7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Seaside's Beachside Charm
Seaside, Florida is a charming beach town known for its picturesque pastel-colored cottages and vibrant town center.
Despite being a popular beach destination, the town maintains a unique small-town atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the typical tourist traps.
With 8 out of 9 beach access points being private, Seaside provides a more exclusive experience for residents and hotel guests, while the public can still enjoy the town's iconic Coleman pavilion.
This blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and laid-back charm makes Seaside a truly underrated gem among Florida's beach destinations.
Seaside's beachfront is characterized by a unique zoning system that allows for only 8 private beach access points, with the public able to access the centrally located Coleman pavilion, creating a carefully planned and exclusive atmosphere.
The town's distinctive pastel-colored cottages and vintage Airstream trailers are an architectural highlight, reflecting a carefully curated and visually appealing aesthetic that sets Seaside apart from typical beach destinations.
Seaside's natural beauty is enhanced by its position on the "Forgotten Coast" of Florida, which has preserved the region's pristine and undeveloped charm, offering a refreshing contrast to more commercialized beach destinations.
While Seaside may be lesser-known than some of Florida's more famous beach towns, it has attracted a loyal following of visitors who appreciate its small-town character, artsy vibe, and stunning natural setting, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Seaside's Beachside Charm
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Navigating the Florida Keys by Kayak
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Amelia Island's Tranquil Shores
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Ocala National Forest's Turquoise Lagoons
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Silver Glen Springs' Manatee Haven
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Vero Beach's Undiscovered Beaches
- 7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - A1A Scenic Byway's Coastal Wonders
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Navigating the Florida Keys by Kayak
The Florida Keys offer a diverse range of kayaking experiences, from the serene mangrove forests of Key Largo to the vibrant waters surrounding Key West.
Whether exploring the remote areas of Key Largo or the popular routes around Key West, kayaking in the Florida Keys promises a unique and unforgettable adventure.
The Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail maps and guided tours can enhance the kayaking experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the region's diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including stingrays, ospreys, and bonefish.
Accommodations such as Boy's West Campground make it possible to plan multi-day kayaking trips, further immersing oneself in the Keys' natural charm.
The Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail, which the kayak route is a part of, spans an impressive 115 miles from Key Largo to Key West, allowing paddlers to experience the diverse ecosystems of the Keys.
Key West's vibrant waters are a popular destination for kayakers, who can explore the area's diverse marine life, including stingrays, ospreys, and the highly sought-after bonefish.
Long Key State Park is a favorite spot for kayaking in the Florida Keys, offering not only beautiful scenery but also exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail is part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, a larger network of paddling routes that showcases the state's diverse coastal landscapes and ecosystems.
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Amelia Island's Tranquil Shores
Amelia Island, with its 13 miles of serene beaches and unspoiled coastline, offers a tranquil escape for visitors.
The island's historic downtown, state parks, and variety of outdoor activities, from biking to horse-drawn carriage tours, provide a well-rounded experience beyond just its beautiful beaches.
While Amelia Island is often overshadowed by Florida's more famous destinations, its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and unique local offerings make it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Amelia Island's coastline is home to the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, providing a unique habitat for a diverse array of marine life.
The island's sand dunes, which can reach up to 40 feet in height, are composed of quartz crystals that originated from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago.
Amelia Island's historic Fernandina Beach is home to the only surviving 19th-century sea captain's mansion in the state of Florida, which now serves as a museum showcasing the island's maritime heritage.
The island's salt marshes are a vital habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right whale, with Amelia Island serving as a critical calving ground for this critically endangered species.
The island's Kingsley Plantation, a former 19th-century plantation, is home to one of the best-preserved tabby slave cabins in the United States, providing a window into the island's complex and often-overlooked history.
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Ocala National Forest's Turquoise Lagoons
The Ocala National Forest in north-central Florida is a true natural wonder, boasting pristine turquoise lagoons amidst its expansive 430,447 acres of lush forest.
Visitors can discover a primeval landscape teeming with rare birds, alligators, and manatees, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities like snorkeling, canoeing, and hiking the forest's 24 diverse trails.
The Ocala National Forest is home to the largest concentration of natural springs in the world, with over 600 springs dotting the landscape.
The Turquoise Lagoons are actually former phosphate mine pits that have been reclaimed by nature, transforming into unique natural swimming holes.
The Ocala National Forest is one of the only places in the United States where the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker can be found, a species that relies on old-growth pine forests for its habitat.
Visitors to the Turquoise Lagoons can spot manatees, alligators, and a variety of bird species, including the iconic Florida scrub jay, which is found nowhere else in the world.
The water temperature in the Turquoise Lagoons remains a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round, making them a popular year-round destination for swimming and snorkeling.
The Turquoise Lagoons were formed millions of years ago when the area was covered by a vast inland sea, leaving behind the unique geological formations and mineral-rich waters.
The Ocala National Forest is the southernmost temperate deciduous forest in the United States, providing a unique blend of subtropical and temperate ecosystems.
