Hidden Florida: The 10 Best-Kept Secrets

Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island

Relax, relax, relax—that's the vibe in Boca Grande, a sleepy historic town on Gasparilla Island, about an hour-and-a-half west of Ft. Myers. No spring training crowds or bustling atmosphere here; there's not a high rise or traffic light in sight. Instead you'll find seven miles of beaches, a state park, bicycle trail, and an area teeming with wildlife. Dolphins, manatees, osprey, pelicans, and more can be found at the beaches, as well as plenty of shelling and fishing spots. Nicknamed the "Tarpon Capital of the World," Boca Grande also lures tourists with fishing charters and sailing possibilities. There are also several restaurants and galleries for those willing to wander away from the sand and surf.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Scott Dart)

Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa County

When we asked SmarterTravel readers about their favorite beaches, reader Nancyl told us: "My favorite beach is in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The sand is as fine and white as Aruba, the water is beautiful, wildlife abundant."

With nearly 300 sunny days per year, Fort Walton Beach on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast provides a dose of summer, especially welcome when much of the country is experiencing winter's harshness. The region is known for white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and festivals (more than 300 per year, including culinary, sporting, and holiday celebrations). Wildlife viewing is another popular pastime, with dolphins, sea turtles, sandpipers, and more making the area their home. Snorkeling and diving near the 100 Fathom Curve, or tubing and canoeing in the Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Reservation, can also all be part of a day's activities. For those who want a more adventurous day on the water, opportunities for parasailing, windsurfing, pontooning, and waterskiing abound. The Okaloosa Regional Airport is serviced by five airlines, and the area is also just a short drive from Pensacola.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Spencer Hopkins)

Stuart/Martin County

Nicknamed the "Sailfish Capital of the World" and the seat of Martin County, Stuart attracts visitors with sport fishing opportunities aplenty, featuring more than 800 fish species waiting to be caught offshore. The area is less than an hour's drive from West Palm Beach and offers peaceful beaches, nature preserves, parks, and golf courses. Beyond outdoorsy activities, the area is known for a lively cultural scene, including free live jazz and rock music regularly in downtown Stuart from October through May, and a Pirate Fest in September.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Albert Barr)

Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park, near Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, offers rustic relaxation in a tropical island setting. Think wilderness here: Approximately 40 miles from Key West, Bahia Honda State Park is known for gorgeous beaches, a bike trail, snorkeling offshore on Looe Key, kayaking, and tarpon fishing. There are limited accommodations options, mainly camping and cabins, with more lodging possibilities on the nearby island of Marathon. Admission fees to the state park are $8 for vehicles carrying two to eight people, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists, and $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.

Reader sceneitall43 says, "There are two beaches at this park; one faces north, the other faces south. The north-facing beach is a beautiful lagoon, while the south-facing beach is open ocean. There is lush tropical vegetation all over the park, and there may even be remnants of the old road to Key West. It's a must-see if one is in the area."

(Photo: iStockphoto/Patricia Schmidt)

Crystal River/Citrus County

Ninety minutes from either Orlando or Tampa, Crystal River in Citrus County can seem like a world away. No theme park amusements here, just plenty of natural attractions to fill a getaway. Crystal River's main attraction is manatees, which flock to the area's perpetually temperate waters when the outerlying Gulf of Mexico gets too cold. (The actual Crystal River is always right around 72 degrees, fed by more than 30 springs, and connects Kings Bay with the Gulf.) Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where visitors can legally swim and snorkel with manatees; a host of tour operators provide snorkeling excursions to see the sea cows up close, as well as helicopter tours for a birds-eye view. Other possibilities include kayaking, canoeing, birding trails, antiquing, and fishing.

(Photo: iStockphoto/DurdenImages)

Apalachicola/Franklin County

Southern hospitality and old-Florida charm await visitors to Apalachicola, part of the state's "Forgotten Coast." Less than a two-hour drive from Tallahassee, Apalachicola features a bustling downtown and inviting small-town atmosphere. Designated a National Trust for Historic Preservation Distinctive Destination in 2008, Apalachicola boasts more than 900 historic homes and structures. Victorian inns, restaurants, shops, galleries, and a working waterfront are just a few of the attractions. The region is also known for oysters harvested fresh from Apalachicola Bay, which can be sampled at local seafood eateries. And for travelers who really want to get back to nature, the nearby Apalachicola National Forest beckons with more than 550,000 acres for camping, boating, fishing, and other outdoorsy pursuits.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Johnye Burns)

Ocala/Marion County

Head inland (no, not to Orlando) and discover unexpected treasures of nature. Ocala, situated 36 miles south of Gainesville and 66 miles west of Daytona Beach, is primarily known for equestrian culture. Nicknamed the "Horse Capital of the World," Marion County has more horses and ponies (of all breeds) in residence than any other place in the U.S. The region is teeming with horse farms and equestrian venues, and visitors can go riding along the area's many trails, or take in the scenery at a slower pace with a horse-drawn carriage tour. Ocala National Forest offers afternoons of hiking, mountain biking, birding, and more, while Silver Springs theme park features glass-bottom boat rides, wildlife exhibits, botanical gardens, and live music, among other diversions. And you won't necessarily miss the beach, either—the area's many lakes and springs are great spots for boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

(Photo: iStockphoto/jmsilva)

Caladesi Island State Park/Pinellas County

Undeveloped tranquility is synonymous with Caladesi Island State Park, about 45 minutes from both Tampa and St. Petersburg. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Caladesi offers no paved roads, three miles of beaches, birding trails, shelling, and the opportunity to (blissfully) do nothing at all. Osprey, terns, and gulls flock to the beach, while along the trails you may spot herons or egrets. Bring a picnic and relax on the beach, or if you want to travel light, a local cafe serves meals and rents out umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks. Ferries cost $10 for adults and $6 for children ages four to 12. Ferry visitors are permitted to spend four hours on the island; those who arrive via their own boat may dock overnight. The surrounding St. Petersburg/Clearwater area offers plenty of accommodations, dining, and entertainment options.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Christian Wheatley)

Marco Island/Collier County

Luxurious or rugged relaxation can be found on Marco Island, an hour south of Ft. Myers and two hours west of Miami. Adjacent to the Gulf entrance to Everglades National Park and part of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, you may spot alligators, crocodiles, sea otters, dolphins, and other creatures on a nature tour; exotic birds while taking a kayak or canoe excursion; or simply a wide variety of shells while relaxing on the beach. Waverunner tours show visitors the area's mangrove-bordered estuaries up close. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with an annual Mullet Festival held each January. For those who prefer creature comforts over critters themselves, Marco features a variety of luxury accommodations, golf courses, boutiques and galleries, and fine restaurants.

(Photo: iStockphoto/Sarah Troutman)

Clewiston/Hendry County

Nestled on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston welcomes travelers with the promise of great freshwater fishing, historic tours, and peaceful relaxation in the great outdoors. Located midway between Ft. Myers and West Palm Beach (just over an hour's drive from each), Clewiston is nicknamed "America's Sweetest Town" due to its cultivation and production of sugarcane. Visitors can take a Sugarland Tour to learn more about the agriculture and industry of the area. There are also swamp and airboat tours for those wanting to get closer to nature. The main draw, however, is fish—Lake Okeechobee holds some of the best largemouth bass, blue gill, speck, crappie, and bream fishing in the country. Angling enthusiasts can try their luck on their own or hire a local guide to troll the lake's waters.

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Your Turn

What's your favorite hidden Florida destination? Do you know of a secret spot that would make a wonderful vacation? Let us know by submitting a comment below!

(Photo: iStockphoto/narvikk)