12 Weird Roadside Attractions In Florida That Families Still Stop For
Florida’s highways are full of surprises, and some of the quirkiest attractions you’ll ever stumble upon are hiding just a short drive off the main road.
Over the years, I’ve cruised past giant oranges that double as roadside stands, watched mythical mermaids put on enchanting underwater shows, and marveled at buildings that seem to twist, tilt, or defy logic entirely.
These offbeat destinations may not have the glitz of major theme parks, but they carry a charm all their own. For my family, visiting these wonderfully weird stops has become a beloved vacation tradition, creating memories that last far longer than the souvenirs.
1. Mermaids Swimming in Crystal Waters
Real-life mermaids perform underwater ballets while breathing through hidden air hoses! My kids pressed their noses against the glass, utterly spellbound by these magical performers.
The springs pump out millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating a natural stage 16 feet below the surface. The tradition started in 1947 when a navy veteran trained women to smile and perform graceful moves while fighting the 5-mph current.
Between shows, we explored the wildlife area and waterpark. The mermaids even pose for photos afterward, their tails glistening in the Florida sunshine.
2. A Castle Built From Aluminum Treasures
Hidden in Florida’s backwoods stands a gleaming medieval castle built entirely from discarded aluminum printing plates. The creator, Howard Solomon, constructed this 12,000-square-foot masterpiece as both home and gallery for his whimsical metal sculptures.
Walking through the rooms feels like stepping into the mind of a brilliant, eccentric artist. Every corner reveals another recycled treasure transformed into art – car parts become knights, oil drums transform into robots.
My family laughed at Solomon’s punny descriptions accompanying each piece. The onsite restaurant, housed in a replica Spanish galleon that appears to be sinking into the moat, serves delicious homemade food.
3. The Hill Where Gravity Seems Broken
“Put your car in neutral at the white line,” read the sign. Skeptical but curious, I followed the instructions. Our minivan began rolling… uphill! My kids squealed with delight as we seemingly defied gravity.
Local legend claims it’s either the ghost of a massive alligator or an ancient Native American chief causing this bizarre phenomenon. Science says it’s just a clever optical illusion where the surrounding landscape tricks your brain.
Free and quick to experience, this natural oddity has been drawing visitors since the 1950s. We tried it three times, giggling each time our car appeared to roll uphill against all laws of physics.
4. The Mysterious Stone Garden
A lovestruck Latvian immigrant single-handedly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock into a fantastical garden. No one knows how Edward Leedskalnin moved these massive stones without modern equipment.
Wandering through the grounds, I marveled at the perfect astronomical alignments and engineering precision. The 9-ton gate moves with just a finger’s touch, balanced so perfectly it seems to defy physics.
My children took turns sitting in the stone rocking chairs and moon-shaped cradle. The Coral Castle’s creation remains one of Florida’s greatest mysteries, with theories ranging from ancient knowledge to magnetic manipulation. Whatever the secret, this monument to unrequited love captivates everyone who visits.
5. The Fruit-Shaped Stand That Stopped Traffic
Nothing screams “Florida!” quite like a giant citrus fruit housing a juice stand. The moment I spotted this massive orange dome alongside the highway, I knew we had to stop.
Originally built in the 1960s during Florida’s roadside attraction golden age, this vibrant orange-shaped building has survived hurricanes and development. Inside, they squeeze the freshest orange juice you’ll ever taste, served ice-cold in paper cups.
My kids posed for photos beside the enormous fruit while enjoying frozen orange swirl ice cream. The friendly owners shared stories about famous visitors and the building’s movie appearances. Sometimes the simplest attractions create the sweetest memories.
6. Hunting for Florida’s Elusive Bigfoot
“Y’all believe in the Skunk Ape?” asked Dave Shealy, cryptozoologist and owner of this peculiar outpost in the Everglades. His lifelong mission: proving Florida’s smelly version of Bigfoot exists.
The small museum displays plaster footprints, blurry photographs, and hair samples allegedly from the creature. My skeptical teenager rolled her eyes while my younger kids wide-eyed absorbed every word of Dave’s colorful encounters.
Beyond the Skunk Ape lore, we enjoyed the mini-zoo with rescued pythons and alligators. Located beside the smallest post office in America, this quirky stop offers a perfect break from Everglades mosquitoes. Whether you’re a believer or not, the passionate dedication to Florida’s strangest legend makes for unforgettable family conversation.
