15 Astonishing Florida Travel Ideas Not Disney Related – Experience True Florida!

When it comes to great vacations, Florida is truly the land of opportunity. You could spend your entire life vacationing only in the Sunshine State and still come away with new discoveries after every trip. Even locals like us find new things to love after years of living here!

Unfortunately, so many of Florida’s fantastic hidden gems are overshadowed by Walt Disney World. Don’t get us wrong, there is a lot of magical fun to be had at Disney, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of forgetting about the rest of our wonderful state.

When planning your next Florida vacation, you may want to consider something off the beaten path (and more budget-friendly!) than a week at the theme parks. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Florida travel ideas not Disney-related so that you can experience some real Sunshine State magic.

From outdoor adventures to marvelous museums, we’ll take you to all of our can’t-miss places!

Florida Travel Ideas NOT Disney Related: Think Outside the Mouse!

Walt Disney and his wonderful world are a key part of Florida history, but I believe Walt himself would urge travelers to explore an even wider horizon than the castle-spired skyline of the Magic Kingdom. He had an intense respect for history, keen admiration for the natural world, and an irrepressible curiosity about technological progress.

While our travel ideas are not related to visiting Walt Disney World, I do think the man behind the mouse would be pleased with our picks, as we’ll venture through the past, enjoy the present, and look toward the future – all while in the arms of a tropical paradise!

Of course, you can still go the theme park route without doing Disney, thanks to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. While these are all incredibly fun options, we’ll be straying away from theme parks altogether, so hopefully, you can discover a destination that’s brand new to you!

1. Kennedy Space Center

Aim for the moon and land among the stars when you blast off from the Kennedy Space Center!

Located in Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of Florida’s most impressive museums, detailing NASA’s history as well as its latest inventions and hopes for the future. Adults and children alike will be enthralled with the space shuttles, Mars rovers, and scientific rock samples from outer space.

Broken into separate “Mission Zones,” the Visitor Complex is organized in a way that maximizes your experience, with each exhibit coming together to tell an overarching tale of human engineering and curiosity without abandon.

Examine complex control panels, relive the moon landing, and pay homage to the brave astronauts who have risked everything to explore the vastness of our universe. If you’re looking for a Florida attraction that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a trip to the Space Coast is most certainly in order!

2. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

While not as “out of this world” as the Kennedy Space Center, there is one place in Florida that boasts the ability to transport you across the world: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

The legacy of immigrant and Florida resident Sukeji “George” Morikami, this sweeping property in the Palm Beach area is home to several gorgeous gardens and a museum. The museum details not only Morikami’s personal life and love for his two homelands, but the galleries also offer a holistic view of Japanese culture with various (rotating) art exhibits and a tea house where you can experience a traditional tea ceremony (on select Saturdays).

Outside, you can walk through six distinct gardens; all meant to showcase the style of significant gardens found in Japan. From rock and sand arrangements to lush overgrowth and teeming koi ponds, each area offers a tranquil atmosphere meant to inspire. There’s also an adorable collection of meticulously kept bonsai trees! Kawaii desu!

3. Blowing Rocks Preserve

Located on Jupiter Island is one of the greatest Florida hidden gems: Blowing Rocks Preserve.

Like the setting of a fantasy novel, there are breathtaking tunnels formed by beautifully tangled sea grape plants – like a scene straight from The Hobbit. (In fact, these archways are often referred to as “Hobbit tunnels!”) You can hike along these shaded trails toward the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll be met with a rare sight for Florida – sea cliffs!

Rather than sandy beaches, you’ll be met by Anastasia limestone formations rising up from the water. If you visit during low tide, you’ll find caves with natural chimneys that open up to the blue sky above. Tidal pools also abound and are often filled with cool critters like limpets and sea urchins.

Protecting 73 acres of natural wonders, Blowing Rocks Preserve is one of the prettiest offbeat Florida attractions you can find!

4. Shelling at Sanibel Island

Stunning views, wholesome fun, and free souvenirs? Florida travel ideas not Disney-related have never sounded so magical! And shelling at Sanibel Island is just that.

Ranked as the top place for shelling in the U.S., Sanibel Island is a sea shell wonderland! There are several different beaches on the island, and all of them are great options for collecting. Kiddos will have fun filling buckets with the many different kinds of shells, and crafters will also appreciate the wide variety – and rarity! – of the shells.

Whether you choose to use the shells in a DIY project or simply display them as they are, this is a great little spot for both solo and family adventures.

It’s also worth noting that Sanibel Island is home to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can walk, bike, and bird-watch!

5. St. Augustine

If you have even a passing interest in history, then a visit to St. Augustine is an absolute must! The Oldest City in the Nation, St. Augustine, has so many amazing historic locations and museums to explore. It’s easy to spend several full days here!

