9 Unique And Unusual Sites To See In Florida That You Didn't Know Existed
Locals and tourists alike are always finding new things to love about Florida. From places to explore to new dining experiences, to discovering even the hiddenmost gems inside the theme parks we already know and love; there are always plenty of unusual Florida attractions you've never heard of to check out, and this list highlights 9 of them!
Rancho Grande Castle Rock Farm & Nursery
Address: 31500 SW 187 Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030
Why You Need To Go: Yes, you can visit castles without leaving Florida! Also known as the Rancho Grande Castle Rock, the castle dates back to the 1930s, but is currently used for photoshoots, and the property used for farmland.
The Abandoned Donna Kay
Address: Cape San Blas, FL 32456
Why You Need To Go: Washed ashore just before Hurricane Michael in the fall of 2018, the Donna Kay was a shrimping boat that now rests on Cape San Blas in Florida. While it’s a bit of a trek to reach the shipwreck, the view is more than worth it.
Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical State Park
Price: $2.50 per person, just make payment in the honor box
Address: County Road 905, Mile Marker 106 Key Largo FL 33037
Why You Need To Go: While you’ll first have to obtain a permit from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore through here, it’s totally worth it. The permit allows 6 extra miles of exploration, where you’ll find abandoned buildings being reclaimed by nature, and even two old Nike Missile Testing Sites.
Suwanee Springs Bridge
Address: 3061-3077 93rd Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060 or coordinates 30°23'43.3"N 82°56'09.2"W
Why You Need To Go: Also known as “The Bridge to Nowhere,” you can find this bridge in Live Oak, FL, dating back to the 1930s. The bridge has long since closed to vehicle traffic but is still open to pedestrians and bikers. Covered in graffiti, it presents a hauntingly beautiful visage.
Howey Mansion
Price: $20
Address: 1001 Citrus Avenue Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737
Why You Need To Go: Over 100 years old, the walls of this mansion would probably have a novel to tell if they could talk. The mansion was once abandoned but since restored to its former glory, allowing guests to take a look inside without the transgression of trespassing.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Price: $180 for a day trip
Address: 100 Grinnell Street, Key West, FL (Ferry terminal)
Why You Need To Go: Considered the most remote and least-visited national park in the country, you’ll have to take your own boat, ferry, charter, public or private seaplane to access this gorgeous place. This historical landmark was built in 1847 to combat piracy and still stands to be admired and appreciated today.
The Truck Graveyard
Address: 4204 Crawfordville Hwy,Crawfordville, FL 32327
Why You Need To Go: Found by the side of Highway 319 near Crawfordville, these rusted, nearly-forgotten vehicles were arranged by the owner, Pat Harvey, and gives the place an eerie, graveyard-like feel.
The Glass Bottle House
Address: 604 SE. Avenue F, Carrabelle, FL 32322
Why You Need To Go: The Carabelle Bottle House is made of over 6,000 glass bottles, and open to the public. Erected in 2012, the house features German handmade stained glass and round lenses from school buses to give that special lighting effect.
The Hidden UFO House
Address: 1304 Panferio Dr., Pensacola Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: Known as the Pensacola Futuro House, or the "UFO House," this 1960s home on Pensacola Beach is privately owned, but it doesn't block eager photographers from going up and taking selfies. While it may look impractical, the structure is supposedly able to lift up and float if that area is flooded.
If you're looking for more unique Florida finds, you can check out this hidden stained glasshouse, or camp out in this palm tree forest.