Visit one of these off-the-beaten-path tourist sites for summer fun.
Florida may be known for its beaches, big cities, warm weather and theme parks but it also has a reputation for being a bit on the weird side.
Once you’ve visited all the major tourist destinations, make a visit to these off-the-beaten-path roadside attractions.
Spook Hill, 600 N. Wales Dr., Lake Wales
There’s no visitor center or entrance fee to Spook Hill, an eerie spot on a rural roadway in Lake Wales that seems to defy gravity. A sign gives drivers instructions: stop car on the white line, place the vehicle in neutral and watch it roll backwards. The hill is a “gravity hill,” a location where an optical illusion makes vehicle passengers believe they’re rolling uphill.
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
This meandering, historic landscape garden was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and features tranquil resting spots, picturesque vistas and breathtaking views. Its Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden incorporates cooling water features, vibrant plantings, a boardwalk, play areas with climbing features, a stage for little performers and plenty of places to dig, create and explore. Bok Tower Gardens is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $5 for children ages five to 12. Children under five are free. For more information visit boksanctuary.org.
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg
This museum is home to the most comprehensive private collection of surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s works in the world. From iconic melting clocks to imaginative virtual illusions and avant-garde symbols, quench your curiosity for Dali at this downtown St. Petersburg museum, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The museum participates in the Museums for All program. Discounted tickets are available Thursdays after 5 p.m. For more information visit thedali.org.
TECO Line Streetcar System, Downtown Tampa, Channelside and Ybor City
Sometimes a trip isn’t so much about the destination as it is the experience. Grab the kids, step back in time and take a ride on one of Tampa’s air-conditioned electric streetcars, serving 2.7 miles of downtown, Channelside and Ybor City. The streetcar makes stops, including Centro Ybor and Amalie Arena. Service is free seven days a week. For more information about routes and scheduling visit tecolinestreetcar.org.
Devil’s Den Spring, 5390 N.E. 180th Ave., Wilson
This attraction earned its name by early settlers who, upon seeing steam rising from the depths of this underground cave, dubbed the site Devil’s Den. Inside the cavernous opening, which spans 120 feet in diameter, is an underground spring featuring crystal-clear waters with a year-round temperature of 72 degrees. Unfortunately, there’s no general swimming allowed in Devil’s Den. It’s a privately-owned scuba diving training center that also allows snorkeling. Reservations are required; you can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent them for an additional fee. Admission prices start at $18 per person. For more information visit devilsden.com.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee
Not only does this quintessential Old Florida park feature a mermaid show (you read that right), where its iconic aquatic beauties perform in pure aquamarine water, but it’s also home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the country and abundant protected wildlife. Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors can also swim in the crystal-clear spring waters of Weeki Wachee Springs at Buccaneer Bay. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entrance fees are $13 for adults and $8 for children ages six to 12.
International Independent Showmen’s Museum, 6938 Riverview Dr., Riverview
This quirky 54,000 square-foot museum houses photographs, memorabilia and artifacts spanning more than a century of traveling carnival and circus shows in America. The museum is open Saturdays and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or ticket prices visit showmensmuseum.org.
‘Child of the Sun’ Campus, 840 Johnson Ave., Lakeland
Located on the Florida Southern College campus, this is the largest single-site collection of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings in the world. Visit the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, where visitors can see a display of photographs, furniture and drawings depicting Wright’s relationship with the college. The visitor center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can schedule one of several guided tours of the buildings. For more information visit flsouthern.edu.
