10 Quirky Little Towns In Florida
Florida's tropical weather, sandy shoreline, and ocean vistas draw attention away from the quirks that lurk in some of its little-known locations. Beyond the bright lights in Miami and the noise in Orlando, a new world emerges that unapologetically embraces the wonderfully quirky and the strangely satisfying. From ghostly encounters and offbeat legends to roadside gimmicks and unorthodox traditions, these hidden pockets of the state reveal stories far stranger than fiction.
Here, eccentric customs blend into everyday life, creating destinations that both bewilder and captivate. Whether you plan to drink on top of a burial ground in Key West or lodge at the bottom of the sea in Key Largo, these quirky little towns in Florida invite you to step off the beaten path for an experience like no other.
Hallandale Beach
Pristine beaches, high-end shopping, and world-class waterfront resorts draw vacationers to this coastal community in Broward County. However, those seeking a unique experience can't help but stop and appreciate the majesty of the Pegasus and Dragon Statue. Inspired by Greek Mythology, this 110-foot, 700-ton sculpture depicts Pegasus defeating the dragon, making for a stimulating visual spectacle. It is the third-tallest statue in the continental United States, after the Statue of Liberty, and is a popular backdrop for photos.
Swimmers and sunbathers make their way to South City Beach Park for a great time on the sand, framed by terrific ocean views and kid-friendly amenities. Meanwhile, shoppers can take advantage of a luxurious retail therapy experience at the Atlantic Village, which features dozens of specialty shops, dining options, and family-friendly zones.
Key West
Key West invites travelers to visit Florida's southernmost destination and experience one of the most taboo nightlife experiences. The coastal community is famous for hosting Captain Tony's Saloon, one of the state's oldest bars, which once served as a morgue. This unique watering hole features a hanging and gravestones, with human remains buried under its floor. Despite this macabre history, the establishment hosts friendly patrons for its vibrant theme-night parties, serving great cocktails and beers in a carnival-like setting.
While in Key West, be sure to explore intimate local history at the Hemingway Home and Museum, which chronicles the life of the famous American author in his 1930s residence. Meanwhile, beach lovers can make the most of smooth sands, shallow waters, and gentle waves at Smathers Beach to revel in the town's coastal charm.
Crystal River
Crystal River is an eco-tourist's dream come true in western Florida, known for its crystal-clear waters, which harbor a unique and diverse ecosystem. This heavenly escape offers tourists a rare opportunity to swim with the Florida manatees. This rare experience is afforded to vacationers courtesy of Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours, featuring swimming and snorkeling trips that place you underwater next to the gentle sea cows. You also get to pet the creatures and take unforgettable photos with them.
Hunter Springs Park is one of the numerous natural spaces where people go to enjoy fun recreational activities. This lovely sanctuary offers amenities such as picnic areas, a swim area, a kayak launch, and a picturesque boardwalk. Those who love the arts can explore sophisticated creations by local crafters at the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts.
Lake Wales
Lake Wales is a hidden gem in central Florida that invites tourists to take a break from the beach and discover a rare natural phenomenon. The town is home to Spook Hill, a fascinating hill with a reputation for defying the laws of gravity. Guests come in droves to witness unexplained occurrences, where a vehicle parked at the base of the hill and left in neutral gear tends to roll uphill. Legend has it that before cars became a common mode of transportation, horses would struggle to descend the hill from the top.
Newcomers can learn more about Spook Hill and other interesting facts about the area's heritage at the Lake Wales History Museum, which documents it all through heirlooms, stories, and archives. Lastly, Bok Tower Gardens offers a stunning natural setting with a 200-foot carillon, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the melodious sounds of native birds.
Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor is an attractive town in Pinellas County, located along the shore of Tampa Bay and known for its beautiful parks. Among its many attractions, the most quirky of all is Whimzeyland. This unorthodox home stands out for its dazzling explosion of shades that invites you into a sort of fantasy world. Over 800 multicolored bowling bowls, sculptures, mosaic walkways, and bottle trees culminate into a whimsical, artsy attraction that visitors can explore during a 90-minute tour.
The Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center provides a unique glimpse into the region's heritage through writings, art, fossils, and antiques, chronicling over 10,000 years of history. Outdoor lovers can unwind under the cool shade of a century-old oak tree at Baranoff Park and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine's 460-year heritage has allowed it to accumulate a fair share of quirks and oddities, making it one of the weirdest little towns in Florida. The town is home to a series of architectural treasures, including the Ponce de Leon Hotel. This 1880s Spanish Renaissance Revival hotel embodies Victorian opulence with its stained windows, wraparound mural, and Edison electricity. However, it also hides a dark side that draws paranormal investigators. It is believed that the ghosts of a little boy, a lady in blue, and the building's owner roam the eerie corridors.
The Medieval Torture Museum promises to mess up your imagination with its macabre display of torture methods, execution styles, and bondage devices used in medieval times by murderers and madmen. Fortunately, when you've had enough of the eccentricities in St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park invites you to clear your mind with a leisurely stroll along the stunning coast.
Williston
This small town in Levy County charms vacationers with its abundant natural treasures, but you have to venture underground to discover one of its coveted attractions. Williston is known for housing Devil's Den, a small sinkhole that opens up into a 54-foot crystal-clear spring, inside a cave, formed over millions of years. Exploring the grotto feels like stepping into a different dimension, characterized by stunning rock formations, ancient stalactites, and fossils. Devil's Den is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling location, with temperatures remaining at a toasty 72 degrees year-round.
Environmentalists can use the opportunity to discover the rich ecosystem at Cedar Lake Woods and Gardens. This 20-acre oasis boasts over 50 small gardens with native plant species, koi ponds, and cascading waterfalls, culminating in a fairy-tale destination. Away from the outdoors, visiting families can delight in an impressive live performance in the intimate setting of Grande Liberte Farm.
Key Largo
This paradisaical island destination in southern Florida enchants tourists with pristine nature and breathtaking ocean vistas, making it the ideal holiday getaway. However, before getting too comfortable, you might want to explore some of its odd attractions, including the Jules' Undersea Lab. This unique underwater hotel invites guests to spend the night below the surface and get a rare front-row view of marine life. However, to get to your room, you need to scuba dive 25 feet.
Key Largo offers more surprises at the bottom of the sea, and divers will come across the Christ of the Deep. This 9-foot bronze statue of Christ with raised arms appears to be blessing the beautiful coral reefs in the surrounding area. Finally, animal lovers will fancy the idea of swimming and petting friendly dolphins at Island Dolphin Care as a form of therapy.
Winter Park
Winter Park is a serene escape for visitors fleeing the flurry in nearby Orlando, renowned for its peaceful parks and welcoming locals. But not everything in the town will slow your heartbeat, including Prometheus Esoterica. This hidden antique shop often catches visitors off guard with its eclectic collection of oddities. Walking around the shop, you will be met by taxidermy displays, grinning skeletons, esoteric books, macabre antiques, and other items bound to leave you questioning your imagination.
Winter Park presents several green spaces where guests can sit back and unwind amidst nature, including the lakeside Kraft Azalea Garden. Lastly, art lovers have a chance to examine a world-class collection of pieces dating back centuries at the Rollins Museum of Art.
Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs is the perfect destination for eco tourists, promising unforgettable experiences that allow you to reconnect with raw nature. This idyllic town in Citrus County delights newcomers with Monkey Island, a mini-monkey Alcatraz surrounded by the calm waters of the Homosassa River. Once a deserted rock outcropping, a family of spider monkeys decided to take over and make it their home. Today, vacationers come to watch them play and act naughtily without a care in the world.
The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a delightful sanctuary for animals, serving as a rehabilitation center for species like the manatee, Florida panther, red wolf, bobcat, and whooping crane. Finally, foodies can stop by Crumps' Landing for delicious seafood and great cocktails in a laid-back waterfront setting.
From swimming with manatees in Crystal River to being haunted by ghosts in St. Augustine, these weird little towns in Florida reveal a hidden side that few knew about the state. They open doors to unforgettable adventures, revealing pockets of mystery, charm, and wonder that linger long after you leave. In their quiet corners and quirky traditions, you discover a Florida that feels both timeless and unexpected, reminding you of the many treasures in the state that are yet to be uncovered.
