10 Things To Do In Florida When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
You’ve been to Disney. You’ve seen South Beach.
You’ve even wrestled a gator (or watched someone else do it).
If you think you’ve exhausted the Sunshine State, this list is for you.
Florida is a massive, complex peninsula full of hidden ecosystems, bizarre history, and niche adventures that escape the typical tourist itinerary.
Prepare to scratch past the surface and discover the real Florida hiding beneath the beach towels.
Beyond the crowded tourist spots lie hidden springs, secret islands, and wildlife encounters that feel like stepping into another world.
Whether you’ve been to Florida a dozen times or you’re a local looking for something new, these under-the-radar experiences will make you fall in love with the Sunshine State all over again.
1. Snorkel The Prehistoric Underground Spring At Devil’s Den
Imagine slipping underwater inside a cave where sunlight filters through a hole in the ceiling like nature’s own spotlight.
Devil’s Den in Williston offers exactly that kind of otherworldly snorkeling experience.
This partially subterranean spring sits inside a natural limestone cavern that formed thousands of years ago, and the water stays a comfortable 72 degrees year-round.
The crystal-clear water lets you see ancient rock formations and even fossils embedded in the walls.
It feels more like exploring an alien planet than a typical Florida spring. Snorkelers and divers share the space peacefully, gliding through shafts of light that dance across the rocky bottom.
Reservations are usually required, especially on weekends, so plan ahead.
The site also has camping and picnic areas if you want to make a full day of it.
It’s one of those rare places where you genuinely feel like you’ve discovered something secret, even though it’s been around forever.
2. Paddle A Bioluminescent Kayak Tour On The Indian River
Picture dipping your paddle into dark water and watching it explode with neon blue light.
That’s what happens on bioluminescent kayak tours during summer nights along the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon.
Tiny organisms called dinoflagellates light up when disturbed, creating a glow-in-the-dark effect that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Guided tours take you through calm, narrow channels where every movement creates a trail of light.
You might see fish darting beneath your kayak, leaving glowing streaks behind them.
Dolphins occasionally swim by, their bodies outlined in shimmering blue as they glide through the water.
The experience is peaceful, magical, and surprisingly quiet since most people are too mesmerized to talk much.
Tours usually last about two hours and require no previous kayaking experience.
It’s one of those bucket-list activities that actually lives up to the hype, and you can only do it in a handful of places worldwide.
3. Visit The Remote Dry Tortugas National Park
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park requires either a two-hour ferry ride or a seaplane flight from Key West.
That 70-mile journey across open water is part of what makes this place so special.
Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself at one of the most isolated and pristine national parks in America, where the beaches are nearly empty and the water is impossibly clear.
The centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive Civil War-era fortress made of over 16 million bricks.
You can wander through its crumbling corridors, climb to the top of the walls, and imagine what life was like for soldiers stationed in the middle of nowhere.
The snorkeling around the fort is equally impressive, with coral reefs and tropical fish just offshore.
Most visitors only stay for the day, which means you’ll have plenty of space to explore.
Bring snacks, sunscreen, and an underwater camera because the scenery is postcard-perfect.
It’s the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Florida adventure.
4. Explore the Mysterious Folk-Art World of Coral Castle
One man built an entire castle out of coral rock using only hand tools, and nobody knows exactly how he did it.
Coral Castle in Homestead is part sculpture garden, part architectural mystery, and entirely fascinating. Edward Leedskalnin carved over 1,100 tons of limestone into furniture, walls, and astronomical markers between 1923 and 1951, working alone at night to keep his methods secret.
Walking through the site feels like stepping into a strange dream.
There’s a nine-ton gate so perfectly balanced that a child can push it open with one finger.
Stone chairs, tables, and even a heart-shaped bathtub fill the outdoor space, all carved from massive blocks of coral.
The story behind it adds another layer of intrigue since Leedskalnin supposedly built it as a tribute to a lost love.
Whether you’re into engineering, art, or just weird Florida roadside attractions, this place delivers.
Guided tours explain the theories behind his construction methods, though the real magic remains unsolved.
5. Swim with Wild Manatees in Crystal River
Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim alongside manatees under guided supervision.
During winter months, hundreds of these gentle giants migrate to the area’s warm springs, creating one of the most unique wildlife encounters in the state.
You’ll slip into clear, 72-degree water and float quietly as manatees glide past, sometimes coming close enough to make eye contact.
I visited one February morning and found myself face-to-face with a mother and calf resting near the bottom.
The experience was surprisingly emotional, watching these massive animals move with such grace and calm.
Guides make sure everyone follows strict rules to protect the manatees, which keeps the interaction respectful and safe.