The Castillo de San Marcos is a particularly impressive stop you won’t want to miss; the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., this remarkable structure is built with coquina (tiny shell fragments) and offers great views of both the city and the river beyond. Artifacts, plaques, and well-informed guides help tell the stories of the people who wandered through these walls centuries before.

While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the St. Augustine Lighthouse for even more astounding historical views, as well as the Pirate & Treasure Museum for swashbuckling fun (this museum is wonderfully geared to appeal to all ages!). For a more comprehensive list of all there is to do in this fantastic city, check out our guide: Discover the Top 20 Things to Do in St Augustine, Florida: Your Ultimate Guide to Historic Sites, Beaches, and Local Attractions!

6. Bok Tower Gardens

When it comes to Florida’s hidden gems, it’s hard to find one more brilliantly polished than Bok Tower Gardens.

Nestled away in Lake Wales, you’ll find a gorgeous getaway that could be considered Florida’s Eden. Open to the public since 1929, Bok Tower Gardens was the passion project of author Edward W. Bok and landscaper extraordinaire Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

The perfectly curated horticulture creates an atmosphere of relaxation and gentle reflection. As you meander through the well-tended grounds, you may just be serenaded by the Singing Tower, or rather, the carillon inside of it (a musical instrument made up of bells and a keyboard). This unique soundscape only adds to the mystique of the reflection pool and sunset overlook, two of the most beautiful areas in the garden.

If you’re looking for Florida travel ideas that include leisurely walks and natural beauty (but go beyond the beach), then Bok Tower Gardens will be music to your itinerary!

7. Key West

Okay, we’re going a little mainstream with this one, but Key West has really earned its paradise hype! From Harry S. Truman to Ernest Hemingway, everybody and their brother loves Key West (or maybe it’s just the key lime pie).

While several of our Florida travel ideas not related to Disney are great for filling a day or two, you can spend an entire vacation in Key West if you so choose! The beaches here are second to none, and while you could absolutely spend your days exclusively on the sand, there are also so many activities to enjoy across the entire Key!

If you like history, you’ll love exploring Truman’s “Little White House” or Ernest Hemingway’s writer’s retreat. Interested in the paranormal? There are plenty of ghostly tours of Key West, too! Depending on the time of year, you may also get to experience a festival, like Hemingway Days. No matter when you visit Key West, you’ll have the opportunity to join in a nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square with street performers, food, and artisans. Parties are never too hard to find here! (That being said, there’s also great kid-friendly attractions, too!)

For a full list of things to do in Key West, check out our article: Top 20 Fun and Unusual Things to Do in Key West: A Guide for Adventure-Seeking Travelers to the Florida Keys!

8. Dry Tortugas

Located at the very end of the Florida Keys, you’ll find one of the neatest offbeat Florida attractions: Dry Tortugas. (And by “offbeat,” we mean way off the beaten path – you’ll need to take a ferry or seaplane to get there!)

Although Dry Tortugas might not be the most easily accessible place in Florida, it is one of the most stunning and offers an irresistible combination of fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty. You can spend a day here or even camp out overnight and witness the most splendid, glittering night sky.

Daytime adventures need to include a tour of Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere! In addition to the usual 45-minute guided tour, guests are also welcome to wander the fort at their leisure, exploring the many nooks and crannies. The looming fort helped protect this incredibly strategic harbor and also acted as a prison during the Civil War.

The fort spans several acres, so you’ll definitely get your steps in for the day! But if you’re looking for even more activities on Dry Tortugas, we recommend taking a dip in the cool blue waters and snorkeling! Amazing coral formations and a vast array of fish are waiting for your viewing pleasure just beneath the sparkling surface. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle!

Whether you choose to spend one day or a few checking out Dry Tortugas, it’s really worth the ferry ride “detour!”

9. Paynes Prairie Preserve

We love Florida travel that immerses us in the nature of the Sunshine State, which is why we couldn’t resist putting Paynes Prairie Preserve on our list of Florida travel ideas not Disney related. If you’re specifically looking for an alternative to Animal Kingdom, then you might especially want to consider an outing at this unique state park.

Paynes Prairie Preserve is the only place in Florida where you can see wild-roaming horses and bison; it’s the kind of scene you expect to find in South Dakota or Nevada, but not here! Nevertheless, the biological diversity of this preserve is jaw-dropping, with nearly 300 species of bird flitting through, too! If you and your family members love animals and enjoy opportunities to see critters in their natural habitat, you’ve got to put Paynes Prairie on your Florida travel itinerary.

Like Dry Tortugas, Paynes Prairie offers camping accommodations, but you’re also welcome to simply come for the day and head home at sundown. There are several trails to hike (or bike), as well as opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and geocaching. Just keep in mind that certain trails are occasionally shared by alligators!

10. Florida’s Secret Waterfall

Florida hidden gems don’t get much cooler than Falling Waters State Park.

