There's more than enough to explore here in Florida. What follows are a few must-see Florida destinations that everyone should have on their bucket list.
22 beautiful Florida destinations everyone should visit at least once
By CL Staff on Fri, Apr 12, 2019 at 6:05 pm
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Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach | 561-495-0233
You’re definitely going to want to take your time with Delray Beach’s super detailed homage to Japanese art and culture. Find your inner serenity while walking through the bamboo forest or sip on a steaming cup of green tea in the teahouse. Round out the whole experience at the Cornell Cafe with a dragon sushi roll and Manju ice cream.
Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens/Facebook
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach | 561-495-0233
You’re definitely going to want to take your time with Delray Beach’s super detailed homage to Japanese art and culture. Find your inner serenity while walking through the bamboo forest or sip on a steaming cup of green tea in the teahouse. Round out the whole experience at the Cornell Cafe with a dragon sushi roll and Manju ice cream.
Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens/Facebook
Coral Castle
28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead | 305-248-6345
After his beloved Agnes left him a day before their wedding, early 1900s sculptor Ed Leedskalnin took 30 years to handcut gigantic pieces of stone into the works of art that you see today at Coral Castle. The whimsical shapes and designs made from rigid stone are perplexing to say the least.
Photo via Coral Castle/Facebook
28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead | 305-248-6345
After his beloved Agnes left him a day before their wedding, early 1900s sculptor Ed Leedskalnin took 30 years to handcut gigantic pieces of stone into the works of art that you see today at Coral Castle. The whimsical shapes and designs made from rigid stone are perplexing to say the least.
Photo via Coral Castle/Facebook
Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 W. Dixie Highway | 305-945-1461
Originally built in the 12th century, the Monastery has been brought to Miami one brick at a time. Stone statues, wooden-cast doors and stain-glass windows will ignite your imagination about the history of this Monastery, or at least earn you a good Instagram pic.
Photo via Ancient Spanish Monastery/Facebook
16711 W. Dixie Highway | 305-945-1461
Originally built in the 12th century, the Monastery has been brought to Miami one brick at a time. Stone statues, wooden-cast doors and stain-glass windows will ignite your imagination about the history of this Monastery, or at least earn you a good Instagram pic.
Photo via Ancient Spanish Monastery/Facebook
Blowing Rocks Preserve
574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound | 561-744-6668
Get the camera ready for some epic wave pictures, brah. During high tide the water will trickle under the massive rock formations causing waves to spurt up wherever there are holes. It’s like Florida’s very own Old Faithful.
Photo via Adobe Images
574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound | 561-744-6668
Get the camera ready for some epic wave pictures, brah. During high tide the water will trickle under the massive rock formations causing waves to spurt up wherever there are holes. It’s like Florida’s very own Old Faithful.
Photo via Adobe Images
Devil’s Den
5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston | 352-528-3344
A small circle of land collapsed over this subterranean river a long time ago, so now we have one of the most beautiful cave diving spots in the country. Shades of green, blue and orange line the rock walls of the cave while the heated pools aboveground sooth divers looking to relax after their descent.
Photo via Devil’s Den/Facebook
5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston | 352-528-3344
A small circle of land collapsed over this subterranean river a long time ago, so now we have one of the most beautiful cave diving spots in the country. Shades of green, blue and orange line the rock walls of the cave while the heated pools aboveground sooth divers looking to relax after their descent.
Photo via Devil’s Den/Facebook
Dry Tortugas
40001 SR-9336, Homestead | 305-242-7700
Grab a ferry and travel into Florida’s past at Dry Tortugas, which served as a federal prison during the Civil War. Unlike many forts, you can actually camp here, so pitch a tent ‘cause you’ll want to soak in the royal blue water here with as much snorkeling as possible.
Photo via Dry Tortugas National Park/Facebook
40001 SR-9336, Homestead | 305-242-7700
Grab a ferry and travel into Florida’s past at Dry Tortugas, which served as a federal prison during the Civil War. Unlike many forts, you can actually camp here, so pitch a tent ‘cause you’ll want to soak in the royal blue water here with as much snorkeling as possible.