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Silver Glen Springs' Manatee Haven
Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and observing manatees during the colder months.
The crystal clear springs maintain a constant temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a refreshing escape.
This hidden gem offers visitors the unique opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural habitat.
Silver Glen Springs is known for its manatee haven, where these gentle creatures gather during the winter months to enjoy the warm, spring-fed waters.
While scuba diving is not permitted, the springs' glass-bottom boat tours and diverse wildlife make it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.
The springs are home to a thriving population of Florida manatees, with over 100 individuals documented visiting the site during the winter months.
Visitors can often spot manatee calves nursing from their mothers in the crystal-clear waters, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these gentle marine mammals.
The springs are located within the Ocala National Forest, the largest national forest in Florida, providing a lush and diverse natural backdrop for observing the manatees.
Scuba diving is not permitted in the springs, but snorkelers can enjoy the unique perspective of swimming alongside the manatees in their natural habitat.
The springs are fed by an underground aquifer, resulting in the exceptional water clarity and maintaining the perfect temperature for manatees.
During the summer months, a 15-dollar parking permit is required for weekend and holiday visits to help manage the influx of visitors and protect the fragile ecosystem.
The nearby Juniper Prairie Wilderness offers visitors the opportunity to explore the diverse habitats surrounding the springs, including pine flatwoods and cypress swamps.
Visitors can choose to explore the springs by glass-bottom boat, providing a unique vantage point to observe the manatees and the crystal-clear waters below.
The Silver Glen Springs area is home to a variety of other wildlife, including otters, turtles, and a wide array of bird species, making it a true nature lover's paradise.
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - Vero Beach's Undiscovered Beaches
Vero Beach, often overlooked as a travel destination, offers a hidden gem along Florida's Atlantic coast.
Visitors can explore the Indian River Lagoon, experience water sports, and discover cultural attractions like the Vero Beach Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse range of contemporary and historical artwork.
Vero Beach is home to the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, providing a unique habitat for a diverse array of marine life.
The sand on Vero Beach's shores is composed of quartz crystals that originated from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago, giving the beach a sparkling appearance.
Humiston Park Beach is a popular spot for families, featuring lifeguarded shores and a variety of amenities, including a fishing pier and a children's playground.
Round Island Oceanside Park is a prime location for spotting manatees, as these gentle giants often congregate in the area's pristine waters.
The McLarty Treasure Museum showcases the region's rich maritime heritage, with artifacts and exhibits highlighting the history of shipwrecks and treasure hunting along the Treasure Coast.
The McKee Botanical Garden offers a tranquil escape, featuring over 10,000 plant species and a variety of whimsical sculptures and architectural elements.
The Indian River Citrus Museum explores the significance of citrus cultivation in the area's history, providing insights into Vero Beach's agricultural roots.
Vero Beach's 22 miles of pristine coastline along the Treasure Coast are often overlooked by tourists, offering a peaceful and uncrowded beach experience.
Sexton Plaza Beach, Jaycee Park, South Beach Park, and Round Island Beach Park are among the best beaches in Vero Beach, each offering unique amenities and activities.
The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach features a diverse lineup of Broadway-style shows, comedy performances, and a popular dueling piano show, providing a sophisticated arts and entertainment experience.
7 Underrated Destinations in Florida to Explore on a Road Trip - A1A Scenic Byway's Coastal Wonders
The A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway offers stunning oceanside views and a scenic drive along Florida's eastern coast.
Stretching nearly 340 miles from Jacksonville Beach to Miami, the byway provides ample opportunities to explore Florida's best coastal towns, beaches, and natural attractions.
The A1A Scenic Byway is one of only two "All-American Roads" in the state of Florida, designated by the US Department of Transportation for its exceptional scenic beauty and cultural significance.
The byway is home to the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, the Florida Reef, which stretches for over 150 miles along the coast.
The sand on the beaches along the A1A Scenic Byway is composed of quartz crystals that originated from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago, giving the sand a unique sparkling appearance.
The A1A Scenic Byway passes through the historic town of St.
The Sea Turtle Hospital at the Whitney Laboratory in Marineland is a popular stop along the byway, where visitors can learn about the rehabilitation efforts for injured and sick sea turtles.
The A1A Scenic Byway intersects with the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, allowing kayakers and canoeists to explore the diverse coastal ecosystems of the region.
The byway's northern terminus in Fernandina Beach is home to the only surviving 19th-century sea captain's mansion in the state of Florida, which now serves as a museum.
The A1A Scenic Byway passes through the Canaveral National Seashore, one of the longest undeveloped beaches in the continental United States and a critical nesting habitat for sea turtles.
The byway offers the opportunity to visit the Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, which features one of the best-preserved tabby slave cabins in the United States, providing insights into the region's complex history.
The A1A Scenic Byway is the only road in Florida that runs the entire length of the state's east coast, spanning nearly 340 miles from Fernandina Beach to Key West.
The byway is home to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St.
Augustine, the world's first oceanarium and a pioneer in the field of marine mammal research and conservation.