Tours typically last about three hours and include all the gear you need.
The water is shallow enough that even nervous swimmers feel comfortable.
It’s not your typical Florida beach day, but it’s infinitely more memorable and gives you a real connection to the state’s natural side.
6. Catch A Mermaid Show At Weeki Wachee State Park
Real people dressed as mermaids perform underwater ballet in a natural spring, and somehow it’s both campy and genuinely beautiful.
Weeki Wachee State Park has been hosting these shows since 1947, making it one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions.
The performers hold their breath, smile at the audience through an underwater viewing window, and execute choreographed routines that include eating bananas and drinking soda while submerged.
After the show, you can cool off in the same crystal-clear spring or rent kayaks to paddle down the Weeki Wachee River.
The park also has a waterpark section with slides and a lazy river. It’s the perfect blend of vintage Florida kitsch and natural beauty, and kids absolutely love it.
The whole experience feels like stepping back in time to when roadside attractions ruled Florida tourism. T
The spring itself is stunning, pumping out 117 million gallons of water daily. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or the novelty, it’s a day trip you won’t forget.
7. Drive The Forgotten Coast And Sample Old-Florida Oysters
The stretch of coastline from Apalachicola to St. George Island is what Florida looked like before high-rises and theme parks took over.
Small fishing towns, working harbors, and miles of undeveloped beach make up the Forgotten Coast, where the pace is slow and the seafood is fresh.
You’ll find roadside shacks serving Gulf oysters so good that locals argue over which spot does them best.
Apalachicola itself is a charming town with historic buildings, art galleries, and a downtown you can walk in under an hour.
St. George Island offers 22 miles of quiet, pristine beach without a single hotel tower in sight.
The water is calm, the sand is white, and the crowds are nonexistent compared to Destin or Panama City.
This area is perfect for anyone craving authenticity over Instagram moments.
Bring cash for the oyster shacks, rent a bike to explore the island, and plan to do absolutely nothing but relax.
It’s the opposite of Florida’s flashy tourist zones, and that’s exactly the point.
8. Kayak Through Mangrove Tunnels In The Ten Thousand Islands
Paddling through mangrove tunnels feels like entering a natural maze where the trees arch overhead and the water reflects every shade of green.
The Ten Thousand Islands area near Everglades City offers some of the best mangrove kayaking in Florida, with narrow channels that twist and turn through dense vegetation.
You’ll spot birds perched on branches, fish darting beneath your kayak, and if you’re lucky, dolphins or manatees cruising through wider sections.
The tunnels provide welcome shade on hot days, and the calm water makes it easy for beginners.
Some routes take just an hour, while others can stretch into half-day adventures depending on how far you want to explore.
Guided tours are available if you prefer someone else to navigate, but renting a kayak and going solo is equally rewarding.
It’s an immersive, quiet way to experience the Everglades without the noise of airboats.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
The experience is peaceful, wildlife-rich, and far more intimate than typical Everglades tours.
9. Snorkel Shipwrecks And Reef Systems In The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the continental United States, with colorful reefs and dramatic shipwrecks just offshore.
Key Largo and Marathon are particularly popular spots where even beginners can float above brain coral, sea fans, and schools of tropical fish.
The water is warm, clear, and filled with marine life that looks like it belongs in a nature documentary.
Certified divers can explore deeper sites, including the famous Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
Snorkelers can enjoy shallower wrecks and reef systems that are equally impressive.
Many tour operators offer half-day trips that include all the gear and instruction you need.
It’s a perfect way to experience the Keys beyond beaches, and Key lime pie.
The underwater world here is vibrant, accessible, and surprisingly uncrowded if you avoid peak tourist season.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, the reefs here will blow you away.
10. Join A Sea-Turtle Nesting Walk During Summer
Watching a sea turtle haul herself onto the beach to lay eggs is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences Florida offers.
Many coastal areas host ranger-led night walks during nesting season, usually from May through October.
You’ll walk quietly along the beach with a small group, using red flashlights that don’t disturb the turtles, until you find a female digging her nest.
The process is slow, deliberate, and deeply moving as she deposits dozens of eggs before covering them and returning to the ocean.
Rangers explain the biology, conservation efforts, and threats these ancient animals face.
Some programs also offer sunrise hatchling releases where you can watch baby turtles scramble toward the water for the first time.
It’s educational, gentle, and surprisingly emotional, especially for kids who’ve never seen wildlife up close. Reservations are required since group sizes are kept small to minimize disturbance.
It’s one of those rare moments where you feel genuinely connected to nature, and it’s something few visitors ever try despite being widely available along Florida’s coast.