Photo via Dry Tortugas National Park/Facebook
Dali Museum
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | 727-823-3767
The St. Pete Dali Museum has the largest collection of works by the famed artist in the entire world (like the lobster phone and the melting clocks!). What better way to spend an afternoon than digging through the works of a genius?
Photo via Dali Museum/Facebook
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | 727-823-3767
The St. Pete Dali Museum has the largest collection of works by the famed artist in the entire world (like the lobster phone and the melting clocks!). What better way to spend an afternoon than digging through the works of a genius?
Photo via Dali Museum/Facebook
Jules’ Undersea Lodge
51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo | 305-451-2353
You have to scuba dive to your room, which is located 21 feet underneath the water’s surface. Although it’s more like an old submarine than a posh hotel, it’s definitely a view you won’t find anywhere else.
Photo via Jules Undersea Lodge/Facebook
51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo | 305-451-2353
You have to scuba dive to your room, which is located 21 feet underneath the water’s surface. Although it’s more like an old submarine than a posh hotel, it’s definitely a view you won’t find anywhere else.
Photo via Jules Undersea Lodge/Facebook
Rainbow Springs
10830 SW 180th Ave., Dunnellon | 352-465-8555
You can still catch a glimpses and remnants from when Rainbow Springs was an amusement park, but what’s really intriguing here is the colorful waterfall in the center of the land. And there’s nothing quite like splashing around next to a waterfall, even if it's manmade.
Photo via Adobe Images
10830 SW 180th Ave., Dunnellon | 352-465-8555
You can still catch a glimpses and remnants from when Rainbow Springs was an amusement park, but what’s really intriguing here is the colorful waterfall in the center of the land. And there’s nothing quite like splashing around next to a waterfall, even if it's manmade.
Photo via Adobe Images
Caladesi Island State Park
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin | 727-469-5918
When you can only get somewhere by boat... well, let's just say you'll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you'll be left alone at Caladesi.
Photo via Florida State Parks/Facebook
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin | 727-469-5918
When you can only get somewhere by boat... well, let's just say you'll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you'll be left alone at Caladesi.
Photo via Florida State Parks/Facebook
Christ of the Abyss
102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo | 305-451-6300
The original statue is located in the Mediterranean Sea. But in 1965, a bronze replica was dropped in 25 feet of water approximately six miles east of Key Largo in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and now offers an incredible spot for snorkeling.
Photo via Adobe Images
102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo | 305-451-6300
The original statue is located in the Mediterranean Sea. But in 1965, a bronze replica was dropped in 25 feet of water approximately six miles east of Key Largo in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and now offers an incredible spot for snorkeling.
Photo via Adobe Images
Florida Caverns State Park
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna | 850-482-1228
At the famed Florida Caverns, prepare for limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies painted with warm red, orange and blue tones that’ll put any caver in a trance.
Photo via Florida State Parks/Facebook
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna | 850-482-1228
At the famed Florida Caverns, prepare for limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies painted with warm red, orange and blue tones that’ll put any caver in a trance.
Photo via Florida State Parks/Facebook
Guang Ming Temple
6555 Hoffner Ave. | 407-281-8482
A day at Guang Ming Temple is unlike anything you’ll experience in Orlando. You can take a leisurely walk around the temple grounds or have a volunteer guide you along, which we highly recommend. Calm the mind with meditation, then indulge yourself in their vegan tea/snack room, which houses a giant statue of Buddha.
Photo via Guang Ming Temple/Facebook
6555 Hoffner Ave. | 407-281-8482
A day at Guang Ming Temple is unlike anything you’ll experience in Orlando. You can take a leisurely walk around the temple grounds or have a volunteer guide you along, which we highly recommend. Calm the mind with meditation, then indulge yourself in their vegan tea/snack room, which houses a giant statue of Buddha.