7. Where Prehistoric Beasts Tower Over Visitors
Hundreds of life-sized dinosaur replicas lurk among the palm trees at this prehistoric playground. My son’s face lit up as we rounded a bend to find a 30-foot T-Rex with jaws wide open, ready for the perfect family photo.
Unlike fancy theme parks, Dinosaur World maintains a charming old-Florida vibe. The concrete creatures might not move or roar, but their impressive scale and setting among natural vegetation creates a surprisingly immersive experience.
Kids can dig for fossils in the excavation area or pan for gemstones. The gift shop stocks everything from serious paleontology books to silly dino slippers. Pack a lunch for the picnic area – we saved money and enjoyed extra time among these gentle giants.
8. The Colossal Pachyderm Statue
Towering six stories high, this enormous elephant statue guards the entrance to an otherwise ordinary shopping center. Built in the 1970s as Florida’s answer to New Jersey’s famous Lucy the Elephant, Napoleon has become a beloved landmark.
My family climbed the spiral staircase inside one massive leg, emerging onto a small observation platform. The kids waved frantically to shoppers below, delighted by their bird’s-eye view from inside an elephant.
Napoleon has survived hurricanes, redevelopment threats, and changing retail trends. Local businesses now embrace their pachyderm protector, incorporating elephant themes into their signage. We bought ice cream cones from a nearby shop and sat beneath his mighty trunk, marveling at this perfect example of quirky roadside Americana.
9. The Sky-High Tribute to Citrus Farming
Standing 226 feet tall against the Florida sky, this concrete monolith offers breathtaking panoramic views from its glass-enclosed observation deck. Built in 1956 when citrus groves stretched as far as the eye could see, the tower now serves as a nostalgic reminder of Central Florida’s agricultural roots.
My family rode the elevator to the top, where cool air and spectacular vistas awaited. Once-endless orange groves have largely given way to housing developments, but the tower’s vintage charm remains untouched.
The gift shop’s retro Florida souvenirs transported me back to childhood road trips. We sipped fresh orange juice while watching the sunset paint the horizon golden – a perfect metaphor for this landmark that bridges Florida’s past and present.
10. The Phone Booth Police Headquarters
“You have the right to remain silent…in the world’s tiniest jail!” I joked as my kids took turns squeezing into this famous phone booth. Originally just a regular telephone shelter for officers, this tiny blue box gained international fame when the town officially designated it their police headquarters.
The booth barely fits one person, making for hilarious family photos. A plaque explains how officers would wait for calls here, enduring Florida’s sweltering heat and sudden downpours.
Though Carrabelle now has a proper police station, this quirky landmark remains preserved for tourists. Located along a scenic coastal highway, it’s the perfect quick stop before hitting nearby beaches. My children still talk about the “tiny jail” years after our visit.
11. The Mermaid Princess’s Final Resting Place
Tucked away in Cycadia Cemetery lies a peculiar gravestone marked “The Mermaid.” Local legend claims this is the final resting place of a real mermaid who washed ashore in the 1940s and briefly lived among humans before her death.
My children stood silent before the simple marker, imagining the mysterious woman’s story. Historical records suggest she was actually a carnival performer with a genetic condition that fused her legs together.
The small coastal town of Tarpon Springs embraced her legend, naming their city after her. Whether fact or fiction, this understated grave represents Florida’s long love affair with mermaid mythology. We left seashells on her tombstone – a tradition visitors follow to honor this enigmatic figure who blurred the line between reality and folklore.
12. The Primate Paradise Where Humans Are Caged
“Humans in cages, monkeys running free!” announces the vintage sign at this reverse zoo concept. Strolling through mesh-covered tunnels, we watched in amazement as dozens of primates swung through natural hammock forest all around us.
Founded in 1933 by animal behaviorist Joseph DuMond, this 30-acre reserve houses nearly 400 primates representing 30 species. The Java monkeys have learned to dive for coins visitors drop into their swimming pool, retrieving them with lightning speed.
My daughter squealed with delight when a tiny squirrel monkey landed on the mesh inches from her face. Unlike traditional zoos, Monkey Jungle prioritizes natural behaviors and habitats. The educational presentations by passionate staff taught us about conservation efforts while entertaining with remarkable training demonstrations.