12 Enchanting Remote Spots To Explore In Florida If You Hate Crowds
Here in the Sunshine State, we are #blessed with some of the coolest hotspots for tourists in the country. With theme parks like Disney World and Busch Gardens for thrill-seekers and crystal-like waters in the Florida Keys and Ginnie Springs, Florida is basically a traveler’s paradise. The only problem — these places can get so packed at times that it can feel difficult to walk more than two feet without bumping into a pair of Minnie ears or tripping on a beach cooler. Don't worry though, we've done a bit of digging and crafted this list of twelve places in Florida to visit if you absolutely hate crowds.
Whether you're searching for a romantic garden or a whole state park full of breezy trees and crashing waves, you may just find one that you fall in love with.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Price: $6 per vehicle
Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL
Why You Need To Go: Wander through a garden bursting with hundreds of dreamy flowers like camellias and azaleas and then discover the property's secret garden from behind a mysterious wall. Snap some stunning photos and then soak up some sun by the reflection pool. Is there a better way to unwind away from the crowds?
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Price: Free
Address: FL-24, Cedar Key, FL
Why You Need To Go: You'll have over 5,000 acres of preserved land to hike; you may just feel civilization melt away. With thirteen miles of trails to bike, walk or even ride your horse, this spot is an adventurer's dream.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Price: $4 per vehicle
Address: 3501 Old Kings Rd., Flagler Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: If you're into history and old-time ruins, this is going to be number one on your list. Walk near the crumbling walls of a plantation, eat a picnic in the fresh air and take a spin on one of the park's canoes.
Sawgrass Lake Park
Price: Free
Address: 7400 25th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL
Why You Need To Go: Zig-zag through some stunning green trees on a boardwalk that winds through one of nature's most gorgeous gems. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies and exotic birds. If you are into a good view, climb the observation tower and look out on the park's hidden waters.
Naples Botanical Garden
Price: $19.95 per adult
Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL
Why You Need To Go: Explore 170-acres of exotic plants that will make you feel like you've traveled abroad. Let the USA dissolve into the background as you walk through a Japanese garden complete with stepping stones and lily pads. A boardwalk and observation tower give you extraordinary views of a garden that may just bring you a slice of peace.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Price: $5 per vehicle
Address: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL
Why You Need To Go: There's an ancient rock formation on the beach, where you can search for adorable little coquina shells. Folks who are trying to get rid of some stress will love the garden and its peaceful reflecting pool that feel like something out of a Miyazaki film.
Naples Zoo
Price: $22.95 general admission
Address: 1590 Goodlett-Frank Rd., Naples, FL
Why You Need To Go: As you stroll through exotic gardens or a walkway of royal palms, you can see some of the most adorable animals around. Feed lettuce to a giraffe or meet some animal babies. The combo of gorgeous green spaces and adorable animal babies is sure to give you a relaxing afternoon.
Ravine Gardens State Park
Price: $5 per vehicle
Address: 1600 Twigg St., Palatka, FL
Why You Need To Go: You can wander around a dreamy old garden carved out of a ravine that feels like a lost jungle civilization. If you're in it for the photos, you'll be all about the hiking trail that's just under two miles long and will give you breathtaking views of a unique natural wonder.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Price: $14 for adults, $6 for students with a valid ID
Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd., Naples, Florida
Why You Need To Go: If you think animals are better than people, this boardwalk through three different habitats is definitely for you. Take in those natural, green vibes and keep your peepers peeped for alligators, otters, exotic birds, butterflies, and other assorted beasts. There may be no better way to connect with Florida's wild side.
Koreshan State Park
Price: $5 per vehicle
Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, Florida
Why You Need To Go: Wander through some intense greenery along a river and then explore a bamboo garden. If you're living for those haunted places, you may be really excited to check out the abandoned houses from the 1800s. Spooky!
Eden Gardens State Park
Price: $4 per vehicle
Address: 181 Eden Garden Rd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: For folks who feel like they belong in a mansion, this place will give you a taste of that post-Civil War "good life" by letting you explore an enormous white mansion built in 1897. There are 167 acres of land for you to get some fresh air and some space.
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
Price: $3 per vehicle
Address: 137 Coastline Dr., Copeland, FL
Why You Need To Go: This stunning boardwalk gives you a dreamy 2,500 feet of natural views with an observation deck perfect for a photo op. If you've ever wondered what Shrek's habitat actually looks like, you'll be stoked to see this untouched section of the Fakahatchee Strand Swamp.
Whether you're in the mood to meditate in a gorgeous field of flowers, forage in the woods or dig up a slice of Sunshine State history, you can be sure to find a bit of peace and quiet at one of these stunning natural spots.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