Photo via Guang Ming Temple/Facebook
Neptune Memorial Reef
300 Alton Road, Miami Beach | 954-655-3592
Cremated ashes are mixed with cement to form these super goth memorials that make up a 16-acre artificial reef called Neptune Memorial Reef. These sunken monoliths are located about three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne.
Photo via Neptune Memorial Reef/Facebook
300 Alton Road, Miami Beach | 954-655-3592
Cremated ashes are mixed with cement to form these super goth memorials that make up a 16-acre artificial reef called Neptune Memorial Reef. These sunken monoliths are located about three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne.
Photo via Neptune Memorial Reef/Facebook
Seacrest Wolf Preservation
3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley | 850-773-2897
Packs and packs of playful wolves and arctic foxes are waiting for you at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve. Don’t worry, Orlandoans -- these furry friends are tamed and have been living in the preservation since they were pups, so they’re accustomed to hangin’ with humans.
Photo via Seacrest Wolf Preservation/Facebook
3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley | 850-773-2897
Packs and packs of playful wolves and arctic foxes are waiting for you at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve. Don’t worry, Orlandoans -- these furry friends are tamed and have been living in the preservation since they were pups, so they’re accustomed to hangin’ with humans.
Photo via Seacrest Wolf Preservation/Facebook
Solomon’s Castle
4533 Solomon Road, Ona | 863-494-6077
This castle was built by sculptor Howard Solomon, and the outside is covered completely with aluminum printing plates. It covers about 12,000 square feet and stands about three stories tall.
Photo via Solomon’s Castle/Facebook
4533 Solomon Road, Ona | 863-494-6077
This castle was built by sculptor Howard Solomon, and the outside is covered completely with aluminum printing plates. It covers about 12,000 square feet and stands about three stories tall.
Photo via Solomon’s Castle/Facebook
Tiffany Chapel
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407-645-5311
Louis Comfort Tiffany made a name for himself at the 1893 Chicago World Fair with his outstanding stained glass chapel. And thanks to the careful reconstruction work of the Morse Museum, residents of Orlando get to experience the wonder of this Tiffany’s iconic chapel any day of the year.
Photo via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407-645-5311
Louis Comfort Tiffany made a name for himself at the 1893 Chicago World Fair with his outstanding stained glass chapel. And thanks to the careful reconstruction work of the Morse Museum, residents of Orlando get to experience the wonder of this Tiffany’s iconic chapel any day of the year.
Photo via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook
Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables | 305-460-5306
If anywhere will have you feeling like you’re Italian royalty, it’s the Venetian Pool. They’ve got an epic stone waterfall that waterfalls into the coral rock quarry, so go ahead and jump in. And who needs a beach when they’ve got cave grottos, right?
Photo via Venetian Pool/Facebook
2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables | 305-460-5306
If anywhere will have you feeling like you’re Italian royalty, it’s the Venetian Pool. They’ve got an epic stone waterfall that waterfalls into the coral rock quarry, so go ahead and jump in. And who needs a beach when they’ve got cave grottos, right?
Photo via Venetian Pool/Facebook
Versace Mansion
1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach | 786-485-2200
Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace bought this Ocean Drive mansion in 1992. It is now more commonly known as the “Versace Mansion,” although he only got to live in it for five years before he was murdered on its front steps by Andrew Cunanan in 1997.
Photo via Villa Casa Casuarina/Facebook
1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach | 786-485-2200
Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace bought this Ocean Drive mansion in 1992. It is now more commonly known as the “Versace Mansion,” although he only got to live in it for five years before he was murdered on its front steps by Andrew Cunanan in 1997.
Photo via Villa Casa Casuarina/Facebook
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill | 352-592-5656
Famous for its enchanting mermaid show, these springs have brought many visitors over the years wanting to see the unique performance. Tubes, canoes and more outdoor activity rental equipments are available onsite.
Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs/Facebook
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill | 352-592-5656
Famous for its enchanting mermaid show, these springs have brought many visitors over the years wanting to see the unique performance. Tubes, canoes and more outdoor activity rental equipments are available onsite.
Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs/Facebook
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