9 Strange Florida Destinations Perfect For Offbeat Adventures

Florida isn’t just beaches and theme parks. The Sunshine State hides some truly bizarre attractions that’ll make your vacation photos stand out from the crowd.

From underwater hotels to mysterious castles built by one man, Florida’s oddball destinations offer a side of weirdness you won’t find in any travel brochure.

Ready to explore the strange side of the peninsula?

1. Coral Castle: One Man’s Stone Love Letter

A mysterious monument of massive coral blocks, carved by a single man weighing just 100 pounds. Edward Leedskalnin spent 28 years secretly building this stone marvel, supposedly for his lost love.

No one knows how he moved these multi-ton stones alone without modern equipment. Some claim he discovered antigravity secrets, while others think he used simple leverage techniques.

Either way, this rocky romance gone wrong remains one of Florida’s most puzzling attractions.

2. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Where Mediums Meet

Founded in 1894, this tiny community is known as the ‘Psychic Capital of the World.’ Unlike touristy fortune-telling spots, Cassadaga takes its spiritual practices seriously.

The historic camp features Victorian-era buildings where certified mediums offer readings and spiritual healing. Visitors can attend séances, healing services, or simply stroll the peaceful grounds.

When walking through, keep your camera ready – many guests report capturing orbs and other paranormal phenomena in their photos.

3. Spook Hill: The Gravity-Defying Illusion

Park your car at the bottom of this seemingly ordinary slope, put it in neutral, and prepare for the impossible – your vehicle will appear to roll uphill!

Local legend claims it’s the work of a massive alligator spirit or an ancient Native American chief. Science says it’s just a clever optical illusion where what looks like uphill is actually downhill.

I’ve tried it myself and still get goosebumps watching my car seemingly defy physics. It’s completely free to experience this natural oddity.

4. Skunk Ape Research Headquarters: Bigfoot’s Swampy Cousin

Hidden in the Everglades, this quirky outpost is dedicated to studying Florida’s legendary Skunk Ape – think Bigfoot with a powerful odor. The small museum displays footprint casts, photographs, and other alleged evidence.

Owner Dave Shealy has dedicated his life to proving these creatures exist. He claims they stand seven feet tall and smell like rotten eggs mixed with garbage.

The headquarters doubles as a roadside zoo with alligators and snakes, making it worth a stop even if you’re skeptical about smelly swamp primates.

5. Weeki Wachee Springs: Real-Life Mermaids Perform

Since 1947, this underwater theater has featured performers breathing through air hoses while executing graceful choreography in crystal-clear spring water.

The mermaids swim in 74-degree water year-round, battling about 5-mph currents while making it look effortless.

I watched a show last summer and couldn’t believe how they maintained those smiles while fighting the current! The retro charm feels like stepping into a 1950s Florida postcard.

Beyond mermaid shows, visitors can enjoy river cruises and swimming in the springs.

6. Robert the Doll: Key West’s Cursed Toy

Meet America’s most haunted toy – a century-old doll with a face that’ll haunt your dreams. Given to artist Robert Eugene Otto in 1904, this sailor-suited menace supposedly moves on its own, changes expressions, and causes misfortune to those who mock him.

Many visitors ask Robert’s permission before taking his photo. The museum walls are covered with apology letters from people who photographed him without consent and suffered bad luck afterward.

Robert now resides in Fort East Martello Museum, surrounded by offerings from superstitious tourists seeking to avoid his curse.

7. Solomon’s Castle: A Shining Junk Art Kingdom

Rising unexpectedly from rural Florida farmland stands a gleaming castle built entirely from discarded aluminum printing plates. Artist Howard Solomon created this masterpiece using only repurposed materials and his wild imagination.

Inside, you’ll find hundreds of Solomon’s sculptures and pun-filled art pieces made from discarded items. My favorite is his ‘Knight of the Road’ – literally a knight made from old car parts!

The castle includes a restaurant built inside a replica Spanish galleon and a guest room (the Blue Moon Room) where visitors can spend the night surrounded by quirky art.

8. Jules’ Undersea Lodge: Sleep With the Fishes

Originally a marine research lab, this underwater hotel is the only one in America where you must scuba dive to reach your room! The lodge sits 21 feet beneath the surface of a Key Largo lagoon.

Each room features large windows where guests can watch fish swim by while enjoying pizza – yes, they’ll deliver it down to you! The lodge has hosted everyone from celebrities to couples seeking unique wedding venues.

Even non-divers can visit through a special program called ‘PADI Discover Scuba Diving’ that teaches basics before the underwater check-in.

9. University of Florida Bat Houses: Dusk Spectacle

Every evening at sunset, up to 500,000 bats spiral out from the world’s largest occupied bat houses in a breathtaking natural display. These special structures were built after bats took up residence in the university’s stadium and needed a new home.

The colony consumes more than 2,500 pounds (~1.25 tons) of insects nightly – nature’s pest control at work! Watching the massive exodus against the setting sun creates an unforgettable silhouette.

Bring a lawn chair and arrive 20 minutes before sunset for the best viewing experience. Just remember to keep your mouth closed while looking up!