Tucked away just off of the I-10 exit, you’ll find one of the rarest waterfalls in the world: a 74-foot torrent of freshwater plummeting into a sinkhole! A combination of two geographic wonders, these falls make for a serene stop in your Florida travel plans.

Rarely busy, this state park is great for a quiet getaway as you explore the meandering boardwalk or take a dip in nearby Turtle Lake. Lush, green, and picturesque, Falling Waters State Park is one of the most underrated locations in the entire Sunshine State. Even if you’re crunched for time, it’s well worth taking the exit and enjoying even a quick look at this “secret” waterfall!

11. Cocoa Beach

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a person in search of Florida travel ideas must be in want of a beach day… and we humbly suggest Cocoa Beach!

There are so many truly spectacular beaches to choose from – Clearwater, Destin, Panama City… the list is endless! You might also notice that the list is usually dominated by Gulf Coast beaches. Best known for incredible sunsets and sugar white sands, places like Clearwater and Destin are also ridiculously popular. That’s why we’ve decided to throw our hat into the Cocoa Beach ring!

It’s not just about rooting for the underdogs, though. Cocoa Beach is a genuinely fantastic beach on the Atlantic side and is also a great town. The combination of a navigable city and a good beach is hard to beat, at least for us! (If you’re a city slicker, though, definitely don’t back down from visiting the Miami or Jacksonville beaches!)

You can enjoy surfing at Cocoa Beach or grab a bite on the pier. You can also head to Lori Wilson Park for a quiet coastal oasis and walk through a maritime hammock! In town, you’ll find fun places like the largest Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and The Florida Key Lime Pie Company.

Right next to Cape Canaveral, we recommend combining a Cocoa Beach trip with a visit to the aforementioned Kennedy Space Center! (Note: you can also easily plan full-scale vacations in Destin and Panama City Beach!)

12. Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Located in Fort Meyers, Florida, you’ll find a fascinating time capsule: the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Once owned by inventor Thomas Edison and car manufacturer Henry Ford, these winter homes have been meticulously preserved, so you can get a glimpse of what life was like for two of America’s most notable historical figures. From Edison’s personal laboratory to Ford’s garage (complete with four cars), you’ll discover a story of both remarkable innovation and deep friendship.

In addition to the homes, you can also explore the grounds, which are inhabited by a one-acre large banyan tree and a garden bursting with exotic plants and vibrant colors. The various plants are all a living testament to Edison’s and Ford’s mutual wintertime quest: to find a rubber-producing plant and create a natural rubber supply for the United States.

With engaging history and truly beautiful views, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates might be even more exciting than Disney’s Carousel of Progress!

13. Swimming in Florida Springs

Many Florida travel plans involve swimming, but it’s often confined to the beach or a resort pool. Some folks even opt to visit a waterpark. However, there’s an entire freshwater world to discover, thanks to Florida’s immense catalog of springs! (We also love that admission to state parks is WAY cheaper than a waterpark ticket!)

Some of our favorite springs that allow swimming and snorkeling include Three Sisters Springs, Blue Spring, and Devil’s Den.

For an extensive list of the most spectacular springs in the Sunshine State, check out our guide: The 30 Best Springs in Florida for Swimming & Snorkeling!

14. Florida Caverns State Park

Searching for offbeat Florida attractions? Why not try something underground?

Florida Caverns State Park is an otherworldly experience, taking you deep beneath the Florida soil and into stunning, cathedral-like chambers. It’s a journey to the center of the earth you won’t want to miss!

These dimly lit passageways aren’t just remarkable for the stalactites and ‘mites but also for the fact they’re traversable on foot! Many Floridian caverns are water-filled, but thankfully this one doesn’t require a scuba certification to see and enjoy. Simply book a tour at the state park and prepare for the coolest 45 minutes ever! (No, seriously, the caverns are about 65 degrees Fahrenheit!)

Kids and adults alike will find themselves entranced by the majestic formations. Just keep in mind there is some physical fitness necessary for this activity, as there are plenty of stair-steps and stooping through tight areas. (For those unable to view the cave in person, the park also has a theater room with an on-screen walkthrough tour of the caverns!)

15. Awesome Alligators

Few things scream “Florida” louder than alligators. (Oranges are a close second.) That’s why, when it comes to Florida travel ideas that let you really experience our state, we just had to include these scaly friends!

There are several opportunities to catch glimpses of them in the wild, like taking those trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve. However, if you don’t want to leave your encounter to chance or simply want to ensure a more controlled setting, then we have got the gator goodies for you!

There are so many Florida travel ideas not Disney-related that it was difficult to narrow it down to our top 15! That being said, we love these places and activities, and we hope you will too!

Do you have a favorite Florida travel activity outside of the Disney parks? Tell us about it in the comments below! We’re always searching for new adventures!

Happy traveling!

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