MJP –
Florida! The Sunshine State where oranges are sweeter, beaches are warmer, and the phrase “Only in Florida” has a whole new meaning.
If you think Florida is just about retirees and theme parks, bless your flip-flop-wearing heart—you’ve got a tropical storm of surprises coming your way. Slather on that sunscreen and grab your flamingo-patterned shirt, because we’re about to dive into 13 things you’ll only find in Florida and nowhere else!
The Everglades National Park
Welcome to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, where alligators and crocodiles coexist—yes, you read that right! It’s the only place in the world where these two reptiles call each other neighbors. Hop on an airboat, feel the wind in your hair, and try not to question the guide’s jokes about being ‘gator bait.
The Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys
Drive over the ocean—literally—on this 113-mile highway connecting the mainland to the Florida Keys. With water on both sides, it’s like cruising through a postcard. Just don’t get too distracted by the views; the iguanas sunbathing on the road might not appreciate a close encounter.
Kennedy Space Center
Blast off into outer space—or at least feel like it—at NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight. It’s the only place where you can have lunch with an astronaut and then watch a rocket launch, all before your afternoon siesta. Houston, we have a vacation!
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Mermaids are real, and they live in Florida! Catch a live mermaid show in crystal-clear springs where aquatic acrobatics are just another day at the office. It’s the only place where calling someone ‘fishy’ is a compliment.
St. Augustine – The Oldest City in the U.S.
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Step back in time in St. Augustine, founded in 1565. Cobblestone streets, historic forts, and ghost stories galore make this city a history buff’s dream. It’s the only place where you can sip a latte in a café that’s older than some countries.
Coral Castle
Marvel at this mysterious structure in Homestead, built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin using over 1,100 tons of coral rock. How did he do it? Aliens? Magnetism? Heartbreak? It’s Florida’s very own Stonehenge, minus the gloomy weather.
Manatee Snorkeling in Crystal River
Get up close and personal with these gentle giants in the only place in North America where swimming with manatees is legal. They’re like giant, floating potatoes with flippers, and they’re absolutely adorable. Just remember: no hugging, no matter how huggable they look.
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” Cassadaga is the place to go if you need your aura read or want to chat with Aunt Mildred from beyond. It’s the only town where “My psychic told me this would happen” is a valid excuse.
Spook Hill
Experience the mind-boggling phenomenon of a gravity hill in Lake Wales. Put your car in neutral, and watch as it appears to roll uphill. Is it magic? An optical illusion? A prank by mischievous spirits? You decide!
The Skunk Ape
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Move over, Bigfoot—Florida has the Skunk Ape! This elusive, foul-smelling creature is said to roam the Everglades. It’s the only place where a bad odor might just mean you’ve had a cryptid encounter.
The Florida Reef
Dive into the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a shipwreck or two. It’s like Finding Nemo, but in real life.
The Venetian Pool
Swim in a historic pool in Coral Gables that’s drained and refilled daily with fresh spring water. Complete with caves, waterfalls, and Italian architecture, it’s the fanciest way to cool off in the Florida heat. Just don’t expect pool noodles—they didn’t exist in 1924.
Gatorland
Embrace all things alligator at this theme park and wildlife preserve. From gator wrestling to zip-lining over alligator-infested swamps, it’s the ultimate Florida experience. It’s the only place where dangling above hungry reptiles is considered family fun.
So there you have it—13 Floridian wonders that make this state a sun-soaked paradise of the peculiar and the extraordinary. From mermaid encounters to gravity-defying hills, Florida is where the unusual is the usual. Next time you’re craving an adventure that’s as warm as it is wild, remember: in Florida, the magic isn’t just at the theme parks—it’s all around you.
