One of the strangest things that visitors to Florida can expect to see when visiting the region are the Florida Domes. Situated approximately 300 feet offshore from Cape Romano Island, the igloo like structures have been a fixture of the South West Floridian landscape since the 1980s.

Consisting of six dome shaped structures built on stilts, the house is known officially as the Cape Romano Dome House and was originally constructed by businessman Bob Lee to serve as a vacation home, though was abandoned by 1992. Today, the domes are being swiftly eroded by the sea, and only four remain above sea level.

The Cape Florida Light at Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is an island town situated within Miami-Dade county and located south of the city of Miami Beach (i.e. the Florida city with all of the fantastic Art Deco architecture on Ocean Drive). Asides from beautiful views, forest walks, and several sandy beaches, one of the most beautiful attractions of Key Biscayne is that of the Cape Florida Light.

Situated within the grounds of the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Cape Florida Lighthouse is the oldest still standing structure in the entirety of the Miami-Dade county. Originally constructed in 1825 so as to guide mariners away from the Florida Reef, the structure stands at 65 foot tall.

Original features of the Florida Light included a wooden staircase, and the lighthouse was in continuous operation from 1825 to 1878, when it was replaced by the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Though briefly brought back into service by the US Coast Guard in 1978, the lighthouse was once again decommissioned in 1990. Today, you can climb the 109 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse!

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the least visited National Parks in the entirety of the USA is that of Dry Tortugas, and it’s not hard to see why so few people go. After all, the only way to access this stunning Florida destination is via sea plane or ferry, meaning that it’s a little harder to get to than some of the other Florida hidden gems listed here.

Dry Tortugas only sees about 70,000 annual visitors, though it’s well worth being one of them if you’re able to. The Dry Tortugas consists of a small group of islands about 67 miles (108 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, the most impressive highlight of the Dry Tortugas is that of the impressive, large, and yet unfinished, Fort Jefferson. Indeed, it boasts the claim of being the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas. Constructed during the 1800s, today the fort is abandoned and can be visited while in the Dry Tortugas.

Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs

For those who are looking for an off the beaten path activity in Florida which involves an element of history, learning about and seeing the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are an absolute must. Tarpon Springs itself is a city in the Pinellas County Florida with a population of just under 24,000 people. The settlement has the highest population of Greek Americans of any US city and so is home to plenty of Greek culture to this day.

Tarpon Springs is particularly famous for its sponge industry. The business of sponge fishing and processing in the city dates back to the 1880s when the first sponge business was founded by John K. Cheyney.

Over the course of the decades which followed, the industry helped to build the Greek community as many divers and crew members who fished for the sponges originally came from Greek Islands. Today, if you head to Tarpon Springs, you can expect to discover not only sponges, but also many fantastic Greek restaurants, bakeries, and markets.

Miami Circle Park

Though Miami is easily one of the most visited destinations in Florida, there are still several secret spots and well-kept secrets which are worth discovering. One such hidden gem of Miami is that of Miami Circle Park, which can be found in the Brickell district, a cool and chic area of Miami which also serves as the city’s financial centre.

Miami Circle Park is home to the Miami Circle, which is also known as The Miami Circle at Brickell Point Site. The location, and thus park, is so-called because it contains a perfect circle measuring 38 feet of 600 postmolds that contain 24 holes and is the only evidence of a prehistoric permanent structure in the Eastern United States which is cut into the bedrock.

The site was actually discovered quite by accident when a block of apartments was demolished in 1998. During an archaeological dig of the site of the former structure, archaeologists discovered prehistoric artefacts, and a dense deposit of black soil, among other things.

The site is believed to have been built by the Tequesta. If you’re planning to visit Miami any time soon, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Miami.

Bok Tower Gardens

Of all the secret spots in Florida listed here, the Bok Tower Gardens are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit on the list. Situated to the north of Lake Wales, the contemplative garden is also known as Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower.

Truth be told, the true architectural gem of the Gardens is that of the Bok Tower, which is also referred to as the Singing Tower. Constructed between 1927 and 1929, the tower stands at a staggering 205 foot tall and features a 60-bell carillon, not to mention that the architectural styles of the building are Art Deco and Gothic revival- a rather interesting mix!

Cortez Historic Fishing Village

Situated on the road between Bradenton and Bradenton Beach, the small fishing village of Cortez remains a commercial working fishing village to this day. The Florida settlement was founded in the 1880s by settlers from North Carolina, and today the population is only around 5000 residents.

Visitors should note that this off the beaten tourist track Florida destination is particularly well-known for its many seafood restaurants, including the Seafood Shack Marina, and the Swordfish Grill. Other things to do in Cortez include the Florida Maritime Museum and the beautiful Coquina Beach.

Cedar Key

If you’re looking for a beautiful hidden gem that’s oozing with history, then it’s worth noting that the historic town of Cedar Key is one of the oldest towns in Florida, and is particularly tiny, with a permanent population of fewer than 1000 residents.

Cedary Key is situated within Cedar Keys, which is a group of islands named for the eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana. Some of the best things to do once in this Florida town include sampling the local seafood (particularly the clams) and partake is nearby water sports activities, including kayaking.

 Hindu Temple of Florida

Yet another off the beaten path spot in Florida that is a must-see if you’re planning to visit Tampa, is the Hindu Temple of Florida. This Temple and Cultural centre is located in the Greater Carrollwood area and is free to visit. Exploring fully takes a few hours and you can wander around at your own pace.

Southwest Florida Ale Trail

If you’re a fan of all things craft beer related, then you’ll be delighted to discover that one of the coolest Florida gems is that of the Southwest Florida Ale Trail. The self-guided trail encompasses 18 breweries in the counties of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Henry. More details can be found on the website.

No Name Pub in Big Pine Key

On the road to Key West, there are a number of other islands which many visitors miss out on in favour of heading straight to the most Southerly point in Continental USA. But if you have more time when in the region, there’s one pub which is of particular interest.

The No Name Pub can be found on the island of Big Pine Key and observes a rather unusual tradition. You see, the No Name Pub actually started out as a general store and bait and tackle shop in 1931.

In 1936, the owners added an extra room and bar as a way of earning some extra cash. Patrons started hanging dollar bills on the walls and ceiling, thus creating a very unique aesthetic!

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