[kshe95girl]

The Appleton Museum in Ocala, amazing little gem for a town that size, pre-colombian collection, and 18th and 19th european art, it has touring collections as well.

[Angelala]

Originally Posted by Floridabound09

I would like to see a list of "hidden" gems that are in Florida.

Not Disney, Busch, Sea World like, but more like Rainbow Springs, Sunken Gardens type places that not everyone goes to but is a hidden gem and a not to miss place to see that is not advertised etc.

For us there are several little gems we love to spend time at, one we always try to make time for and have a family picnic is at Sunset Beach Park. A little island near Tarpon Springs. Quiet small and beautiful, it is a hidden gem for sure.

I was at that little island in Tarpon Springs last year and it has now become my official "Happy Place"!

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by 2bohemians

We believe that our stretch of Scenic Highway 30A is still a hidden gem to many. Of course, there are many more folks that know about it today ... but still more people that don't.

We have 13.5 mile bike path that winds through all of the different beach communities that make up our Scenic Highway. You will discover long-leaf pine flatwoods, white dune landscapes contrasting with the emerald blue-green waters of the Gulf, pass by rare coastal dune lakes (only found here & in remote portions of Africa and Australia), you will go by wetlands and marshes, and through hammocks and coastal scrub oaks.

In addition to the bike path, there are endless nature & water related recreational activities. All of these wonderful places can be found along our little stretch of beaches: Deer Lake State Park, Point Washington State Forest, Eastern Lake Hike & Bike Trail, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park.

All of our beaches are certified as Blue Wave Beaches. With the white sand and emerald blue green water, you will feel like you are in the Caribbean. It's not your stereotypical palm tree florida. Nothing wrong with palm trees, they just aren't native to our area.

Check out Eden Gardens with centuries old live oaks just 5 minutes North of us on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Wish we could continue this conversation / post but the sun is out and it's going to be 74 degrees today, so we are going to get outside and enjoy the day!

Couldn't resist taking these photos ... we've been blessed with stunning weather the last couple of days .... sunny skies, temps in the 70's ... blissful ... this time of the year on our beaches is another hidden gem ....

Seaside Beach

[mg83]

bohemian, very nice! Kind of upsets me that I've never really explored the panhandle beaches... there is so much of my home state that I still have to see. You need like weeks to do so

[TampaKaren]

Ditto on the State Parks. My favorites sunset locations are at Caladesi and Honeymoon Island. Here's a link --> Welcome to the Official Florida Online Parks Guide.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

Google Image Result for http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/images/cms/1143733172.05_thumbnail.jpg

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by mg83

bohemian, very nice! Kind of upsets me that I've never really explored the panhandle beaches... there is so much of my home state that I still have to see. You need like weeks to do so

Thanks mg83 ... But don't let it upset you, just do get on up here!

[ECTG]

I was fortunate enought to travel all over the state for work, so here are a few places that I really loved that were off the beaten path. Some have already been mentioned, I'm sure.

Bok Gardens-Lake Wales. I went last year. Try to time your visit in the winter time. The carollon tower is wonderful, the view from Iron Mountain is incredible, and its about $10/car. Also check out Spook Hill for a little taste of "weird Florida." Lake Wales is also a wonderful town.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge-Merritt Island. I'm not sure how much it costs to get in, but it is an incredible birding and wildlife area. Plus, its near Kennedy Space Center, so you can include it in a trip there.

Talbot Island State Park-North of Jacksonville. This is one of the nicest and most secluded beaches you can find. It is incredible that Jax is only about 25 miles away.

Riverbend Park-Jupiter. This is the canoe put in spot for the Loxahatchee River, which is the only National Scenic River in Florida. There is a canoe rental area, and you can either turn around, or go all the way to the Intracoastal, where the outfitters will pick you back up. The Loxahatchee in this area is a piece of real Florida. There are even two waterfalls over dams to really test your nerve.

Ft. Desoto Park-St. Petersburg. For a different pace in Pinellas Co., head over the Bayway and head to Ft. Desoto. A fort, lots of walking trails, fishing in the inland water and and the ocean, and I believe a ferry to Egmont Key are all available there.

Highland's Hammock State Park-Sebring. After the 24 hours in Sebring car race, head to the Hammock. The catwalk over the Cypress swamp allows you to walk over the gators swimming around without getting too close. Also lots of trails to walk around.

[ECTG]

Also forgot to mention: If you are here on the SE coast in early summer, you can take a "turtle walk" at a number of places. On these walks, they bring you out to watch a female sea turtle lay her eggs. They are typically very inexpensive, and a few are even free. Programs are typically June and July and run on differnet nights of the week. For information check out this link: Captive Sea Turtle Viewing Facilities

[ECTG]

Sorry again, that is captive and rehab facilities where you can see marine turtles. Here is the turtle walk facility list:Public Sea Turtle Watches